Summer calls for light, vibrant dishes, and this Cucumber Tomato Onion Salad perfectly fits the bill. This classic side dish is incredibly refreshing, bursting with garden-fresh flavors and a delightful tangy dressing. Best of all, it’s incredibly quick and easy to prepare, making it your ultimate go-to for warm weather meals and gatherings.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
You’ll adore this simple Cucumber Tomato Onion Salad for so many reasons.
- It features simple, fresh ingredients readily available at any grocery store or farmers market.
- Preparation is quick and effortless, taking just minutes to chop and toss.
- This versatile salad makes a perfect side dish for almost any meal.
- Its tangy, slightly sweet flavor profile is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
- It’s a light and healthy option everyone will enjoy.
A diet rich in fresh vegetables provides essential nutrients and contributes to overall well-being. According to MedlinePlus, consuming fresh vegetables regularly offers numerous disease-fighting benefits.
Ingredients
Gathering fresh, high-quality ingredients is key to an exceptional Cucumber Tomato Onion Salad.
- 1 English cucumber (or 2 to 3 Kirby cucumbers), peeled and thinly sliced
- 3 garden fresh tomatoes, cut into wedges
- 1 sweet onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cup white vinegar
- 2 tablespoons vegetable or olive oil
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
Notes & Substitutions
For cucumbers, English cucumbers offer fewer seeds and thinner skin, while Kirby cucumbers are crisp and traditional. Peeling is optional; some prefer to leave the skin on for extra texture. If you don’t have a sweet onion like Vidalia, red onions provide a lovely color and mild bite, or yellow onions work in a pinch. Feel free to use good quality olive oil or even avocado oil instead of vegetable oil. White vinegar offers a classic tang, but apple cider vinegar or red wine vinegar can introduce different flavor notes. Finally, fresh herbs like dill, basil, or parsley make wonderful additions to this refreshing salad.
Equipment
You don’t need fancy gadgets to make this delicious salad.
How To Make Cucumber Tomato Onion Salad
Creating this delightful Cucumber Tomato Onion Salad is incredibly straightforward. Follow these steps for perfect results every time.
First, prepare all your fresh vegetables. Thoroughly wash the cucumber and tomatoes. Using a sharp knife, thinly slice the English cucumber or Kirby cucumbers into rounds or half-moons. Next, cut the ripe tomatoes into wedges. For the onion, peel off the outer layer and thinly slice it into delicate rings or half-rings.
Once prepared, combine the sliced cucumbers, tomato wedges, and thinly sliced onions in your large mixing bowl. Ensure they are distributed evenly.
Now, it’s time to whisk together the vibrant dressing. In a separate medium bowl, combine the white vinegar, vegetable or olive oil, water, sugar, salt, and black pepper. Whisk these ingredients together vigorously until the sugar and salt have fully dissolved and the dressing is well combined. This dressing gives the Cucumber Tomato Onion Salad its characteristic tangy flavor.
Carefully pour the freshly prepared dressing over the chopped vegetables in the large bowl. Gently toss all the ingredients together using tongs or a large spoon. Make sure every piece of vegetable is coated in the flavorful dressing.
Finally, cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap or a lid. Transfer the bowl to the refrigerator. Allow the salad to marinate for at least 1 hour before serving. For optimal flavor development, especially with this Cucumber Tomato Onion Salad, a longer chilling time of 2-3 hours is even better. Remember to toss the salad occasionally during the chilling period to ensure all vegetables are thoroughly saturated with the dressing.
Pro Tips for Success
Always start with the freshest, highest-quality vegetables you can find; they are the stars of this simple Cucumber Tomato Onion Salad. Slice your cucumbers, tomatoes, and onions uniformly to ensure they marinate evenly and have a consistent texture in every bite. Taste the dressing before pouring it over the vegetables, and adjust the sweetness or tanginess to your liking. A little more sugar can balance the tartness, or a splash more vinegar can increase the tang. Don’t rush the chilling process; adequate time in the refrigerator allows the flavors to meld beautifully, making the salad truly shine.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
A common mistake is not chilling the salad long enough, which results in less developed flavors. Avoid over-salting the vegetables initially, as they will release more water over time. Additionally, choose a sweet onion variety like Vidalia or Walla Walla; overly bitter onions can overpower the delicate flavors of the cucumber and tomato.
