Description
Bright, crisp cucumbers and juicy tomatoes mingle with sweet-sharp red onion in a simple vinegar-and-sugar dressing. A quick 15-minute marination softens the sharp edges and lets the flavors meld into the ultimate easy side dish—light, hydrating, and bursting with summer freshness.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- 2 cups Cucumber (Thinly sliced skin on for crunch)
- 2 cups Tomatoes (Chopped Roma or cherry work best)
- 1 small Red onion (Thinly sliced)
- 2 Tbsp Apple cider vinegar (Or any vinegar of your choice)
- 1 Tbsp Sugar (Balances acidity)
- To taste Salt & pepper (Adjust to preference)
Instructions
Prep the Vegetables:
- Wash and thinly slice cucumbers; chop tomatoes into bite-sized pieces.
- Peel and thinly slice the red onion into rings or half-moons.
Whisk the Vinaigrette:
- In a small bowl, combine apple cider vinegar, sugar, a pinch of salt, and several grinds of black pepper.
- Whisk vigorously until sugar and salt dissolve. Taste and adjust sweetness or acidity as desired.
Combine & Toss:
- In a large bowl, add cucumbers, tomatoes, and onions.
- Pour the vinaigrette over the vegetables and toss gently until evenly coated.
Marinate (The Magic Step!):
- Let the salad sit at room temperature for at least 15 minutes, tossing once or twice. Osmosis draws the dressing into the veggies and releases excess moisture, intensifying flavor.
Garnish & Serve:
- Give the salad one final gentle toss.
- Serve at room temperature or chilled, optionally garnished with freshly chopped parsley or dill. Offer lime wedges on the side for a bright finish.
Notes
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For an even milder onion flavor, soak sliced onions in ice water for 10 minutes, then drain before tossing.
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Swap in rice vinegar or white wine vinegar for a different tang profile.
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Add fresh herbs—like mint or basil—just before serving for extra brightness.
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This salad is best enjoyed within 2 hours of mixing; overly long marination can make veggies too soft.
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Leftovers keep in an airtight container in the fridge up to 1 day; re-toss before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad, Side Dish
- Cuisine: American, International Recipes
Nutrition
- Calories: 65
