Why You’ll Love This Mediterranean Salad with Cucumber, Tomato and Onion

Hey there, fellow food lovers! Are you craving a vibrant, healthy, and utterly delicious salad that’s as easy to make as it is to devour? Then look no further than this refreshing Mediterranean Salad with Cucumber, Tomato, and Onion! This isn’t just any salad; it’s a symphony of flavors and textures that will transport you straight to a sun-drenched Mediterranean coast. Imagine the crunch of the fresh cucumber, the juicy burst of ripe tomatoes, the gentle bite of red onion, all perfectly balanced with a bright and zesty dressing.

What makes this salad so special? It’s the simplicity, my friend! It’s the kind of recipe that celebrates the natural goodness of fresh ingredients, letting their unique flavors shine. No complicated techniques, no obscure ingredients – just pure, unadulterated deliciousness. You’ll love the speed of preparation; it’s ready in minutes, perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a light lunch. The vibrant colors alone will brighten your day, and the refreshing flavors are utterly addictive. It’s the perfect side dish for grilled meats, fish, or even a hearty vegetarian meal. It’s also incredibly versatile, allowing for endless customization to suit your taste.

This Mediterranean salad isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience. It’s a taste of sunshine, a burst of freshness, a feeling of lightness and well-being. It’s the perfect antidote to a busy day, offering a simple pleasure that’s both satisfying and healthy. So, are you ready to embark on this culinary journey with me? Let’s get started!

Refreshing Mediterranean Salad with Cucumber, Tomato and Onion

What You’ll Need

This recipe is incredibly simple, using ingredients you likely already have in your pantry or can easily pick up at your local market. Here’s what you’ll need to create this Mediterranean masterpiece:

Ripe Tomatoes (1 lb): Choose juicy, flavorful tomatoes for the best results. Heirloom tomatoes add a beautiful visual appeal and unique flavors.
Cucumber (1 large): A crisp, refreshing cucumber is essential for the perfect texture. English cucumbers are a great choice as they have fewer seeds.
Red Onion (½): Adds a pleasant bite and a touch of sweetness. Thinly slicing it helps to mellow the sharpness.
Fresh Basil (½ cup): Adds that perfect pop of herby flavor. Use fresh basil whenever possible for the most vibrant taste.
Extra Virgin Olive Oil (¼ cup): The foundation of Mediterranean cuisine, providing a rich flavor and healthy fats.
Red Wine Vinegar (2 tablespoons): Adds a tangy counterpoint to the sweetness of the tomatoes and onions.
Salt and freshly ground Black Pepper: To taste, enhancing the natural flavors of the ingredients.
Optional: Kalamata Olives (½ cup): Adds a salty, briny element and beautiful color.
Optional: Feta Cheese (¼ cup): Crumbled feta cheese adds a creamy, salty tang.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Making this Mediterranean salad is a breeze! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll be enjoying a delicious and healthy meal in minutes:

Prep the Vegetables: Wash and thoroughly dry all your vegetables. Dice the tomatoes into roughly ½-inch pieces. Thinly slice the cucumber and red onion. Tip: To reduce onion’s sharpness, soak the sliced onions in cold water for 10 minutes before adding them to the salad.
Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, gently combine the diced tomatoes, sliced cucumber, and sliced red onion. Add the chopped fresh basil. Tip: Avoid overmixing, as you want to retain the texture of the vegetables.
Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Tip: Taste the dressing and adjust the seasoning to your liking. You may want to add a pinch of sugar to balance the acidity.
Dress the Salad: Pour the dressing over the salad and gently toss to combine. Tip: Don’t over-dress the salad; you want the vegetables to retain their freshness and crunch.
Add Optional Ingredients: If using, add the Kalamata olives and crumbled feta cheese. Gently toss to incorporate. Tip: Add the feta cheese just before serving to prevent it from becoming soggy.
Serve and Enjoy: Serve the salad immediately for the best flavor and texture. Tip: Garnish with a few extra basil leaves for a beautiful presentation.

Tips for Success

To ensure your Mediterranean salad is the best it can be, here are a few extra tips:

Use the freshest ingredients possible. The quality of your vegetables will directly impact the overall taste of the salad. Choose ripe, flavorful tomatoes and a crisp cucumber. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different types of tomatoes – heirloom varieties add a beautiful visual appeal and unique flavors. If you’re short on time, pre-cut vegetables from the supermarket are a convenient option.

Thinly slicing the red onion helps to mitigate its sharpness. Soaking the sliced onions in cold water for about 10 minutes before adding them to the salad further reduces the pungency. Adjust the amount of red onion according to your preference; some people prefer a stronger onion flavor.

Taste and adjust the seasoning as you go. The perfect balance of flavors is key. You might want to add a pinch of sugar to the dressing to balance the acidity of the vinegar. Freshly ground black pepper is always preferred over pre-ground pepper for a more intense flavor.

Variations to Try

This basic recipe is a fantastic starting point, but feel free to customize it to your liking! Here are a few ideas:

Vegetarian/Vegan Option: This recipe is already vegetarian. To make it vegan, simply omit the feta cheese.

Gluten-Free Option: This recipe is naturally gluten-free.

Spicier Version: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the dressing for a touch of heat.

Herby Additions: Experiment with other fresh herbs like oregano, mint, or dill.

Added Protein: Grilled chicken, chickpeas, or white beans would be delicious additions.

Storing and Reheating

Leftover salad is best enjoyed within 1-2 days. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. To maintain the best texture, it’s best to store the dressing separately and add it just before serving. Freezing this salad is not recommended as it will affect the texture of the vegetables. If reheating is necessary, do so gently at room temperature or briefly in the refrigerator to avoid wilting the vegetables. Avoid using a microwave, as it may overcook the vegetables and make them soggy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use different types of vinegar? A: Absolutely! Apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar can be used instead of red wine vinegar, but the flavor will be slightly different. Experiment to find your preference.

Q: How long does the salad last? A: This salad is best enjoyed fresh, but it will keep in the refrigerator for 1-2 days if stored properly in an airtight container. It is best to store the dressing separately and add it just before serving.

Q: Can I prepare the salad ahead of time? A: Yes, you can chop the vegetables ahead of time and store them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Prepare the dressing separately as well. Assemble and dress the salad just before serving to maintain optimal freshness and texture.

Q: What if I don’t have fresh basil? A: Dried basil can be used as a substitute, but the flavor will be less intense. Use about 1 teaspoon of dried basil for every ½ cup of fresh basil.

The Final Word

This Mediterranean Salad with Cucumber, Tomato, and Onion is a testament to the beauty of simplicity. It’s a vibrant, healthy, and incredibly delicious salad that’s perfect for any occasion. The combination of fresh, crisp vegetables, a zesty dressing, and optional additions like feta cheese and olives makes this salad a true crowd-pleaser. It’s a recipe that celebrates the natural flavors of its ingredients, making it a refreshing and satisfying meal. So, what are you waiting for? Give this recipe a try and let me know what you think in the comments below! Don’t forget to rate the recipe and share your culinary creations!

Mediterranean Salad with Cucumber, Tomato and Onion

A simple yet vibrant salad bursting with fresh Mediterranean flavors. Perfect as a light lunch, side dish, or appetizer.

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Ingredients

* 1 large cucumber thinly sliced
* 2 large tomatoes diced
* 1 medium red onion thinly sliced
* 1/2 cup Kalamata olives pitted and halved
* 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
* 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
* 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint
* 2 tablespoons olive oil
* 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
* 1 tablespoon lemon juice
* 1 teaspoon dried oregano
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
* Optional: 1/4 cup chopped bell pepper any color

Instructions

In a large bowl, combine the sliced cucumber, diced tomatoes, and thinly sliced red onion.
Add the Kalamata olives, crumbled feta cheese, chopped parsley, and chopped mint to the bowl.
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, oregano, salt, and pepper.
Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients.
Gently toss the salad to combine all the ingredients and ensure everything is well coated with the dressing.
If using, add the chopped bell pepper at this stage and toss gently again.
Taste and adjust seasoning as needed, adding more salt, pepper, or lemon juice to your preference.
Serve immediately or chill for later. The flavors will meld slightly if chilled for a short time.

Notes

For a creamier dressing, add a tablespoon of Greek yogurt. You can substitute other herbs like dill or chives for the parsley and mint. If you don’t have red wine vinegar, you can use white wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar instead. Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or artichoke hearts.