Name: Mediterranean Salad with Cucumber, Tomato and Onion
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 large cucumber, peeled, seeded, and chopped; 2 large tomatoes, chopped; 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced; 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil; 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; Salt, to taste; Black pepper, to taste

Mediterranean Salad with Cucumber, Tomato and Onion is more than just a side dish; it’s a vibrant celebration of fresh, sun-kissed flavors that transports you straight to the coastal charm of the Mediterranean with every bite. We all crave those dishes that are effortlessly healthy, incredibly satisfying, and bursting with taste, and this salad delivers on all fronts. What makes this Mediterranean Salad with Cucumber, Tomato and Onion so universally loved? It’s the perfect harmony of simple, high-quality ingredients that require minimal fuss but yield maximum reward. The crisp, cool crunch of cucumber, the juicy sweetness of ripe tomatoes, and the sharp bite of red onion come together with a light, zesty dressing to create a symphony of textures and tastes. It’s the quintessential dish for a light lunch, a refreshing accompaniment to grilled meats, or a healthy addition to any gathering. Prepare to fall in love with this deceptively simple yet utterly delicious Mediterranean Salad with Cucumber, Tomato and Onion.

Ingredients:

3 large ripe tomatoes, preferably a mix of varieties for color and flavor

1 large cucumber

1/2 red onion

1/4 cup Kalamata olives, pitted

1/4 cup crum extractbled feta cheese

2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

2 tablespoons fresh mint, chopped (optional, but highly recommended!)

3 tablespoons extra virgin extract olive oil

1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

1/2 teaspoon dried oregano

Salt to taste

Freshly ground black pepper to taste

Mediterranean Salad with Cucumber, Tomato and Onion

There’s something incredibly refreshing about a vibrant Mediterranean salad. It’s a simple yet satisfying dish that bursts with fresh flavors and textures. This recipe, a classic combination of juicy tomatoes, crisp cucumber, and pungent red onion, is perfect as a light lunch, a delightful side dish for grilled meats or fish, or even a light dinner on a warm evening. The beauty of this salad lies in its simplicity and the quality of its ingredients. When the tomatoes are at their peak of ripeness, the cucumber is perfectly crisp, and the red onion offers just the right amount of bite, you truly don’t need much to create something delicious. I love to make a big batch of this and have it ready in the fridge to enjoy throughout the day. It’s a testament to how good food can be with minimal fuss. The addition of Kalamata olives and feta cheese brings that quintessential Mediterranean flair, while fresh herbs like parsley and mint elevate it from a basic chopped salad to something truly special. Let’s get started!

Preparing the Vegetables

The foundation of this delightful salad is, of course, the fresh produce. Taking a little extra time to prepare your ingredients properly will make a world of difference in the final dish. I always start by washing all my vegetables thoroughly.

Wash and Chop the Tomatoes: For the tomatoes, I like to use a mix of varieties if I can find them – perhaps some plump Roma tomatoes for their sweetness and a couple of larger, beefsteak tomatoes for their juiciness and rich flavor. Cut the tomatoes into bite-sized pieces. You can dice them, quarter them, or even cut them into wedges, depending on your preference. Remove any tough cores. If your tomatoes are exceptionally juicy, you might want to gently drain some of the excess liquid before adding them to the salad bowl to prevent it from becoming too watery. I usually just let them drain in the colander for a few minutes while I prepare the other ingredients.

Prepare the Cucumber: Next up is the cucumber. I prefer to use an English cucumber or a Persian cucumber as they have thinner skins and fewer seeds, which means less peeling and deseeding is required. If you’re using a regular cucumber, you might want to peel it and scoop out some of the watery seeds. Cut the cucumber into bite-sized pieces, similar in size to your tomato pieces. This ensures a good balance of textures in every bite. You can slice it into half-moons or dice it, whatever you find easiest.

Slice the Red Onion: The red onion provides a lovely sharpness and color. I like to slice it very thinly. You can do this by halving the onion, peeling off the outer layers, and then slicing it thinly against the grain. For a milder onion flavor, you can soak the sliced onion in a bowl of cold water for about 10-15 minutes before adding it to the salad. This step is optional but can be a game-changer if you find raw onion a bit too overpowering. Drain the onion well after soaking.

Assembling the Salad

Once all your vegetables are prepped and ready, it’s time to bring them all together. This is where the magic truly happens, transforming simple chopped vegetables into a cohesive and flavorful dish.

