Marinated Cucumber, Tomato, and Onion Salad

I remember the first time I tried a marinated vegetable salad. It was love at first bite. The mix of fresh cucumbers, tomatoes, and onions, marinated just right, was amazing. It was both refreshing and tasty.

Exploring marinated vegetable salads, I found they’re great for health. They’re easy to make and versatile. I’m excited to share my favorite recipe with you.

This salad is not just healthy; it’s also super easy to make. You can prepare it in about 10 to 15 minutes. It needs to marinate for 12 to 24 hours, but it’s worth it.

The result is a salad full of flavor. It’s perfect for any meal. Whether you need a quick side dish or a healthy snack, this salad is a winner.

Why This Marinated Vegetable Salad Will Become Your Favorite

This salad is a fantastic way to add fresh veggies to your meals. It’s made with cucumbers, tomatoes, and onions, all tossed in a tasty dressing. It’s quick to prepare, taking just 10 minutes, and perfect for meal prep with a day of marinating.

The salad is packed with health benefits. Cucumbers help keep you hydrated, and tomatoes are full of antioxidants. Plus, it’s low in calories, with about 121 calories per serving. For more healthy salad ideas, check out this website.

Here are some key benefits of this salad:

• High in water content from cucumbers
• Rich in antioxidants from tomatoes
• Low in calories, with approximately 121 calories per serving

This salad is not only healthy but also simple to make. You can customize it with your favorite veggies or dressing. Its mix of flavors and textures makes it a standout choice for any meal.

Essential Ingredients for Perfect Results

To make a tasty vegetable salad, you need fresh, quality ingredients. For this dish, use 2 cups of cherry tomatoes, 1 large cucumber, and ½ red onion. These veggies are the base of your salad.

The marinade is key. It’s made from olive oil, red wine vinegar, and lemon juice. This mix adds a tangy, refreshing taste to your salad. Some recipes suggest using 1 cup of water, ½ cup of distilled white vinegar, and ¼ cup of vegetable oil for the marinade.

Here’s what you’ll need for your marinated vegetable dish:

• 2 cups cherry tomatoes
• 1 large cucumber
• ½ red onion
• 1 cup olive oil
• ½ cup red wine vinegar
• ¼ cup lemon juice

With these ingredients, you’ll make a healthy, delicious salad. The mix of crunchy veggies and tangy marinade will be a hit at home.

Choosing and Preparing Your Vegetables

Creating a tasty and healthy colorful vegetable salad starts with picking the best ingredients. For a marinated vegetable salad, choose firm and crunchy veggies like cucumbers and bell peppers. Start with medium-sized tomatoes that are heavy and bright red.

For cucumbers, pick ones that are firm and have no blemishes.

Here are some tips for preparing your vegetables:

• Wash and dry the vegetables before adding them to the salad
• Thinly slice the onions and separate them into rings
• Cut the cucumbers into ½-inch chunks
• Dice the bell peppers into ½-inch pieces

A well-prepared vegetable salad recipe can greatly enhance the flavor and texture. By following these simple tips, you can make a delicious and healthy salad for any event.

Creating the Perfect Marinade

To make a tasty homemade vegetable salad, you need a great marinade. The marinade adds flavor and moisture to the veggies. You can make a simple one with ¼ cup olive oil, 3 tbsp red wine vinegar, and 1 tbsp lemon juice. This mix gives your salad a tangy, refreshing taste.

Some recipes suggest a marinade with 1 cup water, ½ cup distilled white vinegar, and ¼ cup vegetable oil. But for an easy vegetable salad, I like the simpler mix. It’s delicious, easy to make, and needs just a few ingredients.

Here is a simple recipe for the marinade:

• ¼ cup olive oil
• 3 tbsp red wine vinegar
• 1 tbsp lemon juice

Whisk these ingredients together until smooth. Then, pour the marinade over your veggies. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes. Or, for a stronger flavor, marinate it overnight in the fridge.

This marinade is great for a marinated salad dressing. It’s perfect for cucumbers, tomatoes, and onions. With this easy recipe, you can make a delicious salad for any time.

