Tomato, Onion And Cucumber Salad
A fresh, vibrant salad featuring ripe tomatoes, crisp cucumber, and red onion, dressed with olive oil and red wine vinegar, perfect for light lunches or side dishes.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine the halved, seeded, and thinly sliced tomatoes, thinly sliced red onion, and halved, thinly sliced cucumber in a bowl.
- Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil and splash with red wine vinegar.
- Season with coarse salt and black pepper to taste.
- Toss gently to combine and let stand for 20 minutes before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a more vibrant flavor, let the salad sit at room temperature for 20 minutes before serving, allowing the tomatoes to release their juices. You can substitute the Kirby cucumber with Persian cucumbers if you prefer. Adding fresh herbs like basil or parsley can enhance the Mediterranean flair of this salad. Remember, using high-quality extra virgin olive oil makes a noticeable difference.
Serving Suggestions
This refreshing salad is perfect on its own or as a side dish to grilled meats or fish. It pairs beautifully with Mediterranean Marinated Vegetables for a colorful spread. Consider serving it alongside crusty bread or over a bed of greens for a light lunch. A sprinkle of feta cheese can also add a delightful creaminess.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The vegetables may release more liquid over time, so you might want to drain some before serving again. This salad is best enjoyed fresh, but if you have to reheat, gently warm it in a skillet to maintain the texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Tomato, Onion And Cucumber Salad contains roughly 468 calories, with 1g protein, 6g carbohydrates, and 50g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 502mg per serving (22% of the Daily Value).
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?
While this salad tastes best fresh, you can prepare the ingredients a few hours in advance. Just wait to combine them until right before serving to prevent the cucumbers from becoming soggy. Dressing the salad just before serving keeps the flavors bright and the texture crisp.
What other vegetables can I add?
Feel free to customize the salad by adding bell peppers, radishes, or even avocado for creaminess. Chopped herbs like dill or cilantro can also bring an extra layer of freshness. This recipe is versatile, allowing you to incorporate whatever fresh veggies you have on hand.
Is this salad suitable for a vegan diet?
Yes! This Tomato, Onion, and Cucumber Salad is entirely vegan, making it a great option for plant-based diets. The use of fresh vegetables and olive oil provides healthy fats and flavors without any animal products. It’s a refreshing choice for anyone looking for vegan recipes.
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).