If you’re craving something fresh, vibrant, and packed with simple yet lively flavors, this Marinated Cucumber Onion and Tomato Salad Recipe is an absolute must-try. It’s the perfect summer salad that combines crisp cucumbers, juicy cherry tomatoes, and zesty red onions all harmonized by a tangy olive oil and white wine vinegar dressing. This salad not only brightens up your plate with gorgeous color but also offers a refreshing crunch and a burst of herbaceous aroma that makes every bite delightfully satisfying. Whether you’re looking for a light side dish or a tasty accompaniment for your next BBQ, this recipe will quickly become one of your favorite go-to salads.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are beautifully straightforward but each plays a crucial role in making this salad sing. Fresh vegetables bring the crisp textures and natural sweetness, while the dressing adds a perfect balance of tang and depth that transforms simple produce into something magical.
- Cherry tomatoes: Choose ripe, juicy ones to add a burst of color and sweet brightness.
- Medium cucumber: Partially peeled for a nice texture contrast and a touch of bitterness from the skin.
- Red onion: Thinly sliced for a sharp, slightly sweet bite that complements the other veggies.
- Olive oil: Use good quality extra virgin for the smoothest, fruitiest flavor.
- White wine vinegar: Adds a mild acidity that lifts and lightens the salad’s overall taste.
- Fresh parsley: Finely chopped for a fresh herbal note that brightens every forkful.
- Salt: Enhances all the natural flavors in the salad perfectly.
How to Make Marinated Cucumber Onion and Tomato Salad Recipe
Step 1: Combine the Fresh Vegetables
Start by placing the quartered cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, and thinly sliced red onion into a large salad bowl. This fresh vegetable trio forms the foundation for this vibrant salad, and their natural juices begin mingling together right away.
Step 2: Whisk the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, white wine vinegar, finely chopped parsley, and salt until fully emulsified. This simple vinaigrette is the magic that marries all the ingredients, infusing the veggies with tangy, herbaceous flavor.
Step 3: Marinate and Chill
Pour the vinaigrette over the vegetables and toss gently to coat every piece evenly. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least one hour. This marinating step allows all the flavors to meld beautifully, softening the onions and letting the cucumbers and tomatoes soak up the tangy dressing.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
After chilling, give the salad a quick toss once more before serving. The marinade’s complexity shines brightest now, making this dish light, refreshing, and utterly irresistible.
How to Serve Marinated Cucumber Onion and Tomato Salad Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra touch of freshness, sprinkle some additional chopped parsley on top or add a few torn basil leaves. You can also scatter some crumbled feta cheese for a salty, creamy dimension that complements the vegetables beautifully.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs wonderfully with grilled meats like chicken or lamb, offering a crisp, cooling contrast. It also makes a fantastic side alongside sandwiches, rice bowls, or even light pasta dishes to add brightness and texture.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving this salad in individual clear glass cups for a pretty presentation at parties, or pack it as a colorful layer in a lunchbox. For an elegant appetizer, spoon the salad onto crisp crostini and garnish with microgreens for a delightful bite-sized treat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can store any leftover Marinated Cucumber Onion and Tomato Salad Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The vegetables will continue to soften as they marinate, so expect a more mellow flavor and softer texture over time.
Freezing
Because this salad relies on fresh, crisp vegetables, freezing is not recommended. The texture of cucumbers and tomatoes will become mushy and watery after thawing, compromising the salad’s delicious freshness.
Reheating
This salad is best served chilled or at room temperature, so reheating is unnecessary. Enjoy it straight from the fridge or let it sit out for a few minutes before serving to allow the flavors to open up.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of vinegar?
Absolutely! While white wine vinegar is recommended for its mild flavor, you can substitute with apple cider vinegar or red wine vinegar. Just keep in mind these will slightly change the salad’s flavor profile.
Is this salad vegan and gluten-free?
Yes! The Marinated Cucumber Onion and Tomato Salad Recipe is naturally vegan and gluten-free, making it suitable for many dietary preferences without any modifications.
How long should the salad marinate for best flavor?
Marinating for at least one hour in the fridge is ideal to allow the flavors to meld perfectly. You can marinate it up to 3 hours for an even deeper taste, but overnight may result in overly soft vegetables.
Can I add other vegetables or herbs?
Definitely! Feel free to toss in bell peppers, radishes, or fresh dill for extra flavor and crunch. Just remember that adding more ingredients might alter the classic taste of this beloved recipe.
What’s the best way to dice the cucumber?
Peeling every other strip of the cucumber creates an attractive pattern and balances the refreshing crunch with a bit of chewiness from the skin. Dice into bite-sized pieces so each forkful is easy to manage.
Final Thoughts
Trust me, once you try this Marinated Cucumber Onion and Tomato Salad Recipe, you’ll want to make it again and again. It’s charmingly simple yet bursting with fresh flavors that celebrate the very best of summer produce. Perfectly tangy, herbaceous, and colorful, it’s a dish that invites happy gathering and warm memories. Give it a try soon, and watch it become your new favorite summer salad!
Print
Marinated Cucumber Onion and Tomato Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A refreshing and simple marinated cucumber, onion, and tomato salad featuring a light vinaigrette. Perfect as a side dish for any meal, this salad combines fresh vegetables with a tangy olive oil and white wine vinegar dressing infused with parsley and a touch of salt, marinated to allow flavors to meld beautifully.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes, quartered
- 1 medium cucumber, partially peeled and diced
- 1/2 medium red onion, thinly sliced
Dressing
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Combine vegetables: In a large salad bowl, add the quartered cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, and thinly sliced red onions. Toss gently to mix the fresh ingredients evenly.
- Whisk dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, white wine vinegar, finely chopped parsley, and salt until the ingredients are fully emulsified and combined.
- Marinate salad: Pour the prepared vinaigrette over the vegetable mixture and toss thoroughly to coat all pieces evenly. Cover the bowl and place it in the refrigerator to chill and marinate for one hour, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Serve: Remove the salad from the fridge after chilling. Give it a final gentle toss before serving chilled as a flavorful and refreshing side dish.
Notes
- You can adjust the amount of salt according to taste preference.
- For a more intense flavor, allow the salad to marinate longer than one hour.
- Add fresh herbs like basil or mint for a different flavor profile.
- This salad is best served fresh but can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.
