Refreshing Cucumber, Tomato, and Red Onion Salad: A Simple Summer Delight

Summer is the perfect time for light, refreshing salads that are bursting with flavor. This cucumber, tomato, and red onion salad is a classic for a reason – it’s incredibly easy to make, requires minimal ingredients, and is incredibly delicious. The crispness of the cucumber, the juiciness of the tomatoes, and the slight bite of the red onion create a symphony of textures and tastes that is simply irresistible. This salad is perfect as a side dish for grilled meats, a light lunch, or even a simple snack. Plus, it’s naturally vegan, gluten-free, and low-carb, making it a great option for a variety of dietary needs.

## Why This Cucumber, Tomato, and Red Onion Salad is a Winner

Before we dive into the recipe, let’s talk about why this salad is such a crowd-pleaser:

* **Fresh and Flavorful:** The combination of fresh cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, and sharp red onion is a match made in heaven. The natural flavors of these ingredients shine through, creating a vibrant and satisfying salad.
* **Easy to Make:** This salad requires minimal cooking and preparation. Simply chop the vegetables, toss them with a simple dressing, and you’re done!
* **Versatile:** This salad can be customized to your liking. Add different herbs, cheeses, or even a splash of balsamic vinegar to create your own unique version.
* **Healthy:** Packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, this salad is a healthy and delicious way to enjoy your vegetables.
* **Perfect for Summer:** This salad is light, refreshing, and perfect for hot summer days. It’s a great way to use up your garden bounty or enjoy seasonal produce from your local farmers market.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious cucumber, tomato, and red onion salad:

* **Cucumbers:** 2 medium cucumbers, peeled or unpeeled, and sliced
* **Tomatoes:** 2-3 medium tomatoes, chopped (use a variety of colors and sizes for added visual appeal!)
* **Red Onion:** 1/2 medium red onion, thinly sliced
* **Fresh Herbs:** 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, dill, or a combination (fresh herbs are essential for adding brightness and flavor)
* **Olive Oil:** 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil (good quality olive oil makes a difference!)
* **Vinegar:** 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar (white wine vinegar or lemon juice can also be used)
* **Salt:** 1/2 teaspoon, or to taste
* **Black Pepper:** 1/4 teaspoon, or to taste
* **Optional Add-ins:** Feta cheese, Kalamata olives, bell peppers, avocado

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create the perfect cucumber, tomato, and red onion salad:

**Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables**

* Wash and dry the cucumbers, tomatoes, and red onion.
* Slice the cucumbers. You can peel them if you prefer, but leaving the skin on adds extra nutrients and texture. Aim for slices that are about 1/4 inch thick.
* Chop the tomatoes into bite-sized pieces. Cherry tomatoes or grape tomatoes can be halved or quartered.
* Thinly slice the red onion. To reduce the sharpness of the red onion, you can soak it in cold water for 10-15 minutes before adding it to the salad. This will help to mellow out the flavor.
* If using, chop any additional vegetables like bell peppers or avocado.

**Step 2: Prepare the Dressing**

* In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, salt, and black pepper.
* Taste and adjust the seasonings as needed. You may want to add a pinch of sugar or a squeeze of lemon juice for added sweetness or acidity.

**Step 3: Combine the Ingredients**

* In a large bowl, combine the sliced cucumbers, chopped tomatoes, and sliced red onion.
* Add the chopped fresh herbs.

**Step 4: Dress the Salad**

* Pour the dressing over the salad.
* Gently toss to combine, ensuring that all the vegetables are coated with the dressing.

**Step 5: Chill and Serve**

* Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
* Before serving, give the salad another gentle toss.
* Garnish with feta cheese or Kalamata olives, if desired.
* Serve chilled and enjoy!

## Tips and Variations

Here are some tips and variations to help you customize this salad to your liking:

* **Use High-Quality Ingredients:** The quality of your ingredients will make a big difference in the flavor of the salad. Use fresh, ripe vegetables and good quality olive oil.
* **Adjust the Dressing to Your Taste:** The dressing is the key to a delicious salad. Feel free to adjust the amount of olive oil, vinegar, salt, and pepper to your liking. You can also add other ingredients like Dijon mustard, honey, or garlic.
* **Add Cheese:** Feta cheese is a classic addition to this salad, but you can also use other cheeses like goat cheese or mozzarella.
* **Add Olives:** Kalamata olives add a salty and briny flavor to the salad.
* **Add Bell Peppers:** Bell peppers add a pop of color and a slightly sweet flavor to the salad.
* **Add Avocado:** Avocado adds a creamy texture and a healthy dose of fats to the salad.
* **Add a Touch of Spice:** A pinch of red pepper flakes can add a touch of heat to the salad.
* **Make it a Meal:** Add grilled chicken, fish, or tofu to make this salad a complete meal.
* **Marinate the Onions:** To mellow the flavor of the red onion, soak them in ice water for 15-20 minutes before adding to the salad. You can also marinate them in a little bit of vinegar.
* **Use Different Herbs:** Experiment with different herbs like mint, basil, or oregano.
* **Add Chickpeas or White Beans:** For a boost of protein and fiber, add cooked chickpeas or white beans.
* **Grill the Vegetables:** Grilling the tomatoes and cucumbers before adding them to the salad will add a smoky flavor.
* **Make it Ahead:** This salad can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. However, keep in mind that the vegetables may become slightly softer over time.

## Serving Suggestions

This cucumber, tomato, and red onion salad is a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways:

* **Side Dish:** Serve it as a side dish for grilled meats, chicken, fish, or tofu.
* **Light Lunch:** Enjoy it as a light and refreshing lunch.
* **Snack:** Serve it as a healthy and delicious snack.
* **Appetizer:** Serve it as an appetizer with crackers or pita bread.
* **Potluck Dish:** Bring it to a potluck or barbecue.
* **Taco Topping:** Use it as a fresh and flavorful taco topping.
* **Sandwich Filling:** Add it to sandwiches or wraps for a burst of flavor.

## Nutritional Information (Approximate)

*Note: Nutritional information can vary depending on specific ingredients and portion sizes.*

* Calories: Approximately 150-200 per serving
* Fat: 12-15 grams
* Saturated Fat: 2-3 grams
* Cholesterol: 0 mg
* Sodium: 200-300 mg
* Carbohydrates: 8-10 grams
* Fiber: 2-3 grams
* Sugar: 4-5 grams
* Protein: 2-3 grams

## Conclusion

This cucumber, tomato, and red onion salad is a simple, delicious, and healthy dish that is perfect for summer. With its fresh flavors, crisp textures, and easy preparation, it’s sure to become a new favorite. So, gather your ingredients, follow the instructions, and enjoy this delightful salad!

Enjoy experimenting with different variations and add-ins to create your own signature version of this classic salad. Happy cooking!