Marinated Cucumbers, Onions, and Tomatoes Recipe

If you’re looking for a side dish that practically sings with summertime freshness, you can’t beat Marinated Cucumbers, Onions, and Tomatoes. This vibrant salad brings together crisp cucumbers, sweet tomatoes, and just the right bite from onion, then marries them in a tangy, herb-laced vinaigrette. It’s quick to assemble, bright to look at, and tastes even better as it sits—a total win for busy cooks and veggie lovers alike!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Marinated Cucumbers, Onions, and Tomatoes is in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays an essential role, bringing flavor, crunch, or color to the table. Let’s break down what you’ll need and why every piece matters!

• Cucumbers: Cool and crunchy, cucumbers are the backbone of this salad, soaking up the marinade beautifully.
• Cherry or Grape Tomatoes: These little tomato gems burst with sweet, juicy flavor and add gorgeous color.
• Red or White Onion: Sliced thin, onions bring a zippy bite and a pop of purple or white contrast.
• Apple Cider Vinegar or Red Wine Vinegar: This is where the tang in the marinade comes from—choose your favorite for a subtle flavor difference.
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Adds a luscious feel and rounds out the sharpness of the vinegar.
• Garlic: Just one clove, finely minced, brings an aromatic depth—don’t skip it!
• Fresh Parsley or Dill: These herbs elevate everything with their green, garden-fresh brightness.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential for enhancing all the flavors; taste as you go!
• Red Pepper Flakes (optional): For a gentle kick, sprinkle these in, or leave them out for a milder bite.

How to Make Marinated Cucumbers, Onions, and Tomatoes

Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables

Begin by giving your cucumbers, tomatoes, and onion a good rinse under cool water. Thinly slice the cucumbers so they’ll soak up plenty of marinade, halve the cherry or grape tomatoes to let their juices mingle, and slice the onion as thin as you can for the perfect bite. This simple prep helps every ingredient shine in your Marinated Cucumbers, Onions, and Tomatoes.

Step 2: Make the Marinade

In a separate bowl, whisk together your vinegar of choice, extra virgin olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. If you like a bit of heat, toss in those red pepper flakes now. This marinade is the magic that transforms the salad into something refreshing and crave-worthy!

Step 3: Combine Everything

Add your sliced cucumbers, halved tomatoes, and onions to a big mixing bowl. Pour the whisked vinaigrette over the veggies, and toss gently to make sure everything is evenly coated. The colors will already look irresistible at this point!

Step 4: Marinate and Chill

Cover your bowl tightly with plastic wrap or a lid and pop it in the fridge. The Marinated Cucumbers, Onions, and Tomatoes really benefit from at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator, but if you have a few hours—or even overnight—the flavors get even zingier and more harmonious.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Just before serving, give everything one last toss to redistribute the flavors. Sprinkle plenty of chopped fresh parsley or dill over the top. The herbs wake up the whole dish, making your Marinated Cucumbers, Onions, and Tomatoes look and taste garden-fresh!

How to Serve Marinated Cucumbers, Onions, and Tomatoes

Garnishes

Don’t underestimate the visual appeal of a pretty garnish. Chopped fresh dill or parsley gives a burst of green that looks as inviting as it tastes. For an extra flourish, consider a few grinds of black pepper or some lemon zest—your Marinated Cucumbers, Onions, and Tomatoes will get that “wow” factor every time.

Side Dishes

This salad is one of those rare gems that goes just as well alongside grilled meats as it does with veggie mains. Serve it next to burgers, grilled chicken, or flaky fish, or pile it onto a plate at your next picnic. The tang cuts through anything rich or smoky, making a perfect match.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to get a little fancy, try layering the salad in a clear glass bowl to show off those gorgeous colors. For parties, set out small mason jars or mini cups so everyone gets their own portion. Or scoop the Marinated Cucumbers, Onions, and Tomatoes over toasted bread for a fresh and easy bruschetta twist!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with extra Marinated Cucumbers, Onions, and Tomatoes, simply pop them in an airtight container and stash them in the fridge. They’ll keep for up to 3 days, and the flavors often get even better as they continue to mingle.

Freezing

This is one recipe where freezing isn’t recommended. The fresh vegetables will lose their crispness and turn watery once thawed, so it’s best to enjoy your Marinated Cucumbers, Onions, and Tomatoes within a few days of making them.

Reheating

No reheating necessary! In fact, this dish is meant to be enjoyed cold, straight from the fridge. Before serving leftovers, just give them a gentle toss and, if needed, add a few more fresh herbs to revive that just-made flavor.

FAQs

Can I use English cucumbers or regular cucumbers?

Absolutely! English cucumbers are seedless and tend to be even crisper, but regular cucumbers work beautifully—just peel them if the skin is especially thick or waxy.

What other herbs can I use besides parsley or dill?

Tarragon, basil, or even fresh mint can give your Marinated Cucumbers, Onions, and Tomatoes a fun flavor twist. Just use whichever is in season or sounds delicious to you!

Is there a substitute for apple cider vinegar?

If you’re out of apple cider or red wine vinegar, white wine vinegar or even a splash of lemon juice will brighten up the marinade just as nicely. Go for what you have on hand.

Can I add other vegetables?

This is a flexible recipe! Feel free to toss in thinly sliced radishes, bell pepper strips, or even a handful of chopped celery to make it your own spin on Marinated Cucumbers, Onions, and Tomatoes.

How do I keep the onions from overpowering the salad?

If you find raw onions too strong, soak the slices in ice water for 10 minutes before adding them to the salad. They’ll turn milder and extra crisp, blending perfectly with the rest of the ingredients.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend trying Marinated Cucumbers, Onions, and Tomatoes enough—it’s one of those dishes that disappears at every gathering and manages to feel special, even on an ordinary weeknight. Give it a go, play with the herbs you love, and let these fresh flavors brighten up any meal!

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