A refreshing and light salad, the Tomato, Onion, and Cucumber Marinated Salad is a perfect dish for summer gatherings, barbecues, or a quick side for any meal. The crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, and pungent onions soak up a tangy, slightly sweet marinade, creating a burst of fresh flavors in every bite. Not only is this salad quick and simple to prepare, but it also offers versatility, allowing you to adjust the sweetness, acidity, and seasoning to your taste. Whether you’re serving it as a side dish or enjoying it as a healthy snack, this salad will leave everyone craving more.
Why This Recipe Works
This recipe works because it balances the refreshing crunch of cucumbers with the juicy, vibrant sweetness of tomatoes and the zesty bite of onions. The marinade, made from olive oil, apple cider vinegar (or red wine vinegar), and seasonings, enhances the vegetables’ natural flavors, infusing them with tangy notes. The addition of sugar (optional) gives it just the right touch of sweetness, making it an excellent complement to a variety of meals, especially grilled meats or hearty pastas. The simplicity of the ingredients and the marinating process ensures that you get a flavor-packed, easy-to-make salad every time.
The beauty of this salad lies in its flexibility. The vegetables are the star, and the dressing is simple, allowing the fresh ingredients to shine. Letting the salad marinate for a couple of hours, or even overnight, enhances the depth of flavor as the vegetables absorb the tangy marinade. You can even make this salad ahead of time for parties or picnics, making it a great make-ahead dish.
What You’ll Need For This Recipe
To make this delightful Tomato, Onion, and Cucumber Marinated Salad, you will need the following ingredients:
- Two large cucumbers: Thinly sliced. Cucumbers add crunch and freshness to the salad.
- One large red onion: Thinly sliced. Red onions add a sharp, slightly sweet flavor that complements the other ingredients.
- Three large tomatoes: Cut into wedges or slices. Tomatoes provide juiciness and sweetness.
- 1/4 cup olive oil: The base of the marinade, adding richness and helping the flavors adhere to the vegetables.
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar (or red wine vinegar): Offers tanginess that cuts through the sweetness of the tomatoes and balances the richness of the olive oil.
- 2 teaspoons sugar (optional): A small amount of sugar helps to mellow the acidity of the vinegar and balances the flavor profile.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the other flavors and helps to draw out the juices from the vegetables.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Adds subtle heat and depth to the dressing.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano: Adds a savory, herby flavor that pairs perfectly with the tomatoes and cucumbers.
- 1 teaspoon dried basil: A fragrant herb that enhances the overall freshness of the salad.
- Optional 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds a savory, aromatic depth to the dressing, if desired.
- Optional garnish: Fresh parsley or basil. These herbs make for a colorful and fragrant garnish that adds an extra layer of flavor.
How To Make This Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables
Start by slicing the cucumbers and red onion. For the cucumbers, cut them thinly so they can absorb the marinade and retain their crisp texture. For the onions, slice them thinly as well to ensure they infuse the salad with just the right amount of sharpness without overpowering the other ingredients. For the tomatoes, cut them into wedges or slices based on your preference. The tomato wedges work best if you want larger pieces, while slices are more uniform and easier to eat with the other ingredients.
Step 2: Make the Marinade
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, apple cider vinegar (or red wine vinegar), sugar (if using), salt, pepper, oregano, basil, and garlic powder (if using). Whisk until the sugar dissolves, and the marinade is well combined. The olive oil will provide a smooth, rich base, while the vinegar adds tanginess and balances the sweetness of the tomatoes.
Step 3: Combine the Vegetables with the Marinade
In a large bowl, combine the prepared cucumbers, onions, and tomatoes. Drizzle the marinade over the vegetables and toss gently to ensure all the vegetables are coated. The marinade will seep into the cucumbers and tomatoes, allowing their flavors to blend together beautifully.
Step 4: Let It Marinate
Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least one hour, although marinating for several hours or even overnight will allow the flavors to meld and develop more depth. The longer you let the vegetables marinate, the more flavorful the salad will become. If you’re in a rush, an hour will still give you a great result, but for the best taste, overnight is ideal.
Step 5: Serve
Before serving, give the salad a gentle stir to redistribute the marinade and ensure all the ingredients are evenly coated. If desired, garnish with fresh parsley or basil to add a pop of color and freshness to the dish. The herbs also add a pleasant fragrance that enhances the overall flavor of the salad.
Tips + Tricks & More for Recipe Success
- Let the Salad Marinate: As mentioned, the longer you let the vegetables soak in the marinade, the better the flavors will be. If you’re preparing the salad ahead of time, allow it to marinate overnight for maximum flavor.
- Customize the Marinade: Feel free to adjust the vinegar to olive oil ratio based on your personal preference for tanginess. You can also add a touch more sugar if you prefer a sweeter salad or reduce it if you like it more tart.
- Add More Veggies: This salad can easily be adapted with other vegetables like bell peppers, celery, or radishes. Feel free to get creative and add any crunchy vegetables you enjoy.
- For Extra Crunch: Add a handful of sunflower seeds, pine nuts, or sliced almonds for added texture.
- Vegan Option: This salad is naturally vegan, but you can switch the olive oil with avocado oil for a richer flavor.
- Make it Spicy: If you enjoy some heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or thinly sliced jalapeño peppers to the salad for an extra kick.
How to Serve
This Tomato, Onion, and Cucumber Marinated Salad is incredibly versatile and pairs wonderfully with a variety of dishes. Here are some ways to serve it:
- As a Side Dish: Serve it alongside grilled meats such as chicken, steak, or fish. The cool, tangy salad complements the smoky flavors of grilled foods.
- With Barbecue: This salad is perfect with barbecue ribs, pulled pork sandwiches, or grilled sausages, as the acidity from the vinegar cuts through the richness of the meat.
- As a Light Lunch: Pair it with a piece of whole-grain bread or a pita for a light, refreshing lunch option. You can even add some feta or goat cheese for extra richness.
- With Pasta: This salad makes an excellent accompaniment to pasta dishes, especially Mediterranean-inspired recipes like pasta salad, grilled chicken pasta, or pesto pasta.
- On Tacos: Top tacos, especially grilled chicken or fish tacos, with a spoonful of this salad for added crunch and flavor.
- Serve it as a Picnic Dish: The salad holds up well at picnics and potlucks, and it’s easy to transport in a sealed container.
Serving Suggestions
While the Tomato, Onion, and Cucumber Marinated Salad is tasty on its own, here are some great serving suggestions:
- Serve with grilled meats, such as grilled chicken, pork chops, or fish.
- Pair with a hearty pasta dish for a light and satisfying meal.
- Serve alongside burgers or hot dogs for a simple, refreshing side dish at your next cookout.
- If you want to make the salad a main dish, add some feta cheese or grilled shrimp for a protein-packed salad.
- Drizzle with extra olive oil and balsamic glaze for a gourmet twist.
- For a Mediterranean flair, serve with hummus and pita bread.
Time
- Preparation time: 10 minutes
- Marinating time: 1 hour (or overnight for the best results)
- Total time: 1 hour 10 minutes (or more if marinating overnight)
Conclusion
This Tomato, Onion, and Cucumber Marinated Salad is a fresh, easy, and delicious way to bring a burst of flavor to your meals. Its crisp vegetables, tangy marinade, and refreshing flavors make it the perfect addition to any gathering or meal. Whether served as a side or enjoyed on its own, this salad is sure to become a staple in your recipe collection!