This fresh salad is a tasty mix of crunchy cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, and zesty onions, all marinated in a light dressing. It’s perfect for hot days or as a side dish at any meal!
I love how quick and easy this salad is to whip up. Just chop, mix, and let it sit for a bit. It’s so refreshing, you’ll want to make it every week! 🥗
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cucumbers: These are the star of the salad, adding a nice crunch. I prefer English cucumbers for their thin skin and minimal seeds. If you can’t find them, regular cucumbers work too; just peel if the skin is thick.
Tomatoes: I love using ripe, juicy tomatoes for sweetness. Cherry or grape tomatoes can also be a fun option—just halve them! If you’re in a pinch, canned diced tomatoes could work, but fresh is best.
Red Onion: This gives a wonderful flavor. If you find raw onions too strong, soaking the slices in cold water for a few minutes can mellow the taste. Sweet onions, like Vidalia, are also nice for a milder bite.
Vinegar: While I usually opt for white vinegar, apple cider vinegar adds a nice fruity flavor. You can even try balsamic vinegar for a deeper sweetness if you like it!
Herbs: Fresh parsley or dill brightens up the dish. If fresh herbs aren’t available, go for dried—just use less since they’re more concentrated in flavor.
How Do I Get the Best Flavor From My Salad?
The key to a flavorful salad lies in marinating the vegetables. This allows the cucumbers, tomatoes, and onions to soak up the zesty marinade.
- For the best results, let the salad marinate for at least 1 hour; longer if you can. This helps to enhance the flavors.
- Mix the salad gently to keep the veggies intact. You want to coat everything without bruising them.
- Give it a taste before serving! You can adjust the marinade with more salt, sugar, or vinegar if needed.
Enjoy your crispy, refreshing salad! It’s a great addition to any meal or perfect on its own. 🍅🥒
Easy Marinated Cucumber Tomato Onion Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Vegetables:
- 2 medium cucumbers, thinly sliced
- 3 medium tomatoes, cut into wedges or chunks
- 1 medium red onion, thinly sliced
Dressing:
- 1/4 cup white vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano (optional)
Garnish:
- Fresh parsley or dill for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful salad takes about 15 minutes to prepare. Then, you’ll want to let it marinate in the fridge for at least 1 hour to really bring all those flavors together. So, in total, you’re looking at around 1 hour and 15 minutes—most of which is hands-off time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Combine the Vegetables:
In a large mixing bowl, toss together the thinly sliced cucumbers, tomato wedges or chunks, and thinly sliced red onion. This colorful mixture is already looking good!
2. Make the Dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together the white vinegar, olive oil, sugar, salt, black pepper, and dried oregano (if using). Stir until the sugar and salt have completely dissolved. This dressing is going to add such a lovely zing to your salad!
3. Mix It All Together:
Pour the dressing over the vegetable mixture. Gently toss everything together until the veggies are well coated in the marinade. Be careful not to crush the veggies—just a gentle toss is all you need!
4. Let It Marinate:
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid, and place it in the refrigerator. Let the salad marinate for at least 1 hour (or even longer if you can wait!). This resting time allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
5. Serve and Enjoy:
When you’re ready to serve, give the salad a gentle stir again. If you’d like, garnish with fresh parsley or dill before serving. Scoop it into bowls and enjoy your refreshing salad chilled!
This salad is perfect alongside grilled meats, with sandwiches, or just on its own as a light meal. Enjoy! 🥗
Can I Use Different Types of Vinegar for This Salad?
Absolutely! While white vinegar is commonly used, you can substitute it with apple cider vinegar for a fruity twist or even balsamic vinegar for a sweeter, richer flavor. Just keep in mind that the taste may change slightly depending on your choice.
How Long Does This Salad Last in the Fridge?
The marinated cucumber tomato onion salad can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. However, for the best texture and flavor, I recommend enjoying it within the first 1-2 days.
Can I Add Other Vegetables to This Salad?
Yes! Feel free to get creative. Bell peppers, radishes, or avocado can all be great additions to this salad. Just make sure to adjust the marinating time slightly for denser vegetables like bell peppers.
How Can I Make This Salad Spicier?
If you’re a fan of heat, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or some finely chopped jalapeños to the salad. You can also mix in a dash of your favorite hot sauce into the dressing for an extra kick!
