Cucumber Tomato Onion Salad: A Refreshing & Easy Recipe

Cucumber tomato onion salad: a vibrant explosion of summer flavors in a bowl! Are you craving a dish that’s both incredibly refreshing and unbelievably easy to make? Look no further. This simple salad is the answer to your warm-weather culinary prayers. I remember my grandmother making this every summer, using vegetables fresh from her garden. The aroma of ripe tomatoes and crisp cucumbers would fill the kitchen, a sure sign that summer was officially here.

While its origins are humble, the cucumber tomato onion salad is a staple in many cultures, particularly in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisines. Each region adds its own unique twist, but the core ingredients remain the same: juicy tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, and pungent onions. What makes this salad so universally loved? It’s the perfect balance of textures and tastes. The sweetness of the tomatoes complements the coolness of the cucumbers, while the onions provide a delightful bite. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile! Serve it as a side dish, a light lunch, or even as a topping for grilled meats or fish. Its simplicity is its strength, allowing the natural flavors of the ingredients to shine through. Get ready to experience a taste of summer with every bite!

Ingredients:

• 3 large ripe tomatoes, preferably heirloom varieties for best flavor
• 2 medium cucumbers, English or Persian, thinly sliced
• 1 medium red onion, thinly sliced into half-moons
• 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley leaves, roughly chopped
• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice, freshly squeezed
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• Optional: 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese or goat cheese

Preparing the Vegetables:

1. Wash and prepare the tomatoes: Gently wash the tomatoes under cool running water. Pat them dry with a clean towel. Remove the core from each tomato using a paring knife. Cut the tomatoes into bite-sized wedges or chunks, depending on your preference. I like wedges because they hold their shape well in the salad.
2. Slice the cucumbers: Wash the cucumbers thoroughly. If you’re using English cucumbers, you don’t need to peel them. If you’re using regular cucumbers, you might want to peel them partially or completely, as the skin can be a bit tough. Slice the cucumbers thinly, about 1/8 to 1/4 inch thick. A mandoline slicer can be helpful for achieving uniform slices, but a sharp knife works just fine.
3. Prepare the red onion: Peel the red onion and cut it in half through the root end. Place one half flat-side down on your cutting board and thinly slice it into half-moons. To reduce the onion’s sharpness, you can soak the sliced onion in a bowl of ice water for about 10-15 minutes. This helps to mellow the flavor and makes it more palatable in the salad. Drain the onion well before adding it to the salad.
4. Chop the herbs: Rinse the fresh basil and parsley under cool water and pat them dry. Remove the basil leaves from the stems and roughly chop them. Do the same with the parsley. Don’t chop the herbs too finely, as you want to retain their fresh flavor and aroma.

Making the Vinaigrette:

1. Combine the wet ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, and lemon juice. Make sure to use good quality extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor. The lemon juice adds a bright, tangy note to the vinaigrette.
2. Add the Dijon mustard and garlic: Add the Dijon mustard to the bowl. The Dijon mustard acts as an emulsifier, helping to bind the oil and vinegar together. It also adds a subtle tanginess to the vinaigrette. Mince the garlic clove finely and add it to the bowl. The garlic adds a pungent and savory flavor to the vinaigrette.
3. Season with herbs and spices: Add the dried oregano and red pepper flakes (if using) to the bowl. The dried oregano adds a classic Mediterranean flavor to the vinaigrette. The red pepper flakes add a touch of heat, but you can omit them if you prefer a milder flavor.
4. Whisk until emulsified: Whisk all the ingredients together vigorously until the vinaigrette is well emulsified and slightly thickened. This may take a minute or two. The vinaigrette should have a smooth and creamy consistency.
5. Season to taste: Season the vinaigrette with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Start with a small amount of salt and pepper and then adjust as needed. Remember that the feta cheese (if using) will also add saltiness to the salad, so don’t over-salt the vinaigrette.

Assembling the Salad:

1. Combine the vegetables and herbs: In a large bowl, combine the sliced tomatoes, cucumbers, and red onion. Add the chopped basil and parsley. Gently toss the vegetables and herbs together to distribute them evenly.
2. Dress the salad: Pour the vinaigrette over the salad. Start with about half of the vinaigrette and then add more as needed, tossing gently to coat the vegetables evenly. Be careful not to overdress the salad, as it can become soggy. You want the vegetables to be lightly coated with the vinaigrette, not swimming in it.
3. Add the cheese (optional): If you’re using feta cheese or goat cheese, crumble it over the salad. The cheese adds a creamy and salty element to the salad that complements the fresh vegetables and tangy vinaigrette.
4. Toss gently: Gently toss the salad again to combine all the ingredients. Be careful not to bruise the tomatoes or cucumbers.
5. Taste and adjust seasoning: Taste the salad and adjust the seasoning as needed. You may need to add more salt, pepper, or vinaigrette to taste.
6. Serve immediately: Serve the salad immediately for the best flavor and texture. The salad is best when the vegetables are still crisp and the vinaigrette is fresh. If you’re not serving the salad immediately, you can store it in the refrigerator for up to a few hours. However, the vegetables may become slightly softer over time.

