If you’re craving a fresh, tangy, and vibrant salad that feels like summer in a bowl, the Marinated Cucumbers, Onions, and Tomatoes Recipe is exactly what you need. This delightful combination of crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, and sharp onions soaked in a flavorful vinaigrette creates a dish that’s both refreshing and bursting with character. It’s perfect as a light side or a quick snack, and best of all, it’s incredibly simple to make yet impressively delicious.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make this salad sing, you’ll want to gather simple, wholesome ingredients that each bring their own charm to the table. Every element contributes essential texture, flavor, or brightness, making this dish balanced and irresistibly tasty.
- 2 cucumbers, thinly sliced: Their cool crispness offers the perfect crunch and mild flavor.
- 1 pint cherry or grape tomatoes, halved: These burst with sweetness and add vibrant color.
- 1 small red or white onion, thinly sliced: Adds a slight bite and aromatic sharpness.
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar or red wine vinegar: Brings the tangy acidity that ties all the flavors together.
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil: Smoothens the marinade and adds a rich, fruity undertone.
- 1 clove garlic, minced: Infuses a subtle savory depth without overwhelming the freshness.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Enhances and balances the overall flavor profile.
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional): For a gentle kick if you enjoy a little heat.
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley or dill: A fresh herbal finish that brightens each bite.
How to Make Marinated Cucumbers, Onions, and Tomatoes Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables
Start by washing your cucumbers and tomatoes thoroughly to ensure they’re clean and ready to shine. Thinly slice the cucumbers to maximize their crispness in every bite, halve the cherry or grape tomatoes to reveal their juicy interiors, and slice the onion thinly so it melds perfectly without overpowering the salad. Place all these prepared vegetables into a large mixing bowl, setting the stage for vibrant flavors to come.
Step 2: Make the Marinade
In a separate bowl, whisk together the apple cider vinegar or red wine vinegar with extra virgin olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. If you like a little warmth, add the red pepper flakes. This vinaigrette is the heart of the Marinated Cucumbers, Onions, and Tomatoes Recipe, providing the tangy, aromatic foundation that lets the vegetables shine.
Step 3: Toss with Marinade
Pour your freshly made vinaigrette over the vegetables in the mixing bowl. Gently toss everything with care, ensuring each slice of cucumber, tomato half, and onion ring is thoroughly coated. This step coats the vegetables evenly, allowing the flavors to mingle beautifully with every bite.
Step 4: Marinate
Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap or a lid and pop it into the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This resting period lets the vegetables soak up the marinade’s vibrant flavors, transforming the salad from simple to sensational. For even deeper flavor, leave it to marinate for a few hours or overnight. This patience pays off with a more harmonious and complex taste experience.
Step 5: Serve
When you’re ready, toss the salad once more to distribute any settled marinade and sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley or dill over the top. These herbs add a fresh, fragrant finish that makes every mouthful feel like a celebration of garden-fresh goodness.
How to Serve Marinated Cucumbers, Onions, and Tomatoes Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance your salad visually and flavor-wise by garnishing with fresh herbs like parsley, dill, or even basil. A light sprinkle of crumbled feta or shaved parmesan can also add a lovely salty contrast. For a little extra crunch, toasted nuts or seeds make a fantastic topping that complements the soft textures.
Side Dishes
This salad is wonderfully versatile alongside grilled meats, roasted chicken, or fish. It also pairs beautifully with crusty bread or simple rice dishes, adding a fresh burst of acidity and crunch that lifts heavier plates. During warm months, it makes a fantastic light lunch all on its own paired with a chilled glass of rosé.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the Marinated Cucumbers, Onions, and Tomatoes Recipe in clear glass jars for a charming picnic or potluck centerpiece. Layer it over cooked quinoa or couscous for a hearty salad bowl, or spoon the mixture onto toasted crostini for a fresh and vibrant appetizer. These ideas bring extra flair and make your salad feel extra special.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Your marinated salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen over time, but to keep the vegetables at their freshest crispness, it’s best enjoyed within the first couple of days.
Freezing
Because this salad relies on fresh, crisp vegetables, freezing is not recommended. Cucumbers and tomatoes lose their texture after thawing, so it’s best to enjoy this dish fresh for full flavor and crunch.
Reheating
There is no need to reheat this salad. It is best served cold or at room temperature to maintain its refreshing quality and maintain the vibrant textures. Just give it a gentle toss before serving if it’s been chilled for a while.
FAQs
Can I use different types of vinegar for the marinade?
Absolutely! Apple cider vinegar and red wine vinegar are traditional choices, but you can experiment with white wine vinegar or even balsamic for different flavor profiles. Just keep in mind the stronger the vinegar, the more it will influence the taste.
How long can I marinate the vegetables for?
A minimum of 30 minutes is needed to let the flavors develop, but marinating for several hours or overnight results in a more intense and cohesive taste. Just be mindful that cucumbers and tomatoes might release more water if left too long.
Can I add other vegetables or ingredients?
Definitely! Thinly sliced bell peppers, radishes, or fresh herbs like basil and mint complement the base ingredients beautifully. You can also add a bit of crumbled cheese or nuts for extra texture.
Is this salad suitable for meal prep?
Yes, it’s a fantastic make-ahead dish for lunches or dinners. Just be sure to store it properly in a sealed container and consume within a few days for optimal freshness.
Can I make this recipe vegan and gluten-free?
This salad is naturally vegan and gluten-free as long as you choose compliant ingredients, making it a perfect, inclusive option for many diets.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about this Marinated Cucumbers, Onions, and Tomatoes Recipe — it’s bright, refreshing, easy to make, and endlessly adaptable. Whether you’re looking for a quick side, a picnic-friendly salad, or a dish that brings vibrant freshness to your meal, this recipe will not disappoint. Give it a try and watch it become a beloved staple that you turn to again and again.
Print
Marinated Cucumbers, Onions, and Tomatoes Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A refreshing and tangy marinated salad featuring cucumbers, onions, and cherry tomatoes tossed in a zesty apple cider vinegar dressing with garlic and herbs. Perfect as a light side dish or a healthy snack, this no-cook recipe offers vibrant flavors and a crisp texture.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 2 cucumbers, thinly sliced
- 1 pint cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
- 1 small red or white onion, thinly sliced
Marinade
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar or red wine vinegar
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley or dill
Instructions
- Prepare the Vegetables: Wash the cucumbers and tomatoes thoroughly. Slice the cucumbers thinly, halve the cherry or grape tomatoes, and thinly slice the onion. Place all prepared vegetables in a large mixing bowl.
- Make the Marinade: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the apple cider vinegar (or red wine vinegar), olive oil, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using) until well combined.
- Toss with Marinade: Pour the vinaigrette over the vegetables in the large bowl. Gently toss everything together until all the vegetables are evenly coated with the marinade.
- Marinate: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. For deeper flavor, marinate for a few hours or overnight, allowing the vegetables to absorb all the tangy goodness.
- Serve: Before serving, toss the salad again and sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley or dill for a burst of fresh flavor.
Notes
- For best results, use fresh and firm cucumbers and ripe cherry tomatoes.
- Adjust the amount of vinegar and oil to your taste preference.
- Red pepper flakes add a slight kick but can be omitted if you prefer a milder salad.
- This salad can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days but is freshest the same day.
- Try adding other herbs like basil or mint for a different flavor profile.
