There’s an idea that we stick in our collective brain about cucumber tomato and onion salad: it combines refreshing and crunchy cucumbers with sweet and juicy tomatoes and fresh and piquant onions. And that’s fine. That’s how I grew up on it. But what if you were to consider marinated cucumbers instead of plain sliced ones? What if you were to consider them with scallions or chives or mint? What if you let your tomatoes run wild (like they do in Greece) letting their flavor bloom on the vine (and infuse some olive oil) till they’re deep red jammy and luscious? What if you considered thin-slicing the onion (instead of chopping).
How long will marinated cucumbers last?
The good news is that if stored properly marinated cucumbers can last for up to five days in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This means that you can enjoy them for several days after making them making them a great option for meal prepping or for when you want a quick and easy snack.
If you’re looking to store your marinated cucumbers in a more visually appealing way you could also store them in a mason jar. Not only does this look great but it also helps to keep the cucumbers fresher for longer. Simply fill the jar with the marinated cucumbers making sure that they’re completely covered by the liquid and store it in the refrigerator.
However it’s important to note that while marinated cucumbers can last for up to five days their quality may start to deteriorate after a few days. The cucumbers may start to become mushy or lose their crunch and the flavors may become less vibrant. So while you can technically still eat them after five days they may not taste as good as they did when they were first made.
Is it OK to eat cucumbers and tomatoes together?
Cucumbers and tomatoes are two of the most popular and healthy vegetables that are commonly used in salads and other dishes. However there has been some debate about whether it is okay to eat cucumbers and tomatoes together. So is it safe to combine these two vegetables or should you avoid doing so?
According to many nutrition experts the combination of cucumber and tomato is best avoided. One of the main reasons for this is that they both have different digestion processes. Cucumbers are easily digestible and are mainly composed of water while tomatoes contain high levels of acid that require more time to digest. This means that when these two vegetables are consumed together it can lead to acid formation and bloating which can be uncomfortable and even painful for some people.
Moreover some experts believe that cucumbers and tomatoes can also interfere with the absorption of each other’s nutrients. For instance tomatoes contain lycopene an antioxidant that is better absorbed when consumed with fat. However cucumbers do not contain any fat which means that eating them together may reduce the absorption of lycopene.
That being said it is important to note that not everyone experiences discomfort when consuming cucumbers and tomatoes together. If you have a strong digestive system and are not prone to bloating or acid reflux then you may be able to tolerate this combination just fine.
What are the benefits of eating cucumber tomato and onion salad?
Let’s start with the tomatoes. Tomatoes are a powerful antioxidant that are rich in Vitamin C and lycopene. Vitamin C is essential for a healthy immune system while lycopene has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties and may reduce the risk of certain types of cancer. In addition tomatoes are also a good source of fiber which can help regulate digestion and promote feelings of fullness.
Next up are cucumbers which are not only refreshing and low in calories but also incredibly hydrating. In fact cucumbers are over 95% water making them a great way to stay hydrated throughout the day. Additionally cucumbers are a good source of potassium which can help regulate blood pressure and support heart health. They are also low in sodium which can be beneficial for those looking to reduce their sodium intake.
Finally let’s not forget about the raw onions. Raw onions are full of antioxidants and Vitamin C making them a great addition to any salad. In fact onions are one of the best dietary sources of quercetin a flavonoid that has been shown to have anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties. Additionally onions may also help regulate blood sugar levels and support digestive health.
Ingredients
2 small red onions
°3 squeezed limes
°1 c.a.s. oil (light olive or avocado oil)
°3 tomatoes
°1 c.a.s. finely chopped cilantro
°1 c.a.s. salt to taste
*Instructions
Cut the onion in half slice very finely and set aside in a bowl
Sprinkle with a c.a.s. of salt and leave to stand for ten minutes
Cover the onion with lukewarm water and leave for another ten minutes.
Rinse and drain the onions
Add the lemon juice and a pinch of salt wait until the onions turn pink or at least 30 minutes before serving.
Cut the tomatoes in half and slice very finely
Mix the onions with the tomatoes oil and cilantro. Taste and add salt if needed.
Enjoy !