Discover the fresh, tangy flavors of Marinated Cucumber Tomato & Onion Salad, a simple, healthy side perfect for any meal. This vibrant salad bursts with crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, and sharp onions, all soaked in a zesty marinade that brings out the best in every ingredient. Whether you’re looking for a light summer dish or a refreshing companion to grilled favorites, this salad delivers both taste and color effortlessly.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Fresh and vibrant flavors: The combination of cucumber, tomato, and onion creates a crisp, tangy taste that brightens any meal.
Easy to prepare: With minimal ingredients and simple steps, this salad comes together quickly and effortlessly.
Healthy and nutritious: Loaded with fresh vegetables, this salad is low in calories and rich in vitamins.
Versatile side dish: It pairs beautifully with meats, seafood, or can stand alone for a light snack.
Make-ahead convenience: The marinating process develops flavors over time, making it perfect for preparing in advance.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Marinated Cucumber Tomato & Onion Salad lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a vital role, bringing balance and contrast to the dish’s texture, color, and flavor.

Fresh cucumbers: Choose firm, crisp cucumbers to keep the salad crunchy and refreshing.
Ripe tomatoes: Opt for juicy, flavorful tomatoes like Roma or cherry for vibrant color and sweetness.
Red onions: Thinly sliced to add a mild, tangy bite without overpowering the salad.
Olive oil: A quality extra virgin olive oil enhances richness and helps meld flavors.
Apple cider vinegar: Adds bright acidity that balances the sweetness of the tomatoes and cucumbers.
Fresh herbs (optional): Parsley or dill provide an herbal note that lifts the overall taste.
Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning and bringing out the natural flavors.
Garlic (optional): Minced garlic can add a subtle punch to the marinade.

Variations for Marinated Cucumber Tomato & Onion Salad

This salad is so flexible you can easily adjust it to suit your mood, dietary needs, or the ingredients you have on hand. Feel free to experiment to make it your own!

Spicy kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or diced jalapeño for heat.
Cheese boost: Sprinkle crumbled feta or goat cheese on top for a creamy twist.
Vegan and gluten-free: Keep it simple with the base ingredients for a naturally vegan, gluten-free salad.
Fresh herbs mix: Swap parsley for basil or cilantro to change the flavor profile.
Different vinegar: Substitute apple cider vinegar with red wine vinegar or lemon juice for subtle acidity variations.

Marinated Cucumber Tomato & Onion Salad Recipe

How to Make Marinated Cucumber Tomato & Onion Salad

Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables

Wash and dry the cucumbers and tomatoes thoroughly. Slice the cucumbers into thin rounds or half-moons and cut the tomatoes into bite-sized chunks or wedges. Peel and thinly slice the red onions so they blend smoothly into the salad without being overpowering.

Step 2: Make the Marinade

In a mixing bowl, whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, a pinch of salt and pepper, and minced garlic if using. The balance between oil and vinegar is key to creating a tangy but smooth dressing that enhances the vegetables’ natural flavors.

Step 3: Combine and Toss

Gently toss the cucumbers, tomatoes, and onions with the marinade, making sure every piece is coated evenly. Add chopped fresh herbs if desired, and give everything a final mix to combine the flavors perfectly.

Step 4: Let It Marinate

Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, preferably a couple of hours or overnight. The marinating process softens the onions and allows the dressing to seep into the vegetables, creating a harmonious dish.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Before serving, taste and adjust seasoning with extra salt, pepper, or vinegar if needed. Give the salad one last gentle stir and serve chilled.

Pro Tips for Making Marinated Cucumber Tomato & Onion Salad

Use firm cucumbers: Picking crunchy varieties like English cucumbers prevents the salad from becoming soggy.
Salt the onions ahead: Let sliced onions sit with a pinch of salt for 10 minutes to mellow their sharpness.
Adjust acidity to taste: Start with less vinegar and add gradually to suit your preferred tang level.
Chop uniformly: Evenly sized pieces help the salad marinate consistently and improve mouthfeel.
Make it ahead: Preparing this salad a few hours before serving enhances its flavor and convenience.

How to Serve Marinated Cucumber Tomato & Onion Salad

Garnishes

Top your salad with fresh herbs like dill, parsley, or chives for a pop of color and fresh aroma. A sprinkle of toasted seeds or nuts can add welcome crunch and a nutty note.

Side Dishes

This salad pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken, fish, or lamb. It’s also a fresh contrast to heavier dishes like roasted meats or creamy pasta. Serve alongside warm bread or pita to soak up the dressing.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the salad in individual clear glass bowls to showcase its vibrant layers or stuff it into pita pockets with some hummus for a quick, light lunch. You can even use it as a colorful topping for bruschetta or tacos.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days, although the cucumbers may soften slightly over time.

Freezing

Freezing is not recommended, as the cucumber and tomato texture breaks down and becomes mushy once thawed. It’s best enjoyed fresh or chilled.

Reheating

This salad is designed to be served cold or at room temperature. Avoid reheating; instead, give it a gentle toss before serving again.

FAQs

Can I use different types of cucumbers?

Absolutely! English or Persian cucumbers are ideal for their thin skins and fewer seeds, but regular cucumbers work well if peeled and seeded.

How long should I marinate the salad?

For best flavor, marinate for at least 30 minutes. Longer marination up to overnight enhances taste but too long may lead to soggy vegetables.

Is this salad suitable for meal prep?

Yes! It holds up well in the fridge for a couple of days, making it a convenient, healthy option to prepare ahead.

Can I add other vegetables?

Certainly! Bell peppers, radishes, or olives are great additions that complement the core ingredients without overpowering the salad.

What if I don’t have apple cider vinegar?

Substitute with white wine vinegar, red wine vinegar, or fresh lemon juice to maintain a bright, acidic balance.

Final Thoughts

Marinated Cucumber Tomato & Onion Salad is one of those recipes that feels like a fresh breeze on your plate—simple to make, packed with flavor, and endlessly adaptable. It’s a must-try if you want a healthy, delicious side that brings a burst of sunshine to your table. Go ahead, give it a whirl and let this salad become your new favorite go-to!

Marinated Cucumber Tomato & Onion Salad

Author: Anna
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes to overnight (marination time)
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Appetizers
Method: No-cook
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegan (optional dairy for cheese add-in), Gluten-Free

Print Recipe

Description

Marinated Cucumber Tomato & Onion Salad is a refreshing, tangy, and vibrant side dish featuring crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, and sharp red onions soaked in a zesty olive oil and apple cider vinegar marinade. Easy to prepare, healthy, and versatile, this salad is perfect for pairing with grilled meats or enjoying on its own as a light snack.

Instructions

Prepare the Vegetables: Wash and dry the cucumbers and tomatoes thoroughly. Slice the cucumbers into thin rounds or half-moons, cut the tomatoes into bite-sized chunks or wedges, and peel and thinly slice the red onions so they blend smoothly into the salad without overpowering it.
Make the Marinade: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, apple cider vinegar, salt, pepper, and minced garlic if using. This balance creates a tangy, smooth dressing that enhances the natural flavors of the vegetables.
Combine and Toss: Gently toss the cucumbers, tomatoes, and onions with the marinade, ensuring every piece is evenly coated. Add chopped fresh herbs if desired and mix again to fully combine the flavors.
Let It Marinate: Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, preferably a couple of hours or overnight. This process softens the onions and allows the flavors to meld harmoniously.
Serve and Enjoy: Before serving, taste and adjust seasoning with extra salt, pepper, or vinegar if needed. Give a final gentle stir and serve the salad chilled, garnished with fresh herbs or optional toppings if preferred.