Cucumber, Tomato, and Onion Salad

Cucumber, Tomato, and Onion Salad is a refreshing, light, and vibrant dish that comes together in minutes. With its cool crunch from the cucumber, juiciness from the tomatoes, and a tangy bite from the red onion, this salad is the perfect accompaniment to any meal. The dressing is a simple mixture of olive oil, vinegar, and a few pantry staples, making it as easy as it is delicious. Whether you’re serving it as a side at a summer BBQ, enjoying it as a healthy lunch, or adding it to your weeknight dinner rotation, this salad is sure to brighten up your plate. It’s crisp, refreshing, and full of flavor—exactly what you need when you’re craving something light and healthy. Not a fan of red onions? Simply swap them out for another variety or skip them altogether. This salad will still be a hit!

Necessary Kitchen Equipment:

• Medium bowl
• Knife and cutting board
• Measuring spoons
• Spoon or tongs for tossing

Overview of Ingredients: For this salad, you need fresh, crisp cucumbers, ripe tomatoes, and thinly sliced red onions. The dressing is a simple blend of olive oil, red wine vinegar, salt, and pepper. You can also add fresh herbs like parsley or dill to elevate the flavor even further.

Ingredients:

• 2 large cucumbers, thinly sliced
• 2 cups cherry or grape tomatoes, halved (or 2 medium tomatoes, chopped)
• ½ red onion, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
• ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Fresh herbs (optional), such as parsley or dill

Instructions:

1. In a medium bowl, combine the cucumber slices, halved tomatoes, and thinly sliced red onion.
2. In a separate small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, salt, and pepper. If using fresh herbs, add them to the dressing now.
3. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat the vegetables evenly.
4. Let the salad sit for about 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld before serving.
5. Taste the salad and adjust seasoning with more salt or pepper, if needed.
6. Serve immediately, or refrigerate for up to an hour before serving for a chilled version.

Recipe Tips:

• Make it ahead: This salad can be made up to an hour in advance. The longer it sits, the more the flavors meld together, so it’s perfect for prepping ahead of time for a dinner party or BBQ.
• Cucumber options: You can peel the cucumbers if you prefer, but the skin adds a nice crunch and color. For a different twist, try using English cucumbers, which have thinner skins and fewer seeds.
• Extra flavors: For a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the dressing, or for a more robust flavor, try adding minced garlic or shallots.
• Serving suggestion: Pair this salad with grilled meats, fish, or a hearty sandwich for a balanced meal.

What to Serve with This Recipe: This cucumber, tomato, and onion salad is a versatile side that pairs well with grilled chicken, burgers, or fish. It’s also great alongside roasted vegetables, quinoa, or as a topping for a simple pita sandwich.

Frequently Asked Question

1. Can I make this salad ahead of time? Yes! This salad can be made up to an hour in advance. It’s best served fresh, but it holds up well for a little while in the fridge.
2. Can I use a different vinegar? Absolutely! You can swap the red wine vinegar for white wine vinegar, apple cider vinegar, or even balsamic vinegar for a different flavor profile.
3. What if I don’t like red onions? If red onions aren’t your thing, you can leave them out, or substitute with sweet onions or green onions for a milder flavor.

Equipment:

• Medium bowl
• Knife and cutting board
• Measuring spoons
• Spoon or tongs for tossing

Ingredients:

• Cucumbers
• Cherry or grape tomatoes
• Red onion
• Olive oil
• Red wine vinegar
• Salt and pepper
• Fresh herbs (optional)

Instructions:

1. Combine cucumbers, tomatoes, and onions.
2. Whisk together dressing ingredients.
3. Toss salad with dressing.
4. Let sit and adjust seasoning.
5. Serve immediately or chill.

Notes: This salad is simple, yet so flavorful, making it the ideal addition to a summer meal. Adjust the herbs and dressing ingredients to your preference, and enjoy the light, fresh taste of the season!