There’s an idea that we stick in our collective brain about Cucumbers Onions and Tomatoes Salad: it combines refreshing and crunchy cucumbers with sweet and juicy tomatoes and fresh and piquant onions. And that’s fine. That’s how I grew up on it. But what if you were to consider marinated cucumbers instead of plain sliced ones? Consider them with scallions or chives or mint. Imagine letting your tomatoes run wild (like they do in Greece), allowing their flavor to bloom on the vine (and infuse some olive oil) till they’re deep red, jammy, and luscious. And think about thin-slicing the onion instead of chopping it.
How to Make Cucumbers Onions and Tomatoes Salad
Making this Marinated Cucumber, Onion, and Tomato Salad is a breeze. With just a few simple steps, you’ll have a delicious side dish ready to impress your family and friends.
1. Whisk the dressing: In a bowl, combine 1/2 cup of white wine vinegar, 1/4 cup of extra virgin olive oil, 1/4 cup of sugar, 1 cup of water, kosher salt, and black pepper. Whisk the ingredients until well combined.
2. Prepare the vegetables: Halve, seed, and slice 3 cucumbers into 1/4-inch pieces. Thinly slice 1 large red onion that has been halved. Quarter 3 large ripe tomatoes.
3. Combine everything: In a large bowl, add the cucumbers, onions, and tomatoes. Pour the dressing over the vegetables and gently combine them until well coated.
4. Let it marinate: Cover the bowl and refrigerate the salad for at least 2 hours, allowing the flavors to meld together. Give it a gentle toss every 30 minutes to ensure even marination.
5. Serve and enjoy: Once the salad has marinated, it’s ready to be served. Sprinkle it with chopped parsley for added freshness and appeal.
What Does a Cucumbers Onions and Tomatoes Salad Contain?
To create the perfect Marinated Cucumber, Onion, and Tomato Salad, it’s important to choose the right ingredients. Let’s take a closer look at the key components:
- Cucumbers : When selecting cucumbers for this salad, opt for firm ones with smooth, unblemished skins. Avoid cucumbers with soft spots, as they may not be fresh. Cucumbers tend to lose water quickly after being picked, so it’s best to use them as soon as possible to maintain their crispness.
- Tomatoes: While the recipe doesn’t specify the type of tomatoes to use, it’s recommended to choose the ripest and most flavorful ones available. Heirloom tomatoes offer the best taste, but they can be pricier and not as readily accessible as everyday tomatoes. Cherry tomatoes or Roma tomatoes are also suitable options. If using smaller tomatoes, make sure to slice them to allow the marinade to infuse their flavors.
- Onions: You have the freedom to choose any type of onion you prefer: yellow, white, red, or even sweet onions. Each variety brings a distinct flavor profile to the salad. Yellow onions are affordable and have a classic onion taste, while white onions are slightly sweeter and milder. Red onions add a touch of spiciness and vibrant color. Sweet onions, although pricier, offer a milder and naturally sweeter flavor.
- Vinegar: The recipe calls for distilled white vinegar, but feel free to substitute it with your preferred vinegar to suit your taste. Some home cooks have successfully used white wine vinegar, apple cider vinegar, Champagne vinegar, rice wine vinegar, or white balsamic vinegar in this salad.
- Oil: Vegetable oil is recommended for its neutral flavor, but you can also use high-quality olive oil if you prefer. Some reviewers have opted for olive oil, adding a touch of richness to the dressing.
How to Store Cucumbers Onions and Tomatoes Salad
If you have leftovers or want to prepare the salad in advance, proper storage is key to maintaining its freshness. Here’s how to store your Marinated Cucumber, Onion, and Tomato Salad:
- Cover and chill: Transfer the salad to an airtight container or cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap.
- Refrigerate: Place the salad in the refrigerator, where it can be stored for 3-5 days.
Keep in mind that the cucumbers may lose some of their crispness after a couple of days, depending on their freshness and how thinly they were sliced. The onions will continue to mellow and absorb the sweet and tangy flavors of the dressing. The tomatoes should remain juicy and flavorful, although their texture might soften slightly as they marinate.
Frequent Asked Questions:
Can I adjust the sweetness of the dressing?
Absolutely! The amount of sugar can be adjusted to suit your personal preference. Start with the recommended measurement and taste the dressing. If you prefer it sweeter, add a bit more sugar; if you prefer it less sweet, reduce the amount accordingly.
Can I make this salad in advance?
Yes, this salad is ideal for making ahead of time. Its marination process allows the flavors to develop and intensify. You can prepare it a day before serving and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to enjoy it.
Can I add other vegetables to the salad?
While the classic recipe focuses on cucumbers, onions, and tomatoes, you can certainly add other vegetables if desired. Bell peppers, radishes, or even thinly sliced carrots can add extra crunch and color to the salad.
Is this salad suitable for vegetarians and vegans?
Yes, the Marinated Cucumber, Onion, and Tomato Salad is suitable for both vegetarians and vegans. It contains no animal products, making it a great choice for those following a plant-based diet.
Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh parsley?
Fresh parsley is recommended for its vibrant flavor and appearance. However, if you don’t have fresh parsley on hand, you can use dried parsley flakes as a substitute. Keep in mind that dried herbs tend to have a more concentrated flavor, so adjust the amount accordingly.
How long will marinated cucumbers last?
The good news is that if stored properly, marinated cucumbers can last for up to five days in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This means that you can enjoy them for several days after making them, making them a great option for meal prepping or for when you want a quick and easy snack.
If you’re looking to store your marinated cucumbers in a more visually appealing way, you could also store them in a mason jar. Not only does this look great, but it also helps to keep the cucumbers fresher for longer. Simply fill the jar with the marinated cucumbers, making sure that they’re completely covered by the liquid, and store it in the refrigerator.
However, it’s important to note that while marinated cucumbers can last for up to five days, their quality may start to deteriorate after a few days. The cucumbers may start to become mushy or lose their crunch, and the flavors may become less vibrant. So, while you can technically still eat them after five days, they may not taste as good as they did when they were first made.
Is it OK to eat cucumbers and tomatoes together?
Cucumbers and tomatoes, two of the most popular and healthy vegetables, commonly feature in salads and other dishes. However, the debate about the safety of eating cucumbers and tomatoes together persists. So, is it safe to combine these two vegetables, or should you avoid doing so?
Many nutrition experts recommend avoiding the combination of cucumber and tomato. One of the main reasons is their different digestion processes. Cucumbers digest easily and mainly consist of water, while tomatoes, high in acid, require more time to digest. Consuming these two vegetables together can lead to acid formation and bloating, which may be uncomfortable and even painful for some people.
Moreover, some experts believe that cucumbers and tomatoes can interfere with the absorption of each other’s nutrients. For example, tomatoes contain lycopene, an antioxidant better absorbed with fat. However, cucumbers lack fat, which may reduce the absorption of lycopene when eaten together.
It’s important to note, though, that not everyone experiences discomfort when consuming cucumbers and tomatoes together. If you have a strong digestive system and are not prone to bloating or acid reflux, then you might tolerate this combination without issues.
What are the benefits of eating Cucumbers Onions and Tomatoes Salad?
Let’s start with the tomatoes. Tomatoes are a powerful antioxidant, rich in Vitamin C and lycopene. Vitamin C plays a crucial role in maintaining a healthy immune system, and research has shown that lycopene possesses anti-inflammatory properties and might reduce the risk of certain types of cancer. Additionally, tomatoes are a good source of fiber, aiding in digestion regulation and promoting feelings of fullness.
Next up are cucumbers, which are refreshing, low in calories, and incredibly hydrating. Cucumbers consist of over 95% water, making them excellent for hydration throughout the day. They are also a good source of potassium, aiding in blood pressure regulation and supporting heart health, and they are low in sodium, beneficial for those looking to reduce sodium intake.
Finally, let’s discuss raw onions. Raw onions, rich in antioxidants and Vitamin C, make a great addition to any salad. They are among the best dietary sources of quercetin, a flavonoid that research has linked to anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties. Moreover, onions may help regulate blood sugar levels and support digestive health.
Marinated Cucumbers Onions and Tomatoes Salad
Ingredients
- 3 cucumbers halved, seeded and sliced into 1/4 inch pieces
- 1 large red onion halved and thinly sliced
- 3 large ripe tomatoes quartered
- 1/2 cup white wine vinegar
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 cup water
- kosher salt and black pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup chopped parsley
Instructions
- Cut the cucumbers, tomatoes and onions and add to a large bowl.
- In a separate bowl, add the sugar, wine vinegar, and water, the drizzle in the olive oil, while whisking.
- Add the parsley to the dressing, then season with salt and pepper and whisk again.
- Taste dressing for seasoning and adjust if necessary.
- Pour the dressing over the vegetables and gently combine well.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving, as well as gently tossing every 1/2 hour.
Notes
- Calories: 162
- Total Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 7g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 197mg
- Potassium: 592mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 20g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 14g Protein: 2g
