“The ultimate potluck side dish—it goes with literally everything off the grill and costs pennies to make.”

Directions and Instructions

1. Rinse the cucumbers and tomatoes well under cold water and pat them dry. Thinly slice the cucumbers into rounds, aim for about 1/8 inch thick. Chop the tomatoes into bite-sized pieces, making sure to remove any tough core. Peel the onion and slice it as thinly as possible into half-moons to prevent it from overpowering the salad.
2. In a large glass bowl, combine the sliced cucumbers, chopped tomatoes, and sliced onion. Sprinkle with 1/2 teaspoon of kosher salt, freshly ground black pepper, granulated garlic, dried oregano, and dried basil. Gently toss the mixture to distribute the seasonings without crushing the tomatoes.
3. In a separate measuring cup or small bowl, whisk together the white wine vinegar, red wine vinegar, lemon juice (if using), remaining 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, and sugar until both the sugar and salt begin to dissolve. Slowly drizzle in the olive oil and neutral oil while whisking until the dressing thickens slightly and is well combined. Adjust the seasoning to your taste.
4. Pour the marinade evenly over the cucumber, tomato, and onion mixture. Using a large spoon, gently toss everything together until the vegetables are well coated, keeping the tomatoes on top to avoid smashing them.
5. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap or a lid. Let the salad marinate at room temperature for 20–30 minutes, then transfer it to the refrigerator for at least 1 hour and up to 4 hours.
6. Just before serving, uncover the bowl, give the salad a gentle stir, and taste the marinade. Adjust with a splash of vinegar or sugar as needed. If you like, sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley over the top to add a pop of color and freshness.
7. Serve the salad cold, spooning some of the flavorful marinade over each portion.
8. If there are leftovers, cover and refrigerate them for up to 2 days. Stir well before serving to redistribute the marinade.

Notes or Tips

This salad is versatile! Feel free to customize it by adding other fresh herbs like dill or mint to enhance the flavor. If you prefer a spicier kick, consider adding a dash of red pepper flakes to the dressing. Remember, letting the salad sit allows the flavors to meld beautifully, so don’t rush the marinating process!

Cooking Techniques

Marinating is key to this salad’s success. It allows the vegetables to soak up the tangy dressing while enhancing their natural flavors. The gentle tossing technique helps keep the integrity of the tomatoes intact, ensuring every bite retains that juicy burst.