Introduction

I recently discovered a recipe for a Classic Marinated Cucumber, Tomato, and Onion Salad that has quickly become a family favorite. It’s one of those salads that’s deceptively simple, yet bursting with flavor. I made it for a family dinner last weekend, and everyone was asking for the recipe. The combination of crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, and the slight bite of red onions soaked in a tangy marinade is an absolute treat. What makes this salad even better is that it gets more flavorful the longer it sits, making it perfect for meal prep or a make-ahead dish for gatherings. It’s one of those dishes that can be served as a refreshing side to just about anything. You won’t believe how easy it is to make and how delicious the results are. Whether you’re looking for a light meal or a side dish to complement your main course, this marinated salad is sure to impress.

Why You’ll Love This Classic Marinated Cucumber, Tomato, and Onion Salad

This salad is the perfect blend of crisp and refreshing vegetables with a tangy, flavorful dressing that brings it all together. Here are the main reasons why you’ll love it:

Quick and Easy: With just a few ingredients and simple steps, this salad is perfect for busy days when you need a healthy side dish fast.
Refreshing and Crisp: The combination of cucumbers, tomatoes, and onions is a classic one for good reason — it’s light, hydrating, and full of texture.
Customizable: You can adjust the seasoning, sweetness, and acidity to your preference, making it easy to personalize.
Perfect for Meal Prep: This salad actually gets better after marinating, so it’s ideal for making ahead of time.
Versatile: It’s a great side dish for nearly any main meal, from grilled meats to vegetarian dishes, making it a go-to for any occasion.

Ingredients

2 large cucumbers, thinly sliced
3 medium tomatoes, cut into wedges or thick slices
1 medium red onion, thinly sliced
1/4 cup white vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
3 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp granulated sugar (optional, for a touch of sweetness)
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 tsp dried oregano (or Italian seasoning)
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables

Start by preparing the vegetables. Slice the cucumbers thinly, cut the tomatoes into wedges or thick slices (depending on your preference), and thinly slice the red onion. You can adjust the size and shape of the slices to your liking, but keeping them uniform helps the salad marinate evenly.

Step 2: Make the Marinade

In a small bowl, whisk together the vinegar, olive oil, sugar (if you want a slightly sweeter dressing), salt, black pepper, and oregano. You can adjust the seasoning at this stage by adding a little more salt, pepper, or sugar to taste. If you’re using apple cider vinegar, you’ll get a slightly different flavor profile, so keep that in mind.

Step 3: Toss the Salad

Once your marinade is ready, pour it over the sliced cucumbers, tomatoes, and onions in a large bowl. Toss everything together gently so that the marinade coats the vegetables evenly.

Step 4: Marinate

Cover the bowl with a lid or plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. The longer it marinates, the better the flavors meld together. If you have the time, marinate it overnight for even more intense flavor. The vegetables will soften slightly but still retain their crisp texture, making for a refreshing and flavorful salad.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Before serving, give the salad another toss to redistribute the marinade. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley for an extra touch of color and flavor. Now, it’s ready to be enjoyed!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: Approximately 120 calories

Macronutrients per serving (approximate):

Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 2g
Fat: 9g (mostly healthy fats from olive oil)
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 5g (depending on whether you use the optional sugar)

Note: These nutrition facts are estimates and may vary depending on the exact size of your vegetables and the amount of sugar used.

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Marinate Time: 1 hour (or up to overnight)
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes (or longer if marinated overnight)

How to Serve

This marinated cucumber, tomato, and onion salad is incredibly versatile. Here are some ideas on how to serve it:

As a Side Dish: Serve alongside grilled meats like chicken, steak, or pork for a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of your main dish.
With Sandwiches: It’s perfect as a side to sandwiches or wraps, providing a crisp, tangy element that complements the dish.
On Its Own: Enjoy it as a light and refreshing lunch on its own, especially if you’re looking for something quick and healthy.
With Grilled Fish: Pair it with grilled fish for a light, Mediterranean-inspired meal.
Topped with Feta: Add a sprinkle of crumbled feta cheese for a tangy, creamy addition that pairs wonderfully with the vinaigrette.

Additional Tips

Add More Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or olives for more variety and flavor.
Adjust the Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet dressing, skip the sugar, or reduce it to 1 teaspoon for just a hint of sweetness.
Use Fresh Herbs: While parsley is a great garnish, you can also add fresh basil or mint to bring a different flavor profile to the salad.
Use Different Vinegar: For a unique twist, try using balsamic vinegar, red wine vinegar, or lemon juice instead of white vinegar.
Make it Vegan: This salad is naturally vegan, but be mindful of the dressing ingredients if you’re serving it with other items that may not be plant-based.

FAQ Section

Can I use different vinegar for the dressing?
Yes! You can substitute white vinegar with apple cider vinegar or balsamic vinegar for a slightly different flavor.
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, this salad gets better the longer it marinates, so making it ahead of time (even overnight) can enhance the flavors.
How long can I store this salad?
The salad will keep in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. However, it’s best served within 24 hours for optimal freshness.
Can I add protein to this salad?
Yes! You can add grilled chicken, shrimp, or even chickpeas for a protein-packed variation.
What can I serve this salad with?
This salad pairs well with grilled meats, sandwiches, fish, or any Mediterranean or Middle Eastern-inspired dishes.
Can I add cheese to this salad?
Yes, crumbled feta cheese or shredded mozzarella would be a great addition.
How do I keep the vegetables from getting soggy?
Make sure not to let the salad marinate for too long. If you’re prepping it ahead of time, you can store the vegetables and dressing separately and combine them just before serving.
What can I substitute for parsley?
Fresh basil, mint, or cilantro would all work as great alternatives for parsley.
Can I use cherry tomatoes instead of regular tomatoes?
Yes, cherry tomatoes work well in this salad, adding a burst of sweetness and color.
Can I make this salad spicier?
Yes, you can add some red pepper flakes or fresh chili slices to give the salad a little heat.

Conclusion

This Classic Marinated Cucumber, Tomato, and Onion Salad is an incredibly refreshing, flavorful dish that’s perfect for almost any occasion. It’s simple to prepare, and the tangy marinade really brings the vegetables to life. Whether you’re looking for a side dish to complement your dinner or a light lunch on a warm day, this salad fits the bill perfectly. With a few customizable options and endless serving ideas, it’s a recipe that can be adapted to suit your preferences while still maintaining its classic, crowd-pleasing appeal. Try it out next time you’re craving something fresh and flavorful — you won’t regret it!