Quick Summer Joy: Marinated Cucumber, Onion & Tomato Salad Recipe

Summer heat calls for a refreshing cucumber, onion, and tomato salad that dances with vibrant flavors.

Mediterranean gardens inspire this simple yet spectacular dish packed with crisp ingredients.

Cool cucumber slices mingle with sweet onion rings and juicy tomato chunks.

Bright vinegar and herbs create a zesty symphony that awakens your taste buds.

Light and crunchy textures complement each other in every delightful bite.

Salt and pepper add just enough kick to make this salad sing.

Serve chilled and watch people ask for seconds.

Why To Try Salad with Cucumber, Onion & Tomato

• Crush Summer Cravings: A refreshing blend of crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, and zesty onions creates the ultimate cool-down dish for hot days.
• Master Quick Prep: No complicated cooking required – just slice, mix, and chill. Perfect for busy home cooks wanting maximum flavor with minimal effort.
• Boost Healthy Eating: Packed with fresh vegetables and a light vinegar dressing, this salad delivers nutritious goodness without sacrificing taste or satisfaction.
• Wow Potluck Crowds: Versatile enough for backyard barbecues, picnics, or family gatherings, this salad impresses guests with its vibrant colors and tangy profile.

Key Ingredients for Marinated Cucumber Tomato Salad

• Cucumber: Fresh vegetable that provides a crisp and refreshing texture to the salad.
• Onion: Sharp and pungent vegetable that adds a zesty flavor to the marinated mix.
• Tomato: Juicy red fruit that brings a sweet and tangy element to the salad.

• Vinegar, Water: Liquid base that creates the tangy and light dressing for the vegetables.
• Sugar: Sweetener that balances the acidity of the vinegar and adds a subtle sweetness.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Seasonings that enhance the overall flavor profile of the salad.

• Olive Oil: Smooth ingredient that helps blend the marinade and adds a rich undertone to the salad.

How to Toss the Perfect Tangy Salad

Step 1: Prepare Crisp Veggie Base

Grab a cutting board and sharp knife. Slice cucumbers into thin, elegant half-moons.

Dice the onions into delicate, translucent pieces. Chop ripe tomatoes into bite-sized chunks.

Transfer all chopped vegetables into a spacious mixing bowl.

Step 2: Create Zesty Flavor Bath

• White vinegar
• Granulated sugar
• Cool water
• Kosher salt
• Freshly ground black pepper
• Extra virgin olive oil

Stir vigorously until sugar completely dissolves, creating a bright and tangy liquid marinade.

Step 3: Combine and Coat Vegetables

Pour the liquid marinade over the sliced vegetables. Use a large spoon to gently toss and coat every piece, ensuring each vegetable is completely drenched in the flavorful dressing.

Step 4: Chill and Marinate

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap. Slide the salad into the refrigerator.

Allow the vegetables to soak and mingle flavors for at least 2 hours. For maximum taste explosion, let it rest overnight.

Step 5: Serve and Savor

Remove from refrigerator. Give a quick stir.

Serve chilled as a refreshing side dish or light summer salad. Enjoy the crisp, tangy flavor burst!

Tips for Bright Flavor in Cucumber Tomato Salad

• Cut vegetables uniformly to ensure even marinating and a professional-looking presentation.
• Modify sugar levels to match your taste preference, using honey or alternative sweeteners for healthier options.
• Refrigerate salad longer than 2 hours to develop deeper, more complex taste profiles.
• Remove seeds from cucumbers and tomatoes to reduce excess liquid and maintain crisp consistency.
• Use this salad as a side dish, topping for grilled meats, or mix into green salads for added zest.

Delicious Twists on Classic Marinated Salad

• Mediterranean Herb Fusion: Add fresh chopped basil, oregano, and mint to boost Mediterranean flavors and create a more aromatic salad.
• Spicy Jalapeño Kick: Incorporate finely diced jalapeños and a dash of red pepper flakes for a fiery and zesty version that adds heat to the classic recipe.
• Greek-Style Salad: Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese and kalamata olives over the marinated vegetables to transform the dish into a Mediterranean-inspired creation.
• Asian-Inspired Remix: Replace vinegar with rice wine vinegar and add sesame oil, ginger, and chopped cilantro for an Asian-influenced flavor profile.

