Jump to:
Summer has finally arrived, and it's time to lighten up your meals! This refreshing cucumber tomato onion salad, paired with a homemade apple vinaigrette, is the perfect way to enjoy the season’s best flavors. It’s light, juicy, and packed with refreshing ingredients, just what you need to stay cool on hot summer days. Best served chilled, this salad will brighten up any meal!
While I don’t always crave salads, when I do, I want something that feels special and flavorful. A simple bed of greens is nice, but a salad with more substance really makes me happy. That’s why I’m sharing this refreshing cucumber tomato onion salad, dressed with a tangy homemade vinaigrette, my go-to for a vibrant side dish!
This easy-to-make summer salad can be served on its own or as an accompaniment to a main dish. I love pairing it with a tofu and Puerto Rican rice for a full meal.
Why You’ll Love This
- Wholesome and Healthy: Made with plant-based ingredients, this salad is not only healthy but also low in carbs and calories. Perfect for a light, nutritious meal or side dish.
- Quick and Easy: No cooking required! Just chop the ingredients, toss them together, and dress with homemade vinaigrette. It’s that simple.
- Perfectly Refreshing: This salad is bursting with light, juicy ingredients and tangy flavors. It’s ideal for summer, offering a fresh and hydrating bite with every spoonful.
Ingredients & Substitutions
- Cucumber: Regular cucumbers work great for this salad, but you can also use English cucumbers for their thinner flesh and fewer seeds. We keep the peel on for extra fiber!
- Tomatoes: Roma tomatoes are my go-to because they’re sweet and affordable, but feel free to use cherry or heirloom tomatoes for a different flavor.
- Onion: Red onions are the best choice for this salad. Their mild flavor adds just the right bite.
- Parsley: Fresh herbs take this salad to the next level. While parsley is my favorite, basil, dill, or mint would all work wonderfully.
- Apple Cider Vinaigrette Dressing: Our homemade vinaigrette is made with extra-virgin olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, dijon mustard, and garlic. It’s simple but flavorful.
- Salt & Pepper: Season to taste for the perfect balance of flavors.
Step-By-Step Recipe
- Start by chopping your cucumber, tomatoes, and red onion into bite-sized pieces. For the cucumber, cut it in half lengthwise, then slice it into half-moons.
- Add the chopped vegetables to a large bowl, followed by the fresh parsley, salt, and pepper.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the homemade apple cider vinaigrette ingredients.
- Pour the vinaigrette over the salad and toss everything together until well combined.
Cover the salad and refrigerate it for at least 2 hours or overnight to let the flavors marinate. It’s best served chilled for a truly refreshing experience!
Tips for the Best Cucumber Tomato Onion Salad
- Chop Evenly: For the most balanced bite, chop the vegetables into similarly sized pieces. Smaller cuts help distribute the flavors evenly.
- Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh herbs like parsley, basil, or mint can make a huge difference in elevating the salad’s flavor.
- Chill Before Serving: Letting the salad chill in the fridge helps the vinaigrette blend with the vegetables, making it even tastier!
What To Serve With This Salad
This cucumber tomato onion salad is incredibly versatile and pairs well with a variety of dishes. For a light and refreshing breakfast or brunch, enjoy it alongside a tofu scramble. It also complements heartier meals like Puerto Rican rice and a simple green salad, making for a wholesome, satisfying plate. If you're firing up the grill, serve it with grilled vegetables or a veggie burger for a complete and colorful summer feast.
How To Store
Store leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. It’s best enjoyed within the first couple of days for maximum freshness.
Cucumber Tomato Onion Salad FAQs
First, cut off both ends of the cucumber. Then slice it in half lengthwise and lay the halves flat. Cut them into half-moon or half-circle pieces.
Absolutely! In fact, it tastes even better when it has had time to chill in the fridge and let the vinaigrette meld with the vegetables. Prepare it a few hours or the night before for the best flavor.
It’s up to you! I like leaving the peel on for added fiber and to minimize waste. If you prefer, feel free to peel the cucumber. English cucumbers have thin skins, so they don’t necessarily need to be peeled.
Store the salad in an airtight container or reusable silicone bag for up to 2-3 days in the refrigerator. Enjoy it fresh for the best flavor!
More Recipes Salad Recipes
Tried out this Cucumber Tomato Onion Salad recipe?
Please leave a comment below, share it, rate it, or tag a picture @plantbasedandbroke on Instagram and hashtag it #plantbasedandbroke. Show off that creation with us.
Refreshing Cucumber Tomato Onion Salad with Homemade Vinaigrette
Ingredients
- 1 large cucumber chopped into small chunks (330 grams)
- 6 Roma tomatoes chopped into small chunks (1 pound)
- 1 red onion chopped
- Fresh parsley washed, stems removed, finely chopped (21 grams/75 ounces)
- ¼ cup apple cider vinaigrette salad dressing
- Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
- Transfer chopped cucumber, tomatoes, onion, fresh parsley, salt & pepper into a large bowl. Combine well.
- Pour the homemade apple cider vinaigrette salad dressing over the salad, along with the salt and pepper. Toss.
- Serve immediately, or allow to chill for a couple of hours before serving.
Notes
- English cucumbers may also be used.
- Best served chilled, after a few hours.
- This chopped cucumber salad may be stored for leftovers! Store the salad in an airtight container or reusable silicone bag for up to 2-3 days in the refrigerator.
Apple Cider Vinegar Salad Dressing
Leave a Reply