Summer is the best time to enjoy a vibrant vegetable salad. This cucumber, onion and tomato salad brings Mediterranean flavors to your table. It makes healthy eating a joy.
This salad combines crisp cucumbers, zesty onions, and juicy tomatoes. Each bite is a burst of freshness. It’s perfect for picnics, barbecues, or a quick lunch.
This salad is full of nutrients and flavor. It’s a Mediterranean-inspired dish that shows healthy eating can be tasty. It’s great for cooling down or adding nutrition to your meals.
Fresh Ingredients That Make This Garden Salad Special
Making a great salad starts with picking the best fresh produce from your garden. The Mediterranean diet loves simple, top-quality ingredients. These turn a light meal into a special experience. Each part of this salad adds flavor and nutrition.
Selecting the Perfect Cucumbers
Cucumbers are the base of this refreshing salad. Look for dark green cucumbers that are firm and have few blemishes. English or Persian cucumbers are best because of their thin skin and few seeds. Here are some tips for choosing:
- Choose firm cucumbers without soft spots
- Select medium-sized vegetables for optimal texture
- Avoid cucumbers with yellow or wrinkled skin
Choosing and Preparing Sweet Onions
Sweet onions add a delicate flavor to your salad. Try Vidalia or Walla Walla onions for the right mix of sharpness and sweetness. To manage their strong taste, follow these steps:
- Slice onions thinly for even distribution
- Soak sliced onions in cold water to reduce sharp edges
- Drain and pat dry before adding to the salad
Picking Ripe, Juicy Tomatoes
Tomatoes are the colorful highlight of this salad. Look for ripe, locally grown tomatoes for the best flavor. Heirloom varieties add rich, complex tastes.
- Select tomatoes that are deep in color
- Choose fruits that yield slightly to gentle pressure
- Avoid tomatoes with bruises or soft spots
How to Make Cucumber, Onion and Tomato Salad
Making a tasty salad is easy. This cucumber, onion, and tomato salad is a great example. It shows how simple it is to eat healthy. Just start by getting your fresh ingredients ready.
- Wash all vegetables thoroughly
- Use a sharp knife for precise cutting
- Aim for uniform vegetable sizes
For the best look, slice cucumbers thinly. Use a mandoline or sharp knife to get crisp, even cuts. Red onions add a nice contrast to the mild cucumber.
The dressing makes this salad special. Whisk together olive oil, white vinegar, salt, and a pinch of sugar. This creates a light vinaigrette that brings out the flavors of the vegetables.
“A great salad is like a work of art – simple ingredients, perfectly combined.”
- Chop vegetables into bite-sized pieces
- Mix vegetables in a large bowl
- Pour dressing and toss gently
- Chill for 15 minutes before serving
This salad isn’t a dessert, but it’s a refreshing choice. Serve it chilled and enjoy the fresh flavors. It’s a treat for your taste buds!
This cucumber, onion, and tomato salad is more than a simple dish. It’s a healthy eating gateway, perfect for warm summer days. It celebrates fresh ingredients, just like the Mediterranean diet, with vibrant flavors and health benefits.
The salad’s beauty is in its simplicity and flexibility. It’s great for backyard barbecues or quick lunches. Using quality, ripe vegetables turns a basic salad into a nourishing experience.
- Perfect for hot summer afternoons
- Packed with fresh vegetable nutrients
- Easy to prepare in minutes
Try it with grilled proteins or as a light meal on its own. For those new to Mediterranean-inspired recipes, this salad is a great start to heart-healthy eating.
“Eating fresh, colorful vegetables is the cornerstone of vibrant health.” – Nutritionist Sarah Green
Enjoy the joy of seasonal cooking. See how a simple salad can change your summer dining. Your taste buds and body will love this delicious, healthy dish.
RECIPE CARD
Get ready to turn simple garden veggies into a vibrant salad. This cucumber, onion, and tomato salad is quick and refreshing. It’s perfect for summer gatherings or a light lunch.
Ingredients
You’ll need fresh ingredients for this easy salad. You’ll need 2 medium cucumbers, 1 red onion, and 3 ripe tomatoes. Add fresh dill, olive oil, red wine vinegar, salt, and black pepper. You can also add crumbled feta cheese or fresh parsley for extra flavor.
Equipment Needed
No fancy gadgets needed for this salad! You’ll need a sharp knife, cutting board, mixing bowl, and a whisk or fork. A serving platter or individual plates will complete your presentation.
Instructions
Begin by washing and chopping the veggies into uniform pieces. Slice cucumbers thin, dice tomatoes, and thinly slice the red onion. Mix olive oil, vinegar, salt, and pepper for a zesty dressing.
Gently combine the veggies, drizzle with dressing, and let it sit for 10 minutes. This allows the flavors to blend before serving chilled.
Enjoy this versatile salad as a side dish or light meal. It brings Mediterranean freshness to your table with minimal effort.
FAQ
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Crisp Cucumber, Onion, and Tomato Salad: A Fresh Mediterranean-Style Recipe
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Small whisk or fork
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
Ingredients
- 2 large cucumbers thinly sliced
- 3 ripe tomatoes chopped or sliced
- ½ red onion thinly sliced
- ¼ cup fresh parsley or basil chopped
- ¼ cup feta cheese crumbles optional
- For the Dressing:
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar or fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 clove garlic minced
Instructions
- Prepare the Vegetables
- Wash and dry the cucumbers, tomatoes, and parsley (or basil).
- Thinly slice the cucumbers and onions, and chop the tomatoes into bite-sized pieces.
- Make the Dressing
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, honey, oregano, salt, pepper, and minced garlic until well combined.
- Assemble the Salad
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cucumbers, tomatoes, and onions.
- Pour the dressing over the vegetables and toss gently to coat.
- Garnish and Serve
- Sprinkle chopped parsley or basil over the top.
- Add feta cheese crumbles if desired.
- Serve immediately or refrigerate for 15–30 minutes for enhanced flavor.
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