Cucumber, Tomato & Onion Salad
A crisp, colorful, and refreshing Cucumber, Tomato & Onion Salad that combines juicy tomatoes, crunchy cucumbers, and zesty red onions with a light olive oil and lemon dressing. Perfect as a vibrant side for grilled dishes or a healthy, light meal on its own.
- Author: Maria
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: No-cook
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Gluten Free, Vegan
Main Ingredients
- 2 firm, crisp fresh cucumbers
- 3 ripe juicy tomatoes
- 1 medium red onion, thinly sliced
Dressing
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice or vinegar
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Optional Additions
- Fresh herbs (parsley, cilantro, or dill), chopped
- Sliced jalapeños or pinch of red pepper flakes (for spicy kick)
- Crumbled feta or fresh mozzarella (for cheesy twist)
- Diced avocado (for creamy texture and healthy fats)
- Fresh mint or basil (as alternative or addition to parsley)
- Kalamata or green olives
- Prepare the Vegetables: Wash cucumbers and tomatoes thoroughly. Slice cucumbers into thin rounds or half-moons for easy eating. Chop tomatoes into bite-sized pieces. Thinly slice the red onion to ensure a balanced flavor.
- Combine in a Bowl: Place all prepared vegetables into a large mixing bowl. Gently toss them to combine evenly without crushing the tomatoes.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together extra virgin olive oil, fresh lemon juice or vinegar, salt, and black pepper until emulsified. Adjust seasoning to your preference for the perfect balance.
- Toss and Garnish: Pour the dressing over the vegetables and toss gently to coat every piece. Add any optional fresh herbs, olives, cheese, or spicy additions now for added flavor.
Notes
- Pick fresh produce for the best flavor and crunch.
- Slice vegetables uniformly for balanced bites and presentation.
- Let the salad rest for 10-15 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.
- Drain or pat dry very juicy tomatoes to prevent a watery salad.
- Use high-quality extra virgin olive oil to enhance dressing flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 70
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 0.7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4.3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Cucumber salad, tomato salad, onion salad, Mediterranean salad, fresh vegetable salad, vegan salad, gluten-free salad, summer salad