If you’re craving a salad that bursts with vibrant colors and the perfect balance of tangy, sweet, and savory flavors, you’ve got to try the Fresh & Flavorful Marinated Cucumber, Onion, and Tomato Salad Recipe. This easy-to-make dish combines crisp cucumbers, ripe tomatoes, and zesty onions all soaked in a lively marinade that brings out their best qualities. It’s the kind of salad that brightens up any meal, feels light and refreshing, and always earns compliments whenever it’s served.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this salad lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a crucial role—from the crunch of fresh cucumbers to the slight bite of onions and juicy burst of tomatoes. The marinade ingredients unite these flavors, creating a harmonious and refreshing taste experience.
- 3 medium cucumbers, thinly sliced: Choose firm and crisp cucumbers for that satisfying crunch every bite needs.
- 3 medium tomatoes, cut into wedges or chunks: Ripe, juicy tomatoes add vibrant color and natural sweetness.
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced (red or white): Onions give an aromatic sharpness, with red onions adding a touch of color contrast.
- ½ cup water: Helps to mellow and balance the acidity of the vinegar in the marinade.
- ¼ cup white vinegar: Adds bright, tangy notes that awaken the salad’s flavors.
- ¼ cup vegetable oil: Provides smoothness and richness to the marinade, rounding out the acidity.
- 2 tablespoons sugar: Balances the tang with a gentle sweetness for a perfectly mellow finish.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the natural flavors and helps the vegetables soften slightly as they soak.
- 1 teaspoon black pepper: Gives a subtle hint of heat and complexity to the salad.
How to Make Fresh & Flavorful Marinated Cucumber, Onion, and Tomato Salad Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Vegetables
Start by washing and slicing the cucumbers thinly to get that crisp texture. Then, slice the onion thinly as well, whether you opt for red or white, depending on your flavor preference. The tomatoes should be cut into wedges or bite-sized chunks to keep their juicy texture intact and ensure every forkful is bursting with flavor.
Step 2: Make the Marinade
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the water, white vinegar, vegetable oil, sugar, salt, and black pepper until fully combined. This marinade is the magic that ties all the vegetables together, providing the right tanginess balanced with a hint of sweetness and a touch of spice.
Step 3: Combine Everything
Add your cucumbers, tomatoes, and onions directly into the marinade bowl. Gently toss everything together using a spoon or your hands to make sure every slice and wedge gets coated evenly with that delicious mixture. This step ensures the flavors start to blend and the vegetables begin absorbing the marinade’s zest.
Step 4: Marinate
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer the salad to a sealable container, then refrigerate it for at least 2 hours, although overnight is ideal. This resting time is essential—it allows the vegetables to soak up all those tangy-sweet notes, making each bite more flavorful and refreshing than the last.
Step 5: Serve
Before serving, give the salad a gentle stir to redistribute any marinade that may have settled. You can enjoy this Fresh & Flavorful Marinated Cucumber, Onion, and Tomato Salad Recipe chilled straight from the fridge or let it come to room temperature if you prefer a softer taste and texture.
How to Serve Fresh & Flavorful Marinated Cucumber, Onion, and Tomato Salad Recipe
Garnishes
Feel free to sprinkle fresh herbs like chopped dill, parsley, or basil on top before serving. These add an aromatic freshness and a pop of green that complements the salad’s colors and flavors beautifully. A few crumbled feta cheese cubes can also add a creamy contrast if you’re feeling adventurous.
Side Dishes
This marinated salad is an absolute star alongside grilled meats, especially chicken or seafood. It pairs wonderfully with sandwiches and burgers, offering a crisp and lively counterpoint to heavier dishes. It’s also fantastic as part of a picnic or potluck, bringing freshness to any spread.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the salad in hollowed-out tomatoes or cucumber boats for an eye-catching appetizer. Layer it in clear jars for an elegant picnic option, or toss it atop leafy greens as a vibrant and crunchy salad topper that brightens up the entire plate.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover salad keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen as it sits, although the vegetables may lose some crunch over time. Give it a quick stir before serving again to freshen it up.
Freezing
Since this salad relies on fresh, crisp textures, freezing is not recommended. The cucumbers, tomatoes, and onions would become soggy and mushy when thawed, losing the bright texture that makes this salad so special.
Reheating
This salad is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature. Reheating is not necessary, as it’s meant to be a refreshing and crisp dish that complements warm meals without heat.
FAQs
Can I use other types of vinegar in this recipe?
Absolutely! While white vinegar gives a clean acidity, you can experiment with apple cider vinegar or red wine vinegar for a slightly different flavor profile. Just keep the amount the same to maintain the balance.
How long should I marinate the vegetables for the best flavor?
At least 2 hours in the refrigerator is ideal for the vegetables to soak up the marinade’s flavors, but letting it sit overnight will give you an even more flavorful salad.
Can I add other vegetables to this salad?
Definitely! Thinly sliced bell peppers, radishes, or even chopped fresh herbs can add a new dimension while keeping the spirit of the Fresh & Flavorful Marinated Cucumber, Onion, and Tomato Salad Recipe intact.
Is this salad suitable for meal prep?
Yes, it makes a fantastic make-ahead side dish. Just store it in an airtight container, and it will stay fresh and tasty for a couple of days, offering a quick and healthy addition to your meals.
What’s the best way to adjust the seasoning?
Taste the salad before serving and feel free to add a pinch more salt, pepper, or sugar according to your preference. The balance of tang, sweetness, and saltiness can be personalized easily to suit your taste buds.
Final Thoughts
If you want a salad that’s bursting with freshness, flavor, and vibrant color, look no further than the Fresh & Flavorful Marinated Cucumber, Onion, and Tomato Salad Recipe. It’s simple to prepare, incredibly versatile, and just downright irresistible. I hope you give it a try soon and discover how this easy recipe can brighten up your table and delight your taste buds.
Print
Fresh & Flavorful Marinated Cucumber, Onion, and Tomato Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Fresh & Flavorful Marinated Cucumbers, Onions, and Tomatoes salad is a crisp and tangy side dish perfect for warm days or as a vibrant addition to any meal. Thinly sliced cucumbers and onions, paired with juicy tomatoes, soak in a tangy marinade of vinegar, oil, sugar, and spices, creating a refreshing blend of flavors that’s quick to prepare and perfect for making ahead.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 3 medium cucumbers, thinly sliced
- 3 medium tomatoes, cut into wedges or chunks
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced (red or white)
Marinade
- ½ cup water
- ¼ cup white vinegar
- ¼ cup vegetable oil
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Prep the Vegetables: Wash and thinly slice the cucumbers and onion. Cut the tomatoes into wedges or bite-size pieces to ensure even marinating.
- Make the Marinade: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together water, white vinegar, vegetable oil, sugar, salt, and black pepper until the sugar and salt are fully dissolved and the mixture is well combined.
- Combine Everything: Add the sliced cucumbers, tomatoes, and onions into the bowl with the marinade. Gently toss the vegetables to ensure all pieces are evenly coated with the flavorful marinade.
- Marinate: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, allowing the flavors to meld and the vegetables to soak up the tangy dressing. For best flavor, marinate overnight if possible.
- Serve: Stir the salad gently before serving. Enjoy it chilled or at room temperature as a refreshing and healthy side dish.
Notes
- For sharper flavor, use red onion; for milder taste, use white onion.
- Marinate longer for more intense flavors, up to overnight.
- Use fresh, firm cucumbers and ripe tomatoes for best texture.
- This salad can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Serve as a light side dish or complement to grilled meats and sandwiches.
