Tomato Cucumber Onion Salad Recipe ๐ฅ
Overview:
This Tomato Cucumber Onion Salad recipe is a delightful blend of fresh vegetables, olive oil, and balsamic vinegar, inspired by the flavors of a quaint Italian Bistro. It’s a dish that embodies simplicity yet never fails to impress, whether you’re enjoying a casual meal at home or entertaining guests. Perfect for summer gatherings or anytime you crave a light, refreshing dish. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile – if you find yourself with an abundance of zucchini, feel free to swap it in for the cucumber for a delicious twist!
Recipe Details:
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Cuisine: European
- Dietary Considerations: Low Protein, Vegan, Low Cholesterol, Healthy
- Season: Summer
- Difficulty: Easy
- Cooking Method: No Cook
Ingredients:
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 1 | English cucumber |
| 3 | Tomatoes |
| 1/2 | Roma tomatoes |
| – | Red onion |
| – | Olive oil |
| – | Cracked black pepper |
| – | Balsamic vinegar |
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 33.7
- Fat: 0.3g
- Saturated Fat: 0.1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 6.5mg
- Carbohydrates: 7.7g
- Fiber: 1.7g
- Sugar: 4.3g
- Protein: 1.4g
Instructions:
-
Prep the Vegetables:
- Start by washing the English cucumber, tomatoes, and red onion under cold running water. Pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel.
- Chop the cucumber, tomatoes, and red onion into large, bite-sized pieces. You can adjust the size according to your preference.
-
-
Assemble the Salad:
- Transfer the chopped vegetables to a large salad bowl.
- Drizzle the salad with olive oil. Use a good quality extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor.
- Next, add a splash of balsamic vinegar. The sweet tanginess of the vinegar complements the freshness of the vegetables beautifully.
-
Season and Serve:
- Sprinkle the salad with cracked black pepper to taste. The pepper adds a hint of spice and depth to the dish.
- Gently toss the salad to ensure all the ingredients are well coated with the dressing.
- Serve immediately as a side dish or a light main course. This salad pairs well with grilled meats, fish, or as a topping for crusty bread.
Tips and Substitutions:
- Zucchini Variation: If you have an abundance of zucchini, feel free to substitute it for the cucumber. Simply wash and slice the zucchini into rounds or half moons, then proceed with the recipe as directed.
- Fresh Herbs: Enhance the flavor of the salad by adding chopped fresh herbs such as basil, parsley, or mint. These herbs add a burst of freshness and fragrance.
- Extra Toppings: Get creative with additional toppings like crumbled feta cheese, sliced olives, or toasted pine nuts for added texture and flavor.
- Make-Ahead: You can prepare the vegetables ahead of time and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Wait to dress the salad with the olive oil, vinegar, and pepper until just before serving to prevent it from becoming soggy.
Final Thoughts:
This Tomato Cucumber Onion Salad is a celebration of simplicity and freshness. With just a handful of ingredients, you can create a vibrant and flavorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue or enjoying a cozy dinner at home, this salad is sure to be a hit with your family and friends. So grab your ingredients and whip up a batch today! ๐ ๐ฅ๐ง
