Marinated Cucumber, Onion and Tomato Salad
Marinated Cucumber, Onion and Tomato Salad is a refreshing, crisp, and colorful side dish made with juicy tomatoes, crunchy cucumbers, thinly sliced onions, and a simple tangy dressing. It’s light, flavorful, and incredibly easy to prepare.
This old-fashioned salad is perfect for summer cookouts, family dinners, picnics, barbecues, or as a fresh side for grilled meats. The longer the vegetables sit in the marinade, the more flavorful they become.
Ingredients
For the Salad
- 2 large cucumbers, thinly sliced
- 3 medium tomatoes, cut into wedges
- 1 medium red or white onion, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped, optional
For the Marinade
- ½ cup apple cider vinegar
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- 2 tablespoons water
Directions
1. Prepare the Vegetables
Wash the cucumbers and tomatoes thoroughly.
Slice the cucumbers into thin rounds. If using large cucumbers with thick skin or many seeds, you can peel them partially and remove some of the seeds.
Cut the tomatoes into wedges or bite-sized chunks.
Thinly slice the onion so it blends nicely with the other vegetables.
Place everything in a large mixing bowl.
2. Make the Marinade
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the apple cider vinegar, olive oil, sugar, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, oregano, and water.
Continue whisking until the sugar is mostly dissolved and the dressing is well combined.
Taste the marinade and adjust the salt, sugar, or vinegar according to your preference.
3. Combine Everything
Pour the marinade over the cucumbers, tomatoes, and onions.
Add the chopped parsley and dill if using.
Gently toss everything together with a large spoon or salad tongs.
Be careful not to crush the tomatoes.
4. Refrigerate
Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
For the best flavor, let the salad marinate for 2–4 hours.
Gently toss the salad once or twice while it chills so the dressing coats all the vegetables.
5. Serve
Remove the salad from the refrigerator and give it one final gentle toss.
Serve chilled or slightly cool alongside grilled chicken, steak, burgers, sandwiches, or roasted meats.
Tips for the Best Cucumber Tomato Salad
Use ripe tomatoes: Fresh, flavorful tomatoes make a big difference.
Slice the onion thinly: Thin slices absorb the marinade more quickly.
Don’t overdress: The vegetables naturally release some liquid as they sit, so there’s no need for excessive dressing.
Let it marinate: Even one hour improves the flavor, but several hours is even better.
Serve fresh: This salad is best within a day or two while the vegetables still have their crisp texture.
Easy Variations
Creamy Version
Add 2–3 tablespoons sour cream or Greek yogurt to the dressing for a creamy cucumber salad.
Feta Cucumber Salad
Add ½ cup crumbled feta cheese just before serving.
Italian-Style Version
Add sliced bell peppers, fresh basil, and a little extra oregano.
Spicy Version
Add thinly sliced jalapeño or a pinch of red pepper flakes.
Avocado Version
Add diced avocado immediately before serving for a creamy texture.
What to Serve With It
This refreshing salad pairs especially well with:
- Grilled chicken
- Steak
- Burgers
- Grilled fish
- Barbecue ribs
- Roasted chicken
- Sandwiches
- Baked potatoes
- Grilled vegetables
It also makes a great light lunch when served with crusty bread and a little cheese.
Storage
Store the salad covered in the refrigerator.
It’s best enjoyed within 1–2 days. The cucumbers and tomatoes will continue releasing water as they sit, so the texture will become softer over time.
If making it ahead for a gathering, prepare the vegetables and dressing separately and combine them a few hours before serving.
Final Thoughts
Marinated Cucumber, Onion and Tomato Salad is one of those simple recipes that never goes out of style. The combination of crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, crunchy onions, and tangy-sweet dressing creates a refreshing side dish that’s easy enough for everyday meals but delicious enough for a summer gathering.
Make it a few hours ahead, let the vegetables soak up the flavorful marinade, and serve it cold for the best results.
Recipe at a Glance
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Marinating Time: 1–4 hours
Total Time: About 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 6
Difficulty: Easy
Meta Description
Make refreshing Marinated Cucumber, Onion and Tomato Salad with crisp vegetables and a tangy homemade dressing. Perfect for summer meals, cookouts, picnics, and barbecues.