This delicious Cucumber Tomato Onion Salad comes together in minutes and marinates in a homemade balsamic vinaigrette dressing. This is the perfect fresh side dish to serve alongside just about any protein or to eat by itself.
I love the combination of tomato, cucumbers, and onions. When I have an abundance of cucumbers and tomatoes or simply craving a crunchy and refreshing salad I will make a big batch of my Tomato Cucumber Onion Salad tossed with a homemade balsamic dressing. This vibrant and refreshing salad not only boasts a delightful mix of colors and textures but also offers a plethora of health benefits.
Whether you’re seeking a quick side dish for your next meal or aiming to incorporate more fresh vegetables into your diet, this simple yet flavorful salad is the perfect choice. With its impressive nutritional profile, ease of preparation, and versatility in pairing with various dishes, the Cucumber Tomato Onion Salad is a must-have recipe for every cook. I mostly find myself making this simple salad during the summer months when I just want something cold. I like to pair this salad with my grilled lemon chicken, air fryer pork tenderloin, or my grilled chicken strips. If you love all the vegetables, I hope you’ll give this recipe a try.
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Why this Recipe Works
Health Benefits – Tomato Cucumber Onion Salad is packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Tomatoes are rich in vitamins C and K, potassium, and lycopene, which is known for its cancer-fighting properties. Cucumbers provide hydration and are a good source of vitamin K, while onions offer vitamins B and C and have anti-inflammatory properties. This salad is a low-calorie option that can support overall health and well-being.
Versatility and Pairing – Tomato Cucumber Onion Salad is highly versatile and can be paired with a wide variety of dishes. It complements grilled meats, seafood, and even vegetarian mains. It can also be customized to suit different taste preferences by adding ingredients like feta cheese, olives, herbs, or avocados. Its refreshing taste and texture make it a great side dish for barbecues, picnics, or everyday meals.
Simplicity and Quick Preparation – This salad is incredibly easy to make and requires minimal ingredients and preparation time. With just tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, a bit of seasoning, and perhaps a drizzle of olive oil and vinegar, you can have a fresh and flavorful dish ready in minutes. It’s perfect for those who need a quick meal solution without compromising on taste or nutritional value.
Ingredients
- Tomatoes – I like to use firmer plum tomatoes that I’ll chop into bite-size pieces.
- Cucumbers – One cucumber is all you need to make this delicious salad. I like to peel them but you can keep the peels on to save time if you wish.
- Onion – I prefer to use a red onion as they are sweeter and not as pungent.
- Oil – A high quality olive oil is what you’ll need for the base of the dressing.
- Vinegar – Just like oil you want to find the highest quality of balsamic vinegar.
- Spices – I use a blend of salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning to add into the dressing.
- Garlic – One fresh clove of garlic put through a press works perfect for this recipe.
Directions
First, to make the dressing you will need a small bowl. Add all the ingredients for the dressing, whisk until incorporated, and place to the side.
Next, cut the tomatoes into 1-inch chunks, peel the cucumber and cut into 1-inch chunks. Next, thinly slice the red onion. Place all the vegetables in a large bowl.
Pour the dressing on top, mix well, and chill for 15-30 minutes.
FAQs
To prevent the salad from becoming too watery, you can deseed the tomatoes and cucumbers before chopping them. Additionally, lightly salting the cucumbers and letting them sit for a few minutes before draining can help reduce excess moisture.
Yes, you can prepare the ingredients ahead of time, but it’s best to combine them and add the dressing just before serving to maintain freshness and texture. If you need to store the salad, keep it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one day.
There are many variations you can experiment with. Add ingredients like feta cheese, olives, avocados, bell peppers, or even chickpeas for extra flavor and texture. You can also try different dressings, such as a balsamic vinaigrette or a yogurt-based dressing.
Tomato Cucumber Onion Salad is naturally gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegan, making it suitable for a wide range of dietary preferences and restrictions. It’s also low in calories and can fit well into most healthy eating plans.
Recipe Tips & Tricks
Here are a few of my favorite tips and tricks whenever I make Tomato Cucumber Onion Salad.
- Uniform Slicing – Slice the vegetables uniformly for a consistent texture and presentation. Use a mandolin slicer for even slices if you have one.
- Add Optional Ingredients – For added texture and flavor, consider adding crumbled feta cheese, sliced olives, or diced bell peppers.
- Let it Marinate – Let the salad sit for about 15-20 minutes after dressing to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Balsamic Dressing – Don’t have time? No worries, use store bought balsamic dressing.
- Serve Chilled – This salad is best served chilled. Refrigerate it for a short time before serving, but not too long, as the tomatoes can become mealy.
Salad Side Dishes
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Cucumber Tomato Onion Salad
Equipment
Ingredients
Ingredients for the Dressing:
- 3 tablespoons Extra-virgin olive oil
- 3 tablespoons Balsamic vinegar
- 1 clove Garlic pressed
- ¼ teaspoon Salt
- ⅛ teaspoon Black pepper
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
Ingredients for the Salad:
- 3 Plum Tomatoes chopped
- 1 Cucumber peeled and chopped
- ¼ red onion thinly sliced
Instructions
- In a bowl add all the ingredients for the dressing, mix well, and place to the side.
- Next, cut the tomatoes into 1-inch chunks, peel the cucumber and cut into 1-inch chunks. Next, thinly slice the red onion. Place all the vegetables in a large bowl. Pour the dressing on top, mix well, and chill for 15-30 minutes.
Notes
- Uniform Slicing – Slice the vegetables uniformly for a consistent texture and presentation. Use a mandolin slicer for even slices if you have one.
- Add Optional Ingredients – For added texture and flavor, consider adding crumbled feta cheese, sliced olives, or diced bell peppers.
- Let it Marinate – Let the salad sit for about 15-20 minutes after dressing to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Serve Chilled – This salad is best served chilled. Refrigerate it for a short time before serving, but not too long, as the tomatoes can become mealy.
- Balsamic Dressing – Don’t have time? No worries, use store bought balsamic dressing.
Did you make this recipe? Let me know!