This Marinated Cucumber, Onion & Tomato Salad Is the Perfect Summer Side
Hey friend! If you’re looking for something light, fresh, and super easy to whip up, this Marinated Cucumber, Onion & Tomato Salad is calling your name. It’s a classic summer side dish with juicy tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, and sweet onions all tossed in a tangy vinegar dressing that gets better the longer it sits. Whether you’re serving it with grilled chicken, burgers, or just snacking on it straight from the bowl, this salad is a seasonal must!
Why I Love This Salad
This recipe is everything I love about summer food—no cooking required, super customizable, and absolutely bursting with flavor. The vinegar dressing gives it just the right amount of zing, and the veggies soak it up the longer they marinate. I always make a big batch and let it chill in the fridge—it just gets better over time!
Make It Your Way
- Use any tomatoes: Cherry, grape, heirloom, or even Roma—whatever’s ripe and sweet!
- Add extras: Crumbled feta, sliced olives, or fresh herbs like dill or basil take it up a notch.
- Adjust the tang: Use less vinegar for a milder flavor or add a bit more sugar for balance.
Marinated Cucumbers, Onions & Tomatoes Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cups cucumbers, thinly sliced
- 2 cups tomatoes, chopped or sliced
- 1 small red or sweet onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup white vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon sugar (adjust to taste)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Optional: fresh herbs (like dill or parsley), for garnish
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine cucumbers, tomatoes, and onions.
- In a small bowl or jar, whisk together vinegar, olive oil, sugar, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Pour the dressing over the vegetables and toss to coat.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or up to 24 hours) to allow flavors to develop.
- Toss again before serving and sprinkle with fresh herbs if desired. Enjoy cold!
Tips for the Best Marinated Salad
- Let it marinate: The longer it sits, the more flavor it absorbs—overnight is amazing!
- Use a mandoline: For ultra-thin, even cucumber and onion slices that soak up all the dressing.
- Serve it chilled: This salad is best enjoyed nice and cold, straight from the fridge.
Let’s Keep It Cool and Crisp This Summer
Did this marinated salad make your summer table a little brighter? I’d love to see how it turned out—tag me on Pinterest or drop a comment with your favorite herb or add-in! Whether you’re enjoying it at a BBQ, picnic, or just a casual lunch, this dish is a refreshing favorite you’ll keep coming back to.
