Marinated Cucumbers, Onions, and Tomatoes: A Refreshing Summer Salad
This marinated cucumbers, onions, and tomatoes recipe is the perfect summer side dish that bursts with fresh flavors. The crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, and sharp onions soak up a tangy vinaigrette, creating a refreshing salad that pairs beautifully with grilled meats or stands alone as a light lunch. The best part? It requires no cooking and comes together in just 15 minutes.
This classic marinated vegetable salad has been a staple at picnics and potlucks for generations. The combination of simple ingredients transforms into something extraordinary as the flavors meld in the refrigerator. The bright acidity from the vinegar balances the natural sweetness of the vegetables, while herbs add depth to every bite. It’s a healthy, low-calorie dish that delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort.
Quick Recipe Highlights
- Flavor Profile: Tangy, slightly sweet, and herbaceous with a refreshing crunch.
- Texture: Crisp cucumbers, tender tomatoes, and sharp onions create a satisfying contrast.
- Aroma: Fresh herbs and vinegar create an inviting, summery fragrance.
- Visual Appeal: Vibrant colors make this salad as beautiful as it is delicious.
- Skill Level Needed: Perfect for beginners – no special techniques required.
- Special Equipment: Just a sharp knife, cutting board, and mixing bowl.
Recipe Overview
- Difficulty Level: This marinated vegetable salad is incredibly easy to make, requiring only basic chopping skills and the ability to whisk together a simple dressing.
- Category: Perfect as a side dish, appetizer, or light lunch option.
- Cuisine: A classic American picnic salad with Southern influences.
- Cost: Budget-friendly using seasonal produce and pantry staples.
- Season: Best made in summer when tomatoes and cucumbers are at their peak.
- Occasion: Ideal for cookouts, potlucks, or as a refreshing weeknight side.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
The beauty of this marinated cucumbers, onions, and tomatoes salad lies in its simplicity and versatility. The crisp texture of fresh vegetables combined with the tangy marinade creates a dish that’s both refreshing and satisfying. Unlike cooked vegetables, this salad maintains all its nutritional value while developing deeper flavors as it sits.
From a convenience standpoint, this recipe couldn’t be easier. There’s no cooking involved, just simple chopping and mixing. It’s the perfect make-ahead dish that actually improves with time, making it ideal for meal prep or entertaining. The salad keeps well in the refrigerator for several days, with the flavors continuing to develop.
Nutritionally, this dish is packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants from the fresh vegetables. Cucumbers provide hydration, tomatoes offer lycopene, and onions contain beneficial sulfur compounds. The olive oil in the dressing helps your body absorb these fat-soluble nutrients, making this as healthy as it is delicious.
For social gatherings, this salad is always a crowd-pleaser. Its bright colors make it visually appealing on any buffet table, and the familiar flavors appeal to all ages. It’s an excellent alternative to heavier mayonnaise-based salads at summer events.
Cost-wise, this recipe is extremely economical, especially when using homegrown or seasonal produce. Even out of season, the ingredients remain affordable, making this a budget-friendly side dish option year-round.
The Recipe
Marinated Cucumbers, Onions, and Tomatoes
Serves: 6
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 0 mins
Total Time: 15 mins
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Large mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Airtight container for storage
Ingredients
- 2 large cucumbers, thinly sliced
- 1 medium red onion, thinly sliced
- 4 medium tomatoes, cut into wedges
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons water
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried)
- 1 teaspoon fresh parsley, chopped
Directions
- In a large bowl, combine sliced cucumbers, onions, and tomatoes.
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, vinegar, water, sugar, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Pour the dressing over the vegetables and gently toss to coat.
- Sprinkle with fresh dill and parsley, then toss again.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving, stirring occasionally.
- For best results, let marinate 4-6 hours or overnight.
Recipe Notes
- For extra crunch, peel cucumbers in stripes rather than completely.
- Can substitute white vinegar for apple cider vinegar if needed.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
- Garnish with additional fresh herbs before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does this salad keep in the refrigerator?
The marinated vegetables will keep well for 3-4 days in an airtight container. The texture will soften over time, but the flavors will continue to develop.
Can I use different types of vinegar?
Absolutely! While apple cider vinegar provides a nice balance of sweetness and acidity, you can substitute with white wine vinegar, red wine vinegar, or even rice vinegar for different flavor profiles.
Is this recipe gluten-free and vegan?
Yes, this marinated vegetable salad is naturally gluten-free and vegan, making it suitable for various dietary needs.
Can I add other vegetables to this salad?
Definitely! Bell peppers, zucchini, or even thinly sliced carrots would make excellent additions. Just keep the dressing ratio similar for proper marination.
Why do I need to let it marinate before serving?
The marinating time allows the flavors to penetrate the vegetables and for the acidity to slightly soften their texture, creating a more cohesive dish.
