Hey there, friends! I’m so excited to share one of my all-time favorite summer recipes with you today: the Marinated Cucumber Tomato and Onion Salad. I discovered this gem years ago at a family barbecue, and let me tell ya, it was love at first bite. My aunt whipped up this refreshing dish, and I’ve been hooked ever since, tweaking it over the years to make it my own.
There’s something magical about how the crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, and sharp onions come together in this Marinated Cucumber Tomato and Onion Salad. It’s the perfect side for any meal, especially when the weather’s hot and you’re craving something light. I can still remember my kids begging for seconds the first time I made it—talk about a win!
So, stick with me, and I’ll walk you through every step to create this crowd-pleaser. Trust me, once you’ve tried this Marinated Cucumber Tomato and Onion Salad, it’ll be a regular on your table too. Let’s dive in!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I’ve found that this Marinated Cucumber Tomato and Onion Salad is a total game-changer for so many reasons. It’s ridiculously easy to throw together, which is a lifesaver on busy weeknights or when I’m hosting last-minute guests. Plus, the flavors just get better the longer it sits—talk about a dish that does the work for you!
In my kitchen, this salad is a staple because it’s so versatile and fresh. Whether I’m pairing it with grilled meats or just munching on it solo as a snack, this Marinated Cucumber Tomato and Onion Salad never disappoints. It’s like summer in a bowl, and I bet you’ll feel the same way once you give it a try.
Ingredients List
Alright, let’s talk about what goes into making the perfect Marinated Cucumber Tomato and Onion Salad. I’m all about keeping things simple, so you won’t need anything fancy here. I usually buy fresh, local produce whenever I can because it just tastes better, in my opinion.
Here’s everything you’ll need to whip up this Marinated Cucumber Tomato and Onion Salad at home. I’ve included exact measurements because, well, I’ve messed up guessing portions before and ended up with way too much dressing (oops!). These ingredients make enough for a decent-sized batch to share.
- 2 large cucumbers, thinly sliced for that perfect crunch
- 4 medium tomatoes, cut into wedges or chunks, depending on my mood
- 1 large red onion, thinly sliced into half-moons for a pop of color
- 1/3 cup (80ml) apple cider vinegar, for that tangy kick I love
- 2 tablespoons (30ml) olive oil, extra virgin if you’ve got it
- 1 tablespoon (12g) granulated sugar, to balance the acidity
- 1 teaspoon (5g) salt, or to taste—start small and adjust
- 1/2 teaspoon (2g) black pepper, freshly ground if possible
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped, because I’m obsessed with this herb in salads
- 1 clove garlic, minced, for a subtle punch (optional, but I usually toss it in)
I prefer using English cucumbers for this Marinated Cucumber Tomato and Onion Salad since they’re less seedy, but regular ones work just fine too. And if I’m feeling fancy, I’ll grab heirloom tomatoes for extra flavor. Now, let’s get to mixing this beauty up!
Variations
One of the things I adore about this Marinated Cucumber Tomato and Onion Salad is how easy it is to switch things up. Over the years, I’ve played around with different twists depending on what’s in my pantry or who I’m feeding. Here are some of my favorite variations to keep this dish exciting.
- Mediterranean Vibes: Toss in some crumbled feta cheese and a handful of Kalamata olives for a Greek-inspired Marinated Cucumber Tomato and Onion Salad.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño if you’re like me and can’t resist a little heat.
- Herby Delight: Mix in fresh basil or parsley instead of dill for a different flavor profile that’s just as tasty.
- Asian Twist: Swap the vinegar for rice vinegar and add a splash of soy sauce with some sesame seeds for an umami-packed version.
- Creamy Touch: Stir in a dollop of Greek yogurt to the dressing for a richer Marinated Cucumber Tomato and Onion Salad—my kids always ask for this one!
- Garlicky Boost: Double up on the garlic or add a pinch of garlic powder if you’re a garlic fiend like I am.
- Sweet and Savory: Throw in some diced bell peppers for extra sweetness and crunch to complement the onions.
I tried the creamy version once for a potluck, and it was gone in minutes—seriously, people couldn’t stop raving about this Marinated Cucumber Tomato and Onion Salad. So don’t be afraid to experiment with these ideas or come up with your own!
