Mom’s Marinated Cucumber and Tomato Salad: A Refreshing Family Favorite
This recipe is more than just a salad; it’s a taste of home. My mom’s marinated cucumber and tomato salad is a summer staple in our family, a dish that evokes memories of backyard barbecues, lazy afternoons, and the simple joy of fresh, flavorful ingredients. This isn’t your average, bland salad. The marinade, a perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and savory, transforms ordinary cucumbers and tomatoes into a vibrant and irresistible side dish. It’s incredibly easy to make, requiring minimal effort and readily available ingredients. Whether you’re looking for a light lunch, a refreshing side for grilled meats, or a healthy snack, this salad is guaranteed to please. It’s also highly adaptable – feel free to adjust the ingredients to your liking, adding your favorite herbs or spices. Prepare to be transported back to simpler times with every bite of this classic family recipe.
## Why This Recipe Works
This marinated cucumber and tomato salad stands out for several reasons:
* **Flavorful Marinade:** The marinade is the key. It’s a simple combination of vinegar, sugar, oil, and spices that perfectly complements the fresh cucumbers and tomatoes. The sweetness balances the acidity, creating a harmonious blend of flavors.
* **Simple Ingredients:** You likely already have most of the ingredients in your pantry. Fresh cucumbers, ripe tomatoes, vinegar, sugar, oil, and a few common spices are all you need.
* **Quick and Easy:** This salad comes together in minutes. There’s no cooking required, just chopping and mixing. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or when you need a quick and refreshing dish.
* **Versatile:** It pairs well with almost anything. Serve it alongside grilled chicken, fish, burgers, or enjoy it as a light lunch on its own. It’s also great with feta cheese crumbled on top.
* **Make-Ahead Friendly:** The salad actually tastes better after it’s been marinated for a few hours, making it a great make-ahead dish for parties or potlucks.
## Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make Mom’s Marinated Cucumber and Tomato Salad:
* **2 large cucumbers:** English cucumbers or garden cucumbers work well. If using garden cucumbers, peel them first, as the skin can be tough. English cucumbers have thinner skins and don’t need to be peeled. You will need approximately 2 cups chopped cucumbers.
* **3 medium tomatoes:** Use ripe, but firm tomatoes. Roma tomatoes, beefsteak tomatoes, or heirloom tomatoes are all good choices. You will need approximately 2 cups chopped tomatoes.
* **1/2 small red onion:** Red onion adds a nice bite to the salad. You can also use white onion or yellow onion if you prefer, but red onion provides the best flavor.
* **1/4 cup white vinegar:** White vinegar provides the necessary acidity for the marinade. You can substitute apple cider vinegar for a slightly sweeter flavor.
* **2 tablespoons granulated sugar:** Sugar balances the acidity of the vinegar. Adjust the amount to your liking, depending on how sweet you prefer your salad.
* **1/4 cup vegetable oil:** Vegetable oil helps to emulsify the marinade and adds richness to the salad. You can substitute olive oil for a healthier option, but be aware that it will have a stronger flavor.
* **1 teaspoon salt:** Salt enhances the flavors of the other ingredients.
* **1/2 teaspoon black pepper:** Freshly ground black pepper adds a nice touch of spice.
* **1/4 teaspoon dried dill:** Dill adds a fresh, herbaceous flavor to the salad. You can use fresh dill if you prefer, about 1 tablespoon chopped.
* **Optional: 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley:** Parsley adds a fresh, vibrant flavor and color to the salad.
## Equipment
* Cutting board
* Knife
* Large mixing bowl
* Measuring cups and spoons
## Instructions
Follow these simple steps to make Mom’s Marinated Cucumber and Tomato Salad:
**Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables**
* Wash the cucumbers and tomatoes thoroughly.
* If using garden cucumbers, peel them. English cucumbers do not need to be peeled.
* Slice the cucumbers into 1/4-inch thick rounds or half-moons. You can also dice them into smaller pieces if you prefer.
* Core the tomatoes and chop them into bite-sized pieces.
* Thinly slice the red onion. If you find red onion too strong, you can soak the sliced onion in cold water for 10 minutes to mellow the flavor.
**Step 2: Combine the Vegetables**
* In a large mixing bowl, combine the sliced cucumbers, chopped tomatoes, and sliced red onion.
**Step 3: Make the Marinade**
* In a separate small bowl, whisk together the white vinegar, sugar, vegetable oil, salt, black pepper, and dill until the sugar is dissolved.
