Ingredients
Gathering the right ingredients is crucial for achieving the perfect balance of flavors in this dish. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 large cucumbers, thinly sliced
- 4 ripe tomatoes, cut into wedges
- 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, torn
- Optional: 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled (for a creamier texture)
If you’re feeling adventurous, you can play with the ingredients. Swap the red wine vinegar for balsamic for a deeper flavor, or add some fresh dill for a herbal twist. The possibilities are endless, and it’s all about making the dish your own.
Instructions
Making this salad is as enjoyable as eating it. Here are the steps to create your masterpiece:
- Start by preparing your vegetables. Peel the cucumbers if desired, then slice them thinly. Cut the tomatoes into wedges, and slice the red onion thinly.
- In a large bowl, combine the olive oil, red wine vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper. Whisk until the ingredients are well combined and the sugar is dissolved.
- Gently toss the cucumbers, tomatoes, and onion with the dressing. Make sure each piece is coated evenly.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let the salad marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
- Before serving, add the torn basil leaves and gently toss again. If using, sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese on top.
One of my favorite memories is preparing this salad with my abuela, who always insisted on letting the salad marinate longer for a more intense flavor. Her patience always paid off, as the result was a dish that was not only delicious but infused with love and tradition.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: International