Marinated Cucumbers, Onions, and Tomatoes – The Ultimate Summer Salad!
When summer arrives, many people start looking for refreshing and light meals that can help cool down the body while still providing nutrition. One of the most popular summer dishes is a marinated vegetable salad made from cucumbers, onions, and tomatoes. This simple yet flavorful salad is loved for its fresh taste, crunchy texture, and tangy marinade that enhances natural vegetable flavors.
Marinated cucumber, onion, and tomato salad is often considered a classic comfort food in many households. It is easy to prepare, requires minimal cooking, and can be served as a side dish or even a light main meal during hot weather.
This detailed recipe guide will show you how to prepare the ultimate summer marinated vegetable salad with step-by-step instructions, ingredient explanations, and helpful cooking tips.
Why This Salad Is Perfect for Summer
During summer, people tend to prefer foods that are hydrating and easy to digest. Cucumbers and tomatoes contain high water content, which helps maintain body hydration.
According to nutritional recommendations from the World Health Organization, consuming fresh vegetables is important for maintaining a balanced diet and supporting immune health.
This marinated salad is also low in calories, making it suitable for people who want a healthy eating option without heavy ingredients.
Ingredients Needed
Prepare the following ingredients before starting.
Vegetable Ingredients:
2 medium cucumbers
3 medium ripe tomatoes
1 medium red onion
1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
Marinade Ingredients:
3 tablespoons olive oil
3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar or white vinegar
1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional but recommended)
1 teaspoon sugar
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 clove garlic, minced (optional)
Optional Fresh Herbs:
Fresh parsley
Fresh dill
Chopped green onions
Using fresh vegetables is very important for achieving the best flavor and texture.
Choosing the Right Vegetables
The quality of ingredients greatly influences the final taste of the salad.
For cucumbers, choose firm cucumbers with smooth skin. Avoid cucumbers that are soft or wrinkled because they may be old or dehydrated.
Tomatoes should be fully ripe but still firm enough to slice easily. Overripe tomatoes may become mushy when marinated.
Red onions are recommended because they provide a slightly sweet and mild sharp flavor compared to white onions.
Step 1: Prepare the Cucumbers
Start by washing the cucumbers thoroughly under running water.
Peel the cucumbers if you prefer a smoother texture, but leaving some skin can add extra fiber and crunch.
Slice cucumbers into thin round pieces or half-moon shapes depending on your preference.
Place the sliced cucumbers in a large mixing bowl.
Sprinkle a small amount of salt over the cucumbers and mix gently.
Let the cucumbers sit for about 10 to 15 minutes.
This step helps draw excess water out of the cucumbers and improves texture.
After waiting, gently drain the released liquid.
Step 2: Prepare the Tomatoes
Wash the tomatoes carefully.
Cut tomatoes into thin wedges or bite-sized pieces.
If the tomatoes are very juicy, you may remove some seeds to reduce excess moisture in the salad.
Add the tomato slices to the bowl containing cucumbers.
Step 3: Prepare the Onion
Peel the red onion and cut it into very thin slices.
If you want to reduce the strong onion sharpness, soak the onion slices in cold water for about 5 minutes before adding them to the salad.
Drain the onion slices and add them to the vegetable mixture.
Step 4: Make the Marinade
In a separate small bowl, combine olive oil, vinegar, lemon juice, sugar, black pepper, and minced garlic.
Stir the mixture until the sugar completely dissolves.
The marinade should taste balanced between sour, slightly sweet, and savory.
The sugar helps reduce excessive acidity and improves overall flavor harmony.
Step 5: Combine Everything
Pour the marinade slowly over the vegetable mixture.
Use two spoons or salad tongs to mix gently.
Avoid crushing the vegetables while mixing because this can release too much juice.
Taste the salad and adjust salt or vinegar if needed.
Step 6: Add Fresh Herbs (Optional)
If you like herbal aroma, add chopped parsley, dill, or green onions.
Fresh herbs enhance fragrance and give the salad a more traditional summer flavor.
Step 7: Marination Process
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a sealed container.
Place the salad inside the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
For best flavor, marinate the salad for 1 to 2 hours before serving.
Marination allows vegetables to absorb the seasoning and develop deeper taste.
Serving Suggestions
This marinated cucumber, onion, and tomato salad can be served in many ways.
It works well as a side dish for grilled meat, barbecue meals, or roasted chicken.
It can also be eaten alone as a light summer snack.
Some people like adding feta cheese or olives for extra Mediterranean-style flavor.
Nutritional Benefits of This Salad
This salad is rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
Cucumbers provide hydration and contain beneficial plant compounds.
Tomatoes are a good source of lycopene, an antioxidant associated with heart health.
Onions contain sulfur compounds that may support immune function.
Olive oil provides healthy monounsaturated fats.
According to dietary guidelines from the Food and Agriculture Organization, consuming a variety of vegetables supports overall health.
Storage Tips
If you have leftovers, store the salad in a sealed container inside the refrigerator.
Consume the salad within 1 to 2 days for the best freshness.
Because this salad contains fresh vegetables, long storage may reduce texture quality.
Before serving leftover salad, gently mix it again because some liquid separation may occur.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Do not add too much salt at the beginning because salt draws water from vegetables.
Avoid overmixing because vegetables can become soft.
Do not skip the marination step if you want maximum flavor.
Use fresh ingredients whenever possible.
Recipe Variations
You can customize this salad according to your taste.
Some people add sliced bell peppers for color and crunch.
Others include shredded carrots for extra sweetness.
If you prefer a stronger citrus flavor, increase lemon juice slightly.
For a more spicy version, add a small amount of chili flakes.
Why This Recipe Is Popular
The popularity of this marinated vegetable salad comes from its simplicity and refreshing taste.
It does not require cooking equipment.
Preparation time is short.
Ingredients are affordable and easy to find.
The dish is suitable for hot weather because it provides hydration and freshness.
Final Thoughts
Marinated cucumbers, onions, and tomatoes create one of the best summer salad combinations you can make at home. This recipe combines simple ingredients with a flavorful marinade that enhances natural vegetable sweetness and freshness.
Whether you are preparing food for your family, picnic gatherings, or personal meals, this salad is a healthy and refreshing choice.
Try this ultimate summer salad today and enjoy the natural taste of fresh vegetables with a delicious marinated touch.
Enjoy your cooking!
0 commentaires:
Enregistrer un commentaire