Summer calls for dishes that are light, bright, and utterly refreshing. Our Marinated Cucumber, Tomato & Onion Salad is exactly that! It’s a beautifully simple yet incredibly flavorful salad that captures the essence of fresh produce. With crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, and thinly sliced red onions bathed in a tangy, savory marinade, this salad is a true celebration of seasonal goodness.
Forget complicated recipes; this vibrant salad comes together in a flash, making it perfect for busy weeknights, last-minute barbecues, or as a healthy, refreshing lunch. It’s the kind of dish that disappears quickly from any table, leaving everyone craving more!
Why This Salad is a Summer Essential
This Marinated Cucumber, Tomato & Onion Salad isn't just a side dish; it's a versatile star that brings joy to any meal:
- Effortlessly Quick: From prep to plate, it takes mere minutes to assemble, with the magic happening during the marination.
- Packed with Freshness: Utilizing garden-fresh vegetables, it’s bursting with natural flavors and essential nutrients.
- Incredibly Versatile: It complements almost any main course, from grilled chicken to hearty sandwiches, or it can stand alone as a light meal. For another refreshing option, consider trying our Mexican Cucumber Salad: Easy & Healthy Recipe.
- Customizable Delight: Easily adjust the herbs, sweetener, or add a hint of spice to match your personal taste.
This salad is designed to hydrate and invigorate, offering a delicious escape from heavy, complex meals. It's truly a summer staple you'll find yourself making on repeat!
Gather Your Simple Ingredients
The beauty of this salad lies in its straightforward ingredient list. You likely have most of these on hand, ensuring a quick trip to the grocery store for fresh produce.
For the Crisp Salad:
- 2 large cucumbers, thinly sliced
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved (or 2 large garden tomatoes, chopped)
- 1 medium red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley or dill, chopped (optional, but highly recommended for brightness)
For the Zesty Marinade:
- 1/2 cup white vinegar (apple cider vinegar also works for a milder tang)
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar (or honey for a natural touch)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (or 2 cloves fresh garlic, minced)
These humble ingredients combine to create an explosion of flavor that’s both simple and sophisticated.
How to Prepare Your Marinated Salad Masterpiece
Crafting this delicious salad is a breeze. Follow these easy steps for a perfectly marinated, refreshing dish every time.
Tips for the Best Flavor and Texture
- Uniform Slices: Aim for consistent, thin slices of cucumber and onion for even marinating and a pleasant texture. A mandoline can be a great tool for this!
- The Longer, The Better: While 30 minutes is good, letting the salad sit for 2-4 hours, or even overnight, allows the flavors to truly infuse and deepen.
- Herb Harmony: Don't limit yourself to parsley or dill. Fresh basil or a mix of herbs can also add a delightful aromatic touch.
- Taste and Adjust: Always taste the marinade before pouring it over the vegetables and adjust salt, sugar, or vinegar to your preference.
Serving Suggestions and Delicious Pairings
This marinated cucumber salad is incredibly versatile. It's a fantastic partner for grilled meats like chicken or fish. Try it alongside a juicy steak or as a vibrant topping for tacos. It's also a wonderful addition to a picnic spread or a light, refreshing lunch. For another great refreshing side dish, explore our Avocado Cucumber Salad – Quick, Healthy, & Tasty.
Storage Information
Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The vegetables will soften slightly over time, but the marinade's flavor will only get better!
This Marinated Cucumber, Tomato & Onion Salad is a testament to the power of fresh ingredients and a simple, flavorful marinade. It's a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that brings a burst of summer to any meal. Give it a try, and let its refreshing taste brighten your day!
To hone your slicing skills for perfectly uniform vegetables, check out this excellent knife skills guide from Food Network.
FAQs
How can I prevent my marinated cucumber salad from getting watery?
To reduce excess water, you can lightly salt sliced cucumbers and let them sit for 15-20 minutes before rinsing and gently patting dry. This draws out moisture, resulting in a crisper salad.
Can this marinated salad be made ahead of time?
Absolutely! This salad actually benefits from marinating for a few hours, or even overnight, as the flavors meld and deepen. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
What are some tasty variations to the marinade?
Feel free to experiment! You can add a splash of sesame oil for an Asian twist, a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat, a spoonful of Dijon mustard for extra tang, or a drizzle of honey for a touch of sweetness.
Is this salad suitable for a potluck or outdoor gathering?
Yes, itu2019s ideal for potlucks and outdoor events! It's refreshing, easy to transport, and holds up well. Just keep it chilled until serving to ensure maximum freshness and crispness.
Marinated Cucumber, Tomato & Onion Salad
- Total Time: 15 minutes (plus marinating)
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A light, refreshing, and tangy salad featuring crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, and zesty red onions in a flavorful homemade marinade.
Ingredients
2 large cucumbers, thinly sliced
2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved (or 2 large tomatoes, chopped)
1 medium red onion, thinly sliced
1/4 cup fresh parsley or dill, chopped (optional)
1/2 cup white vinegar
1/4 cup olive oil
1 tablespoon sugar
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Vegetables: In a large bowl, combine the thinly sliced cucumbers, halved cherry tomatoes, and thinly sliced red onion. If desired, stir in the chopped fresh parsley or dill.
Step 2: Whisk Marinade: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the white vinegar, olive oil, sugar, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder until the sugar and salt are fully dissolved and the mixture is well combined.
Step 3: Combine & Coat: Pour the prepared marinade evenly over the vegetables in the large bowl. Gently toss everything together to ensure all the vegetables are thoroughly coated with the delicious marinade.
Step 4: Marinate: Cover the bowl and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld beautifully. For the best flavor, allow it to marinate for a few hours or even overnight.
Step 5: Serve Chilled: Before serving, give the salad a final gentle toss. Serve chilled as a refreshing side dish or light lunch, and enjoy the vibrant flavors!
Notes
For a slightly sweeter and milder tang, you can use apple cider vinegar instead of white vinegar. A pinch of red pepper flakes can be added to the marinade for a subtle kick. This salad is excellent for meal prep as the flavors deepen over time, making it a great grab-and-go option for healthy lunches!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 120 kcal
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
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