There’s something magical about a dish that requires minimal effort but delivers maximum flavor. This Fresh & Tangy Marinated Cucumber, Onion, and Tomato Salad is exactly that—a refreshing, crisp, and slightly zesty dish that bursts with garden-fresh goodness. It’s the kind of salad that makes you want to grab a fork and dive right in, no matter the occasion.
This salad is like summer in a bowl. The juicy tomatoes, crunchy cucumbers, and sharp red onions soak up a tangy marinade that enhances every bite. Whether you’re serving it alongside grilled meats, piling it onto sandwiches, or enjoying it as a light snack, trust me, this one’s a game-changer.
Why You’ll Love Fresh & Tangy Marinated Cucumber, Onion, and Tomato Salad
This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re cooking for a casual family dinner, hosting a get-together with friends, or simply indulging in some comforting flavors for yourself, this dish is versatile enough to fit the occasion. Here’s why it’s a favorite:
Versatile
It pairs perfectly with everything from grilled chicken to hearty pasta dishes. You can even enjoy it on its own as a refreshing, healthy snack.
Budget-Friendly
Made with simple, everyday ingredients, this salad is an affordable way to enjoy fresh flavors without breaking the bank.
Quick and Easy
No cooking required! Just slice, toss, and let the marinade work its magic. It’s ready in minutes, making it perfect for busy days.
Customizable
Love a little spice? Add red pepper flakes. Want it creamier? Toss in some feta. The options are endless, so you can make it your own.
Crowd-Pleasing
A guaranteed hit with both kids and adults. It’s always a win when a single dish can satisfy everyone at the table. This recipe strikes the perfect balance of flavor and comfort, making it a universal favorite.
Ingredients in Fresh & Tangy Marinated Cucumber, Onion, and Tomato Salad
Here’s the magic of this salad—it’s made with just a few pantry staples, but the result is so much more than the sum of its parts. Let’s break it down:
Cucumbers
The ultimate crunch factor! They bring a refreshing, cool bite that makes the salad irresistibly crisp.
Tomatoes
Juicy, sweet, and bursting with flavor. They add a fresh balance to the tangy dressing. Cherry or Roma tomatoes work best, but any ripe variety will do.
Red Onion
A little sharpness goes a long way. The red onion adds a pop of color and a subtle bite that mellows out beautifully in the marinade.
Vinegar
This is what gives the salad its signature tang. Apple cider vinegar or red wine vinegar works best, but you can use whatever you have on hand.
Olive Oil
A touch of olive oil rounds out the flavors and brings everything together with a smooth, luxurious finish.
Sugar
Just a hint to balance the acidity of the vinegar, making every bite perfectly balanced.
Salt and Pepper
Essential for enhancing the natural flavors of the ingredients.
Fresh Herbs
Basil, parsley, or dill add a fresh, aromatic touch that elevates the dish.
Instructions
Let’s dive into the steps to create this flavorful masterpiece:
Slice Your Vegetables
Thinly slice the cucumbers, tomatoes, and red onion. You want them to be bite-sized so they absorb the marinade evenly.
Prepare the Marinade
In a small bowl, whisk together vinegar, olive oil, sugar, salt, and pepper. Give it a quick taste—this is where you can adjust the tanginess or sweetness to your liking.
Combine Everything
Add the sliced vegetables to a large bowl. Pour the marinade over them and toss gently to coat every piece in that delicious dressing.
Let It Marinate
Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. The longer it sits, the better it gets!
Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle with fresh herbs before serving for an extra pop of color and freshness. Enjoy chilled!
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 4 Calories per serving: 80
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes Marinating Time: 30 minutes Total Time: 40 minutes
How to Serve Fresh & Tangy Marinated Cucumber, Onion, and Tomato Salad
This dish pairs wonderfully with various sides and accompaniments. Here are a few serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience:
- Serve as a side dish with grilled meats or seafood.
- Use it as a topping for burgers, tacos, or sandwiches for an extra crunch.
- Pair it with fresh mozzarella and basil for a Caprese-inspired twist.
- Enjoy it over a bed of greens for a heartier salad.
- Add chickpeas or feta cheese to turn it into a light main dish.
Faq’s
- Can I make this salad ahead of time? Yes! It actually tastes better after a few hours in the fridge as the flavors meld together.
- What’s the best cucumber to use? English cucumbers or Persian cucumbers work best because they have fewer seeds and a crispier texture.
- Can I use white vinegar instead of apple cider vinegar? Absolutely, but apple cider vinegar adds a slightly sweeter, more complex tang.
- How long does this salad last in the fridge? It stays fresh for about 2 days, though it’s best enjoyed within the first 24 hours.
- Can I add other vegetables? Of course! Bell peppers, radishes, or avocado would all be great additions.
- Should I peel the cucumbers? It’s up to you! If using English cucumbers, you can leave the skin on for extra crunch.
- How do I keep the onions from being too strong? Soak them in cold water for 10 minutes before adding them to the salad.
- Can I add protein to make it a meal? Yes! Grilled chicken, shrimp, or even hard-boiled eggs would be delicious.
- What’s a good substitute for sugar? Honey or maple syrup works well if you prefer a natural sweetener.
- Can I double the recipe? Absolutely! Just make sure you have a big enough bowl to toss everything evenly.
Conclusion
This Fresh & Tangy Marinated Cucumber, Onion, and Tomato Salad is everything you want in a side dish—light, flavorful, and ridiculously easy to make. It’s a simple pleasure that brings big rewards, whether you’re making it for a quick lunch or a summer cookout. Try it once, and I promise, it’ll become a staple in your kitchen. Enjoy!
Print
Fresh & Tangy Marinated Cucumber, Onion, and Tomato Salad
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Salad, Side Dish
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American, Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Fresh & Tangy Marinated Cucumber, Onion, and Tomato Salad is a light, refreshing side dish perfect for summer meals. Crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, and sharp red onions are tossed in a zesty marinade, making it a great complement to grilled meats, sandwiches, or as a standalone snack!
Ingredients
- 2 large cucumbers, thinly sliced
- 3 medium tomatoes, chopped (or halved cherry tomatoes)
- 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley or basil, chopped (optional)
For the Dressing:
- 1/3 cup apple cider vinegar (or white vinegar)
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp honey (or sugar for a sweeter taste)
- 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp dried basil
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
Instructions
-
Prepare the Vegetables:
- Slice the cucumbers, tomatoes, and red onion and place them in a large bowl.
- Add the chopped parsley or basil, if using.
-
Make the Dressing:
- In a small bowl, whisk together vinegar, olive oil, honey, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes.
-
Combine & Marinate:
- Pour the dressing over the vegetables and toss until evenly coated.
- Cover and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours for best flavor).
-
Serve & Enjoy:
- Give the salad a quick toss before serving. Enjoy chilled!
Notes
- For extra crunch, add sliced bell peppers.
- Swap apple cider vinegar with balsamic vinegar for a deeper flavor.
- Can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 days (best eaten fresh).
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: ~100 kcal
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg