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Marinated Cucumber, Tomato, and Onion Salad Recipe

4.5 from 143 reviews

A refreshing marinated cucumber, tomato, and onion salad featuring a tangy vinegar and herb dressing. Perfect as a light side dish, this salad combines crisp cucumbers, ripe tomatoes, and bold onions, all soaking up a flavorful mixture of vinegar, sugar, and herbs to create a bright and tasty addition to any meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Salad Ingredients

  • 3 medium cucumbers, peeled and sliced 1/4 inch thick (about 4 cups)
  • 1 medium white onion, sliced and separated into thicker rings
  • 3 medium tomatoes, largely chopped

Marinade

  • 1/2 cup vinegar of your choice
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 cup water
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon coarse black pepper (or to taste)
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (olive oil recommended)
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Vegetables: Peel and slice the cucumbers into 1/4 inch thick slices. Slice the white onion into thicker rings and separate them. Chop the tomatoes coarsely. Combine all prepared vegetables in a large mixing bowl.
  2. Make the Marinade: In a separate container, mix the vinegar, granulated sugar, water, salt, coarse black pepper, vegetable oil, dried basil, and dried parsley until the sugar and salt are dissolved and ingredients are well combined.
  3. Combine and Mix: Pour the marinade over the vegetables in the large bowl. Toss everything well so all veggies are evenly coated and the marinade is distributed.
  4. Refrigerate: Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow the vegetables to marinate thoroughly, enhancing flavor and texture.
  5. Serve: Serve the salad chilled, with or without the marinade, depending on your preference. The vegetables will be flavorful and crisp, perfect as a side dish or light snack.

Notes

  • Use any vinegar you prefer; apple cider, white vinegar, or red wine vinegar all work well.
  • Adjust sugar and salt levels to taste; you can reduce sugar for a less sweet salad.
  • The salad tastes best after marinating for at least 2 hours but can be refrigerated longer for deeper flavor.
  • Olive oil adds richness, but any vegetable oil can be used.
  • Fresh herbs can be used instead of dried for a brighter flavor, use about 1 tablespoon of fresh basil and parsley.

Keywords: marinated cucumber salad, tomato onion salad, summer salad, no-cook salad, easy side dish, marinated vegetable salad