Hey there, friends! I’ve gotta tell ya, there’s nothing quite like whipping up a fresh Cucumber, Onion, and Tomato Salad Recipe on a hot summer day.
I first stumbled upon this gem of a dish years ago at a family barbecue, and let me just say, it was love at first bite—crisp, tangy, and oh-so-simple. My family can’t get enough of this Cucumber, Onion, and Tomato Salad Recipe, and it’s become a staple at every picnic or potluck we host.
I remember the first time I tried making this Cucumber, Onion, and Tomato Salad Recipe on my own—I was a bit of a nervous wreck thinking I’d mess up something so straightforward! But honestly, it’s foolproof, and now I’ve got it down to a science. I’m thrilled to share my take on this refreshing Cucumber, Onion, and Tomato Salad Recipe with y’all today.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
If you love this recipe, you’ll also enjoy tomato and mozzarella salad.
I’ve found that this Cucumber, Onion, and Tomato Salad Recipe is a total crowd-pleaser, no matter who’s at the table. It’s got this perfect balance of crunch and zing that just screams summer, and honestly, it takes barely any time to throw together. In my kitchen, it’s the go-to when I need something quick yet impressive.
Plus, you can’t beat how customizable it is with this Cucumber, Onion, and Tomato Salad Recipe. Whether you’re tossing in extra herbs or tweaking the dressing, it always turns out delish. I promise, once you make it, you’ll be hooked just like me!
Ingredients List
I was inspired by cucumber tomato salad recipe when creating this recipe.
Alright, let’s chat about what you’ll need to make this Cucumber, Onion, and Tomato Salad Recipe. I’m all about keeping things fresh and accessible, so I usually grab my ingredients straight from the farmer’s market when I can. Here’s my lineup with a few personal notes on why I pick what I pick.
I prefer using the crispest veggies for this Cucumber, Onion, and Tomato Salad Recipe because texture is everything in a raw salad. If you’ve got a garden, even better—homegrown stuff takes it to the next level. So, here’s the list for a solid batch of my favorite Cucumber, Onion, and Tomato Salad Recipe:
- 2 medium cucumbers, thinly sliced for that perfect crunch
- 1 medium red onion, sliced into thin half-moons for a pop of color and bite
- 3 large ripe tomatoes, cut into wedges or chunks (I love heirlooms for extra flavor)
- 1/4 cup (60ml) olive oil, extra virgin if you’ve got it for a richer taste
- 2 tablespoons (30ml) red wine vinegar, for that tangy kick I can’t resist
- 1 teaspoon sugar, to balance out the acidity just a tad
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste (start light, you can always add more)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground for a little spice
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped (or parsley if that’s more your vibe)
These basics for the Cucumber, Onion, and Tomato Salad Recipe are super forgiving, so don’t stress if your measurements are a smidge off. I’ve made this a million times, and it always works out fine!
Variations
One thing I adore about this Cucumber, Onion, and Tomato Salad Recipe is how easy it is to switch things up. I’ve played around with it over the years, tweaking it based on what’s in my fridge or what my family’s craving. Here are some fun spins on the classic Cucumber, Onion, and Tomato Salad Recipe that I’ve tried and loved.
- Mediterranean Twist: Toss in some crumbled feta cheese and a handful of Kalamata olives for a Greek-inspired vibe. I tried this once for a dinner party, and it was a hit!
- Spicy Kick: Add a finely chopped jalapeño or a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like a little heat with your Cucumber, Onion, and Tomato Salad Recipe.
- Herb Haven: Mix in extra fresh herbs like dill or mint for a burst of garden-fresh flavor. My kids always ask for the mint version in summer.
- Creamy Dream: Stir in a dollop of Greek yogurt to the dressing for a smoother, richer texture.
- Protein Boost: Throw in some chickpeas or grilled chicken to make this Cucumber, Onion, and Tomato Salad Recipe a full meal. I do this when I’m feeling extra hungry!
- Avocado Add-In: Cube up a ripe avocado and toss it in for some creamy goodness. (Just don’t add it too early or it’ll get mushy.)
