Fresh & Tangy Marinated Cucumber, Onion, And Tomato Salad Recipe

Summer’s heat calls for a refreshing marinated cucumber, onion, and tomato salad that bursts with vibrant flavors and crisp textures.

This quick and easy salad combines garden-fresh vegetables with a zesty vinaigrette that dances on your palate.

Each colorful bite delivers a perfect balance of tangy and cool sensations.

Crisp cucumber slices mingle with sweet onion rings and juicy tomato chunks.

The light dressing brings every ingredient to life with its bright, punchy notes.

Prepare to be delighted by this simple yet spectacular side dish that complements grilled meats and barbecue favorites.

You’ll want to make this salad again and again throughout the sunny season.

What Makes Marinated Cucumber, Onion, And Tomato Salad Great

• Customize Your Flavor: Personalize these pizza wraps with endless topping combinations, from classic pepperoni to veggie-packed options that suit every taste preference.
• Quick Family Meal Solution: Deliver a crowd-pleasing dinner that kids and adults will love, requiring minimal preparation and maximum satisfaction.
• No-Fuss Cooking Method: Bake these wraps in one simple step, transforming basic ingredients into a crispy, golden meal without complex cooking techniques.
• Versatile Snack or Meal: Perfect for game nights, casual dinners, or after-school hunger, these wraps transition seamlessly between different eating occasions.

Ingredients For Marinated Cucumber Salad

• Cucumber: A crisp and refreshing vegetable that adds a cool crunch to the salad.
• Onion: Provides a sharp and tangy flavor that complements the other vegetables.
• Tomato: Brings a sweet and juicy element to the salad with its vibrant color.

• Vinegar, Water, Sugar: Creates a balanced sweet and tangy liquid base for marinating the vegetables.
• Salt, Pepper: Enhances the overall flavor profile of the salad.
• Oil: Helps to blend the marinade ingredients and adds a smooth texture.

• Fresh Mint: An optional herb that adds a bright, aromatic finish to the salad.

Stepwise Guide For Marinated Cucumber Salad

Step 1: Slice and Gather Veggies

Grab your cutting board and sharp knife. Carefully slice cucumbers into thin, delicate rounds.

Thinly slice red onions to create translucent, delicate rings. Chop ripe tomatoes into bite-sized chunks.

Transfer all sliced vegetables into a spacious mixing bowl, creating a colorful medley of fresh produce.

Step 2: Create Zesty Marinade

• White vinegar
• Granulated sugar
• Cold water
• Kosher salt
• Freshly ground black pepper
• Olive oil

Whisk ingredients vigorously until sugar completely dissolves, creating a smooth, tangy liquid that will transform your vegetables.

Step 3: Marinate and Infuse Flavors

Pour the prepared marinade over the sliced vegetables. Gently toss everything together, ensuring each piece gets beautifully coated.

Cover the bowl and place in refrigerator. Allow salad to chill and develop deep, complex flavors for minimum 2 hours or ideally overnight.

Step 4: Serve and Garnish

Remove salad from refrigerator. Give another gentle stir.

Optional: Sprinkle fresh chopped mint leaves on top for extra brightness. Serve cold as a refreshing side dish perfect for summer gatherings or quick meals.

Helpful Tips For Marinated Cucumber Salad

• Use a sharp knife or mandoline to create thin, uniform vegetable slices for even marinating and better texture.
• Modify sugar levels to suit your taste, using honey or agave as alternative sweeteners for a different flavor profile.
• After chilling, gently drain extra marinade to prevent the salad from becoming too watery before serving.
• Experiment with different fresh herbs like dill, parsley, or basil to add complexity and freshness to the salad.
• For a tangier version, let the salad marinate for a shorter time (30 minutes) to maintain crisp vegetable textures.

New Twists On Marinated Cucumber Salad

• Herb-Infused Zinger: Replace mint with fresh basil or dill for an aromatic herbal variation.
• Low-Carb Crunch: Swap sugar with stevia or monk fruit sweetener to reduce carbohydrate content for keto dieters.
• Mediterranean Mix: Add crumbled feta cheese and kalamata olives for a Greek-inspired version of the salad.
• Spicy Southwest Splash: Incorporate diced jalapeños and replace white vinegar with lime juice for a zesty kick.

