Tomato, cucumber, and onion salad is a simple yet refreshing dish that’s perfect for hot summer days or as a light side for any meal. Packed with hydrating vegetables like cucumbers and tomatoes, this salad is loaded with antioxidants, vitamins A and C, and essential minerals. The onions add a savory bite, while the dressing ties everything together with a balance of tang and sweetness. It’s a low-calorie, nutrient-dense salad that promotes digestion and hydration while offering a bright, crisp, and tangy flavor that pairs well with grilled meats, sandwiches, or as a stand-alone snack.

Ingredients

To make this refreshing Tomato, Cucumber, and Onion Salad, you will need:

• 3 medium tomatoes, diced or sliced
• 1 large cucumber, peeled and thinly sliced
• 1 medium red onion, thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon honey (or sugar)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: 1 teaspoon dried oregano or fresh basil leaves for garnish

How to Make

Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables
Start by preparing the main ingredients. Wash the tomatoes, cucumber, and onion. Dice or slice the tomatoes, peel and thinly slice the cucumber, and thinly slice the red onion. Red onions work best in this recipe because they add a slightly sweet, less pungent flavor compared to yellow or white onions.

Step 2: Make the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar (or apple cider vinegar), lemon juice, and honey. Season the dressing with salt and pepper to taste. You can also add dried oregano for an extra layer of flavor. If you like a slightly sweeter dressing, feel free to add a bit more honey.

Step 3: Toss the Salad
In a large mixing bowl, combine the tomatoes, cucumbers, and onions. Pour the dressing over the salad and gently toss everything together to coat the vegetables evenly. Make sure the dressing is well distributed across the salad so that every bite has that tangy, refreshing flavor.

Step 4: Let It Marinate
For best results, allow the salad to sit for 10-15 minutes at room temperature before serving. This gives the vegetables time to soak up the flavors from the dressing and allows the onions to soften slightly. However, this salad can also be enjoyed right away if you’re short on time.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Once marinated, garnish the salad with freshly chopped parsley or basil for added color and freshness. Serve immediately as a side dish or on its own for a light meal.

Adjustments

This salad is highly customizable based on your preferences. You can add crumbled feta cheese for a creamy, salty twist or mix in olives for more Mediterranean flair. For added crunch, try tossing in some sunflower seeds or roasted nuts. If you prefer a bit of heat, sprinkle some chili flakes or use a hot sauce in the dressing for an extra kick.

Tips

• Tomato Selection: Choose ripe but firm tomatoes, as they’ll hold their shape better when mixed with the cucumber and onion. Roma tomatoes, cherry tomatoes, or heirloom tomatoes all work well in this recipe.
• Onion Choice: Red onions provide a sweeter flavor that pairs perfectly with the acidity of the vinegar and lemon. If you find raw onions too sharp, soak them in cold water for a few minutes to mellow their bite before adding them to the salad.
• Salad Texture: For a crunchy salad, slice the cucumbers thinly, but not too thin, so they retain their bite. If you prefer a slightly softer texture, you can salt the cucumbers and let them sit for 5-10 minutes before rinsing and adding them to the salad. This removes excess moisture and softens the cucumber slices.

How to Store

This salad is best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The vegetables will release water over time, so if you plan to store it, it’s a good idea to drain off any excess liquid before serving. Refresh the salad with an additional squeeze of lemon juice or a splash of vinegar before enjoying leftovers.

Conclusion

The Tomato, Cucumber, and Onion Salad is a quick, nutritious, and versatile dish that adds a refreshing touch to any meal. With its simple ingredients and vibrant flavors, this salad is a great way to incorporate more vegetables into your diet while enjoying a tasty, light side dish. Whether you serve it at a summer BBQ, as a complement to grilled meats, or enjoy it as a healthy snack, this salad is sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation.