This recipe uses simple ingredients to make a vibrant salad with bold flavor — the kind you’ll want to make again and again.
MARINATED CUCUMBERS, ONIONS, AND TOMATOES RECIPE
Prep Time:
15 minutes
Marinating Time:
At least 1 hour (preferably overnight)
Total Time:
1 hour 15 minutes (minimum)
Servings:
6–8 side servings
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- 🥒 Fresh and crunchy: Crisp cucumbers balance juicy tomatoes and tender onions.
- 🍋 Bright flavor: The vinegar-based marinade adds tang and depth.
- 🧄 Quick to make: Minimal prep, yet flavor intensifies with marinating time.
- 🌿 Versatile: Great for picnics, BBQs, sandwiches, or alongside grilled meats.
This is a light, refreshing side salad that works well year-round but especially shines in summer when vegetables are at peak freshness.
Ingredients
Vegetables:
- 2 large cucumbers (English or Kirby, peeled if desired)
- 1 large red onion
- 4–5 medium ripe tomatoes (Roma or vine-ripe recommended)
Marinade:
- ½ cup apple cider vinegar (or white wine vinegar)
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons sugar (or honey for a natural touch)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (or 1–2 minced garlic cloves)
- Optional: ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes for a mild kick
Garnish:
- Fresh chopped parsley or dill
- Optional: crumbled feta cheese or olives
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables
- Cucumbers: Slice thinly (¼ inch or less) for best flavor absorption. You can use a mandoline slicer for even slices.
- Onions: Slice thinly into rings or half-moons. For milder onion flavor, soak sliced onions in cold water for 10 minutes before draining.
- Tomatoes: Cut into wedges or bite-sized chunks. Remove seeds if desired to reduce liquid in the salad.
Step 2: Make the Marinade
In a medium bowl or jar, whisk together:
- Apple cider vinegar
- Olive oil
- Sugar (or honey)
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Oregano
- Garlic powder or minced garlic
- Optional red pepper flakes
Taste and adjust — the dressing should be tangy with a slight sweetness and a touch of spice.
Step 3: Combine Vegetables and Dressing
In a large mixing bowl, combine cucumbers, onions, and tomatoes.
Pour the marinade over the vegetables and toss gently until everything is evenly coated.
Step 4: Marinate
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer everything to a sealed container.
Refrigerate for at least 1 hour, ideally 4–6 hours or overnight, to allow flavors to meld.
The vegetables will soften slightly and absorb the marinade’s tangy flavor.
Step 5: Garnish & Serve
Before serving, sprinkle with fresh parsley or dill for a burst of freshness.
Optionally add crumbled feta cheese or sliced olives for a Mediterranean twist.
Serve chilled as a side dish, picnic salad, or topping for grilled meats, sandwiches, or wraps.
Serving Suggestions
This marinated salad pairs beautifully with:
- Grilled chicken, steak, or fish
- Sandwiches and wraps
- Rice or pasta dishes
- As a topping for tacos or pita bread
- Alongside a fresh loaf of crusty bread
Storage Tips
- Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- The flavors improve over time, but the salad becomes softer after a couple of days.
- If preparing in advance for a picnic, drain excess liquid before transporting to avoid soggy vegetables.
Expert Tips
- Choose firm cucumbers and ripe tomatoes. Freshness matters — it’s the foundation of this salad.
- Mandoline slicer: Makes thin, even slices that marinate beautifully.
- Marinating time: The longer, the better — overnight intensifies flavor and texture.
- Adjust vinegar/sugar ratio: Depending on your taste, you may want it more tangy or sweet.
- Add herbs: Fresh dill, basil, or mint can transform the flavor profile.
- For crunch: Add sliced radishes or bell peppers.
Variations
- Mediterranean style: Add olives, crumbled feta, and fresh oregano.
- Italian style: Use balsamic vinegar, fresh basil, and parmesan cheese.
- Spicy version: Add sliced jalapeños or red pepper flakes.
- Creamy version: Add a dollop of Greek yogurt or sour cream to the marinade.
- Avocado twist: Add sliced avocado just before serving for richness.
Nutrition (Approximate per serving, based on 8 servings)
- Calories: 80
- Fat: 6 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 6 g
- Fiber: 1.5 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Sodium: 240 mg
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❤️ Final Thoughts
This Marinated Cucumbers, Onions, and Tomatoes recipe is a simple yet irresistible side dish — crisp, tangy, and full of flavor. It’s the perfect fresh complement to heavier meals, and its versatility makes it a keeper for summer BBQs, picnics, or even a quick weeknight side.
It’s easy to prepare, gets better with time, and delivers a perfect balance of crunch, tang, and freshness in every bite.
Enjoy.