Step-by-Step Preparation Guide

To make a tasty and healthy vegetable salad, follow a simple guide. This ensures your salad is perfect every time. Start by cutting your veggies into small pieces and placing them in a big bowl. For a marinated salad, have all your ingredients ready before you start.

Choose a variety of colors for your salad to look great. A good salad has different textures and tastes. After cutting your veggies, prepare the marinade. Here, you can add your favorite herbs and spices.

In a small bowl, mix your marinade ingredients until smooth. Then, pour it over your veggies and toss well. This makes sure all veggies are coated for the best taste. For a fresh salad, chill it for at least 2 hours to let flavors mix.

Vegetable Cutting Techniques

• Cut your vegetables into bite-sized pieces
• Use a variety of colors to make your salad visually appealing
• Consider using a mandoline to slice your vegetables thinly

Marinade Mixing Process

1. Whisk together your marinade ingredients until smooth
2. Pour the marinade over your vegetables and toss to combine
3. Make sure all the vegetables are coated with the marinade for the best flavor

Combining and Marinating

After coating your veggies with marinade, chill them for at least 2 hours. This makes your salad delicious and healthy, perfect for any event. With these easy steps, you can make a fresh, tasty salad that’s also good for you.

Storage Tips and Make-Ahead Options

Keeping your easy vegetable salad fresh is key. Refrigerate it for up to 2 hours to let the flavors mix. You can also prepare it ahead and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. Always use an airtight container to keep it fresh.

A marinated salad dressing can be made ahead and stays good in the fridge for up to 4 days. Just toss the salad with the dressing when you’re ready to serve. Here are some more tips:

• Store undressed salads in airtight containers for up to 4 days.
• Keep wet salad components separate from dry ones to reduce spoilage.
• Use containers with “breather” holes to reduce moisture retention.

By following these tips, you can enjoy your easy vegetable salad for longer. It’s perfect for a quick lunch or a dinner party. This salad is sure to impress.

Delicious Serving Suggestions and Pairings

This delicious vegetable salad is perfect for many dishes. You can serve it as a side or add it to main courses like grilled meats and veggies. For a cozy meal, pair it with a hearty chicken soup.

To make it even better, top it with fresh herbs or edible flowers. This adds color and a fresh taste. Here are some ways to serve it:

• Serving the salad as a topping for grilled meats or vegetables
• Adding it to a bed of mixed greens for a healthy and refreshing salad
• Using it as a side dish for a variety of main courses, such as pasta or stir-fries

This marinated vegetable dish is easy to make and great for any occasion. Its mix of flavors and textures will make it a hit at home. Serve it at your next event and watch it become a hit.

Recipe Variations and Customizations

To spice up the marinated vegetable salad, try adding different veggies. You can include carrots, cauliflower, green beans, or broccoli florets. These will add flavor, texture, and more nutrients to your salad.

Changing the marinade is another way to customize. Use apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar for a unique taste. Or, add more lemon juice for a zesty kick. The goal is to find the perfect mix for your taste.

Here are some ideas for customizing your marinated vegetable salad:

• Add some crumbled feta cheese for a tangy twist
• Include some sliced avocado for a creamy texture
• Throw in some grilled chicken for added protein

The marinated vegetable salad is all about being creative. Don’t hesitate to experiment and make it your own. With these tweaks, you can enjoy a salad that’s both healthy and tailored to your liking.

Exploring different recipe variations and customizations can make your salad not just tasty but also nutritious. So, be bold, get creative, and turn this healthy vegetable salad into your personal favorite!

Conclusion

This marinated cucumber, tomato, and onion salad is more than just a tasty dish. It celebrates the health and variety of fresh vegetables. You can make it ahead of time, perfect for meal prep or parties. Its bright flavors and crunchy textures make it a hit with everyone.

Looking to boost your diet with healthy options? Or just want a refreshing salad? This marinated vegetable salad is a must-try. You can adjust it to your liking, making it a great addition to any meal. So, why not give it a shot and enjoy the deliciousness for yourself?