- Citrus Zest: Squeeze in a bit of lemon or lime juice instead of vinegar for a brighter, zippier dressing.
- Grain Power: Mix in cooked quinoa or couscous to bulk up your Cucumber, Onion, and Tomato Salad Recipe for a hearty side.
Honestly, the possibilities are endless, and I encourage you to play around until you find your perfect combo!
Servings and Timing
Let’s talk about how much this Cucumber, Onion, and Tomato Salad Recipe makes and how long it’ll take ya. In my experience, this is one of those dishes that comes together lightning-fast, which is a lifesaver on busy days. Here’s the breakdown for a standard batch of my go-to Cucumber, Onion, and Tomato Salad Recipe:
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes (no cooking needed, hallelujah!)
- Servings: 4-6 portions, depending on how hungry everyone is
I’ve found this amount is perfect for a small family dinner or a side at a barbecue. If you’ve got a bigger crowd, just double it up!
Step-by-Step Instructions
You might also want to try crisp cucumber and beetroot salad with herb dressing.
Now, let’s get down to the nitty-gritty of making this Cucumber, Onion, and Tomato Salad Recipe. I’m gonna walk ya through it like I’m right there in the kitchen with you, sharing all my little tricks. Trust me, I’ve made this Cucumber, Onion, and Tomato Salad Recipe enough times to know the ins and outs!
Step 1: Prep Your Veggies
First things first, wash all your produce. I like to slice my cucumbers super thin using a mandoline slicer (watch those fingers, though!). Cut the tomatoes into bite-sized wedges and slice the onion into thin half-moons for that pretty layered look in your Cucumber, Onion, and Tomato Salad Recipe.
Step 2: Make the Dressing
Next up, grab a small bowl and whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper. I usually give it a taste test right here to make sure it’s got that perfect balance—tangy but not too sharp. This dressing is the secret sauce for the Cucumber, Onion, and Tomato Salad Recipe, so don’t skimp on mixing it well.
Step 3: Toss It All Together
Dump all your chopped veggies into a big bowl, pour the dressing over, and give it a gentle toss. I like to use my hands sometimes (clean, of course!) to make sure every piece gets coated. Add the fresh basil at the end for a pop of color and flavor in this Cucumber, Onion, and Tomato Salad Recipe.
Step 4: Let It Marinate (Optional)
If you’ve got the time, let your Cucumber, Onion, and Tomato Salad Recipe sit in the fridge for 15-30 minutes. This lets the flavors meld together into something magical. I’ve skipped this step plenty of times, though, and it’s still darn tasty straight outta the bowl!
Nutritional Information
I’m no dietitian, but I like to keep an eye on what I’m eating, especially with something as light as this Cucumber, Onion, and Tomato Salad Recipe. Here’s a rough breakdown per serving, based on what I’ve looked up and calculated for a batch of my Cucumber, Onion, and Tomato Salad Recipe. (Portions are for about 6 servings, just FYI.)
- Calories: 90 per serving
- Fat: 7g
- Protein: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Sodium: 200mg
It’s a guilt-free side in my book, perfect for balancing out heavier meals with this Cucumber, Onion, and Tomato Salad Recipe!
Healthier Alternatives
If you’re looking to lighten up this Cucumber, Onion, and Tomato Salad Recipe even more, I’ve got a few swaps I’ve tried over the years. When I’m watching my calories or just wanna mix things up, these tweaks keep the flavor without the extra heft. Here are my go-tos for a healthier Cucumber, Onion, and Tomato Salad Recipe.
- Lower Fat Dressing: Cut the olive oil in half and mix with a splash of lemon juice for a lighter dressing.
- No Sugar: Skip the sugar entirely or use a drizzle of honey if you still want a touch of sweet in your Cucumber, Onion, and Tomato Salad Recipe.
- Less Salt: Use a pinch of salt and boost flavor with extra herbs or a dash of garlic powder instead.
- Veggie Boost: Add more low-cal veggies like bell peppers or celery to bulk up the salad without extra calories.
