This salad is a burst of fresh flavors, featuring crisp cucumbers, sweet onions, and juicy tomatoes, all soaked in a tangy marinade. It’s perfect for sunny days or as a side dish!
I love how quick it is to whip up this salad. Just toss everything together, let it chill, and voilà—healthy eating made easy! Plus, it always disappears at parties. 🍅🥒
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cucumbers: Use cucumbers that are firm and fresh for the best crunch. If you don’t have regular cucumbers, try English cucumbers, which have fewer seeds and a thinner skin.
Tomatoes: Ripe tomatoes add natural sweetness. If they’re out of season, canned diced tomatoes can work in a pinch. You could also experiment with cherry or grape tomatoes for a sweeter touch.
Red Onions: Their sharp flavor adds a nice bite. If you prefer a milder taste, use sweet onions or green onions instead. Soaking them in water for a bit before adding can also tone down the flavor.
Vinegar: White vinegar is traditional, but apple cider vinegar or rice vinegar can add a different flavor profile. If you want a milder taste, use lemon juice instead.
How Do I Make the Flavors Pop in This Salad?
The key step to enhancing the flavors is in the marinating technique. After tossing the cucumbers, tomatoes, and onions with the dressing, let the salad chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This allows the vegetables to soften slightly and soak up the marinade.
- Mix the dressing well before adding it to the veggies. This ensures a balanced flavor in every bite.
- Taste the salad just before serving. Adjust the salt and pepper as necessary to fit your taste.
- Fresh herbs, like cilantro or parsley, add a bright note when added at the end.
Enjoy your delicious and refreshing salad! It’s perfect for picnics or as a side with any meal!
Refreshing Marinated Cucumbers, Onions & Tomatoes Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salad:
- 2 medium cucumbers, peeled and diced
- 3 medium tomatoes, diced
- 1 medium red onion, thinly sliced into rings
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped (optional)
For the Marinade:
- 1/4 cup white vinegar
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This salad takes about 15 minutes for preparation and at least 30 minutes to marinate. So, you’ll need about 45 minutes in total, but most of that is just letting it sit in the fridge while the flavors blend together beautifully!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Vegetables:
Begin by washing and preparing your vegetables. In a large bowl, combine the diced cucumbers, diced tomatoes, and thinly sliced red onion. Give it a gentle toss to mix them together.
2. Make the Marinade:
In a small bowl, whisk together the white vinegar, olive oil, sugar, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Whisk until the sugar dissolves, and everything is well combined.
3. Combine and Toss:
Pour the marinade over the vegetable mixture. Use a large spoon to gently toss everything together, ensuring all the vegetables are well coated with the marinade.
4. Chill the Salad:
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and place it in the refrigerator. Let it chill for at least 30 minutes. This marinating time is important, as it allows the flavors to meld and enhances the taste of the salad.
5. Add Fresh Herbs and Serve:
Just before serving, stir in the chopped fresh cilantro or parsley if you’re using it. Taste the salad and adjust the seasoning with more salt or pepper if needed.
6. Enjoy!
Serve the salad chilled as a refreshing side dish. It’s perfect for summer picnics, barbecues, or just as a light, healthy addition to any meal!
This dish is colorful, nutritious, and full of flavor—a guaranteed hit at any gathering!
Can I Use Different Vegetables in This Salad?
Absolutely! Feel free to add other fresh vegetables like bell peppers, radishes, or even avocados for extra flavor and crunch. Just make sure to adjust the dressing quantity if you add a lot more veggies!
How Long Can I Store Leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to meld, but the vegetables may lose some crunch. Give it a good stir before serving!
Can I Make This Salad Vegan?
This salad is already vegan-friendly! The marinade contains no animal products, so you can enjoy it without any concerns. It’s a great addition to a plant-based diet!
What Other Dressings Can I Use?
If you want to switch it up, try using a lemon vinaigrette, Italian dressing, or a yogurt-based dressing for a creamy twist. Just remember to adjust the flavoring to keep it balanced!
