Looking for a crisp, tangy, and oh-so-refreshing side dish that goes with just about everything? This Marinated Cucumber, Tomato & Onion Salad is your new best friend. It’s simple, vibrant, and packed with juicy, garden-fresh flavor perfect for picnics, cookouts, or just brightening up your weekday meals.

Why You’ll Love This Salad

This one’s a keeper for so many reasons:

Fresh & Light: It’s cool, crunchy, and refreshing ideal for hot days.
Quick to Prep: Just slice, mix, and marinate!
Versatile: Great alongside grilled meats, sandwiches, or even spooned over rice.
Budget-Friendly: Made with simple ingredients that are easy to find year-round.
Flavor-Packed: The vinegar-based marinade soaks into every bite for a punch of tang.

Ingredients in Marinated Cucumber, Tomato & Onion Salad

This classic salad is made with just a few humble ingredients that really shine together.

Fresh Vegetables

Cucumbers: Thinly sliced; English or Persian cucumbers work best.
Tomatoes: Use ripe, juicy tomatoes cherry, grape, or diced Roma all work.
Red onion: Thinly sliced for that bold flavor and beautiful color.

Marinade

White vinegar: The base for that tangy bite.
Water: Balances out the vinegar.
Granulated sugar: Just enough to mellow the acidity.
Salt & black pepper: Seasoning essentials.
Optional herbs: Fresh dill or parsley for added flavor.

Instructions

Ready to make your new favorite summer side dish? Let’s go!

1. Slice the Veggies

• Thinly slice 2 cucumbers, 2–3 medium tomatoes (or 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved), and 1 small red onion.
• Place them all in a large bowl.

2. Make the Marinade

• In a separate bowl or measuring cup, whisk together:
• ½ cup white vinegar
• ¼ cup water
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• Optional: 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill

3. Combine & Chill

• Pour the marinade over the vegetables. Toss to combine.
• Cover and refrigerate for at least 1–2 hours, or up to overnight for best flavor.

4. Serve

• Give everything a gentle toss before serving.
• Garnish with more fresh herbs if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Yield: 4–6 servings
Calories per serving: ~50–80 (depending on sugar and portion size)

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Chill Time: 1–2 hours (or more for deeper flavor)
Total Time: ~1 hour 10 minutes

Serving Ideas for Marinated Cucumber, Tomato & Onion Salad

This salad is ultra-versatile here are a few tasty ways to serve it:

• With grilled chicken, steak, or fish for a bright, crisp contrast.
• Tucked into pita wraps with hummus or falafel.
• As a topping for rice bowls or tacos.
• Chilled and spooned alongside sandwiches or burgers.
• As a picnic or potluck side dish that travels well.

Additional Tips

• Don’t skip the chill time! The longer it marinates, the better it gets.
• Use a mandoline slicer for ultra-thin, even veggies.
• Adjust the vinegar and sugar to taste make it tangier or sweeter depending on your mood.
• Swap in apple cider or red wine vinegar for a different twist.
• Add extras like feta, olives, or bell peppers to switch things up.

FAQ’s

1. Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes! It actually gets better after marinating. Make it a few hours in advance or even the night before.

2. What kind of cucumbers should I use?
English cucumbers or small Persian cucumbers work great because they have tender skins and fewer seeds.

3. Do I need to peel the cucumbers?
Not if you’re using English or Persian cucumbers. For regular ones, peeling is optional but often preferred.

4. Can I use different onions?
Yes—red onions add color and a mild bite, but sweet onions or shallots work too.

5. Can I use cherry tomatoes?
Absolutely. Halved cherry or grape tomatoes are sweet and hold up beautifully.

6. How long does this salad last?
It keeps well in the fridge for up to 3–4 days—just stir before serving.

7. What’s the best vinegar to use?
White vinegar is classic, but you can try apple cider, red wine, or even rice vinegar for a twist.

8. Is this salad gluten-free?
Yes! Just double-check your vinegar to ensure it’s gluten-free if needed.

9. Can I make this sugar-free?
Yes just reduce or omit the sugar, or use a sugar substitute like stevia or monk fruit.

10. What herbs go best in this salad?
Dill is traditional and adds a bright pop, but parsley, basil, or mint are delicious too.

Conclusion

This Marinated Cucumber, Tomato & Onion Salad is the crisp, colorful dish your summer table’s been missing. It’s incredibly simple, yet so flavorful and satisfying. Whether you serve it as a side dish, a topper, or a light snack straight from the fridge, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your fresh-food lineup. Give it a try and let the tangy, juicy goodness speak for itself!

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