Oh, friends, there’s nothing quite like a sunny day, is there? And with those warm rays comes the craving for something light and bright. My kitchen often becomes a haven for fresh produce, especially when summer hits.
That’s when this incredible Cucumber Tomato & Onion Summer Salad truly shines! It’s a dish that feels like a gentle breeze on a hot afternoon. This isn’t just a salad; it’s a quick solution for those busy days. It’s also a dish that will impress your loved ones without hours of effort. Trust me, it’s going to be your new go-to.
Why You’ll Love This Cucumber Tomato & Onion Summer Salad
I just know you’ll adore this Cucumber Tomato & Onion Summer Salad! It’s ridiculously easy to throw together, perfect for those whirlwind days. Plus, the fresh, crisp flavors are simply divine. It’s a healthy choice that doesn’t skimp on taste. This salad brings joy to any meal.
Ingredients for Your Cucumber Tomato & Onion Summer Salad
Gathering your ingredients is half the fun, don’t you think? For this delightful **Cucumber Tomato & Onion Summer Salad**, we’re focusing on fresh, vibrant produce.
- First up, we need some crisp cucumbers. I just love their cool crunch, a true summer staple.
- Then, juicy, ripe tomatoes are essential, bursting with sun-kissed sweetness. They add that beautiful splash of color.
- A touch of red onion brings a lovely, zesty bite. It really wakes up the other flavors.
- For our simple dressing, we’ll use tangy apple cider vinegar. It provides a bright, acidic lift.
- Good quality olive oil is next; it gives our dressing a smooth, rich base. Always reach for the best you have!
- A little sugar balances everything out. It just rounds off the sharp edges.
- Of course, salt enhances all the natural goodness. And freshly ground black pepper adds a subtle kick.
- Finally, for an optional but highly recommended touch, fresh dill. Its feathery fronds bring an aromatic, herbaceous note that sings of summer. You can find the exact quantities for each of these wonderful ingredients at the bottom of the article, perfect for printing!
How to Make Cucumber Tomato & Onion Summer Salad
Making this salad is truly a breeze, I promise! It’s all about simple steps and fresh ingredients coming together. You’ll be amazed at how quickly this delicious **Cucumber Tomato & Onion Summer Salad** comes to life.
Preparing Your Fresh Vegetables
First, let’s get our veggies ready. Grab those lovely cucumbers, then gently peel them. I always find a good peeler makes this job so easy!
Next, slice them into nice, even 1/4-inch rounds. Consistency helps everything soak up the dressing beautifully.
Then, take your ripe tomatoes. Cut them into tidy 1/2-inch cubes. You want bite-sized pieces, perfect for forkfuls!
Finally, for the red onion, slice it thinly. If you’re sensitive to onion, remember my tip about soaking it in ice water; it really mellows the flavor.
Crafting the Perfect Dressing
Now, for the heart of our **Cucumber Tomato & Onion Summer Salad**: the dressing! It’s super simple, yet so flavorful.
In a small bowl, whisk together your apple cider vinegar. This is our tangy base, bright and zesty.
Then, drizzle in the olive oil. It adds a lovely richness and helps carry all the flavors.
Stir in the sugar next. It perfectly balances the acidity of the vinegar, a little secret weapon!
Don’t forget the salt and pepper. These seasonings bring everything to life, truly making the flavors pop.
Combining and Chilling Your Cucumber Tomato & Onion Summer Salad
Almost there, my friends! This step brings all our beautiful components together.
In a large bowl, gently combine the sliced cucumbers and cubed tomatoes. Aren’t those colors just gorgeous?
Add the thinly sliced red onion to the bowl. Everything looks so fresh and inviting.
Now, pour that wonderful dressing over the vegetables. Toss everything gently, making sure every piece gets coated. We want all those flavors to mingle!
If you’re using fresh dill, now’s the time to stir it in. Its aroma is just heavenly.
Cover the bowl and pop it in the fridge. Let it chill for at least 30 minutes; this lets the flavors meld into something magical.
The Art of Serving Your Summer Creation
Serving this **Cucumber Tomato & Onion Summer Salad** is the best part! It’s ready to brighten any table.
Once chilled, give it another gentle toss. This ensures the dressing is well distributed.
Serve it nice and cold. The crispness of the chilled vegetables is just so refreshing.
