If you’re looking for a salad that bursts with flavor and freshness, the Fresh & Tangy Marinated Cucumber, Onion, and Tomato Salad Recipe is an absolute must-try. This delightful dish balances crisp cucumbers, sharp red onions, and juicy tomatoes, all brought together by a perfectly tangy and slightly sweet vinaigrette. It’s incredibly simple to make yet delivers a complex mix of tastes that make every bite refreshing and irresistible. Whether you’re after a quick side for dinner or a vibrant addition to a picnic, this salad will quickly become a favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward but each one plays a crucial role. The freshness of the vegetables provides a cool crunch, while the dressing harmonizes acid, sweetness, and herbs to elevate every bite.
- 1 large cucumber, thinly sliced: Adds a crisp, refreshing base with mild flavor and satisfying crunch.
- 1 medium red onion, thinly sliced: Brings a sharp, slightly sweet bite that balances the cucumber’s coolness.
- 2 medium tomatoes, chopped: Juicy and vibrant, they add body and vibrant color to the salad.
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar: Injects a tangy punch that brightens the entire dish.
- 2 tbsp olive oil: Offers richness and smoothness that ties all flavors together.
- 1 tbsp honey or sugar (optional): Provides subtle sweetness to round out the acidity perfectly.
- 1/2 tsp salt: Enhances all the natural flavors and balances the dressing.
- 1/4 tsp black pepper: Adds mild heat and depth to the vinaigrette.
- 1 tsp dried oregano or Italian seasoning: Introduces an herby aroma that complements the vegetables beautifully.
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley or basil, chopped (optional, for garnish): Fresh herbs add a burst of color and a final touch of flavor.
How to Make Fresh & Tangy Marinated Cucumber, Onion, and Tomato Salad Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables
Start by slicing the cucumber and red onion really thin. This ensures every bite is tender but still crisp. Chop the tomatoes into medium-sized chunks so their juices can mix into the salad and dressing without turning it soggy. This step sets the foundation for your Fresh & Tangy Marinated Cucumber, Onion, and Tomato Salad Recipe.
Step 2: Make the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together apple cider vinegar, olive oil, honey or sugar (if you like a hint of sweetness), salt, black pepper, and dried oregano or Italian seasoning. This simple vinaigrette is the magic that transforms those raw vegetables into a mouthwatering salad packed with zesty flavor.
Step 3: Combine the Salad
Gather the prepared vegetables in a large bowl. Pour your freshly made dressing over them, then gently toss everything together until each slice and chunk is coated generously. This careful mixing makes sure the flavors start mingling right away.
Step 4: Marinate
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and pop it in the fridge. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes. This resting period allows the vinegar and seasonings to soak through the vegetables, making every forkful vibrant, zesty, and full of life.
Step 5: Serve
Before serving, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or basil on top for a burst of green and fresh herbal notes. Serve chilled and enjoy the perfect balance of crispness, tang, and a hint of sweetness that defines this Fresh & Tangy Marinated Cucumber, Onion, and Tomato Salad Recipe.
How to Serve Fresh & Tangy Marinated Cucumber, Onion, and Tomato Salad Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like parsley, basil, or even a pinch of dill make beautiful garnishes adding green pops of brightness and an aromatic lift. A light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil just before serving also makes it shine and enriches the mouthfeel.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs wonderfully with grilled meats like chicken or fish, and also complements rich, creamy dishes such as pasta or casseroles. Its tangy freshness is the perfect foil to heavier meals, cutting through the richness and refreshing your palate.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this salad in a wide glass bowl for a colorful display or in individual small bowls for a charming touch at dinner parties. For something playful, layer the salad in mason jars for picnics or lunches — the marination only gets better with time.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your salad, simply transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate. The flavors actually deepen after a few hours, so it tastes even better the next day. Just make sure to consume it within 2 to 3 days for crispness and freshness.
Freezing
This Fresh & Tangy Marinated Cucumber, Onion, and Tomato Salad Recipe isn’t suitable for freezing because the cucumbers and tomatoes tend to release too much water and lose their texture when thawed. It’s best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated.
Reheating
This salad is designed to be eaten cold or at room temperature. Reheating it is not recommended, as it will break down the crisp vegetables and alter the delightful balance of flavors. Just give it a gentle stir before serving if chilled.
FAQs
Can I use regular white vinegar instead of apple cider vinegar?
Absolutely! White vinegar can work in a pinch, but apple cider vinegar adds a lovely fruity tang that’s less harsh and more complementary to the vegetables.
What if I don’t like red onion’s sharpness?
You can soak the thinly sliced onions in cold water for 10 minutes before adding to the salad to mellow out their bite, or substitute with milder sweet onions or shallots.
Is this salad vegan-friendly?
Yes! As long as you use a plant-based sweetener like sugar or maple syrup instead of honey, this salad is completely vegan and packed with fresh plant nutrients.
Can I add other vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to toss in sliced bell peppers, radishes, or even fresh corn kernels to customize the salad and add different textures and colors.
How long should I marinate the salad?
While 30 minutes is ideal for the flavors to meld, you can marinate up to 2 hours for an even more intense tang and tenderness from the veggies. Just don’t go much longer or the vegetables may become too soft.
Final Thoughts
If you want a salad that’s crisp, vibrant, and bursting with bright, tangy flavor, the Fresh & Tangy Marinated Cucumber, Onion, and Tomato Salad Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. It’s easy to whip up, refreshingly satisfying, and a colorful addition to any meal. Give it a try — your taste buds will thank you!
Print
Fresh & Tangy Marinated Cucumber, Onion, and Tomato Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A fresh and tangy marinated cucumber, onion, and tomato salad, perfect as a light side dish or refreshing snack. This easy-to-make salad combines crisp cucumber, sharp red onion, and juicy tomatoes with a vibrant apple cider vinegar dressing, enhanced with herbs and a touch of sweetness.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 1 large cucumber, thinly sliced
- 1 medium red onion, thinly sliced
- 2 medium tomatoes, chopped
Dressing
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp honey or sugar (optional for sweetness)
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp dried oregano or Italian seasoning
Garnish
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley or basil, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Vegetables: Thinly slice the large cucumber and medium red onion. Chop the medium tomatoes into bite-sized pieces, ensuring all vegetables are ready and uniform for even flavor absorption.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, vigorously whisk together apple cider vinegar, olive oil, honey or sugar if using, salt, black pepper, and dried oregano or Italian seasoning until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Combine the Salad: Place the sliced cucumber, red onion, and chopped tomatoes into a large mixing bowl, ready to be coated in the dressing.
- Marinate: Pour the prepared dressing over the vegetables and toss everything together gently but thoroughly, ensuring all pieces are coated with the tangy dressing.
- Chill: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and intensify.
- Serve: Before serving, optionally garnish with freshly chopped parsley or basil. Serve chilled for a refreshing, flavorful salad perfect for any occasion.
Notes
- For a crisper texture, soak cucumber slices in salt water for 10 minutes before adding to the salad.
- Adjust the sweetness by adding more or less honey or sugar according to taste.
- This salad is best consumed within 24 hours for optimal freshness.
- Can be served alongside grilled meats or as a refreshing side dish for picnics and barbecues.
- Use fresh herbs to elevate the flavor, but dried herbs work well in a pinch.
