Craving a refreshing, mouth-watering salad that screams summer in every bite? Look no further! This cucumber tomato onion salad with balsamic dressing is about to become your new obsession. Imagine crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, and zesty onions dancing together in a tangy balsamic embrace – it's like a flavor explosion that will transport you to a sunny Italian countryside with just one forkful!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: -
Total Time: 10 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cucumbers, diced
- 2 tomatoes, diced
- 1 onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Begin by preparing all your ingredients. Rinse the cucumbers and tomatoes under cold water. Pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel.
- Dice the cucumbers into small, bite-sized pieces. You can peel the cucumbers if you prefer, but leaving the skin on adds a nice crunch and color.
- Next, dice the tomatoes. Cut them in half, remove the seeds if desired, and then chop them into similar-sized pieces as the cucumbers.
- For the onion, peel it and slice it thinly. If you find the flavor of raw onion too strong, you can soak the slices in cold water for a few minutes, then drain them to mellow the taste.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced cucumbers, diced tomatoes, and sliced onion. Toss gently to mix the vegetables evenly.
- In a separate small bowl, prepare the balsamic dressing. Whisk together the balsamic vinegar and olive oil until well combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Pour the balsamic dressing over the mixed vegetables in the large bowl. Toss everything together until the vegetables are evenly coated with the dressing.
- Let the salad sit for about 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Before serving, give the salad one last gentle toss. Garnish with fresh basil leaves for added flavor and a pop of color.
- Serve the cucumber tomato onion salad immediately as a refreshing side dish or light meal. Enjoy!
Tips
- Choose Fresh Ingredients: The key to an amazing salad is using the freshest, ripest vegetables you can find. Look for firm cucumbers, bright red tomatoes, and crisp onions.
- Cutting Technique Matters: Aim for uniform, bite-sized pieces to ensure each bite is perfectly balanced and visually appealing.
- Tame the Onion: If raw onions are too strong for you, try soaking the sliced onions in cold water for a few minutes to mellow their intense flavor.
- Dressing Tip: Whisk the balsamic vinegar and olive oil thoroughly to create a smooth, well-combined dressing that coats every vegetable evenly.
- Let It Marinate: Allowing the salad to sit for 5-10 minutes before serving lets the flavors meld together and intensify.
- Garnish Wisely: Fresh basil leaves not only add a pop of color but also bring a fragrant, herbal note to the dish.
- Serve Immediately: This salad is best enjoyed fresh, so prepare it just before serving to maintain the crisp texture of the vegetables.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 100kcal
Carbohydrates: 8g
Protein: 2g
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 0mg
