Tangy Marinated Cucumber, Tomato, and Onion Salad Recipe

Crisp summer vegetables dance together in this classic marinated cucumber, tomato, and onion salad that brings refreshing flavors to any meal.

Cool cucumbers blend perfectly with juicy tomatoes and sharp onions in a tangy dressing.

The vibrant ingredients create a light, zesty side dish packed with garden-fresh goodness.

Each bite offers a delightful crunch and burst of summery flavor.

The simple marinade elevates these humble vegetables into something truly special.

Chilled and served straight from the refrigerator, this salad provides a cool, refreshing complement to grilled meats or as a standalone dish.

Dive into this easy, delicious recipe and transform your summer dining experience.

Everything Inside Marinated Cucumber Tomato And Onion Salad

• Cucumber: Crisp and refreshing base that adds cool crunch to the salad, choose firm cucumbers with vibrant green color and no soft spots.
• Tomatoes: Juicy and sweet component that brings bright color and rich flavor, select ripe, deeply colored tomatoes without blemishes.
• Red Onion: Sharp and zesty element that provides a punchy flavor contrast, pick firm onions with smooth, papery skin.

• Olive Oil: Smooth carrier of flavors that helps blend ingredients, select extra virgin for best taste and quality.
• Vinegar: Tangy acid that brightens and balances the salad, white or apple cider vinegar work wonderfully.
• Sugar: Subtle sweetness that softens the sharp onion and vinegar notes, use white granulated sugar for clean taste.

• Salt: Essential flavor enhancer that draws out vegetable juices, use kosher or sea salt for best texture.
• Black Pepper: Warm, spicy note that adds depth to the marinade, freshly ground provides most intense flavor.
• Oregano: Earthy Mediterranean herb that brings aromatic complexity, dried works best for consistent flavor.
• Parsley or Dill: Fresh, green herb that adds final bright touch, choose based on personal preference or availability.

Tools That Make Marinated Cucumber Tomato And Onion Salad Easy

• Large bowl: Perfect for mixing and tossing vegetables.
• Small bowl or jar: Ideal for whisking marinade ingredients together.
• Whisk: Essential for blending marinade smoothly.
• Knife: Sharp tool for slicing cucumbers, tomatoes, and onions.
• Cutting board: Stable surface for preparing vegetables.
• Measuring spoons: Helps accurately measure salt, sugar, and herbs.

How To Mix Marinated Cucumber Tomato And Onion Salad

• Veggie Symphony

Slice crisp cucumbers, ripe tomatoes, and sweet onions into a spacious mixing bowl. Each slice should dance with delicate precision, creating a colorful medley that promises freshness.

• Flavor Conductor

Whisk together olive oil, vinegar, a touch of sugar, salt, pepper, and fragrant herbs in a small container. This liquid magic will transform simple vegetables into a vibrant sensation.

• Marination Magic

Gently drizzle the herb-infused dressing over the vegetables. Softly fold everything together, ensuring each vegetable gleams with a shimmering coat of flavor.

• Chill and Thrill

Tuck the salad into the refrigerator for 30 minutes to an hour. The cool environment allows ingredients to whisper and blend their individual personalities into a harmonious summer delight. Give a quick toss before serving to awaken those mingled flavors.

Tips To Keep Marinated Cucumber Tomato And Onion Salad Crisp

• Fresh Flavor Boost: Add a sprinkle of crumbled feta cheese for a tangy Mediterranean twist that elevates the salad's richness.
• Low-Carb Adaptation: Replace sugar with stevia or erythritol to make the dish keto-friendly without compromising the delicious marinade flavor.
• Make-Ahead Magic: This salad tastes even better the next day, so prepare it in advance for picnics, potlucks, or quick meal prep during busy weeks.
• Protein Power-Up: Toss in grilled chicken, canned tuna, or chickpeas to transform this light side dish into a satisfying main course perfect for lunch or dinner.
• Herb Harmony: Experiment with fresh herbs like basil, chives, or mint to create unique flavor profiles that complement the classic cucumber, tomato, and onion base.

How To Present Marinated Cucumber Tomato And Onion Salad

• Fresh Picnic Companion: Pack this vibrant salad in a mason jar for a delightful outdoor meal with friends or family.
• Mediterranean Mezze Plate: Serve alongside grilled meats, warm pita bread, and hummus for a complete Mediterranean-inspired spread.
• Protein Power-Up: Top the salad with grilled chicken, feta cheese, or chickpeas to transform it into a hearty, nutritious main dish.
• Summer Side Sensation: Present the salad chilled at barbecues, potlucks, or summer gatherings as a refreshing and colorful accompaniment.

How To Store Marinated Cucumber Tomato And Onion Salad Properly

• Quick Refrigeration Strategy: Store the salad in an airtight container to maintain freshness and prevent absorption of other refrigerator odors.
• Optimal Consumption Window: Enjoy the salad within 24-48 hours for the best taste and texture, as vegetables will continue to release water over time.
• Smart Ingredient Separation: If preparing in advance, consider keeping dressing separate from vegetables to prevent soggy texture and maintain crisp vegetable crunch.
• Temperature Serving Tip: Remove salad from refrigerator 10-15 minutes before serving to allow ingredients to reach a pleasant, slightly cool temperature that enhances flavor profile.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Calories: 120 kcal

Servings: 3

Crisp Cucumber, Tomato, And Onion Salad Recipe

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• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 3 1x

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Description

Mediterranean cucumber salad blends crisp vegetables with zesty herbs for a refreshing side dish. Garden-fresh ingredients create a light, tangy experience you’ll crave as a perfect summer accompaniment.

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Ingredients

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• 2 cucumbers (medium, thinly sliced)
• 3 tomatoes (medium, cut into wedges or chunks)
• 1 red onion (medium, thinly sliced)
• ¼ cup olive oil (60 ml / 2 fl oz)
• ¼ cup white vinegar (or apple cider vinegar) (60 ml / 2 fl oz)
• 1 tbsp granulated sugar (or honey)
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp dried oregano (or Italian seasoning)
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley or dill (optional, chopped)

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Slice cucumbers, tomatoes, and onions into thin, uniform pieces, ensuring balanced flavor and visual appeal.
2. Marinade Creation: Whisk extra virgin olive oil, vinegar, sugar, oregano, parsley, and dill to craft a vibrant, aromatic dressing that will elevate the vegetable medley.
3. Infusion Process: Gently pour the marinade over the sliced vegetables, carefully folding to coat each piece without damaging the delicate ingredients, allowing the flavors to intertwine.
4. Flavor Development: Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes, permitting the herbs and dressing to penetrate the vegetables, softening their texture and intensifying the overall taste profile.
5. Final Presentation: Give the salad a gentle toss before serving to redistribute the herbs and ensure a consistent, zesty flavor throughout. Serve chilled as a refreshing side dish or light summer accompaniment that showcases the brightness of fresh, seasonal produce.

Notes

• Slice Strategically: Use a sharp knife to create thin, uniform vegetable cuts for even marination and elegant presentation.
• Marinate Mindfully: Let the salad rest in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, allowing flavors to develop and vegetables to slightly soften without losing crispness.
• Customize Creatively: Experiment with different herbs like basil or mint, or add feta cheese for extra tang and protein to make the salad more substantial.
• Serve Smartly: Drain excess marinade before serving to prevent a watery texture, ensuring each bite remains crisp and flavorful.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Mixing
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 3
• Calories: 120
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 400 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 9 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 1 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg