Description
This vibrant marinated salad combines crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, and sharp red onions, all soaked in a tangy vinaigrette made with vinegar, olive oil, and a touch of sweetness. Fresh parsley and dried oregano round out the flavors, making it a refreshing, easy-to-prepare side dish perfect for warm weather or as a complement to grilled meats and sandwiches.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables
- 2 cups Cucumbers (English or Persian for better texture), sliced
- 2 cups Tomatoes, ripe and cut into wedges
- 1 medium Red Onion, thinly sliced
Dressing
- 0.5 cups Vinegar (zesty tang)
- 0.25 cups Olive Oil (provides richness)
- 1 tablespoon Sugar or Honey (balances acidity)
- 1 tablespoon Chopped Fresh Parsley (adds freshness)
- 1 teaspoon Dried Oregano (infuses depth)
- Salt, to taste
- Black Pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare Vegetables: Wash the cucumbers and tomatoes thoroughly. Slice the cucumbers into thin rounds or half-moons and cut the tomatoes into wedges. Thinly slice the red onion to ensure it mixes well and absorbs the flavors of the marinade.
- Make the Dressing: In a medium bowl, whisk together the vinegar, olive oil, sugar or honey, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper until the sugar dissolves and the mixture emulsifies slightly.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the sliced cucumbers, tomatoes, and red onion into a large mixing bowl. Pour the dressing over the vegetables and toss gently to coat everything evenly.
- Marinate: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the salad for at least 1 hour, allowing the flavors to meld and the vegetables to absorb the tangy marinade.
- Garnish and Serve: Before serving, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top for a burst of color and freshness. Adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if desired and serve chilled or at room temperature.
Notes
- For best results, use English or Persian cucumbers, which have fewer seeds and a crisper texture.
- The salad improves in flavor when allowed to marinate for several hours or overnight.
- Adjust the sugar or honey quantity depending on your preferred sweetness level.
- This salad can be customized by adding chopped fresh herbs like dill or basil for additional flavor layers.
- Serve this salad as a light side dish or accompaniment to grilled dishes, sandwiches, or as part of a mezze platter.