Tips and Variations:

• Use high-quality ingredients: The key to a great cucumber tomato onion salad is to use high-quality ingredients. Choose ripe, flavorful tomatoes, fresh cucumbers, and a good quality extra virgin olive oil.
• Adjust the vinaigrette to your taste: The vinaigrette is the heart of the salad, so feel free to adjust it to your taste. If you prefer a sweeter vinaigrette, you can add a teaspoon of honey or maple syrup. If you prefer a more acidic vinaigrette, you can add more lemon juice or red wine vinegar.
• Add other vegetables: You can add other vegetables to the salad, such as bell peppers, olives, or avocado. Bell peppers add a crunchy and sweet element to the salad. Olives add a salty and briny flavor. Avocado adds a creamy and rich texture.
• Add protein: You can add protein to the salad to make it a more substantial meal. Grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas are all great options.
• Make it ahead of time: You can make the vinaigrette ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to a week. However, it’s best to assemble the salad just before serving to prevent the vegetables from becoming soggy.
• Marinate the onions: As mentioned before, marinating the onions in ice water helps to mellow their flavor. You can also marinate them in the vinaigrette for a few minutes before adding them to the salad. This will help to infuse them with flavor and make them less pungent.
• Use different herbs: Feel free to experiment with different herbs in the salad. Mint, dill, and chives are all great options.
• Add a touch of sweetness: A pinch of sugar or a drizzle of honey can enhance the flavors of the salad.
• Consider adding a spicy element: Besides red pepper flakes, a finely chopped jalapeño can add a nice kick.

Serving Suggestions:

This cucumber tomato onion salad is a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways. Here are a few serving suggestions:

• As a side dish to grilled meats or fish
• As a topping for bruschetta or crostini
• As a filling for pita bread or wraps
• As a base for a grain bowl
• As a light and refreshing lunch

Enjoy your delicious and healthy cucumber tomato onion salad!

Conclusion:

This Cucumber Tomato Onion Salad isn’t just another side dish; it’s a vibrant celebration of fresh, simple ingredients that come together in perfect harmony. The crisp coolness of the cucumber, the juicy sweetness of the tomatoes, and the sharp bite of the onion, all tossed in a light and tangy dressing, create a flavor explosion that will awaken your taste buds. I truly believe this recipe is a must-try because it’s incredibly easy to make, requires minimal cooking (actually, no cooking at all!), and is endlessly adaptable to your personal preferences. It’s the perfect way to showcase the bounty of summer produce, and it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser at any gathering.

But the beauty of this salad lies not only in its simplicity but also in its versatility. Feel free to experiment with different variations to make it your own signature dish. For a Mediterranean twist, add crumbled feta cheese, Kalamata olives, and a sprinkle of oregano. If you’re looking for a bit of heat, toss in some finely chopped jalapeño or a pinch of red pepper flakes. To add some protein, consider incorporating grilled chicken or chickpeas. And for a creamier texture, a dollop of Greek yogurt or a drizzle of tahini dressing would be absolutely divine.

Serving suggestions are just as varied. This salad is a fantastic accompaniment to grilled meats, fish, or poultry. It’s also a wonderful addition to any picnic or potluck. I love serving it alongside a simple grilled chicken breast or as a refreshing side to a hearty burger. You can even enjoy it as a light and healthy lunch on its own. For a more substantial meal, try serving it over a bed of quinoa or couscous. And don’t forget the crusty bread for soaking up all that delicious dressing!

I’ve personally made this Cucumber Tomato Onion Salad countless times, and it’s always a hit. It’s my go-to recipe when I need a quick, easy, and flavorful side dish. The best part is that it’s so adaptable, I can always find a way to make it work with whatever ingredients I have on hand. I often find myself tweaking the dressing slightly, sometimes adding a touch more vinegar for extra tang, or a hint of honey for a touch of sweetness. The possibilities are endless!

So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, grab a bowl, and get ready to experience the deliciousness of this simple yet satisfying salad. I’m confident that you’ll love it as much as I do. And once you’ve tried it, I’d love to hear about your experience! Share your photos and variations on social media using [Your Hashtag Here] or leave a comment below. I’m always eager to see how you’ve made this recipe your own. Happy salad-making! I am sure that this Cucumber Tomato Onion Salad will become a staple in your kitchen, just like it is in mine. Enjoy!