Fresh Marinated Cucumber, Tomato, and Onion Salad Recipe

Cool summer days spark unexpected memories of grandma’s kitchen, where marinated cucumber, tomato, and onion salad always signaled something special.

Her simple ingredients seemed to dance with vibrant flavors that made everyone smile.

Fresh vegetables gleamed like jewels on her vintage ceramic plate, promising refreshment and comfort.

Mediterranean traditions whispered through each crisp bite, telling stories of sunshine and relaxed gatherings.

Simple chopping techniques transformed ordinary produce into something magical and inviting.

Salt and vinegar worked their subtle alchemy, drawing out natural sweetness from ripe vegetables.

Quick preparation means you can enjoy this delightful salad in minutes, ready to savor each tangy, cool spoonful.

Best Sides For Marinated Cucumber Tomato And Onion Salad

• Crisp Wine Companion: Pair this refreshing salad with a crisp, light white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, which will complement the tangy marinade and enhance the fresh vegetable flavors.
• Grilled Protein Partner: Serve alongside grilled chicken, fish, or shrimp to create a balanced meal where the cool, zesty salad cuts through the richness of the protein and provides a bright counterpoint.
• Mediterranean Bread Buddy: Enjoy with crusty artisan bread or warm pita to soak up the delicious marinade, turning this side dish into a more substantial and satisfying experience that connects with the salad's Mediterranean-inspired ingredients.
• Cool Herb Garnish: Sprinkle extra fresh chopped herbs like dill or parsley just before serving to boost the salad's aromatic profile and add an extra layer of vibrant, garden-fresh flavor.

Marinated Cucumber Tomato And Onion Salad Variations To Explore

• Mediterranean Herb Fusion: Replace oregano and parsley with fresh basil, mint, and a sprinkle of crumbled feta cheese for a Greek-inspired version that elevates the salad's flavor profile.
• Spicy Southwestern Spin: Add diced jalapeños, chopped cilantro, and a dash of cumin to introduce a zesty, southwestern kick that transforms the classic salad into a bold side dish.
• Asian-Inspired Zinger: Swap vinegar with rice wine vinegar, add sesame oil, minced ginger, and garnish with toasted sesame seeds for an unexpected east Asian-influenced rendition.
• Pickled Punch Variation: Increase vinegar ratio and reduce sugar to create a more tangy, pickle-like marinaded salad that provides a sharper, more intense flavor experience.

Marinated Cucumber Tomato And Onion Salad FAQs Answered

• Why should I marinate this salad?

Marinating helps the vegetables absorb delicious flavors and creates a tangy, refreshing taste. The vinegar and herbs soften the raw vegetables and blend their natural flavors together.

• Can I use different types of vinegar?

Absolutely! While white vinegar works great, you can experiment with apple cider vinegar or red wine vinegar for slightly different flavor profiles. Each will give a unique twist to the classic salad.

• Is this salad healthy?

Yes! This salad is super nutritious. Cucumbers, tomatoes, and onions are low in calories, packed with vitamins, and provide excellent hydration. It’s a perfect light and fresh side dish that’s great for summer meals and diets.

• How long can the vegetables sit in the marinade?

For best results, let the salad marinate between 30 minutes to 2 hours. This allows the vegetables to soak up the flavors without becoming too soggy. Don’t leave it longer than 2 hours to maintain the vegetables’ crisp texture.

Why You’ll Enjoy Marinated Cucumber Tomato And Onion Salad

• Burst with Fresh Flavors: Crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, and zesty onions create a vibrant taste explosion that dances on your palate with every bite.
• Super Quick Summer Delight: This no-cook salad comes together in minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings when you want something light and refreshing.
• Health-Conscious Crowd Pleaser: Packed with raw vegetables and a light, tangy dressing, this salad offers a nutritious side dish that appeals to everyone from diet-conscious adults to veggie-loving kids.
• Versatile Serving Champion: Enjoy as a standalone salad, a side dish for grilled meats, or a cool accompaniment to barbecues and picnics – this recipe adapts to any summer meal with ease.

Everything In Marinated Cucumber Tomato And Onion Salad

• Cucumber: Crisp and refreshing base vegetable, best when firm and without soft spots.
• Tomatoes: Juicy and sweet component that adds bright color, ripe and in-season tomatoes work best.
• Onions: Sharp and zesty ingredient that provides a bold flavor accent, red or white varieties recommended.

• Olive Oil, Vinegar: Smooth base liquid that creates a light and tangy dressing, extra virgin olive oil preferred.
• Sugar: Balances the acidity and adds subtle sweetness to the marinade.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Classic seasoning that enhances overall flavor profile.

• Oregano, Parsley, Dill: Fresh or dried herbs that provide aromatic and fresh herbal notes, optional but recommended for deeper flavor complexity.