It’s perfect as a light lunch or a vibrant side dish. Enjoy every delicious bite!
Tips for Success
- Choose firm, fresh cucumbers and ripe, red tomatoes. This makes all the difference!
- Don’t skip the chilling step; it lets the flavors truly become one.
- For less pungent onion, soak slices in ice water for 10-15 minutes. It mellows the bite.
- Taste the dressing before adding to the salad. Adjust sugar or salt as needed.
- If making ahead, add dill just before serving for best flavor.
Variations on the Cucumber Tomato & Onion Summer Salad
- Add some crumbled feta cheese for a salty, creamy tang. It pairs wonderfully with the fresh veggies.
- For a Mediterranean twist, toss in some Kalamata olives. Their briny flavor is just delightful.
- Stir in a can of drained chickpeas for added protein. This makes it a heartier, more filling meal.
- Try a different vinegar, like white wine vinegar or red wine vinegar. Each offers a unique flavor profile.
- Incorporate other fresh herbs like parsley or mint. They bring a new layer of aroma and taste.
- For a touch of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes. It gives a subtle, pleasant kick.
- Swap out red onion for thinly sliced green onions. They offer a milder onion flavor.
- A squeeze of fresh lemon juice can brighten everything up. It adds another layer of zest.
FAQs about Cucumber Tomato & Onion Summer Salad
Can I make Cucumber Tomato & Onion Summer Salad ahead of time?
Yes, absolutely! You can prepare this delightful **Cucumber Tomato & Onion Summer Salad** a few hours in advance. I often do this for gatherings.
Just remember to let it chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This really allows those wonderful flavors to meld beautifully.
What are some substitutions for the red onion in this Cucumber Tomato & Onion Summer Salad?
If red onion isn’t your favorite, no worries! You have options for your **Cucumber Tomato & Onion Summer Salad**. I understand some prefer a milder taste.
You could use thinly sliced green onions for a gentler onion flavor. Shallots are also a fantastic, delicate alternative, offering a subtle sweetness.
How long does Cucumber Tomato & Onion Summer Salad last in the refrigerator?
This fresh **Cucumber Tomato & Onion Summer Salad** is best enjoyed within 24 hours. The cucumbers stay nice and crisp.
However, leftovers can still be stored in an airtight container for up to 2-3 days. The texture might soften a bit, but the taste remains lovely.
Can I add other vegetables to this Cucumber Tomato & Onion Summer Salad?
Oh, definitely! This **Cucumber Tomato & Onion Summer Salad** is incredibly versatile. I love experimenting with seasonal produce.
Bell peppers, especially yellow or orange, add a lovely crunch and sweetness. Consider adding some thinly sliced radishes for a peppery kick, too!
Final Thoughts
And there you have it, my friends! This **Cucumber Tomato & Onion Summer Salad** is more than just a recipe. It’s a little slice of summer sunshine in a bowl. It brings such joy to my table, and I hope it does to yours too.
It’s the perfect blend of fresh, crisp, and tangy, a true celebration of simple ingredients. So next time you’re looking for something refreshing and easy, give this salad a try. You’ll be so glad you did!
PrintCucumber Tomato & Onion Summer Salad: Cool Off!
A refreshing and easy-to-make summer salad featuring crisp cucumbers, ripe tomatoes, and pungent red onion, all tossed in a simple vinaigrette.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes (including chilling)
- Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: No Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 2 cucumbers, peeled and sliced 1/4-inch thick
- 2–3 medium tomatoes, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the sliced cucumbers, cubed tomatoes, and thinly sliced red onion.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the apple cider vinegar, olive oil, sugar, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the dressing over the vegetables and toss gently to coat.
- If using, stir in the fresh chopped dill.
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
- Serve chilled.
Notes
- For extra flavor, you can add a pinch of dried oregano or a minced garlic clove to the dressing.
- This salad is best served within 24 hours, but leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days.
- If you prefer a less pungent onion flavor, you can soak the sliced red onion in ice water for 10-15 minutes before adding it to the salad.
- Feel free to experiment with other herbs like fresh parsley or mint.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Approximately 1 cup
- Calories: 80-120
- Sugar: 3-5g
- Sodium: 200-300mg
- Fat: 5-8g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5-1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4.5-7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8-12g
- Fiber: 2-3g
- Protein: 1-2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
