Marinated Tomatoes And Cucumbers
A refreshing and tangy marinated vegetable salad featuring tomatoes, cucumbers, and onions, flavored with lemon, garlic, and basil—perfect for light, summer meals or as a side dish.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Arrange sliced tomatoes, cucumbers, and onion in a 2-quart shallow baking dish.
- In a bowl, combine vegetable oil, lemon juice, sugar, basil leaves, and chopped garlic to make the marinade.
- Pour the marinade over the arranged vegetables in the dish.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow flavors to meld.
- Serve garnished with lettuce leaves and bacon bits if desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider incorporating fresh herbs like dill or parsley into the marinade. If you prefer a sweeter dressing, you can substitute honey for sugar. To enhance the dish's freshness, opt for heirloom tomatoes and English cucumbers. This salad also complements Mediterranean recipes beautifully, so feel free to serve it alongside dishes like Eggplant Casserole(Moussaka) or Greek Macaroni.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this vibrant salad as a refreshing side dish at summer barbecues or family gatherings. It pairs wonderfully with grilled meats or sandwiches and can be served alongside dishes like Spinach Pie Without Crust for a satisfying meal. Garnishing with crispy bacon bits adds a delightful crunch, making it a hit at any table.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The flavors will continue to develop, but the vegetables may become slightly softer. Avoid reheating, as this dish is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature. Serve it fresh to maintain the crispness of the cucumbers and tomatoes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Marinated Tomatoes And Cucumbers contains roughly 123 calories, with 6g protein, 14g carbohydrates, and 5g fat. It is a good source of vitamin C (19% of the Daily Value), protein (12% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (11% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 3g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the salad up to a day in advance. Just keep it covered in the refrigerator. The marinating time allows the flavors to meld beautifully, but make sure to add the bacon bits just before serving to keep them crispy.
What can I substitute for lemon juice?
If you don't have lemon juice on hand, vinegar can be a good alternative. Apple cider vinegar or red wine vinegar will provide a similar tanginess. Just adjust the amount to taste, as vinegar can be more potent than lemon juice.
Is this recipe suitable for a vegan diet?
Yes, this recipe is naturally vegan! All the ingredients are plant-based, making it a perfect option for those following a vegan diet. Just ensure that any bacon bits used are also vegan, or you can omit them for a lighter dish.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).