Why you will love this recipe:
This Marinated Cucumber, Onion, and Tomato Salad is the epitome of fresh, vibrant, and effortless eating. It’s the kind of recipe that shines during the warmer months when produce is at its peak, bursting with flavor. You’ll adore this salad because it’s incredibly simple to throw together, requiring minimal cooking skills but delivering maximum taste. The crispness of the cucumbers, the sharpness of the onions, and the juicy sweetness of the tomatoes are all perfectly balanced by a tangy, sweet, and slightly peppery marinade. What sets this salad apart is its versatility; it can be a light lunch, a refreshing side dish, or even a delightful topping for grilled meats or fish. The longer it marinates, the more the flavors meld and deepen, transforming simple ingredients into a complex and satisfying dish. Moreover, this salad is naturally gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegan, making it a crowd-pleaser for diverse dietary needs. It’s a fantastic way to incorporate more vegetables into your diet, offering a healthy and delicious alternative to heavier, more complicated dishes. The addition of fresh mint elevates the salad to another level, adding a cool, aromatic dimension that complements the other flavors beautifully. Finally, this recipe is incredibly adaptable; you can easily adjust the sweetness, tanginess, or spiciness to suit your personal preferences. Whether you’re hosting a barbecue, packing a picnic, or simply looking for a quick and healthy meal, this Marinated Cucumber, Onion, and Tomato Salad is guaranteed to become a staple in your kitchen.
Ingredients:
- 3 medium cucumbers, peeled and sliced into ¼-inch thick rounds
- 1 medium onion, sliced into thin rings
- 3 medium tomatoes, cut into wedges
- 1/2 cup vinegar (white vinegar, apple cider vinegar, or red wine vinegar all work well)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup water
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil or olive oil
- 1 teaspoon chopped fresh mint (optional, but highly recommended)
Preparation:
Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables:
Begin by thoroughly washing all the vegetables. Peel the cucumbers completely to remove the outer skin, ensuring a smoother texture in the final salad. Slice the cucumbers into approximately ¼-inch thick rounds. This thickness allows the cucumber to absorb the marinade without becoming too soggy. Next, peel the onion and slice it into thin rings. If you find that the onion rings are too large, you can gently separate them into smaller pieces. Wash and dry the tomatoes, then cut them into wedges. The size of the wedges should be proportionate to the cucumber slices and onion rings, creating a visually appealing and texturally balanced salad.
Step 2: Combine the Vegetables:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the sliced cucumbers, onion rings, and tomato wedges. Toss them gently to ensure an even distribution. This step is crucial as it lays the foundation for the marinade to penetrate each vegetable effectively. Make sure the bowl is large enough to accommodate all the ingredients with room to spare, making it easier to toss the salad without spilling.
Step 3: Prepare the Marinade:
In a separate bowl, prepare the marinade. Start by pouring the vinegar into the bowl. Add the sugar, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Stir the mixture vigorously until the sugar and salt are completely dissolved. This is important to ensure that the marinade is evenly flavored and that no gritty sugar or salt remains. Once the sugar and salt are dissolved, slowly whisk in the vegetable oil or olive oil. Whisking the oil in gradually helps to emulsify the marinade, creating a more cohesive and flavorful dressing.
Step 4: Marinate the Vegetables:
Pour the prepared marinade over the vegetables in the large mixing bowl. Gently toss the vegetables with the marinade to ensure that each piece is thoroughly coated. The goal is to have every cucumber slice, onion ring, and tomato wedge immersed in the flavorful liquid. Once the vegetables are coated, cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap or transfer the salad to an airtight container.
Step 5: Chill and Marinate:
Place the covered bowl or container in the refrigerator. Allow the salad to marinate for at least 2 hours. However, for the best flavor, it is recommended to marinate the salad overnight. The longer the salad marinates, the more the flavors meld together, resulting in a richer, more complex taste. During the marinating process, the vegetables will release some of their moisture, which will further enhance the flavor of the marinade.
Before serving, give the salad another gentle toss to redistribute the marinade. If you are using fresh mint, stir it in just before serving to preserve its fresh flavor and aroma.
COOKING Rating:
Easy
Serving Suggestions:
- Side Dish: Serve alongside grilled chicken, fish, or steak for a light and refreshing complement.
- Lunch: Enjoy as a standalone light lunch, perhaps with a slice of crusty bread.
- Topping: Spoon over grilled burgers, hot dogs, or tacos for added flavor and texture.
- Salad Bar: Include it as part of a salad bar for parties or gatherings.
- Picnic: Pack it for a picnic – it travels well and is best served chilled.
