Zesty Marinated Cucumber, Onion, and Tomato Salad

Zesty Marinated Cucumber, Onion, and Tomato Salad

If you’re searching for a dish that embodies the essence of summer, look no further than this Marinated Cucumber, Onion, and Tomato Salad. This salad is a celebration of simplicity, where fresh, garden-picked vegetables are the star of the show, enhanced only by a tangy, homemade dressing. Perfect for those warm days when you crave something light yet satisfying, this salad brings together the crispness of cucumbers, the subtle sweetness of ripe tomatoes, and the sharp bite of red onions, all wrapped in a flavorful vinaigrette.

The beauty of this dish lies in its versatility. Whether you’re planning a casual backyard barbecue, a picnic in the park, or a weeknight dinner, this salad fits seamlessly into any menu. It’s not only quick and easy to prepare but also incredibly adaptable. You can personalize it to suit your palate or use it as a base for more elaborate creations by adding your favorite vegetables or herbs.

One of the most appealing aspects of this salad is the way the vegetables absorb the marinade. The longer they sit, the more the flavors meld together, creating a harmony that elevates each bite. This makes it an ideal make-ahead dish, perfect for those times when you want to prepare something in advance without sacrificing taste or texture. The salad can be made a few hours before serving, allowing you to focus on other dishes or simply enjoy your time with family and friends.

Ingredients:

2 large cucumbers, thinly sliced.

1 large red onion, thinly sliced.

3 large tomatoes, diced.

¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish).

Salt and pepper to taste.

For the Dressing:

¼ cup olive oil.

2 tablespoons red wine vinegar.

1 tablespoon lemon juice.

1 teaspoon honey (optional).

2 cloves garlic, minced.

1 teaspoon dried oregano.

Salt and pepper to taste.

Instructions:

Step 1

Rinse the cucumbers, tomatoes, and red onion thoroughly.

Step 2

Slice the cucumbers and red onion thinly, and dice the tomatoes into bite-sized pieces.

Step 3

Transfer the vegetables to a large bowl.

Step 4

In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, honey (if using), minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and pepper until well mixed.

Step 5

Pour the dressing over the prepared vegetables.

Step 6

Gently toss to coat everything evenly.

Step 7

Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors blend.

Step 8

Before serving, toss the salad again to ensure the dressing is evenly distributed.

Step 9

Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Garnish with chopped parsley for added color and flavor. Serve chilled.

Pro Tips:

Use Fresh Veggies: Opt for ripe tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, and fresh onions for the best flavor.

Uniform Slicing: Slice vegetables evenly for consistent marination.

Salt Cucumbers: Sprinkle cucumbers with salt and let them drain to reduce excess moisture.

Marinate Well: Allow the salad to sit in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to enhance flavors.

Customize Dressing: Adjust vinegar, lemon juice, or honey to suit your taste preferences.

Add Crunch: Incorporate additional veggies or toasted nuts for extra texture.

Herb Variations: Experiment with different herbs like basil or dill for varied flavors.

Nutrition Information (Per Serving):

Calories: ~120 kcal.

Carbohydrates: ~8g.

Sugars: ~4g.

Dietary Fiber: ~2g.

Protein: ~2g.

Fat: ~10g.

Saturated Fat: ~1.5g.

Monounsaturated Fat: ~7g.

Polyunsaturated Fat: ~1g.

Cholesterol: 0mg.

Sodium: ~75mg (varies with added salt).

Potassium: ~300mg.

Vitamin A: ~20% of the Daily Value (DV).