Classic Cucumber, Tomato & Onion Salad

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Article: The Ultimate Refreshing Cucumber, Tomato & Onion Salad

There is no salad more refreshing or nostalgic than a bowl of cucumbers, tomatoes, and onions. It is the taste of summer gardens and family cookouts.

What makes this salad so special is its simplicity. The crisp, cool cucumbers, the juicy, sweet tomatoes, and the sharp bite of the onion all come together in a light, tangy, and slightly sweet vinegar dressing. It takes just 10 minutes to throw together and gets better as it sits in the fridge, making it the ultimate make-ahead side dish.

Why you’ll love this recipe:

· ✅ Ready in 10 Minutes: No cooking required.
· ✅ Budget-Friendly: Made with cheap, fresh vegetables.
· ✅ Refreshing & Light: Perfect for hot summer days.
· ✅ Make-Ahead: The flavors deepen the longer it marinates.

Full Recipe: Classic Cucumber, Tomato & Onion Salad

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Chill Time: 30 minutes (optional, but recommended)
Yield: 4-6 servings

📝 Ingredients

For the Salad:

· Cucumbers: 2 large (or 4-5 mini cucumbers), thinly sliced.
· Tomatoes: 3 large ripe tomatoes, cut into wedges or chunks.
· Red or White Onion: ½ large, thinly sliced into rings. (Red onion adds beautiful color; white onion is milder).
· Fresh Herbs: 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh dill or parsley (optional, but highly recommended).

For the Dressing:

· Apple Cider Vinegar (or White Vinegar): ½ cup.
· Olive Oil: ¼ cup.
· Granulated Sugar: 2 tablespoons (adjust to taste).
· Salt: 1 teaspoon.
· Black Pepper: ½ teaspoon.
· Garlic: 1 clove, minced (optional).
· Red Pepper Flakes: ¼ teaspoon (optional, for a little heat).

🥣 Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables

  1. Wash the cucumbers and tomatoes thoroughly.
  2. Peel the cucumbers if desired (or leave the skin on for extra crunch). Slice them into thin rounds.
  3. Cut the tomatoes into bite-sized wedges or chunks.
  4. Peel and thinly slice the onion into half-moons.

Step 2: Make the Dressing

  1. In a small bowl or a jar with a lid, combine the apple cider vinegar, olive oil, sugar, salt, pepper, garlic (if using), and red pepper flakes (if using).
  2. Whisk or shake vigorously until the sugar and salt are dissolved and the dressing is well combined.

Step 3: Combine and Toss

  1. In a large bowl, combine the sliced cucumbers, tomatoes, onions, and fresh herbs.
  2. Pour the dressing over the vegetables and toss gently to coat.

Step 4: Chill and Serve

  1. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours) to allow the flavors to meld.
  2. Give it a quick stir before serving. Serve cold as a side dish with grilled meats, burgers, or sandwiches.

💡 Chef’s Pro Tips:

· The “Watery” Problem: Cucumbers and tomatoes release a lot of water. To prevent a watery salad, you can salt the sliced cucumbers in a colander for 15 minutes, then rinse and pat dry before adding them to the salad.


· Use Mini Cucumbers: English cucumbers or mini Persian cucumbers have fewer seeds and less water, making them ideal for this salad.


· Add Feta: For a Greek twist, add ½ cup of crumbled feta cheese and a handful of Kalamata olives.


· Make it a Meal: Add a can of drained chickpeas or some grilled chicken to turn this side dish into a complete, protein-packed lunch.


· Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The cucumbers will become softer the longer they sit.

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