Classic Marinated Cucumber, Tomato, and Onion Salad Recipe: Summer in a Bowl

Summers burst with vibrant flavors in this classic marinated cucumber, tomato, and onion salad that brings fresh garden goodness to your table.

Cool, crisp vegetables mingle with a tangy dressing that awakens every taste bud.

Each colorful bite promises a refreshing crunch that cuts through the heat of warm days.

The simple ingredients create a symphony of textures and tastes that dance across your palate.

Light yet satisfying, this salad transforms ordinary vegetables into an extraordinary side dish.

Serve chilled and watch as friends and family devour every delicious spoonful, celebrating the pure essence of summer’s bounty.

FAQs

• What type of vinegar works best for this salad?

White vinegar or apple cider vinegar are ideal, with apple cider vinegar adding a slightly sweeter and more complex flavor profile that complements the fresh vegetables.

• Can I make this salad without sugar?

Yes, you can reduce or omit sugar. For a healthier version, try using a small amount of honey or stevia as a natural sweetener alternative.

• How long can the salad stay fresh in the refrigerator?

The salad remains fresh and crisp for 2-3 days when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The vegetables might release more liquid over time, so drain excess marinade before serving.

Why Marinated Cucumber Tomato Salad Is So Fresh

• Craft Your Signature Sauce: Create a personalized condiment that beats store-bought versions with simple ingredients you already have in your kitchen.
• Impress Dinner Guests: Showcase your culinary skills by serving a homemade sauce that adds gourmet flair to any grilled meat or burger.
• Quick and Customizable Prep: Mix ingredients in minutes and adjust spice levels to match your taste preferences, making it perfect for flavor enthusiasts who love experimenting.
• Budget-Friendly Condiment: Save money by making your own steak sauce with affordable pantry staples instead of purchasing expensive bottled versions.

Everything for Marinated Cucumber Tomato Salad

• Cucumber: A crisp and refreshing vegetable that adds a cool crunch to the salad.
• Tomatoes: Juicy and vibrant red produce that brings a sweet and tangy flavor.
• Onions: Sharp and pungent vegetable that provides a zesty bite to the dish.

• Vinegar, Olive Oil: A classic combination that creates a light and tangy dressing base.
• Sugar, Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and enhance the overall flavor profile.
• Oregano: A fragrant herb that adds an herbal and slightly earthy note to the marinade.

• Parsley: A fresh green herb that provides a bright and clean finishing touch to the salad.

Steps for Crisp and Tangy Cucumber Salad

Step 1: Slice Fresh Produce

Grab your cutting board and sharp knife. Thinly slice crisp cucumbers into delicate half-moons.

Chop ripe tomatoes into bite-sized chunks. Slice sweet onions into translucent rings or thin half-moons.

Step 2: Create Zesty Dressing

• White vinegar
• Extra virgin olive oil
• Granulated sugar
• Sea salt
• Freshly ground black pepper
• Dried oregano

Blend ingredients until sugar dissolves completely and mixture looks smooth and well-combined.

Step 3: Combine Vegetables and Dressing

Pour the vibrant dressing over the sliced vegetables.

Use a large spoon or tongs to gently toss and coat every piece with the tangy marinade. Ensure each vegetable gets a delicious flavor bath.

Step 4: Chill and Develop Flavors

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a tight-fitting lid. Place in the refrigerator and let the salad rest.

The vegetables will absorb the dressing, becoming more flavorful with each passing hour. Wait at least one hour, but overnight is even better.

Step 5: Final Touch and Serve

Before serving, give the salad one more gentle toss. If desired, sprinkle fresh chopped parsley on top for a pop of color and herbal freshness.

Serve chilled as a perfect summer side dish.

Notes for Fresh Salad Lovers and Fans

• Let the salad marinate for at least an hour, but overnight is even better for deeper, more intense taste profiles.
• Use a sharp knife or mandoline to create consistent, thin slices that absorb marinade evenly and look visually appealing.
• Taste the marinade before adding to vegetables and tweak sugar, salt, or vinegar levels to match your personal preference.
• Consume the salad within 2-3 days for optimal crispness and flavor, storing in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• Select firm, fresh cucumbers, tomatoes, and onions at peak ripeness for the most vibrant and delicious salad experience.

