sliced tomatoes and cucumbers marinated in olive oil

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Sliced Tomatoes and Cucumbers Marinated in Olive Oil

Introduction

Fresh, crisp, and vibrant, this salad is one of the simplest yet most satisfying dishes you can prepare. Sliced tomatoes and cucumbers marinated in olive oil is a timeless recipe that embodies the essence of Mediterranean cuisine — honoring the natural sweetness of ripe vegetables and the richness of golden olive oil. With its refreshing taste, ease of preparation, and healthy qualities, it has become a beloved dish across cultures. Whether served as a side dish, a light appetizer, or even a refreshing main on hot days, this salad is proof that less truly can be more.

Ingredients

  • 2 large ripe tomatoes, thinly sliced
  • 2 medium cucumbers, thinly sliced (peeled if desired)
  • 1 small red onion, thinly sliced (optional)
  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar or lemon juice
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
  • ½ teaspoon dried oregano or fresh basil, dill, or parsley

Instructions

  1. Wash the cucumbers and tomatoes thoroughly.
  2. Slice the tomatoes into thin, even rounds. Slice the cucumbers thinly as well.
  3. If using onion, slice it finely and soak in cold water for 10 minutes to soften the sharpness.
  4. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, vinegar or lemon juice, salt, pepper, and herbs.
  5. Arrange sliced tomatoes and cucumbers in a shallow dish or salad bowl.
  6. Pour the olive oil marinade evenly over the vegetables.
  7. Toss gently to coat everything without breaking the tomato slices.
  8. Cover and allow to marinate for at least 20–30 minutes at room temperature, or refrigerate for 1–2 hours.
  9. Serve chilled or at room temperature, as a refreshing side or light appetizer.

Methods

  • Slicing thinly allows the marinade to penetrate quickly.
  • Whisking olive oil with acid (vinegar or lemon juice) creates a light dressing that balances richness and freshness.
  • Marinating time allows flavors to meld, transforming simple vegetables into a dish with depth.
  • Using fresh herbs elevates the dish, giving it aroma and brightness.

History

Tomatoes and cucumbers have been staples in Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, and Balkan diets for centuries. Cucumbers were cultivated in ancient Egypt and India over 3,000 years ago, while tomatoes originated in South America and became a beloved ingredient in Europe after the 16th century. The pairing of tomatoes, cucumbers, and olive oil became a hallmark of Mediterranean cuisine — featured in Greek horiatiki, Turkish shepherd’s salad, Lebanese tabbouleh variations, and Italian summer spreads. The dish represents agricultural abundance and cultural traditions where freshness and simplicity are celebrated.

Benefits

  1. Hydration: Cucumbers are over 90% water, keeping you refreshed.
  2. Antioxidants: Tomatoes provide lycopene, which promotes heart and skin health.
  3. Healthy fats: Olive oil delivers beneficial monounsaturated fats that protect the heart.
  4. Digestive support: Fiber from the vegetables aids healthy digestion.
  5. Weight-friendly: Low in calories yet full of nutrients.
  6. Quick and easy: Requires no cooking, just slicing and marinating.

Formation of the Dish

  • Base: Crisp cucumbers for freshness.
  • Body: Juicy, ripe tomatoes for sweetness and tang.
  • Dressing: Olive oil with a touch of acid, salt, and pepper.
  • Accent: Onion and herbs to deepen the flavor.
  • Result: A refreshing, flavorful, and nutrient-packed salad.

Conclusion

This simple salad is a celebration of nature’s gifts — a dish where ripe vegetables and golden olive oil come together to create harmony on a plate. It is a versatile, refreshing, and nutritious recipe that can stand alone or complement larger meals. Its strength lies in its honesty and simplicity: pure, wholesome, and timeless.

Lovers of This Dish

  • Families: A staple side at daily meals.
  • Health enthusiasts: Valued for its nutrition and freshness.
  • Summer hosts: A favorite at outdoor picnics and barbecues.
  • Vegetarians and vegans: A natural, plant-based delight.
  • Mediterranean cuisine lovers: Appreciated for its authenticity and heritage.

Methods (Revisited)

  • Layering vegetables for aesthetic appeal and even marination.
  • Allowing proper resting time ensures flavors meld.
  • Balancing olive oil with acid keeps the salad lively, never heavy.
  • Adjusting seasoning according to personal preference makes it adaptable worldwide.

Conclusion with Lovers

Sliced tomatoes and cucumbers marinated in olive oil is more than a salad — it is an expression of love for freshness and simplicity. Families savor it at gatherings, health-conscious eaters find joy in its nutrition, and lovers of Mediterranean flavors cherish its authenticity. It unites people at the table with its cooling taste and timeless appeal, making it a dish for everyone who appreciates food that is both wholesome and full of heart.

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