Marinated Tomato and Cucumber Salad

Marinated Tomato and Cucumber Salad

Ingredients

3 medium tomatoes, largely chopped

2 large cucumbers, sliced

1 large onion, sliced into rings

¼ cup granulated sugar

¼ cup olive oil

½ cup white distilled vinegar

1 cup water

1 teaspoon dried basil

Salt and pepper to taste

Detailed Instructions

Prepare the Vegetables: Start by washing the tomatoes and cucumbers thoroughly under cold running water. Pat them dry with a clean towel. Proceed to chop the tomatoes into large chunks and slice the cucumbers into thin rounds. Peel the onion and slice it into thin rings. Place all the prepared vegetables in a large mixing bowl.

Toss the Vegetables: Gently toss the chopped tomatoes, sliced cucumbers, and onion rings in the mixing bowl until they are well combined. Ensure that the vegetables are evenly distributed to allow for better marination.

Add Water: Pour the cup of water over the mixed vegetables. The water helps to dilute the marinade slightly, making it less intense while still allowing the flavors to penetrate the vegetables.

Prepare the Marinade: In a separate small bowl, combine the olive oil, white distilled vinegar, granulated sugar, and dried basil. Stir the mixture until the sugar is completely dissolved and all the ingredients are well blended.

Season the Marinade: Add salt and pepper to the marinade according to your taste preferences. Mix well to ensure that the seasoning is evenly distributed throughout the marinade.

Combine Marinade with Vegetables: Pour the prepared marinade over the vegetables in the large mixing bowl. Use a large spoon or tongs to toss the vegetables gently, ensuring that they are all coated with the marinade.

Chill the Salad: Cover the mixing bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and place it in the refrigerator. Allow the salad to marinate for at least 2 hours. This chilling period is crucial as it lets the flavors meld together and enhances the overall taste of the salad.

Serve the Salad: After marinating, give the salad a final toss before serving. Transfer the salad to a serving bowl, ensuring that some of the marinade is included with the vegetables to keep them moist and flavorful.

Garnish and Enjoy: For an added touch, garnish the salad with a sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley before serving. Enjoy this refreshing and tangy salad as a side dish or a light meal.