🥗 Marinated Cucumber Tomato Salad
(So Fresh & Flavorful – Even Better the Next Day!)
📝 Description
This light and refreshing salad is loaded with crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, crunchy bell peppers, and red onions, all tossed in a tangy herb-infused dressing. The best part? It tastes even better after marinating overnight, making it the perfect make-ahead dish for picnics, BBQs, or meal prep!
📋 Ingredients
For the Salad:
- 1 large cucumber, diced or sliced
- 2 large tomatoes, diced
- 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 red bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 yellow bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 green bell pepper, diced
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
For the Dressing:
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar (or lemon juice)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (or 1 fresh minced garlic clove)
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar (optional, balances acidity)
👨🍳 Instructions
1. Prepare the Vegetables
- Wash and chop all the vegetables as listed above.
- Place them in a large mixing bowl.
2. Make the Dressing
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, vinegar (or lemon juice), oregano, basil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and sugar until well combined.
3. Mix & Marinate
- Pour the dressing over the vegetables.
- Toss everything together until well coated.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or overnight for best flavor!).
4. Serve & Enjoy
- Stir before serving and garnish with extra fresh parsley.
- Serve cold or at room temperature as a side dish or a light meal.
📌 Notes & Tips
✔ Let it marinate! The longer it sits, the better the flavors develop.
✔ Customize it! Add feta cheese, olives, chickpeas, or avocado for extra flavor.
✔ For a crunchier salad, serve it immediately instead of letting it marinate.
✔ Swap vinegar for lemon juice for a zesty twist.
✔ Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
🍽️ Servings & Nutritional Info (Per Serving – Approximate)
- Servings: 4-6
- Calories: ~80 kcal
- Carbs: ~8g
- Protein: ~1g
- Fat: ~5g
- Fiber: ~2g
- Sodium: ~200mg
💪 Health Benefits
✔ Hydrating & Low-Calorie – Perfect for weight management.
✔ Rich in Antioxidants – Tomatoes & peppers boost immunity.
✔ Heart-Healthy Fats – Olive oil provides good fats.
✔ Great for Digestion – Loaded with fiber from fresh veggies.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (Q&A)
❓ Can I make this salad ahead of time?
✔ Yes! It actually tastes better the next day as the flavors meld.
❓ Can I add protein?
✔ Yes! Try adding grilled chicken, chickpeas, feta, or tofu for extra protein.
❓ Can I use English cucumbers?
✔ Absolutely! English cucumbers have thinner skin and fewer seeds, making them perfect for this salad.
❓ What can I serve this with?
✔ Great with grilled meats, fish, sandwiches, wraps, or as a taco topping!
Would you like a variation with a creamy dressing or a Mediterranean twist? 😊