Serving Suggestions
This versatile Cucumber Tomato Onion Salad is the perfect companion to many dishes. Serve it alongside grilled chicken, fish, or shrimp for a light and refreshing meal. It also pairs wonderfully with classic comfort foods like sandwiches, burgers, or hot dogs. Enjoy it simply as a light lunch on a warm day. For a complete Southern-inspired spread, serve it alongside other favorites like cornbread or coleslaw.
Storage & Make-Ahead
Store any leftover Cucumber Tomato Onion Salad in a tightly covered container in the refrigerator. For the best flavor and texture, aim to enjoy the salad within 1-2 days. Beyond this time, the cucumbers and tomatoes tend to soften and release more water, leading to a less crisp texture. This salad is actually ideal as a make-ahead dish, as the flavors deepen with chilling. Prepare it a few hours before a picnic or potluck for a perfectly marinated, flavorful side.
Proper storage of fresh-cut vegetables is crucial to maintain quality and prevent spoilage. Henry Ford Health recommends storing cut fruits and vegetables in airtight containers and consuming them within 2-3 days.
Variations
Get creative with your Cucumber Tomato Onion Salad by trying these delightful variations. Add a handful of fresh herbs such as chopped dill, basil, or parsley for an aromatic boost. For a Mediterranean twist, crumble some feta cheese or toss in a few Kalamata olives. Experiment with different vinegars like balsamic or red wine vinegar to alter the flavor profile. A pinch of red pepper flakes can introduce a subtle warmth and heat. Finally, for extra crunch and color, incorporate thinly sliced bell peppers of any color.
Nutrition Information
Please note that the following nutrition information is an estimate and can vary based on specific ingredient brands, preparation methods, and portion sizes. This data is provided for informational purposes only.
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 148 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 17 g |
| Protein | 2 g |
| Fat | 7 g |
| Saturated Fat | 1 g |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1 g |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 5 g |
| Sodium | 599 mg |
| Potassium | 537 mg |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sugar | 12 g |
| Vitamin A | 1218 IU |
| Vitamin C | 25 mg |
| Calcium | 48 mg |
| Iron | 1 mg |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What kind of cucumber is best for Cucumber Tomato Onion Salad?
English cucumbers or Kirby cucumbers are excellent choices due to their crisp texture and fewer seeds. English cucumbers have thinner skin and a milder flavor.
Can I use red onion instead of sweet onion?
Yes, absolutely! Red onions add a beautiful color and a slightly sharper, but still pleasant, flavor to your Cucumber Tomato Onion Salad.
How long does cucumber tomato onion salad last?
This salad is best enjoyed within 1-2 days when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. After that, the vegetables may become too soft.
Can I use a different type of oil?
Yes, olive oil or avocado oil are great alternatives to vegetable oil. Choose an oil with a mild flavor that complements the fresh vegetables.
Why is my salad watery?
Cucumbers and tomatoes naturally release water, especially when salted and chilled. Ensuring a proper balance of dressing and chilling time helps, but some water release is normal.
Final Thoughts
This Refreshing Cucumber Tomato Onion Salad is truly a testament to how simple ingredients can create extraordinary flavor. Its vibrant colors and tangy dressing make it an irresistible addition to any meal, especially during warmer months. We encourage you to try this classic summer staple and make it your own. Share your unique variations or cherished memories of enjoying this delightful Cucumber Tomato Onion Salad with us!
Refreshing Cucumber Tomato Onion Salad
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Combine the thinly sliced cucumbers, tomatoes cut into wedges, and thinly sliced sweet onion in a large bowl.
- In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the white vinegar, vegetable or olive oil, water, sugar, salt, and pepper to create the dressing. Pour this dressing over the combined vegetables and gently toss to ensure everything is evenly coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, tossing occasionally, before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
Notes
Hi there, I’m chef living in New York City. Every morning, I wake up to the sounds of my little one’s laughter and the comforting routine of preparing breakfast for my family my husband, our child, and my beloved mother, who’s become both my rock and my inspiration since my father passed away. As the only daughter left in our family, I feel a deep responsibility to carry on his memory whenever I step into the kitchen.
- Dominiquehttps://goldfoodie.com/author/empirecipegmail-com/
- Dominiquehttps://goldfoodie.com/author/empirecipegmail-com/
- Dominiquehttps://goldfoodie.com/author/empirecipegmail-com/
- Dominiquehttps://goldfoodie.com/author/empirecipegmail-com/