Combine the Base Ingredients: In a large salad bowl, gently combine the chopped tomatoes, cucumber, and thinly sliced red onion. Add the pitted Kalamata olives. These briny little jewels are essential for that authentic Mediterranean taste. I often buy them already pitted to save a little time, but if yours have pits, simply remove them before adding.

Add the Fresh Herbs and Feta: Now, let’s add the fresh elements that will really make this salad sing. Sprinkle in the chopped fresh parsley and the chopped fresh mint, if you’re using it. The mint adds an unexpected burst of coolness that I absolutely adore. Next, crum extractble the feta cheese over the top. I like to use a good quality Greek feta for its tangy and salty flavor. Don’t be shy with the herbs and feta – they are key to the salad’s character.

Creating the Dressing and Finishing Touches

A simple yet effective dressing is crucial for tying all the flavors together. You don’t need anything complicated; the quality of your olive oil and lemon juice will shine through.

Whisk Together the Dressing: In a small bowl or a jar, whisk together the extra virgin extract olive oil, fresh lemon juice, and dried oregano. This is your simple yet perfect vinaigrette. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Remember that feta cheese and Kalamata olives are already quite salty, so it’s best to taste the dressing before adding too much salt. I usually start with just a pinch and then adjust as needed after tossing the salad.

Toss and Serve: Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients in the large bowl. Gently toss everything together, ensuring that all the vegetables are lightly coated with the dressing. You can use salad tongs or two large spoons for this. Be careful not to over-toss, especially if your tomatoes are very ripe, as you don’t want to mash them. Allow the salad to sit for about 10-15 minutes before serving. This brief resting period allows the flavors to meld together beautifully, making the salad even more delicious. Serve this vibrant Mediterranean salad as is, or alongside your favorite main course. It’s a taste of the Mediterranean sunshine on a plate!

Conclusion:

This Mediterranean Salad with Cucumber, Tomato, and Onion is truly a gem. Its vibrant colors, refreshing crunch, and perfectly balanced flavors make it an ideal side dish or a light and satisfying meal on its own. The simplicity of the ingredients allows the natural goodness of fresh produce to shine through, creating a dish that is both healthy and incredibly delicious. It’s the kind of recipe that I find myself coming back to again and again, especially during warmer months or when I’m craving something bright and invigorating.

I love serving this Mediterranean Salad alongside grilled chicken or fish, or as a delightful accompaniment to hearty lentil soup. It also pairs beautifully with pita bread and hummus for a quick and easy lunch. Don’t be afraid to get creative with it! You can easily elevate this salad by adding crum extractbled feta cheese, Kalamata olives, or even some chopped bell peppers. For a protein boost, consider tossing in some chickpeas or grilled halloumi. I truly encourage you to give this fantastic recipe a try – I’m confident you’ll fall in love with its simplicity and amazing taste.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q1: How long does this Mediterranean Salad last in the refrigerator?

This salad is best enjoyed fresh, as the vegetables are at their crispest. However, you can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The flavors tend to meld and deepen over time, which some people even prefer!

Q2: Can I make this salad ahead of time for a gathering?

Yes, you can! For best results, I recommend chopping all your vegetables and preparing the dressing separately. Store them in the refrigerator. About 30 minutes before serving, toss everything together to ensure the vegetables remain crisp and vibrant.

Mediterranean Salad with Cucumber, Tomato and Onion

A refreshing Mediterranean salad featuring crisp cucumber, juicy tomatoes, and sharp red onion, tossed with a simple olive oil and herb dressing. Perfect as a side dish or light lunch.

Prep Time
15 Minutes

Cook Time
0 Minutes

Total Time
15 Minutes

Servings
4 servings

Ingredients

1 large cucumber, peeled, seeded, and chopped
2 large tomatoes, chopped
1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
1 teaspoon dried oregano
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

Step 1
In a large bowl, combine the chopped cucumber, chopped tomatoes, and thinly sliced red onion.
Step 2
In a small bowl, whisk together the extra-virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, and dried oregano.
Step 3
Season the dressing with salt and black pepper to taste.
Step 4
Pour the dressing over the vegetables in the large bowl.
Step 5
Gently toss the salad to ensure all ingredients are well coated with the dressing.
Step 6
Let the salad sit for a few minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.

Important Information

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.

Mediterranean Salad – Fresh Cucumber Tomato Onion Recipe

Ingredients: