This delightful and healthy cucumber tomato onion salad recipe is the perfect choice for any meal, whether it’s a quick lunch, a refreshing side dish, or a tasty addition to your dinner spread.
It’s made with the freshest ingredients, bursting with colors and flavors that will awaken your taste buds.
Imagine biting into crisp and juicy cucumbers, paired with sweet and tangy tomatoes and crunchy onions. This salad is the perfect way to showcase the best of what the season has to offer. It’s light, refreshing, and perfect for any occasion, whether you’re having a backyard BBQ or a cozy indoor meal.
Table of Contents
Ingredients for cucumber tomato onion salad
- Fresh cucumbers
- Ripe tomatoes
- Red onions
- Fresh parsley
- Lemon juice
- Olive oil
- Salt and black pepper (to taste)
How to make cucumber tomato onion salad
To make a refreshing and healthy cucumber tomato onion salad, start by preparing your vegetables. Peel and slice two large cucumbers into rounds, slice four ripe tomatoes into wedges, and thinly slice one small red onion. Wash and chop a handful of fresh parsley and set it aside.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the sliced cucumbers, tomatoes, and red onion. Add the chopped parsley to the mixture and stir gently to distribute it evenly throughout the vegetables.
Next, prepare the salad dressing by whisking together two tablespoons of lemon juice and two tablespoons of olive oil in a small mixing bowl. Add salt and black pepper to taste, whisking the dressing until well combined.
Pour the dressing over the vegetables in the large mixing bowl, using a spoon or spatula to toss everything together until the vegetables are evenly coated with the dressing. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Before serving, give the salad a quick toss to redistribute the dressing and ensure that all the vegetables are evenly coated. Taste the salad and adjust the seasoning as necessary, adding more salt or pepper as desired.
What to serve with cucumber tomato onion salad
Cucumber tomato onion salad is a dish that offers endless possibilities for pairing with other foods. So, let’s dive into some creative ideas for what to serve with cucumber tomato onion salad:
Grilled meats: This salad is an excellent side dish for grilled chicken, steak, or seafood.
Mediterranean dishes: Cucumber tomato onion salad complements many Mediterranean dishes, such as falafel, hummus, or pita bread.
Sandwiches: Serve this salad alongside sandwiches for a fresh and healthy meal. It pairs well with turkey, chicken, or vegetarian options like grilled vegetable sandwiches.
BBQ and picnic foods: This salad is perfect for outdoor events and pairs well with BBQ classics like hot dogs, hamburgers, and potato salad.
Roasted vegetables: Pair the salad with roasted vegetables like eggplant, zucchini, and bell peppers for a colorful and nutritious meal.
Occasions to serve cucumber tomato onion salad
Here are some ideas for when to serve it:
Summer picnics and barbecues: This salad is a perfect side dish for outdoor gatherings and complements grilled meats, burgers, and hot dogs.
Family dinners: Whether you’re having a casual weeknight meal or a more formal dinner party, this salad is an excellent addition to any menu.
Potlucks and parties: Bring this salad to your next potluck or party, and it’s sure to be a hit! It’s easy to transport, and everyone will appreciate a healthy and flavorful option.
Lunches and snacks: Pack this salad for lunch or a mid-day snack to keep you feeling refreshed and energized.
Brunches: Serve this salad as part of a brunch spread alongside quiches, frittatas, or pastries.
How to store cucumber tomato onion salad
Proper storage of cucumber tomato onion salad is crucial to keep it fresh and safe to eat. Here are some tips on how to store this salad:
Refrigerate promptly: After preparing the salad, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate it as soon as possible. Ideally, it should be stored within two hours of making it.
Use an airtight container: Store the salad in an airtight container to prevent it from drying out or absorbing any unwanted flavors from the fridge.
Consume within three days: Cucumber tomato onion salad is best when consumed within three days of making it. After that, the vegetables may start to break down, and the flavors may become less fresh.
Mix before serving: Before serving the salad, give it a quick toss to redistribute the dressing and ensure that all the vegetables are evenly coated.
You can keep your cucumber tomato onion salad fresh and delicious for several days by following these simple tips.
Cucumber tomato onion salad FAQs
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Can I use different types of onions in this salad?
Can I add other vegetables to this salad?
Can I use a different type of vinegar instead of lemon juice?
Can I add cheese or nuts to this salad?
Customize this recipe with other fresh herbs, such as mint or basil, or sprinkle with balsamic vinegar or apple cider vinegar instead of lemon juice. With this recipe on hand, you’ll never be at a loss when you need a quick and easy salad on the dinner table in no time.
Cucumber Tomato Onion Salad Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 large cucumbers peeled and sliced into rounds
- 4 ripe tomatoes sliced into wedges
- 1 small red onion thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley chopped
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the sliced cucumbers, tomatoes, red onion, and chopped parsley.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and black pepper to make the dressing.
- Pour the dressing over the vegetables and toss to coat evenly.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Before serving, give the salad a quick toss to redistribute the dressing and ensure that all the vegetables are evenly coated.
- Serve the cucumber tomato onion salad chilled.