Tips:
- Vinegar Choice: Experiment with different types of vinegar. White vinegar provides a classic tang, while apple cider vinegar adds a subtle fruity note. Red wine vinegar offers a more robust flavor.
- Sweetness Level: Adjust the amount of sugar to your liking. If you prefer a less sweet salad, reduce the sugar to 2 tablespoons.
- Onion Mellowing: If you find raw onions too strong, soak the sliced onions in cold water for 10-15 minutes before adding them to the salad. This will help to mellow their flavor.
- Cucumber Type: English cucumbers (also known as seedless cucumbers) are a great choice because they have thinner skin and fewer seeds.
- Mint Substitute: If you don’t have fresh mint, you can use other herbs like dill, parsley, or basil, but mint adds a unique refreshing element.
- Marinating Time: While 2 hours is the minimum, marinating overnight yields the best results. However, be mindful that the vegetables may become slightly softer the longer they marinate.
- Storage: This salad can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. However, the vegetables will lose some of their crispness over time.
Prep Time:
15 minutes
Cook Time:
0 minutes (marinating time is not considered cooking time)
Total Time:
2 hours 15 minutes (minimum, ideally overnight)
Nutritional Information: (per serving, approximate)
- Calories: 100
- Protein: 1g
- Sodium: 480mg (can vary depending on the amount of salt used)
Conclusion:
This Marinated Cucumber, Onion, and Tomato Salad is more than just a simple salad; it’s a celebration of fresh, vibrant flavors that come together in perfect harmony. It’s an incredibly versatile dish that can be enjoyed in countless ways, from a light and refreshing lunch to a flavorful side dish at a summer barbecue. The ease of preparation makes it an ideal recipe for busy weeknights, while its impressive taste makes it a crowd-pleaser for special occasions. The beauty of this salad lies in its simplicity and adaptability. You can easily adjust the ingredients and flavors to suit your personal preferences, making it a truly customized dish. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner in the kitchen, this Marinated Cucumber, Onion, and Tomato Salad is a guaranteed success. So, gather your fresh ingredients, whip up this flavorful marinade, and prepare to be amazed by the delightful simplicity of this classic salad. Enjoy!
Questions and Answers:
Q1: Can I use a different type of vinegar?
A: Absolutely! While the recipe calls for white vinegar, you can definitely experiment with other types of vinegar to find your favorite flavor profile. Apple cider vinegar will add a subtle fruity sweetness, while red wine vinegar will impart a more robust and tangy taste. Even balsamic vinegar, used sparingly, can add a rich, complex flavor. Just remember that each vinegar has a different intensity, so you might need to adjust the amount slightly to achieve the desired balance.
Q2: The onions are too strong for me. Is there anything I can do?
A: Yes, there’s a simple trick to mellow the flavor of raw onions. After slicing the onions, soak them in a bowl of cold water for about 10-15 minutes. This process helps to draw out some of the sulfur compounds that cause the sharp, pungent taste. You can even add a splash of vinegar to the water for an extra mellowing effect. After soaking, drain the onions thoroughly and pat them dry before adding them to the salad. This will significantly reduce their intensity without sacrificing their flavor.
Q3: How long can I store the leftover salad in the refrigerator?
A: This salad is best enjoyed within 1-2 days of making it. While it can be stored for up to 3 days, the vegetables, particularly the cucumbers and tomatoes, will start to lose some of their crispness and become slightly softer. The flavor will still be delicious, as the marinade continues to work its magic, but the texture might not be as appealing. Make sure to store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain its quality.
Q4: Can I add other vegetables to this salad?
A: Absolutely! One of the great things about this recipe is its versatility. Feel free to add other vegetables to customize it to your liking. Bell peppers (in various colors), thinly sliced carrots, radishes, celery, or even avocado (added just before serving) can all be delicious additions. Just make sure to choose vegetables that complement the flavors of the cucumbers, onions, and tomatoes, and that can hold their shape well in the marinade.
Q5: I don’t have fresh mint. Can I use dried mint, or is there a substitute?
A: While fresh mint is highly recommended for its bright and refreshing flavor, you can use dried mint as a substitute in a pinch. Use about 1/3 teaspoon of dried mint for every teaspoon of fresh mint. Keep in mind that dried herbs tend to be more concentrated in flavor than fresh herbs, so start with a smaller amount and adjust to taste. If you don’t have mint at all, you can substitute other fresh herbs like dill, parsley, or basil. Each herb will impart a different flavor, but they will all add a lovely aromatic dimension to the salad. Dill, in particular, pairs well with cucumbers and vinegar, making it a great alternative.