Servings and Timing
Let’s break down the nitty-gritty of how much this Marinated Cucumber Tomato and Onion Salad makes and how long it’ll take. In my experience, this recipe comes together pretty quick, which is awesome when I’m juggling a million things. Here’s what you can expect:
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes (no cooking needed, hallelujah!)
- Total Time: 15 minutes (plus marinating time if you’ve got it)
- Servings: 6-8 portions as a side dish
I usually whip up this Marinated Cucumber Tomato and Onion Salad in the afternoon and let it chill for a couple of hours before dinner. It’s perfect for making ahead, and the portions are just right for a family meal or a small gathering.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Okay, let’s get down to business and make this Marinated Cucumber Tomato and Onion Salad. I’ve broken it down into easy steps with my little tips and tricks that I’ve picked up over time. Follow along, and you’ll have this ready in no time!
Step 1: Prep Your Veggies
First things first, grab those cucumbers, tomatoes, and onions. I like to slice my cucumbers super thin using a mandoline—it’s a total time-saver, though a sharp knife works too. Cut the tomatoes into wedges (or bite-sized chunks if I’m feeling lazy), and slice the onion into thin half-moons for that pretty look in the Marinated Cucumber Tomato and Onion Salad.
Step 2: Mix the Marinade
Next up, whisk together the apple cider vinegar, olive oil, sugar, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. I usually taste it at this point and adjust the sweetness or saltiness—sometimes I add an extra pinch of sugar if the vinegar’s too sharp. If I’m using garlic or dill, I toss those in now for my Marinated Cucumber Tomato and Onion Salad dressing.
Step 3: Combine and Toss
Now, throw all your chopped veggies into a big bowl and pour that marinade over the top. Give it a good toss to make sure everything’s coated evenly. I’ve learned that using my hands (clean ones, of course!) helps mix this Marinated Cucumber Tomato and Onion Salad better than a spoon sometimes.
Step 4: Let It Marinate
Here’s where the magic happens—let your salad sit for at least 30 minutes in the fridge. I’ve found that an hour or two is even better for the flavors to meld into the perfect Marinated Cucumber Tomato and Onion Salad. Just cover it with plastic wrap or a lid so it doesn’t pick up any weird fridge smells.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
When you’re ready to eat, give it one last toss and sprinkle on a bit more fresh dill if you’ve got it. I love seeing the vibrant colors of this Marinated Cucumber Tomato and Onion Salad on the table—it just screams summer. Dig in and watch it disappear!
Nutritional Information
I’m not gonna lie, I’m not always counting calories, but I do like knowing what’s in my food, especially with something as wholesome as this Marinated Cucumber Tomato and Onion Salad. Here’s the breakdown per serving, based on what I’ve calculated for a batch of six portions. It’s pretty light, which is why I love it as a guilt-free side.
- Calories: 85 per serving
- Fat: 5g
- Protein: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Sodium: 200mg
This Marinated Cucumber Tomato and Onion Salad is honestly a great option if you’re watching what you eat. It’s low-cal but still packs a flavor punch!
Healthier Alternatives
If you’re looking to lighten up this Marinated Cucumber Tomato and Onion Salad even more, I’ve got some swaps I’ve tried that work like a charm. I’m all about balance, so when I’m cutting back on certain things, these tweaks keep the dish just as tasty. Here’s what I’ve done in the past.
- Less Oil: Cut the olive oil in half and replace it with a splash of lemon juice for a zesty, lower-fat Marinated Cucumber Tomato and Onion Salad.
- Sugar Swap: Use a teaspoon of honey instead of sugar if you’re avoiding refined sweets—it adds a nice floral note too.
- Low-Sodium: Skip the salt or use a salt substitute if you’re watching sodium intake; the vinegar still keeps it flavorful.
I’ve swapped out the sugar for honey plenty of times, especially when I’m trying to keep things natural, and honestly, I can’t tell much difference in this Marinated Cucumber Tomato and Onion Salad. Give these a shot if you’re tweaking for health reasons!
Serving Suggestions
I’ve got some go-to ways to serve this Marinated Cucumber Tomato and Onion Salad that always hit the spot. It’s such a versatile dish, and I love how it pairs with so many things. Check out these ideas from my own table!
