This recipe creates a refreshing and vibrant Marinated Cucumber, Tomato, and Onion Salad, a perfect side dish for warmer weather or a light meal. The salad features crisp cucumber slices, juicy ripe tomatoes, and thinly sliced red onion, all tossed in a tangy and slightly sweet Italian-style dressing. The marinating process allows the vegetables to absorb the flavors of the dressing, resulting in a more integrated and delicious taste. This type of salad is known for its fresh, crisp textures and bright, zesty flavors, making it a popular accompaniment to grilled meats, sandwiches, or as a healthy standalone option. The image displays a close-up of a colorful salad in a white bowl. It prominently features slices of green cucumber, wedges of red tomato, and thinly sliced purple-red onion. The vegetables appear to be coated in a light dressing, and there’s a visible sprinkle of black pepper and possibly some dried herbs, suggesting a fresh and well-seasoned dish. The text “Eat Or Pass” overlayed on the image is a social media poll type of phrase, inviting viewers to share their preference.
Based on common recipes for marinated cucumber, tomato, and onion salads, the ingredients likely include:
For the Salad:
- Cucumbers: English cucumbers or regular slicing cucumbers, peeled (optional) and sliced. Their crispness provides a refreshing contrast.
- Tomatoes: Ripe tomatoes, such as Roma, cherry, or a mix of larger varieties, cut into wedges or halves. They contribute sweetness and juiciness.
- Red Onion: Thinly sliced red onion, offering a mild pungency and a pop of color. Soaking them in cold water (optional) can reduce their sharpness.
For the Italian-style Dressing:
- Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil is preferred for its flavor and richness.
- Vinegar: Red wine vinegar, white wine vinegar, or apple cider vinegar are common choices, providing the necessary tang.
- Granulated Sugar (or a natural sweetener like honey/maple syrup): Balances the acidity of the vinegar and enhances the flavors.
- Dried Herbs: Classic Italian herbs such as dried oregano, dried basil, or Italian seasoning blend. These add aromatic depth.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic, for pungent flavor.
- Salt: To season and enhance flavors.
- Black Pepper: Freshly ground black pepper, for a slight kick and aroma.
The preparation typically begins with preparing the vegetables. Cucumbers are sliced, tomatoes are cut into desired shapes, and red onions are thinly sliced. Some recipes suggest soaking the red onions in ice water for a few minutes to mellow their strong flavor. All the prepared vegetables are then combined in a large bowl.
Next, the dressing is whisked together in a separate smaller bowl. This involves combining olive oil, vinegar, sugar, dried herbs, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper. The mixture is whisked until the sugar is dissolved and the dressing is well emulsified.
The prepared dressing is then poured over the vegetables in the large bowl. The salad is gently tossed to ensure all the vegetables are evenly coated with the dressing. Once dressed, the salad is usually covered and refrigerated for a minimum of 30 minutes to an hour, or even longer, to allow the flavors to meld and the vegetables to marinate. This marinating time is key to developing the full flavor profile of the salad. Before serving, the salad can be given another gentle toss.
Marinated Cucumber, Tomato, and Onion Salad is best served chilled, making it a refreshing addition to any meal, especially during warm weather. It can be served as a side dish, part of a buffet, or even as a light lunch.
The texture is a delightful combination of crisp cucumbers, juicy and slightly soft tomatoes, and tender-crisp red onions, all coated in a smooth dressing.
The flavor is a harmonious blend of tangy vinegar, savory olive oil, sweet sugar, aromatic herbs and garlic, and the fresh, natural tastes of the vegetables, often with a hint of pepper. The marination deepens these flavors, making each bite burst with freshness and zest.
Marinated Cucumber, Tomato, and Onion Salad is a fresh, chilled salad featuring sliced cucumbers, tomatoes, and red onions tossed in a tangy Italian-style dressing, perfect for a refreshing side.
The preparation involves slicing vegetables, whisking together a simple dressing, combining the two, and then chilling to allow the flavors to meld.
Ingredients ( अनुमानित based on common recipes):
For the Salad:
- 2 large cucumbers, peeled (optional) and sliced into ½-inch thick rounds or half-moons
- 4-5 medium ripe tomatoes (e.g., Roma or beefsteak), cut into wedges or 1-inch chunks (or 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved)
- ½ large red onion, thinly sliced (about 1 cup)
- (Optional: 1-2 cups ice water for soaking red onion)
For the Dressing:
- ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
- ¼ cup red wine vinegar (or white wine vinegar/apple cider vinegar)
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon dried basil
- 1 clove garlic, minced (or ½ teaspoon garlic powder)
- ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper (or to taste)
Equipment:
- Large mixing bowl
- Small bowl or jar with lid for dressing
- Whisk or spoon
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Plastic wrap or airtight lid
Instructions:
- Prepare Red Onion (Optional, for milder flavor): If you prefer a milder onion flavor, place the thinly sliced red onion in a small bowl and cover with ice water. Let sit for 10-15 minutes, then drain thoroughly and pat dry. This step helps reduce the pungency of the onion.
- Prepare Vegetables: In the large mixing bowl, combine the sliced cucumbers, cut tomatoes, and the prepared red onion.
- Make the Dressing: In the small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, granulated sugar, dried oregano, dried basil, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper. Whisk vigorously until the sugar is dissolved and the dressing is well combined. If using a jar, you can simply shake it well.
- Combine Salad and Dressing: Pour the prepared dressing over the vegetables in the large mixing bowl.
- Toss and Marinate: Gently toss the salad to ensure all the vegetables are evenly coated with the dressing. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or an airtight lid. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld and the vegetables to marinate. For deeper flavor, you can marinate for up to 4 hours.
- Serve: Before serving, give the salad another gentle toss. Serve chilled as a refreshing side dish.
Enjoy your vibrant and flavorful Marinated Cucumber, Tomato, and Onion Salad!