Here’s a simple and refreshing recipe for Sliced Tomatoes and Cucumbers Marinated in Olive Oil. This dish makes a great side salad or light appetizer, perfect for a warm day or to complement a larger meal.
Ingredients:
- 2 large tomatoes, sliced
- 1 cucumber, sliced (you can peel it if you prefer, or leave the skin on for extra crunch)
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tbsp red wine vinegar (or white wine vinegar)
- 1 tsp honey or sugar (optional, to balance the acidity)
- 1 clove garlic, minced (optional)
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano (or fresh herbs like basil, parsley, or dill)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced (optional, for extra flavor)
- Fresh herbs for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
- Prepare the vegetables: Slice the tomatoes and cucumber into rounds (you can also slice the cucumber lengthwise for a different look). If you’re using red onion, slice it thinly as well.
- Make the marinade: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, vinegar, honey or sugar (if using), minced garlic (if using), oregano, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Taste the marinade and adjust the seasoning to your liking.
- Marinate the vegetables: Place the sliced tomatoes, cucumbers, and red onion (if using) in a large bowl or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the vegetables and toss gently to combine, ensuring everything is evenly coated.
- Chill and marinate: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to 1 hour. The longer the vegetables marinate, the more the flavors will develop. If you’re in a hurry, you can serve it immediately, but marinating enhances the flavor!
- Serve: Before serving, give the salad a quick stir to redistribute the marinade. Garnish with fresh herbs like basil, parsley, or dill for added color and flavor.
Tips:
- You can add a sprinkle of feta cheese or olives for extra Mediterranean flavor.
- If you want a bit of heat, you could add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the marinade.
This Sliced Tomatoes and Cucumbers Marinated in Olive Oil is light, refreshing, and full of flavor—a perfect side for grilled meats, sandwiches, or just as a healthy snack! Enjoy!