- With Grilled Meats: Serve it alongside barbecue chicken or steak for a refreshing contrast to rich flavors.
- As a Sandwich Topper: Pile it on a turkey or veggie sandwich for extra crunch and zing.
- Potluck Star: Bring this Marinated Cucumber Tomato and Onion Salad to gatherings—it’s always a crowd-pleaser.
- Light Lunch: Pair it with some crusty bread for a quick, no-fuss meal on a hot day.
I love serving this Marinated Cucumber Tomato and Onion Salad at summer cookouts—last time I did, my friends wouldn’t stop asking for the recipe. How do you plan to enjoy yours?
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Alright, let’s chat about a few slip-ups I’ve made with this Marinated Cucumber Tomato and Onion Salad over the years. Trust me, I’ve learned the hard way on some of these, so I’m passing on the wisdom to save you the hassle. Avoid these pitfalls for the best results.
- Over-Marinating: Don’t let it sit too long—more than 24 hours can make the veggies too soggy, and I’ve ruined a batch that way.
- Thick Slices: Cutting the cucumbers or onions too thick makes them less likely to soak up the dressing—thin is the way to go.
- Skipping the Chill: Serving it right away without marinating misses out on the flavor melding; I’ve done this in a rush and regretted it.
- Unbalanced Dressing: Too much vinegar can overpower the Marinated Cucumber Tomato and Onion Salad—taste as you go like I do now.
These lessons came from real messes in my kitchen, so take it from me and dodge these mistakes with your Marinated Cucumber Tomato and Onion Salad!
Storing Tips
Storing this Marinated Cucumber Tomato and Onion Salad is pretty straightforward, and I’ve found a couple of ways to keep it fresh. In my experience, it doesn’t last long in my house because we devour it, but here’s what works when there are leftovers.
- Refrigerator: Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2-3 days max.
- Don’t Freeze: Freezing ruins the texture of the veggies, so I don’t recommend it for this Marinated Cucumber Tomato and Onion Salad.
Just give it a quick stir before serving leftovers to redistribute the dressing in your Marinated Cucumber Tomato and Onion Salad. Easy peasy!
Frequently Asked Questions
I get a bunch of questions about this Marinated Cucumber Tomato and Onion Salad, so I’ve rounded up the most common ones. Here are my answers, straight from my own trial and error. Let’s clear up any confusion!
Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely, and I actually recommend it! Making this Marinated Cucumber Tomato and Onion Salad a few hours ahead lets the flavors get all cozy together. Just don’t go past a day or so, or it might get too mushy.
Can I use different vinegar?
Sure thing! I’ve used white vinegar or even balsamic in a pinch for this Marinated Cucumber Tomato and Onion Salad, and it works fine. Apple cider is my fave for the subtle sweetness, though.
What if I don’t have fresh dill?
No worries—dried dill works, just use about half the amount since it’s stronger. Or skip it and try parsley or basil for a twist.
Is this salad kid-friendly?
In my house, yes! My kids love the tangy-sweet vibe, though I sometimes cut back on onion if they’re being picky.
Can I add other veggies?
Go for it. I’ve tossed in bell peppers or even carrots for extra crunch, and it’s still delicious.
How do I keep it from getting watery?
Good question! I pat the cucumbers dry with a paper towel before mixing to cut down on excess liquid.
Is this salad gluten-free?
Yep, 100%! There’s nothing in this Marinated Cucumber Tomato and Onion Salad that contains gluten, so it’s safe for those avoiding it.
Can I double the recipe?
Definitely, I do it all the time for parties. Just make sure you’ve got a big enough bowl to toss it all together.
Conclusion
Well, there you have it, folks—everything you need to whip up a fantastic Marinated Cucumber Tomato and Onion Salad right at home. I’ve poured my heart (and plenty of trial runs) into perfecting this dish, and I’m thrilled to share it with you.
Give this Marinated Cucumber Tomato and Onion Salad a try, and let me know how it turns out—I’d love to hear your twists or family reactions to this summertime fave!
Conclusion
I hope you enjoyed this recipe for Marinated Cucumber Tomato and Onion Salad! It’s truly one of my favorites, and I’m confident you’ll love it too.
Remember to follow the steps carefully for the best results. Don’t hesitate to experiment with your own variations and make this recipe your own. Happy cooking!