Fresh Marinated Cucumber, Tomato, and Onion Salad Recipe

Summer’s bounty shines through this classic marinated cucumber salad that whispers memories of grandma’s kitchen.

Crisp vegetables mingle with a zesty dressing, creating a refreshing melody of flavors.

Cool cucumbers crunch alongside sweet tomatoes and sharp onions.

Each ingredient plays a delightful role in this simple yet vibrant dish.

Salt and vinegar work magic, softening edges and intensifying natural tastes.

Chilled and marinated, this salad brings pure garden freshness to your plate.

Why Classic Marinated Cucumber, Tomato, and Onion Salad Works

• Boost Freshness: Packed with crisp, vibrant vegetables that burst with garden-fresh flavors and provide a delightful crunch in every bite.
• Quick Prep Magic: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make this salad a breeze to assemble, perfect for busy home cooks looking for a fast side dish.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Complements grilled meats, barbecues, picnics, and potlucks while appealing to both adults and kids with its tangy, refreshing taste.
• Healthy Summer Staple: Loaded with nutritious raw vegetables, low in calories, and offers a light, hydrating option for health-conscious individuals seeking a nutritious side dish.

Ingredients for Classic Marinated Salad

• Cucumber: A crisp and refreshing vegetable that adds a cool crunch to the salad.
• Tomatoes: Juicy and vibrant red fruits that bring a sweet and tangy flavor to the dish.
• Onions: Sharp and pungent ingredient that provides a bold, zesty taste and aromatic quality.

• Vinegar: Acidic component that helps tenderize the vegetables and adds a tangy kick.
• Olive Oil: Smooth and rich liquid that helps bind the marinade and provides a silky texture.
• Sugar: Balances the acidity of the vinegar and adds a subtle sweetness to the salad.

• Salt, Black Pepper, Oregano: Classic herbs and spices that enhance the overall flavor profile and add depth to the salad.

• Fresh Parsley: Bright and herbaceous topping that adds a fresh, green accent to the finished dish.

How to Prepare Marinated Cucumber, Tomato, and Onion Salad

Step 1: Chop Fresh Produce

Slice crisp cucumbers into thin rounds. Quarter ripe tomatoes into bite-sized pieces.

Thinly slice sweet onions creating delicate half-moon shapes.

Step 2: Whip Up Zesty Dressing

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

Whisk ingredients until sugar dissolves completely and mixture looks smooth and glossy.

Step 3: Combine and Coat

Pour dressing over chopped vegetables. Gently toss with soft folding motions ensuring every piece gets deliciously coated with tangy marinade.

Step 4: Let Flavors Dance

Cover bowl with plastic wrap. Refrigerate salad for minimum one hour, allowing ingredients to mingle and develop rich, complex taste profile.

Step 5: Final Touch and Serve

Remove salad from refrigerator. Give another gentle toss.

Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley for bright color and herbal notes. Serve chilled as refreshing side dish perfect for summer gatherings or alongside grilled proteins.

Tips for Flavorful and Balanced Marinated Salad

• Slice vegetables thinly for better marinade absorption and more delicate texture.
• Use fresh, ripe tomatoes for maximum flavor and juiciness in the salad.
• Allow salad to marinate longer than an hour for deeper, more intense taste profile.
• Experiment with different vinegars like apple cider or red wine vinegar for unique flavor variations.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days, though best enjoyed fresh.

Variations on the Classic Marinated Salad

• Herb Garden Variation: Replace oregano with a mix of fresh basil, dill, and chives for a vibrant, garden-fresh flavor profile.
• Mediterranean Twist: Swap olive oil for Greek yogurt and add crumbled feta cheese for a creamy, tangy Mediterranean-style salad.
• Low-Carb Keto Option: Eliminate sugar and use a keto-friendly sweetener like stevia. Add sliced bell peppers for extra crunch and nutrition.
• Spicy Southwest Remix: Include diced jalapeños, cilantro, and a splash of lime juice for a zesty, heat-packed version of the classic salad.

Perfect Pairings for Cucumber, Tomato, and Onion Salad

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Choose a light, refreshing Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio that complements the salad's tangy vinegar and herbal notes, cutting through the vegetable's crispness.
• Match with Grilled Protein: Serve alongside barbecued chicken, grilled fish, or lean pork chops to balance the salad's acidity and add protein to the meal.
• Complement with Crusty Bread: Select a rustic sourdough or ciabatta to soak up the delicious marinade, creating a perfect side that enhances the salad's zesty flavors.
• Enhance with Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle additional chopped dill or basil over the salad to elevate the herbal undertones and add an extra layer of freshness.

How to Store Marinated Salad for Freshness

Store in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Keep chilled and tightly sealed to maintain freshness and prevent absorption of other refrigerator odors.

Before storing, use a slotted spoon to remove vegetables from marinade to prevent soggy texture. Pat vegetables gently with paper towels to remove extra moisture.

Place container in the coldest part of refrigerator, typically back shelf, away from door to maintain consistent temperature and preserve vegetable crispness.

Do not freeze this salad as cucumbers and tomatoes will lose texture and become watery when thawed, compromising the salad’s fresh quality and crisp characteristics.

FAQs

• What are the key ingredients for this salad?

The key ingredients are fresh cucumbers, ripe tomatoes, red onions, vinegar, olive oil, sugar, salt, black pepper, and optional oregano and parsley.

• How long should I marinate the salad?

Marinate for at least 1 hour in the refrigerator, but for best flavor results, let it sit overnight to allow the flavors to fully develop and blend together.

• Can I use different types of vinegar?

Yes, you can experiment with white vinegar, apple cider vinegar, or red wine vinegar to create slightly different flavor profiles while maintaining the salad’s classic taste.

• Is this salad healthy?

Absolutely! This salad is low in calories, high in nutrients, packed with fresh vegetables, and contains heart-healthy olive oil, making it a nutritious and refreshing side dish.

Classic Marinated Cucumber, Tomato, And Onion Salad Recipe

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4.7 from 21 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Summer’s perfect salad, classic marinated cucumber, tomato, and onion salad, brings crisp Mediterranean flavors to your table. Refreshing vegetables dance in a tangy vinegar dressing, promising cool comfort for hungry guests seeking light, zesty refreshment.

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Ingredients

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Vegetables:

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

Dressing:

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

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Instructions

1. Slice cucumbers, tomatoes, and onions into thin, uniform pieces in a spacious mixing vessel.
2. Create a vibrant marinade by whisking vinegar, olive oil, sugar, salt, black pepper, and oregano until thoroughly blended, ensuring balanced seasoning.
3. Drench the vegetable medley with the prepared marinade, gently rotating the ingredients to achieve complete coating.
4. Seal the bowl with a lid or plastic wrap, then refrigerate for 60-90 minutes. This chilling period allows flavors to harmonize and intensify.
5. Just before presenting, give the salad another gentle toss to redistribute the marinade and sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley for an aromatic finish.

Notes

• Slice vegetables thinly for maximum flavor absorption and elegant presentation.
• Allow salad to marinate longer than an hour for deeper, more complex taste profile.
• Use fresh, ripe summer vegetables for the most vibrant and crisp texture.
• Substitute white vinegar with apple cider or red wine vinegar for subtle flavor variations.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Marinating
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 94 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 580 mg
• Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 8 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 1 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg