🥒🍅🧅 Cucumber Tomato Onion Salad
A refreshing, hydrating, and tangy salad perfect for warm weather. Crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, and sharp onions come together in a simple vinaigrette that enhances their natural flavors. This is the taste of summer in a bowl!
🛒 Ingredients:
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved 🍅
- 1 large cucumber, sliced into half-moons 🥒
- 1/2 medium red onion, thinly sliced 🧅
- 2 tablespoons olive oil 🫒
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar (or lemon juice) 🍋
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano 🌿
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Optional: 1 tablespoon fresh parsley or basil, chopped 🌿
🥗 Instructions:
- Prep the Vegetables:
Slice the cucumber and halve the cherry tomatoes. Thinly slice the red onion. - Make the Dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, oregano, salt, and pepper. - Combine & Toss:
In a large salad bowl, mix the cucumbers, tomatoes, and onions. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently. - Chill & Serve:
Let the salad sit for 10–15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld, or refrigerate for up to 2 hours before serving.
📝 Notes:
- Red onions can be soaked in cold water for 10 minutes beforehand to reduce their sharpness.
- English cucumbers or Persian cucumbers work best as they have thinner skin and fewer seeds.
- For extra brightness, add a splash of lemon juice or zest.
💡 Tips:
- Add crumbled feta cheese or mozzarella pearls for a Mediterranean twist.
- Toss in some avocado or chickpeas to make it more filling.
- This salad pairs well with grilled meats, fish, or crusty bread.
🍽 Servings:
Serves 4 as a side dish.
🔢 Nutritional Info (Per Serving):
- Calories: ~90
- Fat: 7g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 1.5g
- Sugars: 3g
- Protein: 1g
- Sodium: ~100mg
(Varies slightly depending on tomato and cucumber size)
🌟 Health Benefits:
- Hydrating: High water content from cucumbers and tomatoes.
- Low in calories and fat: Great for weight management.
- Rich in antioxidants: Especially from red onions and tomatoes.
- Digestive support: Thanks to fiber and raw veggie enzymes.
- Heart-healthy fats: Olive oil supports cardiovascular health.
❓ Q & A:
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Yes! It’s best eaten within 1 day. Just keep the dressing separate and toss before serving to avoid sogginess.
Q: Can I add protein to make it a full meal?
A: Definitely—add grilled chicken, shrimp, tuna, or even a scoop of quinoa or beans.
Q: What’s a good substitute for red wine vinegar?
A: Use apple cider vinegar, balsamic vinegar (for a sweeter note), or fresh lemon juice.
Q: Can I use regular tomatoes instead of cherry?
A: Yes, just chop them into bite-sized pieces and drain excess juice if needed.