Name: Cucumber, Tomato & Onion Salad Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil; 2 tablespoons vinegar (red wine, white wine, or rice wine); 2 teaspoons kosher salt; 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper; 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder; 4 cups halved cherry tomatoes (about 1 1/2 lb.); 1 English cucumber, quartered lengthwise, thinly sliced; 1/2 medium red onion, thinly sliced; 1/2 cup coarsely chopped fresh herbs (such as basil, cilantro, dill, mint, and/or parsley)

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Introduction

This Cucumber, Tomato & Onion Salad is a fresh and vibrant side dish perfect for warm weather. With a simple vinaigrette and a mix of crisp vegetables and herbs, it pairs wonderfully with grilled meats or as a light snack.

A fresh salad is shown in a white plate with a deep shape, filled with layers of bright red cherry tomatoes, some whole and some sliced in half. Mixed with the tomatoes are light green cucumber pieces cut into small chunks, thin slices of red onion with a pale purple color, and fresh green herbs scattered throughout. The salad is lightly dressed with a shiny oil and sprinkled with coarse black pepper and salt crystals, which add texture on the surface. A silver spoon is partially visible, resting inside the plate, helping to serve the salad. The scene is set on a white marbled textured surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons vinegar (red wine, white wine, or rice wine)

2 teaspoons kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
4 cups halved cherry tomatoes (about 1 1/2 pounds)

1 English cucumber, quartered lengthwise and thinly sliced
1/2 medium red onion, thinly sliced
1/2 cup coarsely chopped fresh herbs (such as basil, cilantro, dill, mint, and/or parsley)

Instructions

Step 1: In a large bowl, whisk together the olive oil, vinegar, kosher salt, black pepper, and garlic powder until well combined.
Step 2: Add the halved cherry tomatoes, sliced cucumber, and sliced red onion to the dressing. Toss gently to coat all the vegetables evenly.
Step 3: Let the salad sit at room temperature for at least 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Alternatively, cover and refrigerate for up to 12 hours.

Step 4: Just before serving, sprinkle the chopped fresh herbs over the salad and toss lightly.

Tips & Variations

Use a mix of fresh herbs to customize the flavor based on what you have on hand or prefer.
If you like a bit of heat, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the dressing.

For extra crunch, toss in some toasted pine nuts or sliced almonds before serving.
Substitute red onion with thinly sliced sweet onion or shallots for a milder taste.

Storage

Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The vegetables may release more liquid over time, so give the salad a gentle toss before serving. It’s best enjoyed fresh and chilled, but it can be served at room temperature as well.

How to Serve

The image shows a vibrant salad with multiple layers of fresh vegetables. The bottom layer consists of green cucumber pieces with a smooth texture cut into small bite-sized chunks. Above it are bright red cherry tomatoes, some whole and some cut in half, with a glossy surface. Thin slices of purple-red onion are scattered throughout, adding a curly texture and color contrast. Fresh green herbs, such as parsley and dill, with delicate leaves, are mixed in evenly across the salad. The entire dish is sprinkled with coarse black pepper and finely chopped herbs, adding specks of dark and bright green. The salad rests on a white plate placed on a white marbled texture background photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of cucumbers?

Yes, you can use regular slicing cucumbers if you don’t have an English cucumber. Just remove the seeds if they are large and watery to avoid excess liquid in the salad.

How long can the salad marinate?

The salad benefits from marinating for at least 15 minutes to combine flavors, and it can be refrigerated for up to 12 hours before adding fresh herbs and serving. Beyond that, the texture may soften and become less crisp.