Cucumber, Onion, and Tomato Salad
Description: This refreshing and tangy salad is a perfect blend of crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, and pungent onions, all brought together with a zesty dressing. It’s not only simple to make but also incredibly delicious, especially after it has marinated in the refrigerator, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
Ingredients:
- 3 ripe tomatoes (medium-sized), diced into bite-sized pieces
- 3 English cucumbers (or any variety you prefer), thinly sliced
- 1 large red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup of high-quality vinegar (such as red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar)
- 1 teaspoon of freshly cracked black pepper
- 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
- 2 teaspoons of salt (adjust to taste)
- 1 cup of cold water
- 1/4 cup of extra virgin olive oil
Instructions:
- Preparation: Wash and prepare the tomatoes, cucumbers, and onion as indicated. You can peel the cucumbers partially or entirely based on your preference. For a more rustic look, you can leave the skin on.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced tomatoes, sliced cucumbers, and thinly sliced onions.
- Prepare Dressing: In a separate bowl, whisk together the vinegar, cracked pepper, sugar, salt, water, and olive oil until the sugar and salt are dissolved completely. This dressing provides a perfect balance of tanginess, sweetness, and savory notes.
- Marinate: Pour the dressing over the vegetables, ensuring they are evenly coated. Gently toss the salad to combine all the ingredients thoroughly.
- Chill: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer the salad to an airtight container. Let it chill in the refrigerator for at least 1-2 hours, or preferably overnight. This chilling time allows the flavors to meld together, resulting in a more flavorful salad.
- Serve: Once properly chilled, give the salad a final gentle toss before serving. It’s now ready to be enjoyed as a refreshing side dish or a light meal on its own.
Additional Tips:
- Variations: Feel free to customize this salad to your liking by adding other ingredients such as bell peppers, olives, or feta cheese for an extra burst of flavor and texture.
- Storage: Leftover salad can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Make sure to keep it covered to preserve its freshness.
- Presentation: Garnish the salad with fresh herbs like parsley or basil just before serving to add a pop of color and freshness.
- Health Benefits: This salad is not only delicious but also nutritious, packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants from the fresh vegetables and olive oil.
Enjoy this vibrant and flavorful salad as a refreshing addition to any meal or as a light and healthy snack!
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