Marinated Cucumbers, Onions, and Tomatoes

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Looking for a fresh and tangy side dish that takes minutes to prep and tastes better by the hour? Marinated Cucumbers, Onions, and Tomatoes are a vibrant, juicy blend of crisp cucumbers, sweet cherry tomatoes, and zesty onions soaked in a simple vinaigrette. It’s the kind of dish that belongs on every summer table, backyard cookout, or as a refreshing fridge staple.

What makes this recipe so irresistible is its balance of tang, sweetness, and a little heat. The vinegar brings the sharpness, a touch of sugar mellows it out, and optional chili flakes can add a subtle kick. Plus, the longer it sits, the better it gets. Serve it straight from the fridge on hot days, or pair it with grilled meats or sandwiches for an easy, colorful boost.

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Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Before diving into this delicious recipe, gather a few key kitchen tools to make your prep work smooth and efficient:

• Sharp Chef’s Knife: Crucial for slicing cucumbers and onions cleanly and evenly. Precision makes for a uniform soak and better texture.
• Cutting Board: Choose a sturdy one with enough space to keep things organized while slicing.
• Large Mixing Bowl: You’ll need this to toss and marinate all your veggies evenly.
• Glass Jar or Airtight Container: Essential for storing the salad in the fridge. Glass is ideal as it doesn’t retain odors and keeps the flavors clean.
• Measuring Spoons: For accurate seasoning, especially the vinegar, sugar, and spices.
• Mixing Spoon or Tongs: Helps combine everything gently without bruising the vegetables.

Each of these tools plays a small yet vital role in making your marinated veggie salad come together perfectly. Good tools make better results—and quicker cleanup.

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Ingredients for the Marinated Cucumbers, Onions, and Tomatoes

Each ingredient in this salad brings something essential to the mix:

• Cucumbers: The star of the show. Their crisp texture holds up beautifully in the marinade.
• Cherry Tomatoes: Adds bursts of sweetness and vibrant color. Grape tomatoes work well too.
• White Onion: Sliced thin, it adds sharpness and a savory depth that mellows as it marinates.
• Vinegar (white or apple cider): Provides the tangy backbone of the marinade.
• Olive Oil: Balances the acidity with a smooth, rich mouthfeel.
• Sugar: Just a touch to mellow the vinegar and enhance the tomatoes’ sweetness.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings to bring everything into balance.
• Dried Herbs (like parsley or oregano): Infuses the mix with a subtle herbal note.
• Red Pepper Flakes (optional): For those who like a bit of heat.

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How To Make the Marinated Cucumbers, Onions, and Tomatoes

Step 1: Prep the Veggies

Wash the cucumbers and cherry tomatoes thoroughly. Slice the cucumbers into thin rounds, halve the cherry tomatoes, and thinly slice the white onion. Keep everything roughly the same size for even marination.

Step 2: Make the Marinade

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 1/3 cup vinegar, 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 tablespoon sugar, 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, and 1 teaspoon dried herbs. Add red pepper flakes if you like a little heat.

Step 3: Combine Everything

Toss the cucumbers, tomatoes, and onions into the bowl with the marinade. Mix gently using a large spoon or tongs to coat everything evenly without bruising the veggies.

Step 4: Let it Marinate

Transfer the mixture to a glass jar or airtight container. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour, though 4-6 hours is ideal. The longer it sits, the more the flavors deepen.

Step 5: Serve Cold

When ready to serve, give the jar a good shake or stir the mix again. Spoon it out into bowls or serve as a topping or side dish. Keep any leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days.

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How to Serve and Store Marinated Cucumbers, Onions, and Tomatoes

This marinated salad is at its best served cold, straight from the fridge. Spoon it into a shallow serving bowl and let the glossy vinaigrette shine. It makes an excellent companion to grilled chicken, burgers, or even a big pot of chili. You can also pile it onto crusty bread for a crunchy, tangy bruschetta-style snack.

As for storage, keep the salad in an airtight glass container or mason jar. It will stay crisp and flavorful for up to 3 days, though it’s often best on day two when the flavors are fully absorbed. If it starts to get watery, just give it a gentle toss before serving.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How long can I store marinated cucumber salad in the fridge?

Up to 3 days. The flavor deepens with time, but after the third day, the cucumbers may start to lose their crunch.

Can I use red onions instead of white?

Absolutely! Red onions add a touch of sweetness and extra color. Just slice them thin so they absorb the marinade quickly.

What type of vinegar works best?

White vinegar or apple cider vinegar both work well. Apple cider vinegar gives a fruitier depth, while white vinegar offers sharp clarity.

Can I add other vegetables?

Yes! Bell peppers, radishes, or even shredded carrots are great additions. Just keep the veggie-to-marinade ratio balanced.

Is this salad spicy?

Not unless you add the red pepper flakes. Feel free to leave them out or add extra depending on your spice preference.

Should I peel the cucumbers?

If you’re using English or Persian cucumbers, the skin is tender and totally fine to leave on. For waxy cucumbers, peeling is recommended to avoid bitterness.

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Want More Fresh Salad Ideas?

If you love the tangy crunch of this Marinated Cucumbers, Onions, and Tomatoes salad, you’ll find these other salad and veggie-based recipes just as irresistible:

Try the zesty Italian Grinder Salad, packed with deli meats and pepperoncini heat, perfect for sandwich lovers who crave salad form Italian Grinder Salad.

Or cool down with the California Spaghetti Salad, a pasta-packed veggie mix that plays with texture and bright vinaigrettes California Spaghetti Salad.

For something heartier, check out the Buffalo Chicken Lasagna Recipe—yes, it’s not a salad, but it’s bold and vibrant with a tangy kick that pairs surprisingly well with marinated vegetables Buffalo Chicken Lasagna Recipe.

Don’t miss the Crispy Air Fryer Sesame Cauliflower, a punchy side dish with texture and flair Crispy Air Fryer Sesame Cauliflower.

Or go southern with the Slow Cooker Cracker Barrel Fried Apples, a sweet and savory addition that brings balance to any table Slow Cooker Cracker Barrel Fried Apples.

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Pin and Tell Me How Yours Turned Out

You can save this to your salad or summer side boards for later—just tap the Pin button.

And if you make it, I’d really love to hear how it turned out. Did you toss in extra herbs? Go heavy on the onions? Snap a photo or leave a comment—I’m always curious how you make these recipes your own.

For more fresh, colorful recipes like this, follow me on Pinterest at LadyPlate.

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