Great Pairings to Enjoy with This Fresh Salad

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Enhance the salad's tangy flavors with a refreshing Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, cutting through the vinegar's sharpness and complementing the fresh vegetables.
• Grill Perfect Protein Partner: Serve alongside grilled chicken, fish, or shrimp to balance the salad's bright acidity and add a protein-rich element to the light, refreshing dish.
• Crusty Bread Companion: Slice some rustic sourdough or French baguette to soak up the delicious marinade, adding a satisfying textural contrast and making the meal more filling.
• Mediterranean Mezze Spread: Create a complete light meal by surrounding the salad with hummus, olives, feta cheese, and warm pita bread for a Mediterranean-inspired feast.

Keeping Your Marinated Salad Crisp and Fresh

Store in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days, keeping the salad fresh and crisp in the coldest part of your refrigerator.

Before storing, use a slotted spoon to remove vegetables from extra marinade to prevent soggy texture.

Avoid freezing this salad, as tomatoes and cucumbers will lose their crisp texture and become watery when thawed.

This salad is best enjoyed cold and straight from the refrigerator to maintain its fresh, tangy crunch.

FAQs

• Why should I marinate the salad for 2 hours?

Marinating allows the vegetables to absorb the tangy dressing, creating deeper flavors and softening the raw vegetables slightly, which enhances the overall taste and texture of the salad.

• Can I use different types of vinegar?

Yes, you can substitute white vinegar with apple cider vinegar or red wine vinegar for slightly different flavor profiles while maintaining the salad’s signature tangy taste.

• Is this salad healthy?

Absolutely! This salad is low in calories, packed with fresh vegetables, and provides vitamins, minerals, and hydration, making it a nutritious side dish or light meal.

Fresh & Tangy Marinated Cucumber, Onion, And Tomato Salad Recipe

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4.6 from 9 reviews

• Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Mediterranean flavors dance in this fresh & tangy marinated cucumber, onion, and tomato salad that brings summer’s crisp essence to your plate. Cool vegetables mingle with zesty herbs, offering you a refreshing escape from ordinary side dishes.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Vegetables:

• 3 medium cucumbers, peeled and sliced
• 1 medium onion, sliced into rings
• 3 medium tomatoes, cut into wedges

Liquid Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) vinegar
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) water
• 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) oil

Seasonings:

• 1/4 cup (50 grams) sugar
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon chopped fresh mint (optional)

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Instructions

1. Carefully slice cucumbers, onions, and tomatoes into thin, uniform pieces and transfer to a spacious mixing vessel.
2. Create a vibrant marinade by whisking vinegar, sugar, water, salt, pepper, and oil until sugar completely dissolves and ingredients are thoroughly blended.
3. Gently pour the liquid mixture over the sliced vegetables, ensuring each piece is evenly coated with the tangy dressing.
4. Refrigerate the salad for a minimum of 2 hours, allowing the flavors to meld and intensify; for maximum taste development, consider chilling overnight.
5. Before serving, give the salad a gentle stir to redistribute the marinade and ensure optimal flavor distribution.
6. Present the chilled salad as a refreshing side dish, showcasing the crisp textures and zesty flavor profile.

Notes

• Choose crisp, firm cucumbers for the best texture and crunch in your salad.
• Adjust the sugar level to balance the tangy vinegar, creating a perfect sweet-sour profile that suits your taste.
• Try different vinegar types like apple cider or rice vinegar to explore unique flavor variations.
• Make this salad low-carb by replacing sugar with a stevia or monk fruit sweetener, making it keto-friendly and diabetic-safe.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 2 hours
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Pickling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 134 kcal
• Sugar: 8 g
• Sodium: 1167 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 9 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 1 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg