Looking for a delicious and refreshing salad? Look no further than our Marinated Cucumber Tomato Onion Salad. Bursting with vibrant flavors and crisp textures, this salad is a perfect combination of tangy cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, and zesty onions, all marinated to perfection. It's an ideal side dish or a standalone summer salad.
When I was growing up, this type of salad was something my mom and dad made a few times per year. It was not appealing to me as a kid. My husband started asking for it, so I decided to try and get make it so I enjoyed it also.
As a lover of fresh flavors, I can't help but rave about the incredible combination that is a Cucumber Onion Tomato Salad. This salad embodies everything I love about summer. The crispness of the cucumbers, the juiciness of the tomatoes, and the gentle bite of the onions create textures and flavors that just make me happy. Whether enjoyed as a side dish, a light lunch, or even a refreshing snack, this salad never fails to invigorate my senses.
Let us know what you think in the comments and ratings below!
Try some of our other favorite side dishes: Broccoli Salad, Simple Macaroni Salad, Cheesy Hash Brown Casserole, or BBQ Baked Beans.
Jump to:
Ingredients for Cucumber Onion Tomato Salad
- English cucumbers (or 3 regular), peeled, sliced
- tomatoes, wedges or cherry tomatoes-halved
- red onion, thinly sliced
- olive oil
- red wine or apple cider vinegar
- granulated sugar
- water
- salt
- black pepper
- dried basil
- dried parsley
FAQs
Any vinegar can be used depending on your taste preference. Common choices include white vinegar for a tangy flavor, apple cider vinegar for a milder taste, or balsamic vinegar for a sweeter touch.
For best results, let the salad marinate for at least 30 minutes to 1 hour in the refrigerator. This allows the flavors to meld together.
Yes, this salad can be made a day ahead. Just give it a good stir before serving.
This salad pairs well with grilled meats, fish, or as a refreshing side to sandwiches and burgers. It's also great as a light lunch on its own.
You can sprinkle salt on the cucumber slices and let them sit for about 15 minutes. Then, rinse and pat dry. This helps to draw out excess water.
Absolutely. Cherry tomatoes, grape tomatoes, or heirloom tomatoes work well. English cucumbers, Persian cucumbers, or regular cucumbers can be used based on your preference.
Top Tips
- Use firm and ripe tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, and onions with a mild flavor. Freshness will significantly impact the taste and texture of your salad.
- Adjust the seasoning: Taste the salad after marinating and adjust the seasoning accordingly. Add salt, black pepper, or your favorite herbs and spices to enhance the flavor profile. A dash of lemon juice or a splash of vinegar can add a tangy twist.
- Customize with additional ingredients: Consider adding other ingredients to elevate the salad further. Fresh herbs like basil or mint can add a burst of freshness. Crumbled feta cheese or olives can provide a salty and savory element. Experiment with different additions to suit your preferences.
How to make Tomato Cucumber Onion Salad
- Start by preparing the vegetables. Wash the cucumbers and tomatoes thoroughly. Peel the cucumbers if desired, and then slice them into thin rounds. Cut the tomatoes into bite-sized wedges. Thinly slice the red onion.
- Prepare the dressing: In a large bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, red wine or apple cider vinegar, sugar (if using), basil, parsley, salt, and pepper until well combined. Taste the dressing and adjust the seasonings if needed.
- Pour the dressing over the vegetables in the large bowl. Gently toss to ensure all the vegetables are coated with the dressing.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and let the salad marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. For a more intense flavor, you can marinate the salad for a few hours or even overnight.
- Before serving, give the salad a gentle toss to redistribute the dressing. Taste and adjust the seasonings, if needed.
Marinated Cucumber Tomato Onion Salad Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 English cucumbers (or 3 regular), peeled, sliced
- 2 cups tomatoes, wedges or cherry tomatoes-halved
- 1 red onion, thinly sliced
Dressing
- ¼ cup olive oil
- ½ cup red wine or apple cider vinegar
- 2-4 tablespoon granulated sugar
- ¼ cup water
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon dried basil
- ¼ teaspoon dried parsley
Instructions
- Start by preparing the vegetables. Wash the cucumbers and tomatoes thoroughly. Peel the cucumbers if desired, and then slice them into thin rounds. Cut the tomatoes into bite-sized wedges. Thinly slice the red onion.
- Prepare the dressing: In a large bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, red wine or apple cider vinegar, sugar (if using), basil, parsley, salt, and pepper until well combined. Taste the dressing and adjust the seasonings if needed.
- Pour the dressing over the vegetables in the large bowl. Gently toss to ensure all the vegetables are coated with the dressing.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and let the salad marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. For a more intense flavor, you can marinate the salad for a few hours or even overnight.
- Before serving, give the salad a gentle toss to redistribute the dressing. Taste and adjust the seasonings, if needed.
Leave a Reply