Cucumber, Onion, and Tomato Salad… Simple and Good

I don’t know about you, but there’s something so satisfying about a simple, refreshing salad that takes no time to whip up but still delivers those vibrant, fresh flavors. This Cucumber, Onion, and Tomato Salad is one of those recipes that feels like a hug in a bowl—light, crunchy, and perfectly tangy. Whether you’re serving it as a side dish or enjoying it as a solo snack, this salad is the kind of comfort food that feels good without being heavy. And trust me, you’re going to love it!

Why You’ll Love Cucumber, Onion, and Tomato Salad

This recipe isn’t just about tossing a few ingredients together—it’s about creating something that’s both refreshing and filling, without any fuss. Here’s why this salad is bound to become a favorite:

Versatile: It’s great for any occasion, whether it’s a casual weeknight dinner, a picnic in the park, or as a side to your weekend BBQ. It’s that perfect dish that can either stand alone or complement almost anything!

Budget-Friendly: You don’t need to break the bank to make this one. It’s made with fresh, everyday ingredients that you probably already have sitting in your fridge. Plus, it’s super affordable, making it perfect for those nights when you need a quick, cheap meal or side.

Quick and Easy: Seriously, this is a no-brainer recipe. With minimal prep and just a few steps, you can have a tasty, crowd-pleasing salad ready in no time. You’ll be in and out of the kitchen faster than you can say “refreshing.”

Customizable: Want to spice things up a bit? Throw in some feta, olives, or a dash of chili flakes. It’s easy to tweak this salad to match whatever mood you’re in or whatever you’ve got in the pantry.

Crowd-Pleasing: This salad is always a hit. Kids, adults, anyone can enjoy the crisp textures and fresh flavors. It’s one of those dishes that everyone at the table can appreciate!

Ingredients in Cucumber, Onion, and Tomato Salad

This salad is proof that you don’t need a long list of complicated ingredients to make something delicious. Let’s take a look at what we’re working with:

Cucumbers: Crisp, cool, and hydrating, cucumbers add the perfect crunch. They’re the backbone of this salad and bring such a refreshing quality to every bite.

Red Onion: A little sharpness and color go a long way. Red onions add just the right amount of bite without being overpowering.

Tomatoes: Juicy, sweet, and slightly tangy, tomatoes give this salad that burst of flavor that makes it so irresistible.

Fresh Herbs: A handful of fresh herbs (like parsley or cilantro) adds a pop of color and an extra layer of freshness that pulls everything together.

Vinegar & Olive Oil: These two are the magic combo for the dressing—vinegar adds brightness, and olive oil brings that silky richness. A splash of both makes everything come alive.

(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Alright, now that you’re excited, let’s dive into the steps to create this delicious salad. Don’t worry, it’s easy!

1. Prep Your Veggies

First, slice your cucumbers and tomatoes into bite-sized pieces. For the onion, slice it thin—this way, you get just the right amount of its tangy goodness without it being too overwhelming.

2. Toss the Veggies Together

In a large bowl, combine the cucumber, tomato, and red onion. Give them a gentle toss to mix everything together evenly. At this point, the salad is already looking gorgeous!

3. Dress It Up

In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, vinegar, salt, and pepper. If you want to get fancy, you can also add a little bit of sugar to balance the acidity, or a squeeze of lemon for a citrusy kick. Pour the dressing over your veggies and toss everything together until it’s all beautifully coated.

4. Let It Sit

This is the hardest part, I promise! Let the salad sit for about 10 minutes so the flavors can meld together and get even more delicious.

5. Serve and Enjoy!

Serve this salad chilled or at room temperature—it’s refreshing no matter what! Grab a bowl, dig in, and enjoy the fresh flavors.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: [Number of servings]
Calories per serving: [Calorie count per serving]

Preparation Time

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Cook Time: [Time to cook or bake]
Total Time: [Total time needed]

How to Serve Cucumber, Onion, and Tomato Salad

This salad can easily stand on its own, but it also pairs wonderfully with a variety of dishes:

Grilled Meats: Think grilled chicken, lamb chops, or a juicy steak. This salad’s freshness cuts through the richness of grilled foods perfectly.

Bread: Serve with some crusty bread, pita, or even a soft baguette to soak up all the delicious dressing.

Cheese: If you’re a cheese lover, sprinkle some feta or goat cheese over the top to add a creamy, tangy element.

Roasted Vegetables: Pair this with roasted veggies like bell peppers or zucchini for an easy, well-rounded meal.

Additional Tips

Here are a few extra tips to get the most out of your Cucumber, Onion, and Tomato Salad:

Prep Ahead: This salad is great for making ahead! Chop up your veggies and store them in an airtight container, then add the dressing when you’re ready to serve.

Spice It Up: If you want a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne.

Make It Vegan: This recipe is already vegan, but you can easily make it gluten-free by simply skipping any bread or croutons.

Storage Tips: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Just know that the veggies will release more moisture over time, so it’s best to enjoy this fresh!

Double the Batch: If you’re feeding a crowd, or want to have leftovers for the next day, double the recipe! This salad keeps pretty well, and it’s even better when the flavors have had time to sit.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I substitute cucumbers with another vegetable?
A1: You could try swapping cucumbers for zucchini or even bell peppers for a fun twist! They’ll add a different texture, but the salad will still be delicious.

Q2: Can I make this salad ahead of time?
A2: Yes! Prep the veggies in advance and store them separately from the dressing. Add the dressing just before serving to keep everything crisp.

Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. The dressing may cause the veggies to soften, but it’ll still taste fresh!

Q4: Can I freeze this salad?
A4: This salad is best served fresh, so freezing isn’t recommended.

Q5: How do I reheat leftovers?
A5: This salad is meant to be served cold or at room temperature, so no reheating is needed! Just give it a little stir if it’s been sitting in the fridge.

Q6: Can I double the recipe?
A6: Absolutely! Just make sure you have a bigger bowl for all those fresh ingredients.

Q7: What’s the best way to serve this salad?
A7: It’s perfect as a side to grilled meats, seafood, or even as a light, healthy lunch on its own. You can also top it with some crumbled feta or fresh herbs for extra flavor!

Conclusion

There you have it—Cucumber, Onion, and Tomato Salad, in all its simple, flavorful glory. This recipe is the perfect example of how a few fresh ingredients can come together to create something truly satisfying. Enjoy it on your own, share it with friends, or bring it to your next gathering—either way, you’re in for a treat!

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