Vibrant, crisp, and wonderfully refreshing, Marinated Cucumbers, Onions, and Tomatoes is the perfect warm-weather salad. With its medley of juicy cherry tomatoes, crunchy cucumbers, and sharp red onions, this dish brings garden-fresh flavor to any meal. The ingredients are gently marinated in a simple yet tangy vinaigrette, enhancing their natural sweetness and crispness while adding layers of flavor.

Ideal for barbecues, potlucks, or a simple family dinner, this salad is as easy to make as it is to love. It requires minimal prep and no cooking, making it an effortless choice when you want something light, healthy, and satisfying. Whether served chilled or at room temperature, it’s a versatile dish that pairs beautifully with grilled meats, sandwiches, or even as a standalone snack.

What Kind of Vinegar Should I Use?

For the best balance of tang and depth, white vinegar or apple cider vinegar are top choices. White vinegar offers a sharp, clean flavor that allows the freshness of the vegetables to shine. Apple cider vinegar, on the other hand, provides a slightly fruity undertone that complements the sweetness of the tomatoes. You can also experiment with red wine vinegar or rice vinegar for different flavor profiles.

Ingredients for the Marinated Cucumbers, Onions, and Tomatoes

Cucumbers
Crisp and hydrating, cucumbers are the base of this salad. They soak up the tangy marinade while retaining their crunch.

Cherry Tomatoes (red and yellow)
Sweet and juicy, these add vibrant color and a natural burst of flavor. Using a mix of colors makes the dish visually stunning.

Red Onion
Thinly sliced red onions give the salad a punch of sharpness and a beautiful purple hue that balances the sweetness of the tomatoes.

Fresh Dill
This herb adds a bright, grassy note that enhances the freshness of the salad.

Salt and Black Pepper
Essential for seasoning, they amplify all the natural flavors.

Vinegar
Adds tang and acts as the marinating agent, helping the flavors to meld beautifully.

Olive Oil
Smooths out the acidity of the vinegar and adds a touch of richness to the dressing.

How To Make the Marinated Cucumbers, Onions, and Tomatoes

Step 1: Slice the Vegetables

Begin by slicing the cucumbers into thin rounds. Halve the cherry tomatoes, or quarter them if they’re larger. Thinly slice the red onion. Try to keep the slices even so the marinade coats everything uniformly.

Step 2: Make the Marinade

In a large bowl, whisk together vinegar, olive oil, salt, and freshly cracked black pepper. Adjust the ratio to suit your taste, but a good starting point is 1 part vinegar to 2 parts olive oil.

Step 3: Combine and Toss

Add the sliced cucumbers, tomatoes, and red onions to the bowl. Gently toss the vegetables in the marinade until they are well coated. Make sure the dressing is evenly distributed.

Step 4: Add Fresh Dill

Finely chop the dill and sprinkle it over the salad. Give everything one final toss to incorporate the herb throughout the dish.

Step 5: Marinate and Chill

Cover the bowl and refrigerate the salad for at least one hour. This rest time allows the vegetables to soak in the vinaigrette and develop deeper flavor.

Step 6: Serve

Give the salad a quick toss before serving to redistribute the dressing. Serve chilled or let it come slightly to room temperature. Enjoy as a side dish or light appetizer.

How to Serve and Store This Salad

This salad is best served cold, making it an ideal dish for summer gatherings, picnics, or even as a refreshing lunchbox side. Pair it with grilled meats like chicken or steak, or use it to top off a bed of greens for a light meal. It also works well alongside heavier dishes, as the acidity helps balance richer flavors.

To store, transfer the salad to an airtight container and refrigerate. It will stay fresh for up to three days. The longer it sits, the more intense the flavor becomes, although the cucumbers may lose a bit of their crispness over time.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long can I marinate the salad?

You can marinate it for as little as 30 minutes, but for the best flavor, let it sit for at least an hour. Overnight marination is also fine and enhances the tangy profile.

Can I use other types of onions?

Yes, sweet onions or white onions work if you prefer a milder flavor. Just slice them thinly for the best texture.

Is it okay to use dried dill instead of fresh?

You can substitute dried dill in a pinch. Use about 1/3 of the amount, since dried herbs are more concentrated.

What if I don’t have cherry tomatoes?

Feel free to use any ripe tomatoes you have on hand. Just chop them into bite-sized pieces.

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Absolutely! It’s a great make-ahead dish. Prepare it up to a day in advance for an even more developed flavor.

Will this work without oil?

Yes, you can skip the oil or use less if you prefer a lighter version. The vinegar and seasoning will still bring a lot of flavor.

Want More Salad Ideas?

You might also like the Italian Grinder Salad, a hearty mix of meats and cheeses perfect for sandwich lovers in salad form. Or try the California Spaghetti Salad, which blends pasta, veggies, and zesty Italian dressing for a colorful side.

For a cozy twist, the Hearty Tuscan Bean Soup provides a warm, protein-rich option with similar Mediterranean vibes. The Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup is another go-to if you’re craving something rich and comforting.

Looking for another cool salad? The California Spaghetti Salad (version 2) gives you a slightly different take on the original, keeping things fresh and fun.

Pin and Tell Me How Yours Turned Out

You can save this to your salad boards for next time. Just click the Pin button.

If you make it, I’d love to hear how it turned out. Did you switch up the vinegar? Add feta? Leave a comment below. I’m always curious how others make it their own.

Marinated Cucumbers, Onions, and Tomatoes

Author: Julia Koch
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Yield: 4-6 servings

Print Recipe

Description

A refreshing, no-cook salad perfect for summer days. This recipe features crisp cucumbers, sweet cherry tomatoes, and zesty red onions marinated in a tangy vinegar dressing, finished with fresh dill. Ideal as a side dish or light snack.

Instructions

Slice cucumbers into rounds, halve or quarter cherry tomatoes, and thinly slice red onions.
In a large bowl, whisk together vinegar, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
Add sliced vegetables to the bowl and toss to coat evenly.
Sprinkle chopped fresh dill over the top and mix again.
Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
Toss again before serving and enjoy chilled or at room temperature.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Category: Appetizers