Introduction
When it comes to light and refreshing summer salads, Marinated Cucumbers, Onions, and Tomatoes is a classic choice that never disappoints. This colorful and flavorful dish is perfect for picnics, barbecues, or as a simple side for your weeknight meal. The combination of crisp cucumbers, tangy onions, and juicy tomatoes marinated in a zesty dressing creates a harmonious blend of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds.
Whether you’re looking for a healthy and easy-to-make salad or a crowd-pleasing dish to bring to gatherings, Marinated Cucumbers, Onions, and Tomatoes is a versatile option that suits any occasion. In this article, we will guide you through the ingredients you need, the steps to prepare this dish, possible variations to customize the recipe to your liking, some helpful tips for perfecting the marination process, and finally, we’ll wrap up with a conclusion and FAQs to address any queries you may have.
Ingredients
To make Marinated Cucumbers, Onions, and Tomatoes, you will need the following ingredients:
– 2 large cucumbers
– 1 red onion
– 3 ripe tomatoes
– 1/4 cup white vinegar
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 tablespoon sugar
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Steps
Follow these steps to prepare Marinated Cucumbers, Onions, and Tomatoes:
1. Wash and peel the cucumbers. Slice them thinly and place in a large mixing bowl.
2. Peel the red onion and slice it into thin rings. Add the onion slices to the bowl with the cucumbers.
3. Wash the tomatoes and cut them into wedges. Add the tomatoes to the bowl.
4. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the white vinegar, olive oil, sugar, salt, and black pepper to make the dressing.
5. Pour the dressing over the cucumbers, onions, and tomatoes in the mixing bowl.
6. Gently toss everything together until the vegetables are well coated with the dressing.
7. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld together.
Variations
There are several ways you can customize Marinated Cucumbers, Onions, and Tomatoes to suit your preferences:
– Add fresh herbs like dill or parsley for an extra burst of flavor.
– Include some crumbled feta cheese for a creamy and salty element.
– Sprinkle some toasted sesame seeds or pine nuts for added crunch.
– Substitute the white vinegar with apple cider vinegar for a slightly sweeter tang.
Tips
Here are some tips to help you perfect your Marinated Cucumbers, Onions, and Tomatoes:
– Use ripe and juicy tomatoes for the best flavor and texture.
– Adjust the amount of sugar and vinegar in the dressing to suit your taste preferences.
– For a stronger onion flavor, marinate the onions separately in the dressing before adding them to the rest of the vegetables.
– Allow the salad to sit in the refrigerator for a few hours before serving to enhance the flavors.
Conclusion
Marinated Cucumbers, Onions, and Tomatoes is a delightful dish that celebrates the fresh and vibrant produce of summer. With its simple preparation and bright flavors, this salad is a go-to option for any occasion. Whether you’re enjoying it as a light lunch or serving it as a side dish at a gathering, this recipe is sure to please your palate.
FAQs
Q: Can I make this salad ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare Marinated Cucumbers, Onions, and Tomatoes a few hours in advance and store it in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
Q: How long will this salad last in the fridge?
A: This salad is best enjoyed within 1-2 days of preparation to maintain the freshness of the ingredients.
Q: Can I use cherry tomatoes instead of regular tomatoes?
A: Yes, you can use cherry tomatoes in this recipe. Simply halve or quarter them before adding to the salad.
Q: Is it necessary to peel the cucumbers?
A: Peeling the cucumbers is optional. If you prefer the added crunch and color of the cucumber skin, feel free to leave it on.
Marinated Cucumbers, Onions, and Tomatoes
A colorful and flavorful summer salad featuring crisp cucumbers, tangy onions, and juicy tomatoes marinated in a zesty dressing. Perfect for picnics, barbecues, or as a simple side for any meal.
Ingredients
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2 large cucumbers
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1 red onion
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3 ripe tomatoes
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1/4 cup white vinegar
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2 tablespoons olive oil
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1 tablespoon sugar
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1 teaspoon salt
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1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Directions
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Wash and peel the cucumbers. Slice them thinly and place in a large mixing bowl.
-
Peel the red onion and slice it into thin rings. Add the onion slices to the bowl with the cucumbers.
-
Wash the tomatoes and cut them into wedges. Add the tomatoes to the bowl.
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In a separate small bowl, whisk together the white vinegar, olive oil, sugar, salt, and black pepper to make the dressing.
-
Pour the dressing over the cucumbers, onions, and tomatoes in the mixing bowl.
-
Gently toss everything together until the vegetables are well coated with the dressing.
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Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld together.