Directions For Marinated Cucumber Tomato And Onion Salad

Step 1: Slice and Dice Veggie Goodness

Grab your cutting board and sharp knife. Thinly slice crisp cucumbers into delicate half-moons. Chop juicy tomatoes into bite-sized chunks. Finely mince sweet onions for a burst of flavor. Toss all these colorful vegetables into a spacious mixing bowl.

Step 2: Whip Up Tangy Marinade Magic

• Extra virgin olive oil
• White wine vinegar
• Granulated sugar
• Sea salt
• Freshly ground black pepper
• Dried oregano
• Fresh chopped herbs (parsley or dill)

Vigorously whisk the ingredients until they transform into a smooth, aromatic dressing.

Step 3: Marry Vegetables and Dressing

Pour the vibrant marinade over the sliced vegetables. Use a gentle folding motion to ensure every piece gets thoroughly coated with the zesty mixture. Make sure no vegetable is left behind!

Step 4: Chill and Let Flavors Dance

Cover the bowl with a tight-fitting lid or plastic wrap. Slide the salad into the refrigerator and let it rest. Give the ingredients about 30 minutes to an hour to mingle and develop their incredible flavor profile.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Just before serving, give the salad a quick stir to redistribute the marinade. Scoop into a beautiful serving dish and watch your guests swoon over this refreshing summer sensation.

Handy Advice For Marinated Cucumber Tomato And Onion Salad

• Quick Veggie Prep: Slice cucumbers, tomatoes, and onions uniformly for consistent marinating and an appealing presentation.
• Smart Marinade Mixing: Whisk dressing ingredients thoroughly to ensure sugar dissolves completely and flavors blend seamlessly.
• Boost Flavor Infusion: Let salad chill longer than 30 minutes for deeper, more intense taste profiles that enhance the overall dish.
• Low-Carb Variation: Skip sugar or replace with stevia for a keto-friendly version that keeps the fresh, tangy essence intact.
• Herb Flexibility: Experiment with fresh herbs like basil or mint to create unique flavor variations while maintaining the salad's core character.

How To Store And Reheat Marinated Cucumber Tomato And Onion Salad

• Refrigerate: Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the container sealed to maintain freshness and prevent absorption of other food odors.
• Drain Excess Liquid: Before serving leftover salad, use a slotted spoon to remove vegetables, letting extra marinade drip off. This prevents the salad from becoming too watery.
• Avoid Freezing: Do not freeze this salad, as the cucumbers and tomatoes will lose their crisp texture and become mushy when thawed.
• Revive Flavor: If the salad seems bland after storage, add a quick splash of fresh vinegar and a pinch of salt to brighten the taste before serving.

Marinated Cucumber, Tomato, And Onion Salad Recipe

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4.5 from 17 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Summer’s crisp cucumber, tomato, and onion salad brings Mediterranean freshness to your table. Zesty herbs and tangy vinaigrette create a light, refreshing side that you’ll crave all season long.

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Ingredients

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Vegetables:

• 2 medium cucumbers, thinly sliced
• 3 medium tomatoes, cut into wedges or chunks
• 1 medium red onion, thinly sliced

Dressing Ingredients:

• ¼ cup (60 milliliters / 2 fluid ounces) olive oil
• ¼ cup (60 milliliters / 2 fluid ounces) white vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar (or honey)

Seasonings:

• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano (or Italian seasoning)
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley or dill, chopped (optional)

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Instructions

1. Gather crisp cucumbers, ripe tomatoes, and sharp onions, slicing them into thin, uniform pieces to ensure balanced flavor distribution and appealing presentation.
2. Create a vibrant marinade by whisking together extra virgin olive oil, tangy vinegar, a touch of sweetness from sugar, and aromatic herbs like oregano and fresh parsley or dill.
3. Gently cascade the liquid mixture over the vegetable medley, using a delicate folding technique to coat each slice without bruising the delicate ingredients.
4. Allow the salad to rest in the refrigerator, letting the flavors harmonize and intensify. The marination process transforms the raw vegetables, softening their edges and melding their individual tastes into a cohesive, refreshing dish.
5. Before serving, give the salad a final gentle toss to redistribute the herbs and ensure every bite is infused with the zesty, herbaceous dressing.
6. Serve chilled as a perfect accompaniment to grilled meats, as a light summer side dish, or enjoy it independently as a crisp, invigorating salad that celebrates fresh, seasonal produce.

Notes

• Slice vegetables thinly and uniformly to ensure even marinating and a professional-looking presentation.
• Use fresh, ripe tomatoes and crisp cucumbers for the best flavor and texture in the salad.
• Adjust the sugar and vinegar ratio to balance sweetness and tanginess according to personal preference.
• For a low-carb version, replace sugar with a sugar-free sweetener like stevia or monk fruit.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Mixing
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 150
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 500 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 8 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 1 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg