Tomato, Cucumber & Onion Salad – Fresh, Crisp, and Bursting with Flavor 🥒🍅🧅
Few dishes are as effortlessly delicious as the classic Tomato, Cucumber, and Onion Salad. Bright, juicy, and full of crunch, this refreshing favorite is a staple in kitchens around the world. Whether you’re serving it as a quick side, a light snack, or a cooling partner to grilled meats and spicy mains, it always delivers big flavor with minimal effort.
🌿 Ingredients
- 2 large ripe tomatoes (or 1 cup cherry/grape tomatoes), sliced or chopped
- 1 large cucumber, peeled if desired, sliced thin
- 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 tbsp red wine vinegar (or lemon juice for a zesty twist)
- Salt & black pepper, to taste
- 1 tsp dried oregano (or fresh dill, parsley, or basil)
- Optional: Feta crumbles, olives, or a pinch of sugar
🥗 How to Make It
1. Prep the Veggies
- Tomatoes: Slice into wedges or bite-sized chunks. Halve cherry tomatoes.
- Cucumber: Slice into thin rounds or half-moons. Keep the skin on for extra crunch.
- Onion: Thinly slice. For a milder flavor, soak in cold water for 10 minutes, then drain.
2. Mix It Up
Place tomatoes, cucumbers, and onions in a large bowl. Toss gently to combine.
3. Dress the Salad
Drizzle with olive oil and vinegar (or lemon juice). Season with salt, pepper, and oregano. Toss again to coat evenly.
4. Let the Flavors Mingle (Optional)
Rest for 10–15 minutes before serving, or chill for a few hours for deeper flavor.
5. Serve & Enjoy
Serve cold or at room temperature. Add fresh herbs, feta, or olives for a Mediterranean touch.
📝 Pro Tips
- Use in-season, ripe tomatoes for maximum sweetness.
- Choose English or Persian cucumbers for fewer seeds and a milder bite.
- Add extras like chickpeas, mozzarella balls, avocado, or chili slices for a twist.
Why It Works: Juicy tomatoes bring sweetness and acidity, cucumbers add crisp coolness, onions give a sharp aromatic bite, and the simple olive oil–vinegar dressing ties it all together. Fresh, vibrant, and endlessly adaptable.
Perfect Pairings: Grilled meats, falafel, BBQ, curries, crusty bread with hummus.
