Description
A refreshing and tangy marinated salad featuring thinly sliced cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, and onions tossed in a zesty vinegar and olive oil dressing, enhanced with garlic, fresh herbs, and optional red pepper flakes. Perfect as a light side dish or appetizer, this salad is easy to prepare and best served chilled after marinating.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables
- 2 medium cucumbers, thinly sliced
- 1 pint cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
- 1 small onion (red or white), thinly sliced
Marinade
- 3 tablespoons vinegar (apple cider or red wine vinegar)
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- Red pepper flakes, optional, to taste
- 2 tablespoons fresh herbs (parsley or dill), chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the vegetables: Wash and dry the cucumbers and tomatoes thoroughly. Slice the cucumbers into thin rounds, halve the cherry or grape tomatoes, and thinly slice the onion into rings or half-moons to ensure even marinating.
- Make the marinade: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the vinegar, olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. If you like a little heat, add red pepper flakes according to your preference.
- Toss with vegetables: In a large bowl, combine the sliced cucumbers, halved tomatoes, and sliced onions. Pour the prepared marinade over the vegetables and gently toss to coat everything evenly without bruising the delicate produce.
- Marinate: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld. For a deeper flavor, marinate for 2 to 3 hours or even overnight.
- Serve: Before serving, give the salad a good toss again, garnish with freshly chopped parsley or dill, and enjoy it chilled as a refreshing side dish or appetizer.
Notes
- Use firm, fresh cucumbers for the best texture.
- Adjust the amount of vinegar and olive oil to suit your taste preference.
- Marinating overnight enhances the flavors further.
- Optional red pepper flakes add a mild spicy kick but can be omitted for a milder salad.
- This salad is best consumed within 2 days for optimal freshness.
