If you’re searching for a vibrant, refreshing salad that’s perfectly tangy, sweet, and crunchy all at once, look no further than the Marinated Cucumbers, Onions, and Tomatoes Recipe. This delightful dish brings together crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, and sharp onions, all lovingly soaked in a zesty marinade that wakes up every bite. It’s incredibly easy to make, yet impressively flavorful—ideal for summer gatherings, quick lunches, or a bright side dish that will steal the show on any table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, fresh ingredients is key to letting the natural goodness of this salad shine. Each component plays a crucial role: cucumbers bring a refreshing crunch, onions add a subtle pungency, and tomatoes offer juicy sweetness—all harmonized by a lively marinade.
- 2 large cucumbers, thinly sliced: Choose firm cucumbers to keep that satisfying crunch in every bite.
- 3 cups cherry tomatoes, halved (or 4 Roma tomatoes, diced): Cherry tomatoes add a burst of color and sweetness, but Roma tomatoes work well too if you prefer less juice.
- 1 medium red onion, thinly sliced: Red onions bring gentle sharpness and a striking color contrast.
- 1 cup white vinegar (or apple cider/red wine vinegar): Vinegar is essential for that tang that brightens the entire salad.
- 1/4 cup olive oil: Adds a touch of smooth richness and helps marry the flavors.
- 2 tablespoons sugar: Balances the acidity for a perfectly sweet-tart marinade.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances the natural flavors of the veggies.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a mild kick to complement the sharpness.
- 1/4 cup water: Lightens the marinade to keep it fresh and crisp on the palate.
How to Make Marinated Cucumbers, Onions, and Tomatoes Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Fresh Vegetables
Start by washing your cucumbers, tomatoes, and onion thoroughly to remove any dirt or residues. Then, slice the cucumbers into thin rounds, halve the cherry tomatoes or dice your Roma tomatoes, and slice the red onion as thinly as possible to ensure every bite is delicate yet flavorful.
Step 2: Whisk Together the Tangy Marinade
In a medium bowl, combine the white vinegar (or your choice of apple cider or red wine vinegar), olive oil, sugar, salt, black pepper, and water. Whisk the ingredients together until the sugar has fully dissolved, creating a well-balanced, tangy marinade.
Step 3: Combine and Marinate the Veggies
Place your sliced cucumbers, tomatoes, and onions in a large mixing bowl. Pour the marinade evenly over the vegetables, then toss gently to coat every piece. This step ensures the flavors penetrate well, especially if you make sure the veggies are mostly submerged in the liquid.
Step 4: Let the Flavors Develop
Cover the bowl and refrigerate your salad for at least two hours to allow the marinade to soak in and the flavors to meld beautifully. For even better results, marinate overnight, stirring occasionally to redistribute the dressing.
Step 5: Ready to Serve
Before serving the salad cold, give it a final toss and taste to adjust seasoning if needed. This quick check lets you tweak salt, pepper, or sweetness to your liking, ensuring it’s spot-on perfect.
How to Serve Marinated Cucumbers, Onions, and Tomatoes Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped herbs such as dill, parsley, or basil can elevate this salad to the next level. Not only do herbs add a lovely green pop of color, but their fresh aroma complements the tangy marinade beautifully.
Side Dishes
This recipe is a fantastic companion to grilled meats, roasted chicken, or even hearty sandwiches. Its bright, cool flavors balance out rich or spicy dishes, making it a versatile side dish for barbecues, picnics, or weeknight dinners.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving this salad in individual mason jars or layered on top of a bed of crisp lettuce. You can also add crumbled feta or sliced olives for a Mediterranean spin that adds depth and variety to your presentation and flavor profile.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your fresh salad, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay delicious for up to 3 days, with the flavors continuing to develop, making the next day’s meal even more vibrant.
Freezing
Because this dish is made of fresh vegetables and a vinegar-based marinade, freezing is not recommended. The texture of cucumbers and tomatoes will likely become mushy and unappealing once thawed.
Reheating
This salad is best served cold or at room temperature. Reheating is unnecessary and will diminish the crisp texture and fresh flavors that make the Marinated Cucumbers, Onions, and Tomatoes Recipe so delightful.
FAQs
Can I use different types of vinegar for this recipe?
Absolutely! White vinegar is classic, but apple cider or red wine vinegar add a slightly different depth of flavor without overpowering the vegetables.
How long should I marinate the vegetables?
At minimum, let the salad sit in the fridge for two hours. However, marinating overnight will yield more developed flavors and softer vegetables if you prefer them that way.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegan and gluten-free?
Yes! This recipe is naturally vegan and gluten-free as it uses only fresh vegetables and a simple marinade of vinegar, oil, and seasoning.
What temperature should this salad be served at?
It tastes best chilled straight from the refrigerator or at cool room temperature, which helps keep the cucumbers crisp and the tomatoes juicy.
Can I add other vegetables or ingredients to this salad?
Feel free to experiment with additions like sliced bell peppers, fresh herbs, or even a sprinkle of feta cheese to personalize the salad to your taste.
Final Thoughts
This Marinated Cucumbers, Onions, and Tomatoes Recipe is a true celebration of fresh, simple ingredients coming together in such a delicious way. Whether you’re looking to brighten up a meal or impress guests with minimal effort, this salad is a winner every time. Give it a try and enjoy the burst of natural flavors that will keep you coming back for more!
Print
Marinated Cucumbers, Onions, and Tomatoes Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes (including marinating time)
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A refreshing and tangy marinated salad featuring crisp cucumbers, sweet cherry tomatoes, and sharp red onions soaked in a zesty vinegar and olive oil dressing. Perfect as a side dish or light snack, this easy-to-make recipe requires minimal preparation and mellows beautifully after chilling for at least two hours.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 2 large cucumbers, thinly sliced
- 3 cups cherry tomatoes, halved (or 4 Roma tomatoes, diced)
- 1 medium red onion, thinly sliced
Marinade
- 1 cup white vinegar (or apple cider/red wine vinegar)
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup water
Instructions
- Prepare the vegetables: Wash the cucumbers, tomatoes, and onion thoroughly. Slice the cucumbers into thin rounds, halve the cherry tomatoes or dice the Roma tomatoes, and thinly slice the red onion.
- Make the marinade: In a bowl, whisk together the vinegar, olive oil, sugar, salt, black pepper, and water until the sugar has completely dissolved and the mixture is well combined.
- Combine veggies and marinade: Place the sliced cucumbers, tomatoes, and onions into a large mixing bowl. Pour the prepared marinade over the vegetables.
- Toss to coat: Gently toss the vegetables in the marinade to ensure even coating and that the veggies are mostly submerged in the liquid.
- Marinate: Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to meld, stirring occasionally for even marination.
- Serve chilled: Serve the marinated cucumbers, onions, and tomatoes cold. Before serving, taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
Notes
- For best flavor, marinate overnight to allow vegetables to fully absorb the dressing.
- You can substitute white vinegar with apple cider or red wine vinegar for a different flavor profile.
- Use Roma tomatoes if cherry tomatoes are unavailable; dice them to a similar size.
- Adjust sugar and salt to taste depending on your preference for sweetness and saltiness.
- This salad keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
