Grandma Winnie’s Tomato, Cucumber, and Onion Salad Recipe

Few dishes capture the sun-kissed flavors of summer quite like Grandma Winnie’s Tomato, Cucumber, and Onion Salad. This vibrant, refreshing salad marries juicy tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, and sweet onions for a nostalgic side that always brings back memories of family gatherings and picnics on warm afternoons.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Grandma Winnie’s Tomato, Cucumber, and Onion Salad lies in its humble lineup of ingredients. Each one has a role: tomatoes add juiciness and color, cucumbers bring a crunch, and sweet onion offers mellow bite and depth. Together, they create absolute magic with just a few pantry staples.

• 4 medium tomatoes: Ripe, juicy summer tomatoes are the heart of this salad; peel them for a softer texture just like Grandma Winnie did.
• 1 English cucumber or 3 Persian cucumbers: Either cucumber variety works beautifully — Persian cucumbers lend extra crunch, while English cucumbers are nearly seedless and mild.
• 1/4 Vidalia or yellow onion: Sweet onion is wonderful here, but red onion or scallions can be swapped in for a different vibe or to use what you have.
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt: Enhances the flavors and helps lightly soften the veggies as they marinate.
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper: Adds a gentle, peppery kick that balances the sweetness and acidity.
• 1/4 cup distilled white vinegar: Keeps things bright and tangy; feel free to experiment with apple cider or sherry vinegar, but skip balsamic for this classic.
• 1 teaspoon packed brown sugar: Just a hint rounds out the vinegar, making the dressing wonderfully balanced and craveable.

Variations

This salad is endlessly adaptable, so don’t be afraid to make it your own! Whether you need to accommodate dietary restrictions, use up vegetables from your fridge, or simply crave a new flavor, Grandma Winnie’s Tomato, Cucumber, and Onion Salad is the perfect canvas for customization.

• Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle in a handful of chopped basil, parsley, or mint for an herbaceous twist that makes the salad even brighter.
• Alternative Vinegar: Use apple cider or sherry vinegar for a softer, fruitier acidity—just avoid balsamic, which overpowers the delicate flavors.
• Different Onions: Try sliced red onion for a pop of color and mild bite, or scallions for a gentle onion presence.
• Extra Veggies: Toss in sliced radishes, sweet bell peppers, or even halved cherry tomatoes for extra crunch and color.
• Vegan-Friendly Swaps: The base recipe is already vegan, but feel free to add chickpeas or white beans for protein if you wish.

How to Make Grandma Winnie’s Tomato, Cucumber, and Onion Salad

Step 1: Prep Your Vegetables

Start by prepping all your vegetables: core and cut the tomatoes into wedges (and, if you want a truly nostalgic touch, peel them first). Peel your cucumber if desired, then halve lengthwise and slice. Slice your onion paper-thin — this lets it mingle into the salad without overpowering every bite.

Step 2: Season and Toss

In a large mixing bowl, combine the tomatoes, cucumbers, and onions. Sprinkle with kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper. The salt does double duty here: bringing out the veggies’ natural juices and gently softening them, turning everything into a flavor-packed medley.

Step 3: Make the Tangy Dressing

Pour in the distilled white vinegar and add the packed brown sugar. With a big spoon, gently toss everything together. The salad should look glossy, and some of the tomato juices will help create a simple, mouthwatering dressing at the bottom of the bowl.

Step 4: Chill and Marinate

Transfer the salad to the fridge and let it relax for at least 15–30 minutes. This marinating time is the secret to Grandma Winnie’s Tomato, Cucumber, and Onion Salad—every piece soaks up the dressing, and the flavors meld into something unforgettable.

How to Serve Grandma Winnie’s Tomato, Cucumber, and Onion Salad

Garnishes

Add a sprinkle of flaky sea salt or freshly cracked black pepper just before serving for a little extra zip. If you’re feeling fancy, chiffonade some fresh basil or parsley over the top—it adds a pop of color and brings that garden-inspired aroma right to your table.

Side Dishes

Grandma Winnie’s Tomato, Cucumber, and Onion Salad is a natural with just about any summer spread—think grilled meats, smoky BBQ chicken, juicy burgers, or simple sandwiches. It’s also delicious as a light lunch with crusty bread and a little cheese on the side.

Creative Ways to Present

Spoon the salad into chilled mason jars or mini glasses for an eye-catching potluck appetizer, or mound it over toasted baguette slices for garden-fresh bruschetta. You can also serve it family-style in a big bowl with plenty of the marinated juices for dunking bread.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Any leftover Grandma Winnie’s Tomato, Cucumber, and Onion Salad keeps beautifully for up to 5 days in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The veggies will continue to marinate, becoming slightly more tender and soak up even more of that tangy-sweet dressing.

Freezing

This salad isn’t suited for freezing—the fresh tomatoes and cucumbers don’t hold up well to ice crystals and will become mushy when thawed. For best results, enjoy it freshly made or from the fridge within a few days.

Reheating

No reheating needed! Simply enjoy Grandma Winnie’s Tomato, Cucumber, and Onion Salad chilled straight from the fridge or let it sit out for a few minutes to take the chill off before serving.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a dish that’s as nostalgic as it is refreshing, you just can’t go wrong with Grandma Winnie’s Tomato, Cucumber, and Onion Salad. Give it a try—one bite, and you’ll see why it’s a cherished summer staple in our family. Enjoy, and don’t forget to share your own twist on this classic!

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