Foods That Pair Well With Marinated Cucumber Salad

• Refresh with Crisp White Wine: Pair this light, tangy salad with a chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to complement its zesty vinegar notes and fresh vegetable crunch.
• Grill Some Protein Companions: Serve alongside grilled chicken breasts or light fish like tilapia to balance the salad's acidity and add a satisfying protein component to the meal.
• Cool Down with Mediterranean Breads: Offer warm pita bread or crusty sourdough to soak up the delicious marinade and provide a hearty texture contrast to the crisp vegetables.
• Elevate with Herbed Feta Cheese: Crumble some tangy Greek feta over the salad to enhance its Mediterranean-style flavors and add a creamy, salty dimension to the dish.

Proper Storage For Marinated Cucumber Salad

• Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Keep the marinated vegetables submerged in the liquid to maintain their crispness and flavor.
• Before serving leftovers, use a slotted spoon to remove vegetables, letting extra marinade drip off to prevent a watery salad.
• Skip freezing this salad as the vegetables will become mushy and lose their fresh, crisp texture when thawed.
• If the salad seems slightly wilted, add a few fresh cucumber or tomato slices to revive its appearance and crunch before serving again.

FAQs

• Is this salad healthy?

Yes, it’s packed with fresh vegetables, low in calories, and provides essential nutrients like vitamin C, potassium, and antioxidants.

• Can I use different types of vinegar?

Absolutely! Apple cider vinegar, white wine vinegar, or rice vinegar work great and add unique flavor profiles to the salad.

• How long can the salad stay fresh?

The marinated salad stays fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days when stored in an airtight container, maintaining its crisp texture and tangy taste.

• Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, preparing it in advance is recommended. The longer it marinates, the more flavorful it becomes, making it perfect for meal prep or gatherings.

Fresh & Tangy Marinated Cucumber, Onion, And Tomato Salad Recipe

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4.6 from 26 reviews

• Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Summer’s zesty Cucumber, Onion, and Tomato Salad brings Mediterranean freshness to your table with crisp vegetables and a light vinegar dressing. Refreshing ingredients combine for a perfect side dish you can enjoy alongside grilled meats or as a cool, light lunch.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Vegetables:

• 3 medium cucumbers, peeled and sliced
• 1 medium onion, sliced into rings
• 3 medium tomatoes, cut into wedges

Liquid Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) vinegar
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) water
• 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) oil

Seasonings and Sweeteners:

• 1/4 cup (50 grams) sugar
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon chopped fresh mint (optional)

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Instructions

1. Meticulously slice cucumbers, onions, and tomatoes into uniform thin rounds, ensuring each vegetable is cut with precision and placed in a spacious mixing vessel.
2. Create a vibrant marinade by vigorously whisking vinegar, sugar, water, salt, pepper, and oil until the sugar completely dissolves, creating a harmonious liquid blend.
3. Gently cascade the marinade over the sliced vegetables, using careful circular motions to ensure every piece is thoroughly coated with the tangy dressing.
4. Refrigerate the salad for a minimum of 2 hours, allowing the flavors to meld and intensify. For optimal taste development, consider marinating overnight.
5. Before serving, optionally sprinkle freshly chopped mint leaves across the surface for an aromatic finishing touch. Present the salad chilled, showcasing its vibrant colors and refreshing profile.

Notes

• Use crisp, firm vegetables to maintain texture and prevent soggy salad during marinating.
• Adjust sugar levels based on personal preference or dietary needs like reducing sweetness for low-sugar diets.
• Consider replacing vinegar with lemon juice for a fresher, brighter flavor profile that works well with Mediterranean and light summer meals.
• Customize herb choices by adding dill, parsley, or basil to enhance the salad’s aromatic qualities and suit different taste preferences.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 2 hours
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Pickling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 108 kcal
• Sugar: 8 g
• Sodium: 870 mg
• Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 10 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 1 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg