© Original Recipe By Serena Recipes ©
🌱🥗 Fresh Mediterranean Cucumber Tomato Onion Salad – The Perfect Summer Side! 🌞🥒
1. Introduction
Looking for a light, fresh, and flavorful side dish to brighten up your meal? The Fresh Mediterranean Cucumber Tomato Onion Salad is a vibrant, crunchy salad packed with the aromatic flavors of the Mediterranean. This Mediterranean Salad combines cool cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, and tangy onions, all drizzled with a zesty dressing. It’s a perfect addition to summer barbecues, brunches, or anything that calls for a refreshing veggie boost. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to whip up in minutes!
2. Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ready in 10 minutes: Minimal prep time means instant gratification.
- Healthy & nutritious: Loaded with vegetables and vitamins.
- Vibrant flavors: Bright, aromatic, and slightly tangy—each bite bursts with freshness.
- Perfect for any occasion: Suitable as a side dish, light lunch, or party appetizer.
3. Ingredient Notes
The key to a flavorful Fresh & Flavorful Mediterranean Salad lies in selecting high-quality ingredients. Use ripe, heirloom tomatoes for the best sweetness and juiciness. Crispy cucumbers, such as Persian or English, add a delightful crunch and are less watery than traditional varieties. Red onions provide a pop of color and a mild sharpness that complements the tomatoes and cucumbers.
For the dressing, extra virgin olive oil is essential—choose a cold-pressed variety for depth of flavor. Fresh herbs like parsley or basil brighten the dish, so opt for fresh over dried. A splash of red wine vinegar or lemon juice adds the perfect acidity to balance the vegetables’ natural sweetness.
4. Kitchen Tools You Need
Prepare your compact 6-in-1 Digital Air Fryer or T-fal 14-Piece Hard Anodized Nonstick Cookware Set to help with any side prep or heating. A sharp Pasta Maker with shaping discs isn’t needed for this salad but is perfect for other Mediterranean-inspired meals. For chopping, a high-quality Fullstar Ultimate Veggie Prep Master makes quick work of vegetables, and a sturdy Cuisinart Bread Maker or similar is perfect for making fresh bread to serve alongside.
5. How to Make Fresh Mediterranean Cucumber Tomato Onion Salad
Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables
Start by washing the cucumbers and tomatoes thoroughly. Slice the cucumbers thinly — about ¼ inch thick — for that crispy, satisfying bite. Halve or quarter the cherry or heirloom tomatoes, depending on size. Thinly slice a small red onion—this helps mellow its sharpness. As you prepare, the kitchen will be filled with a fragrant aroma of fresh vegetables.
Step 2: Mix the Salad
In a large mixing bowl, combine the sliced vegetables. Drizzle generous amounts of extra virgin olive oil and splash with red wine vinegar or fresh lemon juice. Toss gently until all ingredients are evenly coated. The vibrant colors and aroma will make your mouth water.
Step 3: Season & Garnish
Add freshly chopped parsley or basil for that signature Mediterranean freshness. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld—perfection develops with time.
6. Expert Tips for Success
For the crispiest cucumbers, sprinkle a pinch of salt and let them sit for 10 minutes to remove excess water, then pat dry before mixing. Using room temperature vegetables helps in better dressing absorption. If you prefer a tangier flavor, add more lemon juice or vinegar. Avoid over-mixing to keep the vegetables crisp and fresh.
7. Variations & Substitutions
- Vegan & Dairy-Free: This salad is naturally plant-based and dairy-free.
- Switch up herbs: Try oregano or mint for a different flavor twist.
- Extra proteins: Top with crumbled feta cheese or grilled chicken for added richness.
- Gluten-Free: All ingredients naturally gluten-free for those with sensitivities or celiac disease.
8. Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. The vegetables may release more juice over time, so give it a gentle toss before serving again. This Salad is best enjoyed fresh but remains tasty the next day, retaining its crunch and flavor.
9. FAQ
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, prepare the salad a few hours in advance, but add the dressing just before serving to keep the vegetables crisp and vibrant.
What variety of tomatoes works best?
Heirloom, cherry, or grape tomatoes all work beautifully. Choose ripe, flavorful tomatoes for the best experience.
Is this salad suitable for a low-calorie diet?
Absolutely! With fresh vegetables and a light vinaigrette, it’s a healthy, low-calorie option perfect for weight management or detox plans.
Can I add cheese or protein?
Yes, adding crumbled feta or grilled chicken can transform this salad into a more substantial meal.
10. Conclusion
This Fresh Mediterranean Cucumber Tomato Onion Salad is a celebration of clean, vibrant flavors perfect for sunny days or anytime you want to enjoy nature’s bounty. It’s simple, quick, and endlessly versatile. Incorporate this colorful salad into your next meal for a taste of the Mediterranean—fresh, flavorful, and totally addictive!
Print
Fresh Mediterranean Cucumber Tomato Onion Salad
A bright, refreshing salad with crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, and sharp onions, dressed in olive oil, lemon juice, and herbs, served fresh and chilled.
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 large cucumber, sliced
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh herbs (parsley or mint), chopped
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine sliced cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, and sliced red onion.
- Drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice, then toss to combine.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Garnish with chopped fresh herbs and serve immediately.
Notes
- You can add crumbled feta cheese for extra flavor.
- Chill the salad for 15 minutes before serving for a more refreshing taste.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Method: No cook
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian, gluten-free
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 80 Kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
