Cucumber, Onion, and Tomato Salad… Simple and Good

This Cucumber, Onion, and Tomato Salad is a fresh and vibrant dish that comes together quickly, making it a perfect addition to any meal. With crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, and the bite of onion, it’s a light and refreshing side dish that complements a wide range of main courses. The combination of vinegar, olive oil, and sugar creates a tangy and slightly sweet dressing that enhances the flavors of the vegetables, while the cracked pepper and salt bring everything together with a satisfying balance of taste.

Ideal for summer picnics, barbecues, or even as a simple weeknight salad, this recipe proves that you don’t need a lot of ingredients to create something delicious. The simplicity of this salad makes it a versatile choice that pairs well with grilled meats, pasta dishes, or even a sandwich. Best of all, it’s quick to prepare, requiring only a few basic ingredients, but the result is a flavorful and satisfying dish that will please your guests or your family.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Simple to Make

With just a few ingredients and minimal prep time, this salad is incredibly easy to put together. It’s the perfect go-to side dish when you’re short on time.

2. Healthy and Refreshing

The vegetables in this salad are packed with vitamins, minerals, and fiber, making it a healthy choice that’s light and refreshing. The crisp cucumbers and juicy tomatoes are a great way to add more vegetables to your diet.

3. Perfect for Warm Weather

This salad is ideal for warm days, offering a cool and refreshing side dish that pairs perfectly with grilled meats, barbecues, or any summer meal.

4. Customizable

You can easily adjust the ingredients to your taste. Add more or less vinegar, sugar, or salt to make the dressing just the way you like it. You can also try adding fresh herbs or a sprinkle of cheese for extra flavor.

5. Great for Meal Prep

This salad can be made in advance and stored in the fridge, allowing the flavors to meld together and making it a great option for meal prep or bringing to potlucks and gatherings.

Ingredients

• Tomatoes
• Cucumbers
• Onion
• Vinegar
• Cracked pepper
• Sugar
• Salt
• Water
• Olive oil

Variations

• Add fresh herbs: Fresh parsley, basil, or dill can enhance the flavor of this salad. Chop them finely and stir them into the salad before serving.
• Add feta cheese: Crumbled feta cheese adds a creamy, salty contrast that pairs wonderfully with the crisp vegetables.
• Spicy kick: For a little heat, add a few slices of jalapeño or red pepper flakes to the salad.
• Substitute the dressing: If you prefer a creamier dressing, you can mix in some plain Greek yogurt or sour cream instead of the olive oil and vinegar.
• Add olives: Black or Kalamata olives can provide a briny, Mediterranean flavor that complements the fresh veggies.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the vegetables

Wash the tomatoes, cucumbers, and onion. Slice the tomatoes and cucumbers into thin rounds or wedges, depending on your preference. Thinly slice the onion as well.

Step 2: Make the dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together the vinegar, cracked pepper, sugar, salt, water, and olive oil. Stir until the sugar and salt are dissolved and the dressing is well combined.

Step 3: Combine the vegetables and dressing

In a large bowl, combine the sliced tomatoes, cucumbers, and onion. Pour the dressing over the vegetables and toss gently to coat everything evenly.

Step 4: Chill and serve

Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Serve chilled, and enjoy!

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Let it sit: Allow the salad to chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving. This helps the vegetables absorb the flavors of the dressing.
• Slice thinly: For the best texture, slice the cucumbers and tomatoes thinly so they can soak up the dressing.
• Use a mandolin: If you have one, a mandolin slicer will help you get even, thin slices of the vegetables quickly and easily.
• Adjust seasoning: Taste the dressing before adding it to the salad. You can adjust the sugar, vinegar, or salt based on your taste preferences.

How to Serve

This salad is a perfect accompaniment to grilled meats, seafood, or pasta dishes. It can also be enjoyed on its own as a light, healthy snack. Serve it with some crusty bread or alongside a sandwich for a complete meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The vegetables will soften over time, but the salad will still taste delicious.

Freezing

It’s not recommended to freeze this salad, as the texture of the cucumbers and tomatoes will change once frozen and thawed.

Reheating

This salad is best served cold and should not be reheated.

FAQs

1. Can I use red onion instead of yellow onion?

Yes, you can use red onion if you prefer a milder, slightly sweeter flavor. It also adds a pop of color to the salad.

2. Can I use balsamic vinegar instead of regular vinegar?

Yes, balsamic vinegar can be used in place of regular vinegar, but it will give the salad a deeper, slightly sweeter flavor.

3. How can I make the dressing less tangy?

To make the dressing less tangy, you can reduce the amount of vinegar or increase the sugar to balance out the acidity.

4. Can I add other vegetables to this salad?

Yes, you can add bell peppers, radishes, or even shredded carrots to add more texture and color to the salad.

5. Can I use lemon juice instead of vinegar?

Yes, lemon juice can be used as a substitute for vinegar to give the dressing a bright, citrusy flavor.

6. Can I make this salad without sugar?

Yes, you can omit the sugar if you prefer a less sweet dressing, or substitute with honey or maple syrup for a natural sweetness.

7. How can I make this salad spicier?

Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or some finely chopped jalapeños to the salad for a spicy kick.

8. Can I add cheese to this salad?

Yes, crumbled feta cheese or shredded mozzarella would make great additions to this salad for some creaminess.

9. How long can I store leftovers?

Leftover salad can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The texture of the vegetables will soften the longer it sits, but the flavor will still be good.

10. Can I use a different oil for the dressing?

Yes, you can use any neutral-flavored oil, such as vegetable oil or canola oil, in place of olive oil. However, olive oil gives the dressing a nice richness and depth of flavor.

Conclusion

This Cucumber, Onion, and Tomato Salad is a quick and easy way to enjoy fresh vegetables with a tangy and flavorful dressing. Simple to make and full of vibrant flavors, this salad is perfect for any occasion, from casual weeknight dinners to summer barbecues. With its refreshing crunch and balance of sweetness and tang, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser that will become a staple in your recipe rotation. Enjoy it on its own or as a side dish to complement your favorite meals.

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