Oh, this Cucumber Tomato Onion Salad! Seriously, it’s my go-to when I want something super refreshing and don’t want to spend ages in the kitchen. You know those days when it’s just way too hot to cook, or you need a bright, simple side dish to go with literally *anything*? This salad saves the day, every single time. It’s the kind of recipe that just makes you feel good because it’s so easy and so vibrant. My family devours this probably once a week all summer long!
Why You’ll Love This Cucumber Tomato Onion Salad
Seriously, this salad is a lifesaver! Here’s why you’ll be making it all the time:
- Speedy Prep: It takes practically no time at all to whip up!
- Incredibly Fresh: All those crunchy veggies taste like sunshine.
- Simple as Can Be: You don’t need to be a chef for this one.
- Goes with Everything: Perfect with BBQ, grilled chicken, fish, you name it!
- Uses What You Have: Great for those ripe tomatoes in your garden.
- Minimal Ingredients: Just a few staples for a big flavor payoff.
Gather Your Ingredients for the Perfect Cucumber Tomato Onion Salad
Okay, so putting this salad together is a breeze, but you *do* want to grab the right stuff to make it sing! Here’s what you’ll need:
For the Salad:
- 2 medium cucumbers, peeled, seeded, and sliced
- 3 medium tomatoes, chopped (your favorite kind work best!)
- 1 medium red onion, thinly sliced (so it’s not too overpowering)
For the Dressing:
- 1/4 cup olive oil (I like a good extra virgin for flavor)
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar (this gives it that nice tang!)
- 1 teaspoon sugar (just a touch to balance everything out)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to your taste, of course)
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper (always better than the pre-ground stuff!)
That’s it! Simple, right? Using fresh veggies makes all the difference, promise!
Simple Steps to Prepare Your Cucumber Tomato Onion Salad
Alright, let’s get this deliciousness made! Making this Cucumber Tomato Onion Salad is honestly one of the easiest things you can do in the kitchen. No fancy techniques here, just straightforward goodness.
Combining the Fresh Vegetables
First things first, grab your biggest bowl! Toss in those lovely sliced cucumbers, chopped tomatoes, and thinly sliced red onion. Give them a little nudge to make sure they’re all friends in there, ready for their dressing bath.
Crafting the Zesty Dressing
Now, for the magic that ties it all together. Grab a small bowl or a jar with a lid. Whisk together that good olive oil, the tangy red wine vinegar, a little pinch of sugar to make it friendly, and your salt and pepper. Give it a good shake or whisk until it looks all combined and ready to go. It should smell amazing already!
Bringing It All Together
Time to dress it up! Pour that yummy dressing all over the veggies in the big bowl. Now, here’s the trick: toss it gently. You don’t want to mash those beautiful tomatoes or cucumbers. Just a light, gentle stir until everything is coated in that zesty dressing. And there you have it! It’s perfect served right away, or you can pop it in the fridge for about 15-20 minutes if you like it extra chilled.
Tips for the Best Cucumber Tomato Onion Salad
Okay, trust me on this one – a little bit of extra care for this simple Cucumber Tomato Onion Salad makes a WORLD of difference. It’s not just about chucking things in a bowl; it’s about making those fresh flavors really pop! For any cucumber lover out there, you might also adore our cucumbers in spicy peanut sauce – it’s a different vibe but so good!
Ingredient Quality Matters
Seriously, use the freshest ingredients you can get your hands on. Those perfectly ripe, juicy tomatoes? Chefs kiss! And cucumbers that are firm and crisp, not flimsy. It really does make the salad taste so much brighter and more satisfying. If your tomatoes are a little sad, don’t worry, just make sure they’re chopped small so their flavor still comes through.
Slicing and Dicing Techniques
Here’s a little trick for the onion: slice it super thin! Like, almost see-through thin. This makes it so much milder and easier to eat. You can even give it a quick soak in cold water for a few minutes if you’re worried about it being too sharp. For the tomatoes, just a good chop – not too big, not too small. You want them to be these lovely little jewels soaking up the dressing.
Also, don’t forget about those cucumbers! Peeling them is optional, depending on how you like the texture, but make sure they’re seeded. Those seeds can sometimes make the salad a bit too watery, and who wants a soupy salad? Not us! We want that perfect crunch!
Variations for Your Cucumber Tomato Onion Salad
You know, this classic Cucumber Tomato Onion Salad is just the starting point! It’s so easy to jazz it up. I sometimes throw in some chopped bell peppers – red or yellow look super pretty! Or, if I’m feeling fancy, a little bit of feta cheese or some fresh dill or parsley makes it extra special.
And don’t be afraid to play with the dressing! Instead of red wine vinegar, a white wine vinegar or even apple cider vinegar can give it a slightly different, yummy twist. Want to see how other salads can be amazing? You’ve gotta check out this quinoa apple salad or this gorgeous fall harvest salad. They’re all about fresh ingredients shining!
Serving Suggestions for Cucumber Tomato Onion Salad
This Cucumber Tomato Onion Salad is just so versatile, it practically goes with everything! It’s the perfect light and refreshing sidekick for your heavier main dishes. Think about serving it alongside some juicy grilled chicken – maybe my lemon garlic butter chicken? Or if you’re having fish, this salad is amazing with something like creamy Tuscan salmon. It’s also fantastic with BBQ ribs or even just a simple burger. It really brightens up any plate!
Frequently Asked Questions About Cucumber Tomato Onion Salad
Can I make this Cucumber Tomato Onion Salad ahead of time?
You totally can! I like to prep the veggies and the dressing separately and then combine them right before serving. If you mix it all together a few hours ahead, the veggies might get a little softer, which some people really love! Just give it a gentle stir before you dig in.
How should I store leftover Cucumber Tomato Onion Salad?
If you happen to have any leftovers (lucky you!), just pop them into an airtight container and stash it in the fridge. It’s best to eat it within a day or two, as the veggies will start to get a bit softer the longer it sits. Give it a good stir before serving again!
What other vinegars can I use in the dressing?
Oh, absolutely! Red wine vinegar is my favorite for that classic bite, but you can totally switch it up. Apple cider vinegar gives it a bit of a sweeter, fruitier note, and white wine vinegar is a little milder. Even a splash of lemon juice would be delicious if you’re out of vinegar!
Nutritional Information
Just a heads up, these numbers are estimates and can change a bit depending on the exact ingredients and brands you use. But for one serving of this delightful Cucumber Tomato Onion salad, you’re looking at roughly:
- Calories: Around 100-130
- Fat: 8-12g (mostly from that lovely olive oil!)
- Protein: 1-2g
- Carbohydrates: 5-8g
- Sugar: 3-5g (from the veggies and that tiny bit we add)
It’s a super light and healthy addition to any meal!
Share Your Thoughts and Creations!
I just love hearing from you guys! If you make this Cucumber Tomato Onion Salad, please, please leave a comment below and let me know how it turned out. Did you do anything differently? I’m all ears! And if you snap a picture, tag me on social media – I’d be absolutely thrilled to see your creations! You can also learn more about me and this bunch of recipes over at our About Us page!
Cucumber Tomato Onion Salad
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Combine the sliced cucumbers, chopped tomatoes, and sliced red onion in a large bowl.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the dressing over the vegetables and toss gently to combine.
- Serve immediately or chill for later.