I’ve swapped these in plenty of times, and it still tastes amazing, I promise!
Serving Suggestions
I love getting creative with how I serve this Cucumber, Onion, and Tomato Salad Recipe—it’s so versatile! Whether it’s a casual lunch or a fancy dinner, here are a few ideas I’ve come up with over the years. These pair beautifully with my Cucumber, Onion, and Tomato Salad Recipe. For more inspiration, I recommend checking out easy black bean and vegetable salad recipe.
- Summer BBQ: Serve alongside grilled chicken or burgers for a refreshing contrast.
- Light Lunch: Pair with a slice of crusty bread and some hummus for a simple meal.
- Dinner Party Starter: Dish it up as a bright appetizer before the main course. At my last get-together, it was gone in minutes!
- Picnic Perfect: Pack it in a container for an easy, no-fuss side that travels well with this Cucumber, Onion, and Tomato Salad Recipe.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
I’ve flubbed this Cucumber, Onion, and Tomato Salad Recipe a few times in my early attempts, so let me save you the headache. Trust me on this one, I learned the hard way! Here are some slip-ups to watch out for when making your Cucumber, Onion, and Tomato Salad Recipe.
- Over-Salting: Too much salt draws out too much water, leaving you with a soggy mess. I did this once and had a bowl of soup instead of salad!
- Cutting Too Early: Don’t chop everything hours ahead; the veggies lose their crispness.
- Skimping on Dressing: A light coat is key, or the flavors won’t pop in your Cucumber, Onion, and Tomato Salad Recipe.
- Ignoring Freshness: Use the freshest produce you can; old veggies just don’t cut it for this dish.
Storing Tips
If you’ve got leftovers of this Cucumber, Onion, and Tomato Salad Recipe (rare in my house!), here’s how to keep ‘em fresh. I’ve found these tips work best based on trial and error. Keep your Cucumber, Onion, and Tomato Salad Recipe tasting great with these ideas.
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days; any longer and it gets too watery.
- Drain Before Serving: If it’s been sitting, give it a quick drain to avoid a soggy bite.
- No Freezing: Don’t freeze this one; the texture just doesn’t hold up, in my experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Got questions about this Cucumber, Onion, and Tomato Salad Recipe? I’ve got answers! Here are some common queries I hear all the time about making a killer Cucumber, Onion, and Tomato Salad Recipe.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yup, you can prep it a few hours in advance, but don’t dress it until closer to serving. That way, your veggies stay nice and crisp for the Cucumber, Onion, and Tomato Salad Recipe.
Can I use different vinegar?
Absolutely! I’ve used apple cider vinegar or balsamic in a pinch, and it works just fine.
What if I don’t like raw onions?
No worries, soak the sliced onions in cold water for 10 minutes to mellow out that sharp bite. It’s a game-changer! You might also want to try crisp cucumber and beetroot salad with herb dressing.
Is this salad keto-friendly?
Yep, it’s naturally low-carb, especially if you skip the sugar in the dressing.
Can I add garlic?
If you enjoyed this recipe, you might like bbq chicken wings recipe crispy juicy and easy to make.
Go for it! A minced clove or two adds a nice punch if you’re into that flavor.
How do I keep it from getting watery?
Don’t salt it too early, and drain any excess liquid before serving if it’s been sitting.
Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?
You can, but fresh basil or parsley really shines here. If you’re stuck, use half the amount of dried.
What’s the best tomato to use?
I think ripe, juicy ones like Roma or heirloom work best for flavor and texture in this salad.
Conclusion
For more inspiration, I recommend checking out sweet thai chili sauce recipe.
So there ya have it, my tried-and-true Cucumber, Onion, and Tomato Salad Recipe that’s been a lifesaver in my kitchen for years. I hope you’ll give this Cucumber, Onion, and Tomato Salad Recipe a whirl and make it your own with whatever tweaks you fancy. Drop me a comment if you try it—I’d love to hear how your Cucumber, Onion, and Tomato Salad Recipe turned out! For another great variation, check out stovetop potato and onion sidedish recipe.