**Step 4: Marinate the Salad**
* Pour the marinade over the vegetables in the mixing bowl.
* Gently toss to coat all the vegetables evenly with the marinade.
**Step 5: Chill and Serve**
* Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid.
* Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes, or preferably for 1-2 hours, to allow the flavors to meld together.
* Before serving, give the salad another gentle toss.
* Garnish with chopped fresh parsley, if desired.
* Serve chilled and enjoy!
## Tips for the Best Salad
* **Use fresh, high-quality ingredients:** The better the ingredients, the better the salad will taste. Choose ripe, firm tomatoes and crisp cucumbers.
* **Don’t over-marinate:** While marinating the salad for a few hours enhances the flavor, marinating it for too long can make the cucumbers and tomatoes soggy. A few hours is ideal, but overnight is generally too long.
* **Adjust the sweetness to your liking:** If you prefer a sweeter salad, add a little more sugar to the marinade. If you prefer a more tangy salad, reduce the amount of sugar.
* **Experiment with different herbs and spices:** Feel free to add your favorite herbs and spices to the marinade. Garlic powder, onion powder, or a pinch of red pepper flakes can add extra flavor.
* **Add a touch of acidity:** A squeeze of lemon juice or a splash of red wine vinegar can add a bright, tangy note to the salad.
* **Control the moisture:** Cucumbers release water as they sit. To combat a watery salad, you can lightly salt the sliced cucumbers and let them sit in a colander for about 30 minutes before adding them to the salad. This will draw out some of the excess moisture.
* **Use a mandoline:** For uniformly sliced cucumbers, consider using a mandoline. Be careful and use the hand guard to protect your fingers.
## Variations
This recipe is incredibly versatile, and you can easily customize it to your liking. Here are a few ideas for variations:
* **Mediterranean Salad:** Add crumbled feta cheese, Kalamata olives, and a sprinkle of oregano for a Mediterranean twist.
* **Italian Salad:** Add mozzarella balls, basil leaves, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze for an Italian-inspired salad.
* **Spicy Salad:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a finely chopped jalapeno pepper to the marinade for a spicy kick.
* **Creamy Salad:** Add a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt to the marinade for a creamy texture.
* **Avocado Salad:** Add diced avocado for a creamy and healthy addition.
* **Bell Pepper Salad:** Add chopped bell peppers (red, yellow, or orange) for extra crunch and sweetness.
* **Corn Salad:** Add fresh or frozen corn kernels for a summery flavor.
* **Different Vinegars:** Experiment with different types of vinegar, such as apple cider vinegar, red wine vinegar, or balsamic vinegar.
* **Herbs:** Use different herbs such as basil, mint, or oregano for varied flavor profiles.
## Serving Suggestions
Mom’s Marinated Cucumber and Tomato Salad is a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways:
* **Side Dish:** Serve it as a refreshing side dish alongside grilled chicken, fish, steak, or burgers.
* **Light Lunch:** Enjoy it as a light and healthy lunch on its own or with a side of crusty bread.
* **Appetizer:** Serve it as an appetizer at parties or potlucks.
* **Salad Topping:** Use it as a topping for salads or wraps.
* **Snack:** Enjoy it as a healthy and refreshing snack.
* **Tacos or Sandwiches:** Use it as a topping to add a burst of freshness to tacos or sandwiches.
## Storage
* Store leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The salad may become slightly softer over time, but it will still be delicious.
* It is not recommended to freeze this salad, as the cucumbers and tomatoes will become mushy when thawed.
## Nutritional Information (Approximate)
(Based on 1 serving, assuming 6 servings per recipe)
* Calories: 80-120
* Fat: 6-10g
* Saturated Fat: 1g
* Cholesterol: 0mg
* Sodium: 200-300mg
* Carbohydrates: 8-12g
* Fiber: 1-2g
* Sugar: 6-10g
* Protein: 1g
(Note: Nutritional information may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.)
## Conclusion
Mom’s Marinated Cucumber and Tomato Salad is a timeless classic that’s sure to become a family favorite. Its simple ingredients, easy preparation, and refreshing flavor make it the perfect dish for any occasion. So, gather your ingredients, follow the instructions, and enjoy a taste of home with this delicious and versatile salad. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different variations to find your perfect combination of flavors. Happy cooking (and eating)!