Marinated Cucumber, Tomato, and Onion Salad

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Why You’ll Love It

  • Flavor-packed & Hydrating: Crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, and sharp onions absorb a tangy, lightly sweet vinaigrette—delivering maximum taste with minimal effort.

  • Quick to Prep, Even Better to Chill: Ready in about 15 minutes, but letting it marinate for several hours (or overnight) transforms it into a lively, well-balanced dish .

  • Health Boost: Nutrient-rich veggies offer hydration, fiber, antioxidants (like lycopene and flavonoids), plus immune-supporting vitamins—making this salad as nutritious as it is delicious .

Ingredients (Serves 6)

  • 2–3 medium cucumbers, thinly sliced (English or peeled regular)

  • 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved (or 3–4 medium tomatoes chopped)

  • 1 medium red (or Vidalia) onion, thinly sliced

Marinade

  • ½ cup vinegar (white, apple cider, or red wine)

  • ¼ cup olive oil (or vegetable oil)

  • 1–2 Tbsp sugar or honey (optional, for a touch of sweetness)

  • 1 cup water (dilutes vinegar intensity)

  • 1 tsp salt, ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper

  • 1 tsp dried dill, oregano, basil, or parsley (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prep Veggies
    Wash and slice cucumbers and onions, cut tomatoes. Use unpeeled English cukes or peel regular ones and scoop seeds if watery

  2. Whisk Marinade
    In a large bowl, combine vinegar, oil, water, sugar, salt, pepper, and herbs. Adjust sweetness and tang to taste .

  3. Marinate
    Add vegetables and toss until coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes—ideally 2+ hours or overnight—tossing occasionally for even flavor.

  4. Serve
    Remove about 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to soften. Gently toss and garnish with fresh herbs if desired.

Pro Tips

  • Prevent Sogginess: Let sliced cucumbers sweat with salt, then pat dry before adding to reduce excess water .

  • Customize Easily: Add crumbled feta or mozzarella, mix in fresh herbs like basil or parsley, or include jalapeños for heat .

  • Prep Smart: Dice veggies a day ahead; whisk dressing just before mixing to maintain crunch .

Serving Suggestions

This salad is a perfect companion to grilled meats, fish, sandwiches, or BBQ. It’s great for picnics, potlucks, or as a light lunch on its own. In Iran, a similar mix—Shirazi salad—is a staple cold side with kebabs, while Pakistan/India’s kachumber variation includes mangoes and chili peppers.

Nutritional Highlights

  • Low-Cal & Hydrating: Cucumbers are ~95% water and low in calories, excellent for hydration and gentle on the stomach.

  • Vitamin-Rich: Tomatoes bring vitamins A & C and lycopene; onions add fiber and sulfur compounds—supporting digestion and immunity.

Final Thoughts

The Marinated Cucumber, Tomato & Onion Salad is a timeless summer classic—easy to assemble, full of color, flavor, and freshness. It’s versatile enough for weeknight dinners, elegant enough for entertaining, and healthy enough to enjoy guilt-free.

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