Marinated cucumbers, onions, and tomatoes is a light, vibrant, and refreshing salad that brings together the crisp texture of cucumbers, the sweet tang of tomatoes, and the zesty flavor of onions. This simple yet flavorful dish is perfect for serving as a side with grilled meats, sandwiches, or any main course. Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue or preparing a wholesome dinner, this salad is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. The best part? It’s incredibly easy to prepare and can be made in advance, making it a convenient addition to any meal.
Why This Marinated Salad is a Must-Try
What makes this marinated cucumber, onion, and tomato salad so irresistible is its perfect balance of flavors. The tangy vinegar and sugar marinade acts as a light brine that enhances the natural sweetness of the tomatoes, while the cucumbers provide a refreshing crunch. The onions add a subtle sharpness, and the olive oil rounds it all off with a rich, smooth finish. It’s a perfect combination of savory, sweet, and sour that leaves your taste buds wanting more.
It’s also an incredibly versatile salad. Not only can it be served as a side dish, but you can pair it with virtually any main course, such as grilled chicken, fish, pork, or even vegetarian dishes like falafel or quinoa bowls.
Ingredients for Marinated Cucumbers, Onions, and Tomatoes
To prepare this delicious salad, you’ll need just a few fresh ingredients that are likely already in your kitchen. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 3 medium cucumbers (peeled and sliced into 1/4-inch thick rounds): Cucumbers are the base of this salad, giving it a light and crispy texture. You can leave the skin on if you prefer, but peeling them adds a smoother finish.
- 1 medium onion (sliced into rings): Onions lend a mild pungency that balances the sweetness of the tomatoes and the cucumbers’ crispness.
- 3 medium tomatoes (cut into wedges): The tomatoes provide juiciness and vibrant color to the salad. Opt for ripe, firm tomatoes for the best flavor.
- 1/2 cup vinegar: The vinegar acts as the base of the marinade, providing tanginess. White vinegar is a popular choice, but you can also use apple cider vinegar for a slightly sweeter taste.
- 1/4 cup sugar: The sugar helps balance out the acidity of the vinegar, creating a harmonious dressing that’s both sweet and sour.
- 1 cup water: Water dilutes the vinegar to make the marinade more subtle and ensures the flavors are well distributed.
- 2 teaspoons salt: The salt helps bring out the natural flavors of the vegetables, enhancing the overall taste of the salad.
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper: Pepper adds just the right amount of spice to elevate the flavors of the salad.
- 1/4 cup oil (preferably olive oil): Olive oil adds richness and a smooth texture to the marinade, helping to coat the vegetables evenly.
- 1 teaspoon fresh mint (chopped) – Optional: Mint can give the salad an extra layer of refreshing flavor, especially for those hot summer days.
How to Make Marinated Cucumbers, Onions, and Tomatoes
Making this marinated salad is as easy as combining the ingredients and letting it sit in the refrigerator for a few hours. Here’s how you can make it:
Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables
Start by preparing the vegetables. Peel and slice the cucumbers into 1/4-inch thick rounds. If you prefer, you can leave the skins on for added texture, but peeling them gives the salad a smoother finish. Slice the onion into thin rings, separating them as you go. Finally, cut the tomatoes into wedges, removing any core or seeds. You want the pieces to be bite-sized so they mix easily with the other ingredients.
Step 2: Combine the Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the sliced cucumbers, onions, and tomatoes. Add the vinegar, sugar, water, salt, black pepper, and olive oil. If you’re using fresh mint, chop it finely and add it to the mixture for a burst of fresh flavor.
Step 3: Toss the Salad
Once all the ingredients are in the bowl, use a spoon to toss everything together. Ensure that the vegetables are evenly coated in the marinade and that the sugar and salt have dissolved into the liquid. The cucumbers, onions, and tomatoes should start to soften slightly and absorb the flavors of the dressing.
Step 4: Refrigerate the Salad
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer the salad to a sealed container. Refrigerate the salad for at least 120 minutes (2 hours). This allows the vegetables to marinate and the flavors to meld together. For the best taste, you can let it marinate even longer—overnight is ideal, but 2 hours is the minimum time for the flavors to really develop.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
After marinating, give the salad a quick toss to redistribute the dressing, and it’s ready to serve! This salad can be served chilled or at room temperature, depending on your preference. The longer it sits, the more the flavors deepen, so it’s great to make in advance for a party or family gathering.
Tips for the Best Marinated Cucumber, Onion, and Tomato Salad
- Make it ahead: This salad can be prepared a day or two in advance, making it a convenient option for meal prep or parties. The longer it sits in the marinade, the more flavorful it becomes.
- Add other vegetables: Feel free to experiment with additional vegetables like bell peppers, radishes, or carrots for extra crunch and flavor.
- Adjust the sweetness and tang: If you prefer a sweeter salad, add more sugar. If you like more tang, increase the vinegar. It’s all about personal taste, so feel free to tweak the marinade to your liking.
- Herb variations: While fresh mint is a popular addition, you can also use parsley, dill, or oregano for a different herbaceous twist.
- Use a different oil: If you don’t have olive oil on hand, other oils like avocado oil or grapeseed oil work well in the marinade too. Choose a neutral-flavored oil that complements the tanginess of the vinegar.
Why You’ll Love This Salad
This marinated cucumber, onion, and tomato salad is a perfect balance of fresh, crunchy, tangy, and sweet. It’s an excellent way to enjoy summer vegetables, even in the winter when fresh tomatoes are harder to come by. The vinegar marinade brings out the natural flavors of the vegetables without overpowering them, making it an ideal side dish for almost any meal.
Whether you’re serving it as a refreshing side for grilled meats or as part of a lighter, vegetarian meal, this salad will quickly become a family favorite. It’s easy, adaptable, and incredibly delicious—everything you want in a salad.