Refreshing Marinated Cucumber, Tomato & Onion Salad – Your Go-To Summer Favorite!
When the heat of summer sets in, nothing beats a crisp, cool, and vibrant salad to satisfy your taste buds. Enter the marinated cucumber, onion, and tomato salad—a simple yet flavorful dish that captures the essence of the season. Bursting with color, tangy-sweet notes, and fresh-from-the-garden vibes, this salad is as easy to make as it is to love.
Let’s dive into the details so you can whip up this summertime staple in no time.
🥒 Why You’ll Love This Summer Salad
This dish brings together the best of summer produce in one bowl. Crisp cucumbers, zesty onions, and juicy tomatoes soak up a sweet-and-tangy vinaigrette that transforms these simple ingredients into something special. It’s ideal for everything from backyard BBQs and potlucks to easy weeknight dinners.
🛒 What You’ll Need
To put together a big, flavorful bowl, gather the following:
- 2 large cucumbers (thinly sliced)
- 3 medium tomatoes (cut into chunks or wedges)
- 1 large red onion (sliced into thin rings)
- ½ cup white vinegar
- ¼ cup water
- ¼ cup olive or vegetable oil
- 2 tablespoons sugar (or to taste)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano or Italian seasoning
- Optional: chopped fresh herbs like dill, parsley, or basil
🥗 How to Make It – Step by Step
Step 1: Prepare Your Veggies
Rinse all the vegetables thoroughly.
- Optionally peel the cucumbers and slice into rounds.
- Cut tomatoes into hearty chunks or wedges.
- Peel and slice the onion into thin rings.
💡 Tip: If raw onions are too pungent, soak them in ice water for 10 minutes to soften their bite.
Step 2: Whip Up the Marinade
In a bowl or jar, mix together:
- ½ cup white vinegar
- ¼ cup water
- ¼ cup oil
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp dried oregano
Whisk until the sugar fully dissolves and the dressing is emulsified.
Step 3: Combine and Toss
In a large bowl or storage container:
- Layer the cucumbers, onions, and tomatoes.
- Pour the vinaigrette over the vegetables.
- Toss gently to coat everything evenly.
- Cover and refrigerate.
Step 4: Marinate & Chill
Let the salad chill for at least 2 hours (overnight is even better!). The flavors deepen as the veggies soak up the tangy marinade, mellowing the onions and intensifying the tomato’s juiciness.
✅ Pro Tips for Perfect Results
- Use vine-ripened or heirloom tomatoes for the richest flavor.
- Don’t leave out the sugar—it balances the acidity perfectly.
- Toss in fresh herbs right before serving for extra aroma and color.
- Always serve it cold—it’s most refreshing straight from the fridge!
🍴 Perfect Pairings
This salad is a versatile side dish. Pair it with:
- Grilled chicken, steak, or sausages
- BBQ ribs or pulled pork sandwiches
- Seafood dishes like grilled shrimp or baked fish
- As a topping for burgers or pitas
- Or just enjoy it with crusty bread for a light snack
🧊 Storage Tips
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge.
- It’ll stay fresh for up to 3–4 days.
- Give it a quick stir before serving as the dressing may separate.
📝 In Conclusion
This marinated cucumber, onion, and tomato salad is summer in a bowl—fresh, flavorful, and fuss-free. It’s a staple you’ll want to keep in your fridge for everything from family dinners to lazy weekend picnics. Once you try it, you’ll understand why it’s a go-to warm-weather classic.
Grab your veggies, mix up a simple marinade, and let this effortless salad steal the show at your next meal! 🥗☀️