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Cucumber, Tomato & Onion Salad

Cucumber, Tomato & Onion Salad
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A fresh, vibrant, and easy-to-make Cucumber, Tomato & Onion Salad featuring crisp cucumbers, juicy ripe tomatoes, sharp red onions, and a tangy dressing of extra virgin olive oil and lemon juice or vinegar. Perfect for quick lunches, light dinners, or as a refreshing side dish packed with healthy, hydrating vegetables and bursting with bright flavors.

Ingredients

Scale

Vegetables

  • 1 fresh cucumber (firm and crunchy)
  • 2–3 ripe tomatoes (vine-ripened or heirloom)
  • 1 medium red onion (thinly sliced)

Dressing

  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice or vinegar (white wine, apple cider, or balsamic)
  • Salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Optional Additions

  • Fresh herbs such as parsley, cilantro, or dill (chopped)
  • Crumbled feta or fresh mozzarella (for a cheese boost)
  • Chili flakes or diced jalapeño (for spice)
  • Protein options like chickpeas, grilled chicken, or tuna
  • Toasted pine nuts or sunflower seeds (for added crunch)

Instructions

  1. Prep the Vegetables: Wash all vegetables thoroughly. Peel the cucumber if desired, then slice it thinly for a crisp texture. Core and chop the tomatoes into bite-sized pieces. Thinly slice the red onion to reduce sharpness and ensure balanced flavor.
  2. Combine Ingredients: Place the sliced cucumber, chopped tomatoes, and thinly sliced onions into a large mixing bowl. Toss gently to mix the vegetables evenly without bruising them.
  3. Add the Dressing: Drizzle extra virgin olive oil and freshly squeezed lemon juice or vinegar over the salad. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Toss gently to coat every bite with the dressing.
  4. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle freshly chopped herbs like parsley or dill on top for an aromatic finish. Serve immediately for the freshest crunch, or refrigerate for 15-20 minutes to let the flavors meld beautifully.

Notes

  • Choose the freshest vegetables for best flavor and texture—firm cucumbers and ripe tomatoes are key.
  • Slice cucumber and onion thinly to balance flavors and avoid overpowering sharpness.
  • Adjust salt and lemon juice gradually while tasting to find the perfect balance.
  • Letting the salad rest for 15 minutes enhances the flavor and softens the veggies slightly.
  • Use high-quality extra virgin olive oil for a rich and fruity dressing.
  • To reduce salad wateriness, lightly salt cucumber slices and let them drain in a colander for 10 minutes before patting dry.
  • This salad is best served cold or at room temperature; reheating is not recommended.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days for best freshness.
  • Freezing is not recommended as cucumbers and tomatoes lose texture and become watery.

Nutrition

Keywords: cucumber salad, tomato salad, onion salad, fresh salad, vegan salad, gluten free, healthy side dish, Mediterranean salad, summer salad

Find it online: https://ninagourmet.com/cucumber-tomato-onion-salad/