Marinated Cucumber, Tomato Onion Salad

This particular salad has a summer-like vibe. It seems as if it is a summer salad. Whenever I make it, I get an instant flashback to the times of backyard barbecues, warm nights, and laughter that was heard from far away. And then, what I appreciate the most is its being so easy and simple—just fresh cucumbers, succulent tomatoes, and strong onions mingled in a piquant-herb dressing. It is a plate which never overacts but still captivates the audience every time.

A Little About This Recipe

The Marinated Cucumber, Tomato, and Onion Salad is very traditional and remains so for a reason. It is cool, dazzling, and copious with taste. You intersperse cut cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, and onions with a light vinaigrette that revives everything after a short stay in the fridge. The transformation occurs in that marinating period—the vegetables absorb all the lively dressing, making each bite juicy, tangy, and just right.

Why This Recipe Is Special

What is more, I love the flexibility of this salad. It is able to come in almost any guise—beside grilled chicken, in a picnic basket, or simply from the bowl when you want something crisp and refreshing. It is friendly to the wallet, easy to prepare, and endlessly customizable to your liking.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Flavorful simplicity: Just a handful of everyday ingredients come together to create something unforgettable.
• Perfectly refreshing: Ideal for hot days when you want something light yet satisfying.
• Make-ahead friendly: Tastes even better after a few hours in the fridge.
• Healthy and fresh: Packed with vitamins, fiber, and hydration.
• Versatile pairing: Works beautifully as a side with almost any meal.

Tools You’ll Need

Here’s what I usually grab before I start—nothing fancy, just the basics:

• Cutting board: For all your slicing and chopping. I like using a wooden one to keep veggies steady.
• Sharp knife: A good chef’s knife (or even a serrated one) makes clean cuts on those juicy tomatoes.
• Large mixing bowl: To toss and marinate everything.
• Small whisk or fork: To blend the dressing ingredients smoothly.
• Measuring spoons and cups (or a kitchen scale): To keep your seasoning balanced.
• Serving bowl: Because this salad deserves to look as good as it tastes.

Ingredients

(Serves 4–6)

Vegetables

• 2 medium cucumbers, thinly sliced (about 300 g)
• 3 medium ripe tomatoes, cut into wedges (about 450 g)
• 1 medium red onion, thinly sliced (about 150 g)

Marinade / Dressing

• 1/4 cup (60 ml) olive oil
• 3 tablespoons (45 ml) red wine vinegar (or apple cider vinegar for a softer tang)
• 1 teaspoon (5 g) sugar – balances the acidity perfectly
• 1/2 teaspoon (3 g) salt – enhances the flavor of the veggies
• 1/4 teaspoon (1 g) black pepper
• 1 teaspoon (2 g) dried oregano (or fresh herbs if you have them!)
• 1 clove garlic, minced (optional, for extra punch)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prep the vegetables

Washing of cucumbers, tomatoes, and onion is the very first step. You should cut them uniformly—cucumbers and onions about ¼ inch thick, and tomatoes in wedges. You need not be too precise in making cuts; rustic looks better here anyway.

2. Make the dressing

In a small mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, vinegar, sugar, salt, pepper, oregano, and minced garlic (if using). I normally taste it a bit at this point—you can customize it by putting in a little more vinegar if you want it to be tangy or sugar if you want a gentler flavor.

3. Combine everything

The veggies—cucumbers, tomatoes, and onions—are all going into the mixing bowl. Pour the dressing over the top and with a gentle toss, make sure everything is covered. The salad looks colorful already, doesn’t it?

4. Let it marinate

During this step, the miracle takes place. Place the bowl in the refrigerator and leave it there covered for 30 minutes (or 4 hours if you’re really patient). The longer it stays, the more the veggies absorb the dressing.

5. Serve and enjoy

Toss it one last time before serving. Taste it and adjust seasoning—maybe a pinch more salt or a splash of vinegar—and then go ahead and enjoy.

Serving Ideas

• Serve it with grilled chicken, steak, or fish for a light, balanced meal.
• Spread it over toasted bread or bruschetta for a fast snack.
• Combine it with cooked pasta or quinoa for an instant summer salad.
• Include feta or mozzarella balls for a richer flavor.

Variations & Customizations

• Creamy turn: To make it creamy, add a dollop of Greek yogurt or sour cream.
• Herb aficionados: Use fresh basil, dill, or parsley for added aroma and flavor.
• Sweetness: Add a few halved cherry tomatoes or roasted corn.
• Spiciness: Add hot pepper flakes or a drop of hot sauce.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

• Refrigerate: Keep the remaining salad in an airtight container for 3 days maximum.
• Prevent mushiness: If you’re storing it for future use, don’t mix the tomatoes in the salad until serving time to keep them crunchy.
• Revitalize the flavor: To refresh the leftovers, pour off the liquid and sprinkle some more vinegar over them.

Pro Tips & Mistakes to Avoid

Let’s be real—this salad is easy, but a few small tweaks make a big difference.

• Use firm cucumbers: They hold up better after marinating. English or Persian cucumbers are my go-to.
• Don’t skip the marinating time: It transforms the flavor completely.
• Slice evenly: So every bite has a balanced mix of textures.
• Taste before chilling: Adjust seasoning early so the flavors develop perfectly as it rests.
• Avoid over-salting early: Salt draws out moisture; if you’re making it far in advance, add salt just before serving.

Recipe Details

• Yield: 4–6 servings
• Prep time: 15 minutes
• Marinating time: 30–60 minutes
• Total time: About 45 minutes
• Calories per serving: ~120 kcal
• Carbs: 6 g | Fat: 10 g | Protein: 1 g | Fiber: 1.5 g

Final Thoughts

This Marinated Cucumber, Tomato, and Onion Salad is proof that simple food can be deeply satisfying. It’s crisp, colorful, and so refreshing that you’ll find yourself going back for seconds (and maybe thirds). Whether you’re making it for a cookout or a quiet night in, it brings that sunny, carefree flavor of summer right to your table.