© Original Recipe By The Cozy Crumb ©
🥗🌿 Refreshing Mediterranean Cucumber Tomato Onion Salad – A Burst of Summer Flavors! 🌞🍅
1. Introduction
If you’re craving a light, crisp, and healthy summer salad that captures the essence of the Mediterranean, you’re in the right place. The Fresh Mediterranean Cucumber Tomato Onion Salad is a vibrant combination of cool cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, and aromatic onions, all tossed in a tangy dressing. This Mediterranean salad is perfect for hot days, picnic gatherings, or as a refreshing side dish that complements any grilled main course.
2. Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ready in 10 minutes: Perfect for quick lunches or dinners.
- Healthy summer salad: Packed with fresh vegetables and antioxidants.
- Versatile: Serve as a side, a light snack, or a topping for grilled meats.
- Simple ingredients: No complex prep or hard-to-find items.
- Colorful and appetizing: Bright, fresh colors that elevate any plate.
3. Ingredient Notes
When selecting ingredients for your healthy summer salad, opt for the freshest produce available. Choose firm, glossy cucumbers that are crisp and free of blemishes—English cucumbers are particularly good because of their tender skin and fewer seeds. For juicy tomatoes, heirloom or vine-ripened varieties add an extra depth of flavor.
The red onion provides a subtle sharpness and sweetness, so look for onions with tight, dry skins. To elevate your salad, consider a high-quality extra virgin olive oil, which adds richness to the dressing. Using fresh herbs like basil or parsley can bring additional aromatic notes that complement the main ingredients beautifully.
4. Kitchen Tools You Need
To craft this vibrant salad effortlessly, make sure you have the right tools. This Compact 6-in-1 Digital Air Fryer is great for grilling vegetables if you want to add a smoky flavor. An excellent T-fal 14-Piece Hard Anodized Nonstick Cookware Set ensures you have durable pots and pans for all your prep work. For quick chopping, a Fullstar Ultimate Veggie Prep Master makes slicing and dicing a breeze. These tools will streamline your cooking process and help you achieve restaurant-quality results.
5. How to Make Fresh Mediterranean Cucumber Tomato Onion Salad
Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables
Start by washing your cucumbers and tomatoes thoroughly. Slice the cucumbers into thin rounds or half-moons, depending on your preference. Cut the tomatoes into bite-sized wedges, and thinly slice the red onion. Your kitchen should be filled with the fresh, grassy aroma of herbs and the vibrant colors of ripe produce.
Step 2: Assemble the Salad
Place all the chopped vegetables in a large mixing bowl. Drizzle generously with high-quality extra virgin olive oil and a splash of fresh lemon juice or red wine vinegar for acidity. Season with salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste. Toss gently to combine, ensuring every piece gets a flavorful coating. The salad should look colorful and glisten with the dressing, tempting your senses.
Step 3: Garnish and Serve
Add freshly chopped herbs like basil or parsley, and give the salad one last gentle toss. Serve immediately for the freshest taste, or let it sit for 10 minutes to allow flavors to meld. Enjoy the crisp texture and the explosion of Mediterranean-inspired flavors in every bite.
6. Expert Tips for Success
To keep your Mediterranean salad crisp and tasting fresh, avoid over-dressing the vegetables. Prepare the salad just before serving, or sprinkle the dressing over the vegetables and refrigerate for no more than 30 minutes. When slicing onions, rinse slices under cold water to mellow their sharpness. Incorporating fresh herbs right before serving enhances aroma and flavor.
7. Variations & Substitutions
If you need to make substitutions, consider swapping the red onion for shallots or red onion slivers. Add crumbled feta cheese or kalamata olives for a salty, savory twist. For a vegan version, use balsamic vinegar instead of lemon juice. You can also turn this into a protein-packed salad by adding grilled chicken or chickpeas on top.
8. Storage & Reheating
This healthy summer salad is best enjoyed fresh. If you have leftovers, store the dressing separately and add just before serving. Keep the vegetables in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 day. Since this is a raw vegetable salad, reheating isn’t necessary, but the flavors will deepen if it sits for a few hours.
9. FAQ
Q: Can I make this salad ahead of time?
A: Yes. Prepare the vegetables ahead and toss with the dressing just before serving to keep everything crisp and fresh.
Q: Is this salad gluten-free?
A: Absolutely. This Mediterranean salad is naturally gluten-free and suitable for many special diets.
Q: What other vegetables can I add?
A: Feel free to add sliced bell peppers, radishes, or shredded carrots to customize your fresh cucumber tomato onion salad.
Q: How can I make this salad more filling?
A: Add grilled shrimp, shredded chicken, or chickpeas to boost the protein content and make it a complete meal.
10. Conclusion
Enjoy this Mediterranean salad as a light, nutritious, and colorful addition to your warm-weather meals. Its fresh ingredients and vibrant flavors will transport your taste buds straight to the Mediterranean coast. For more kitchen inspiration and high-quality tools, explore our recommended product picks linked throughout this post. Embrace the season’s bounty and enjoy every crunchy, juicy bite!
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Fresh Mediterranean Cucumber Tomato Onion Salad
A simple, fresh Mediterranean salad combining crunchy cucumbers, ripe tomatoes, and flavorful red onions, dressed in olive oil and lemon juice, garnished with herbs.
- 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 lemon juice
- Fresh herbs (parsley, basil)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Combine sliced cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, and red onion in a large bowl.
- Drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice, toss gently to combine.
- Season with salt and pepper, garnish with chopped fresh herbs.
- Serve immediately or chill for 15 minutes before serving.
Notes
- You can add crumbled feta cheese for extra flavor.
- This salad is best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 hours.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Method: Combine and toss
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 120 Kcal
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
