Imagine a refreshing dish that captures the essence of summer in every crisp, tangy bite. Our Marinated Cucumbers, Tomatoes, and Onions salad is not just a side dish—it's a flavor explosion that will transform your meal from ordinary to extraordinary! With its vibrant colors, zesty marinade, and incredibly simple preparation, this recipe is about to become your new go-to summer sensation that will impress everyone from family gatherings to backyard barbecues.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: -
Total Time: 10 mins
Cuisine: Salad
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cucumbers, sliced
- 2 tomatoes, chopped
- 1 onion, sliced
- 1/4 cup vinegar
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Wash all fresh produce thoroughly under cool running water to remove any dirt or potential contaminants.
- Using a sharp knife, slice cucumbers into thin, uniform rounds approximately 1/8 inch thick. For a more decorative look, you can use a mandoline slicer.
- Chop tomatoes into medium-sized chunks, removing the stem area. Aim for pieces roughly 1/2 inch in size for consistent texture.
- Peel the onion and slice it into thin, translucent rings or half-moons, depending on your preference.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine sliced cucumbers, chopped tomatoes, and sliced onions.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together vinegar, olive oil, sugar, salt, and pepper until the sugar dissolves and ingredients are well incorporated.
- Pour the prepared marinade over the vegetable mixture, gently tossing to ensure all vegetables are evenly coated.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld together. For best results, let marinate up to 2 hours.
- Before serving, give the salad a gentle stir and taste, adjusting seasoning if needed.
- Serve chilled as a refreshing side dish or light summer salad.
Tips
- Choose fresh, firm vegetables for the best texture and flavor. Look for crisp cucumbers and ripe, but not overripe tomatoes.
- For extra flavor depth, consider adding fresh herbs like chopped dill or basil to the marinade.
- Use a mandoline slicer for uniformly thin cucumber slices, which helps the vegetables absorb the marinade more evenly.
- Allow the salad to marinate for at least 30 minutes, but avoid letting it sit longer than 2 hours to prevent the vegetables from becoming too soggy.
- For a more complex flavor profile, experiment with different types of vinegar like apple cider or white wine vinegar.
- If you prefer less acidity, reduce the vinegar amount and add a splash of water to balance the marinade.
- Serve chilled for the most refreshing experience, and consider garnishing with a sprinkle of fresh cracked black pepper just before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 154kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: 1g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