Creative Mixes for Cucumber Tomato Salads

• Low-Carb Mediterranean Salad: Replace sugar with stevia or omit entirely. Add crumbled feta cheese and kalamata olives for extra flavor.
• Herb-Infused Cucumber Salad: Swap oregano with fresh dill or basil. Use apple cider vinegar instead of white vinegar for a different tang.
• Spicy Asian-Inspired Version: Substitute olive oil with sesame oil. Add crushed red pepper flakes and minced ginger. Use rice vinegar for an authentic Asian touch.
• Vegan Protein Boost: Include diced tofu or chickpeas for protein. Use agave nectar instead of sugar and a plant-based oil alternative.

Pairings for This Tangy Marinated Salad

• Pair with Grilled Proteins: Serve alongside juicy grilled chicken, tender pork chops, or succulent fish for a refreshing contrast to the charred, smoky flavors.
• Complement with Mediterranean Wines: Select crisp white wines like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc that enhance the salad's tangy and fresh profile.
• Match with Crusty Bread: Offer rustic sourdough or ciabatta to soak up the delicious marinade and provide a satisfying textural element to the light salad.
• Create Mediterranean Mezze Spread: Incorporate the salad into a diverse appetizer platter with hummus, olives, feta cheese, and grilled vegetables for a vibrant dining experience.

Storing Cucumber Salad for Summertime Meals

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Keep the salad chilled to maintain freshness and crisp vegetable texture.
• Before storing, use a slotted spoon to remove vegetables from extra marinade to prevent soggy results.
• Place salad in the coldest part of the refrigerator, typically the back shelf, for optimal preservation.
• Do not freeze this salad, as cucumbers and tomatoes will lose their crisp texture and become watery when thawed.

Classic Marinated Cucumber, Tomato, And Onion Salad Recipe

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4.7 from 17 reviews

• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Summer gardens bloom with Croatian salad magic, where zesty marinated cucumber, tomato, and onion salad dances with fresh Mediterranean flavors. Crisp vegetables bathed in tangy vinegar dressing invite you to savor a simple yet irresistible side dish that celebrates seasonal produce.

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Ingredients

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Main Vegetables:

• 2 large cucumbers, thinly sliced
• 3 medium tomatoes, cut into wedges or thick slices
• 1 medium red onion, thinly sliced

Dressing Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) white vinegar
• 3 tablespoons (45 milliliters) olive oil
• 1 tablespoon (15 grams) granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon (5 grams) salt
• 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 grams) black pepper

Herbs and Seasonings:

• 1 teaspoon (1 gram) dried oregano
• 1/4 cup (15 grams) fresh parsley, chopped

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Instructions

1. Carefully slice cucumbers, tomatoes, and onions into uniform, thin pieces to ensure even marination and visual appeal.
2. Create a vibrant marinade by whisking vinegar, olive oil, sugar, salt, black pepper, and oregano until thoroughly combined and slightly emulsified.
3. Gently fold the prepared vegetables together in a spacious mixing vessel, creating a colorful and balanced mixture.
4. Drizzle the aromatic marinade over the vegetable medley, carefully turning and coating each ingredient to distribute flavors evenly.
5. Seal the container and allow the salad to rest in the refrigerator for 60-90 minutes, enabling the ingredients to absorb the tangy dressing and develop complex taste profiles.
6. Just before serving, give the salad a final gentle toss to redistribute the marinade and revive the vegetables’ vibrant appearance.
7. Optional: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley across the top for an additional layer of fresh herbaceous flavor and visual contrast.

Notes

• Slice vegetables thinly to help them absorb marinade flavors more effectively and create a more delicate texture.
• Replace sugar with honey or stevia for a lower-glycemic option that maintains the sweet balance in the dressing.
• Drain excess liquid before serving to prevent the salad from becoming too watery and losing its crisp vegetable texture.
• Add crumbled feta cheese or chopped herbs like dill for extra flavor complexity and a Mediterranean-inspired twist.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Marinating
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 91 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 581 mg
• Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 7 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 1 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg