Marinated Cucumber, Tomato & Onion Salad

Marinated Cucumber, Tomato & Onion Salad

Picture sinking your teeth into a bowl brimming with juicy tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, and sweet onions. Each bite dances on your taste buds, bursting with flavor from the tangy marinade that soaks every piece just right. This Marinated Cucumber, Tomato & Onion Salad isn’t just a side dish; it’s a refreshing escape to summer picnics and garden parties, where the flavors mingle and memories are created. It’s quick to prepare, making it perfect for any weeknight dinner or last-minute gathering. Plus, it’s kid-friendly, offering a crunch and zing that even the pickiest of eaters can’t resist.

Are You Ready for a Flavor Explosion?

When’s the last time you indulged in that perfect salad? The kind that does more than just fill your belly but also leaves you craving another helping? Imagine serving this vibrant Marinated Cucumber, Tomato & Onion Salad at your next barbecue. The fresh produce mingling with a savory-sweet dressing will elevate any meal. Are you ready to treat yourself to a dish that not only satisfies but makes your heart swell with nostalgia?

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Marinated Cucumber, Tomato & Onion Salad is a treasure for several reasons. First and foremost, it boasts an effortless preparation process, requiring a mere 15 minutes of your time—all while offering spectacular results. The simple yet bright combination of ingredients works wonders for your health as well, with a medley of fresh vegetables that’s low in calories but high in flavor.

It’s the perfect crowd-pleaser, appealing to all palates and dietary preferences. With minimal ingredients needed and a bounty of flavor packed into each serving, it defines what a warm-weather side dish should be. Whether you’re entertaining guests or simply enjoying a family meal, you’ll be sure to make memories with this dish.

Ingredients

Creating this delectable salad is easy with these ingredients:

• 2 large cucumbers, thinly sliced
• 3 medium tomatoes, chopped or sliced
• 1 large red onion, thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup white or apple cider vinegar
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon sugar (adjust to taste)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano or fresh herbs (dill, parsley, basil)
• Crushed red pepper (optional)
• Garlic (optional)
• Feta cheese (optional)

Imagine the fresh scent of ripe tomatoes mingling with the crisp crunch of cucumbers, brought together by the gentle kiss of vinegar and olive oil. The addition of a hint of sweetness enhances the dish, while the optional feta adds a creamy richness that makes each bite uniquely satisfying.

Timing

Whether you’re looking for a fast, indulgent side or a slow, luxurious treat, this salad fits the bill. You can whip it up in just 15 minutes, but for the best flavor, letting it marinate in the fridge for 1-2 hours—or even overnight—allows the ingredients to fully embrace one another. Whether you’re pressed for time or want to savor the experience, this salad accommodates both styles effortlessly.

Step-by-Step

1. Slice the cucumbers and onions thinly, letting the knife glide effortlessly through the crisp, refreshing vegetables.

2. Chop or slice the tomatoes, adding their juicy allure to the bowl. Toss all these vibrant vegetables into a large mixing bowl, creating a colorful medley that practically shouts “freshness.”

3. In a separate bowl or jar, whisk together the vinegar, olive oil, sugar, salt, pepper, and herbs. Feel the texture of the mixture change from thick to smooth as you whisk, creating an aromatic dressing that is simply irresistible.

4. Pour the luscious marinade over the vegetables, gently tossing them together to ensure every piece is enveloped in this tantalizing mixture.

5. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for 1-2 hours—oh, the anticipation will be worth it—or even better, let it sit overnight for maximum flavor development.

6. When you’re ready to serve, stir before dishing it up with a slotted spoon, enabling the abundance of liquid to stay back in the bowl. Garnish with extra herbs or a sprinkle of feta cheese if desired—this extra touch will leave your guests clamoring for more.

Nutritional Information

While enjoying this fresh Marinated Cucumber, Tomato & Onion Salad, each serving offers a guilt-free indulgence, typically under 100 calories per serving—ideal for those keeping an eye on their waistlines. And, let’s be honest, there’s nothing wrong with a little extra crunch and flavor; it’s a wholesome way to satisfy cravings without sacrificing taste.

Healthier Alternatives

For those seeking low-sugar or dairy-free options, consider replacing sugar with a natural sweetener like honey or using a sugar-free vinegar alternative. If you’re avoiding dairy, simply skip the optional feta cheese; the salad remains vibrant and flavorful. You can also incorporate extra veggies or swap in a different oil for the marinade base for a unique twist!

Serving Suggestions

While this Marinated Cucumber, Tomato & Onion Salad shines as a side dish at summer barbecues, it pairs well with almost anything. Serve it alongside grilled chicken, steak, or fish for an elegant dinner. Want to add even more flair to special occasions or holidays? Consider presenting it on a colorful buffet alongside rich desserts, where the freshness serves as a perfect balance!

Common Mistakes

When embracing this simple recipe, watch out for a few common pitfalls: don’t forget to slice the vegetables thinly for the best flavor infusion. Also, avoid over-marinating—a couple of hours is all you need for those flavors to meld beautifully. Lastly, ensure your bowl is deep enough to contain the marinade without causing a mess.

Storing Tips

If you find yourself with leftovers—or simply want to make ahead—store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3 days, with the flavors continuing to develop. Freezing is not recommended due to the high water content of the vegetables, but enjoy it fresh when you can!

Tempted to Make It ASAP?

Unleash your culinary creativity by crafting this Marinated Cucumber, Tomato & Onion Salad today! With its vibrant colors, tantalizing flavors, and ease of preparation, why wouldn’t you want to dive into this nostalgic dish? Treat yourself to a refreshing and satisfying salad that is sure to become a favorite in your rotation.

FAQs

1. Can I add other vegetables to this salad?
Absolutely! Feel free to mix in bell peppers, radishes, or even zucchini for added crunch.

2. How long can I store the salad?
You can keep it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

3. Is this salad suitable for meal prep?
Yes! It’s perfect for meal prep as the flavors get better with time.

4. Can I use a different type of vinegar?
Definitely! Both balsamic vinegar and red wine vinegar can add unique flavors to the mix.

5. What protein can I add to make it a complete meal?
Grilled chicken, chickpeas, or tofu would work wonderfully to make this a satisfying entrée.

Embrace the sensory exhilaration and nostalgic flavors of this Marinated Cucumber, Tomato & Onion Salad—your taste buds will thank you!

Marinated Cucumber, Tomato & Onion Salad

A refreshing and vibrant salad featuring crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, and sweet red onions, all marinated in a savory-sweet dressing ideal for any summer gathering.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 2 hours hrs

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Salad, Side

Cuisine: American, Healthy

Calories: 100

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Vegetables

• 2 large cucumbers, thinly sliced
• 3 medium tomatoes, chopped or sliced
• 1 large red onion, thinly sliced

Marinade

• 1/4 cup white or apple cider vinegar
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon sugar (adjust to taste)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano or fresh herbs (dill, parsley, basil)
• Crushed red pepper (optional)
• Garlic (optional)
• Feta cheese (optional)

Method

 

Preparation

1. Slice the cucumbers and onions thinly, letting the knife glide effortlessly through the crisp, refreshing vegetables.
2. Chop or slice the tomatoes, adding their juicy allure to the bowl. Toss all these vibrant vegetables into a large mixing bowl, creating a colorful medley.
3. In a separate bowl or jar, whisk together the vinegar, olive oil, sugar, salt, pepper, and herbs to create the dressing.
4. Pour the marinade over the vegetables, gently tossing them together to ensure every piece is enveloped in the mixture.
5. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for 1-2 hours, or let it sit overnight for maximum flavor development.
6. When ready to serve, stir before dishing it up with a slotted spoon.
7. Garnish with extra herbs or a sprinkle of feta cheese if desired.

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Freezing is not recommended due to the high water content of the vegetables.