Description
A fresh, vibrant, and easy-to-make Cucumber, Tomato & Onion Salad that combines crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, and mild red onions tossed in a tangy lemon and olive oil dressing. Perfect as a light meal or a colorful side dish that complements grilled meats, sandwiches, or Mediterranean fare.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables
- 2 medium fresh cucumbers, firm and crisp
- 3 ripe red tomatoes, diced
- 1 medium red onion, thinly sliced
Dressing
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Optional Add-ins
- Fresh herbs such as basil or parsley, chopped
- Jalapeños or red chili flakes for spice
- Crumbled feta cheese
- Balsamic or red wine vinegar instead of lemon juice
- Dill, mint, or cilantro as herb variations
- Diced avocado for creaminess
Instructions
- Prepare the Vegetables: Wash and dry the cucumbers and tomatoes thoroughly. Slice the cucumbers into thin rounds or half-moons, dice the tomatoes into bite-sized pieces, and finely slice the red onions for a delicate texture.
- Combine Ingredients in a Bowl: Place the sliced cucumbers, diced tomatoes, and onions in a large mixing bowl. Toss gently to mix the vegetables evenly without breaking them apart.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, freshly squeezed lemon juice, salt, and pepper until well combined and emulsified.
- Toss the Salad: Pour the dressing over the vegetables and toss gently to coat everything evenly. This step brings all the flavors together, making each bite delicious.
- Add Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle chopped fresh herbs like parsley or basil on top for an aromatic finish that enhances the overall freshness and visual appeal.
Notes
- Drain Excess Moisture: Salt the cucumbers lightly and let them sit for 10 minutes to draw out water and keep the salad crisp.
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Bring veggies to room temperature before serving to maximize flavor and aroma.
- Let it Marinate: Allow the salad to sit for 15-20 minutes after tossing to let the flavors meld beautifully.
- Slice Evenly: Cutting vegetables uniformly ensures a consistent texture and makes the salad easier to eat.
- Choose Quality Olive Oil: High-quality extra virgin olive oil makes a noticeable difference in taste and richness.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, tossing gently before serving again.
- Freezing is not recommended due to texture loss.
- Best served cold or at room temperature; not suitable for reheating.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: No Cooking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (approximate)
- Calories: 70
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 0.7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4.2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg