Cucumber, Tomato, And Onion Salad

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There is nothing quite as crisp, vibrant, and refreshing as a classic Cucumber, Tomato, and Onion Salad.

Bursting with garden-fresh flavors, this simple salad relies on the natural contrast between juicy, sweet tomatoes, cool and crunchy cucumbers, and sharp, crisp red onions. Tossed in a light, tangy vinaigrette with fresh herbs, it comes together in minutes and tastes even better after letting the flavors meld for a short time on the counter.
Here is how to make a foolproof, restaurant-quality version at home.

Ingredients

  • 3 medium English cucumbers (or 5–6 small Persian cucumbers), sliced into half-moons or 1/4-inch rounds
  • 1.5 lbs ripe tomatoes (Roma tomatoes, vine-ripened tomatoes, or a pint of colorful cherry tomatoes halved)
  • 1/2 medium red onion, thinly sliced into half-moons (soak the slices in cold water for 10 minutes beforehand to tame their sharp bite if preferred)
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley or dill, finely chopped (fresh herbs elevate this instantly)
  • 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tbsp red wine vinegar (or apple cider vinegar / fresh lemon juice)
  • 1 tsp honey or maple syrup (optional, to balance the acidity)
  • 1 tsp kosher salt (plus more to taste)
  • 1/2 tsp freshly cracked black pepper
  • 2 oz feta cheese or fresh mozzarella balls (optional, for a creamy, savory twist)

Step 1: Prep the Vegetables (10 Minutes)

  1. Wash and dry all your produce thoroughly.
  2. Slice the cucumbers and tomatoes into uniform bite-sized pieces so every spoonful gets a perfect mix of textures.
  3. Thinly slice the red onion. Pro Tip: If you prefer a milder onion flavor that won’t overpower the delicate tomatoes, submerge the sliced onions in a bowl of ice-cold water for 10 minutes, then drain and pat dry. This removes the harsh sulfur compounds while keeping them super crisp.

Step 2: Whisk the Tangy Vinaigrette

  1. In the bottom of a large serving bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, honey (if using), kosher salt, and freshly cracked black pepper until well combined.

Step 3: Toss and Marinate

  1. Add the sliced cucumbers, tomatoes, red onions, and chopped fresh herbs directly into the bowl with the dressing.
  2. Toss everything gently until the vegetables are evenly coated in the vinaigrette.
  3. Why this matters: Let the salad sit at room temperature for 15 to 20 minutes before serving. This brief resting period allows the salt to draw just a hint of juice out of the tomatoes and cucumbers, creating an incredible natural dressing at the bottom of the bowl.

Step 4: Finish and Serve

  1. If using crumbled feta cheese or fresh mozzarella, scatter it gently over the top just before serving.
  2. Give it one final quick toss, taste and adjust salt or pepper if needed, and serve immediately alongside grilled meats, roasted fish, or scoop it up with warm artisan bread!

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