Are you craving a light, zesty, and incredibly easy-to-make dish that screams summer freshness? Look no further than this mouthwatering Marinated Cucumber Tomato Salad! Imagine crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, and tangy onions dancing together in a simple yet irresistible olive oil and vinegar dressing. This salad isn't just a side dish—it's a flavor explosion that will transform your meal from ordinary to extraordinary in just 15 minutes!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: -
Total Time: 15 mins
Cuisine: Gluten Free, Dairy Free
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cucumbers, sliced
- 3 tomatoes, diced
- 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh herbs (basil or parsley), optional
Instructions
- Begin by preparing all your ingredients. Wash the cucumbers and tomatoes thoroughly under running water. Pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel.
- Slice the cucumbers into thin rounds. If you prefer, you can peel them first, but leaving the skin on adds a nice crunch and color to the salad.
- Dice the tomatoes into bite-sized pieces. Ensure that you remove the core and any excess seeds to prevent the salad from becoming too watery.
- Peel and thinly slice the red onion. If you find raw onions too strong, you can soak the slices in cold water for about 10 minutes to mellow their flavor.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the sliced cucumbers, diced tomatoes, and thinly sliced red onion. Gently toss them together to mix.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together the olive oil and vinegar. You can use any type of vinegar you prefer, such as balsamic, red wine, or apple cider vinegar.
- Drizzle the olive oil and vinegar mixture over the salad. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Start with a pinch of salt and a few cracks of pepper, and adjust according to your preference.
- If using, chop fresh herbs such as basil or parsley and sprinkle them over the salad. This adds a fresh flavor and vibrant color.
- Gently toss the salad again to ensure all the ingredients are well coated with the dressing.
- Let the salad marinate for about 10 minutes at room temperature. This allows the flavors to meld together and enhances the overall taste.
- Once marinated, give the salad a final gentle toss and taste for seasoning. Adjust with more salt, pepper, or herbs if needed.
- Serve the marinated cucumber tomato salad in individual bowls or on a large serving platter. Enjoy this refreshing dish as a side or light meal!
Tips
- Choose the freshest ingredients possible - ripe tomatoes and crisp cucumbers make all the difference
- For a milder onion flavor, soak sliced red onions in cold water for 10 minutes before adding to the salad
- Experiment with different vinegars like balsamic or apple cider for unique flavor profiles
- Let the salad marinate for at least 10 minutes to allow flavors to fully develop
- For extra freshness, add herbs like basil or parsley just before serving
- If you prefer less liquid, drain excess marinade after the 10-minute resting period
- This salad tastes even better the next day, so don't be afraid to make it in advance!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 148kcal
Carbohydrates: 6g
Protein: 1g
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 0mg
