This Marinated Cucumber Tomato Onion Salad is a simple yet incredibly flavorful side dish, perfect for any occasion. Its vibrant taste and refreshing crunch make it a go-to recipe for picnics, potlucks, or a quick weeknight accompaniment.
Key Ingredients for Marinated Cucumber Tomato Onion Salad
- 2 large cucumbers, thinly sliced (about 4 cups)
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 medium red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh dill, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, for a touch of sweetness)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
How to Make Marinated Cucumber Tomato Onion Salad
This Marinated Cucumber Tomato Onion Salad is a breeze to whip up, requiring minimal effort for maximum flavor. The simple dressing melds beautifully with the crisp vegetables, creating a refreshingly satisfying experience. With a preparation time of just 15 minutes, you can have this delicious salad ready in no time.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Vegetables: Start by preparing your vegetables. Wash and thinly slice the cucumbers. A mandoline slicer can be helpful here for uniform thickness, but a sharp knife works just as well. Halve the cherry tomatoes and thinly slice the red onion. If you find raw red onion too pungent, you can soak the sliced onion in ice water for about 10 minutes and then drain it well – this will mellow its bite significantly.
- Combine the Vegetables: In a large mixing bowl, gently combine the sliced cucumbers, halved cherry tomatoes, and thinly sliced red onion. Add the freshly chopped dill and parsley to the bowl. These fresh herbs are crucial for the bright, aromatic flavor of this salad.
- Whisk the Dressing: In a separate small bowl or a jar with a tight-fitting lid, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, and Dijon mustard. If you prefer a slightly sweeter dressing, add the teaspoon of sugar now and whisk until dissolved. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Taste the dressing and adjust the salt and pepper as needed.
- Dress the Salad: Pour the prepared dressing over the vegetable mixture in the large bowl. Gently toss everything together to ensure all the vegetables are evenly coated with the dressing. Be careful not to over-mix, which could bruise the delicate ingredients.
- Marinate: For the best flavor, cover the bowl and refrigerate the Marinated Cucumber Tomato Onion Salad for at least 30 minutes before serving. This resting period allows the flavors to meld and the vegetables to absorb the delicious dressing, transforming it into a truly marinated masterpiece. You can marinate it for up to 2 hours for an even more intense flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Marinated Cucumber Tomato Onion Salad
You’ll absolutely adore this Marinated Cucumber Tomato Onion Salad because of its incredible freshness and vibrant, tangy flavor. The crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, and sharp red onion, all bathed in a zesty herb-infused vinaigrette, create a truly delightful taste experience. It’s a fantastic alternative to heavier cream-based salads, offering a lighter and more palate-cleansing option that tastes just as satisfying.
Making this salad at home is also incredibly budget-friendly, especially when your garden is overflowing with fresh produce or when these ingredients are in season. The simple, high-quality ingredients shine through, proving that delicious food doesn’t need to be expensive. Paired with grilled meats, fish, or served as a refreshing side at your next barbecue, this salad is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Give this easy Marinated Cucumber Tomato Onion Salad a try – you won’t regret it!
Storing and Reheating Tips
Leftover Marinated Cucumber Tomato Onion Salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. The vegetables will continue to soften slightly as they marinate further, but the flavor will deepen. It is best to consume within this timeframe for optimal texture and taste.
This salad is best served chilled, so reheating is typically not necessary. However, if you find it’s become a bit too vinegary or needs a lift, you can add a tiny drizzle of fresh olive oil and a squeeze of lemon juice before serving. Freezing is not recommended for this salad, as the texture of the cucumbers and tomatoes will degrade significantly upon thawing.
Final Thoughts
This Marinated Cucumber Tomato Onion Salad is a testament to how simple, fresh ingredients can create something truly spectacular. It’s incredibly easy to make, bursting with flavor, and wonderfully versatile. We encourage you to give this delightful recipe a try – it’s sure to become a favorite in your repertoire!
Marinated Cucumber Tomato Onion Salad
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Wash and thinly slice the cucumbers. Halve the cherry tomatoes and thinly slice the red onion. If you find raw red onion too pungent, you can soak the sliced onion in ice water for about 10 minutes and then drain it well – this will mellow its bite significantly.2 large cucumbers, 2 cups cherry tomatoes, 1 medium red onion
- In a large mixing bowl, gently combine the sliced cucumbers, halved cherry tomatoes, and thinly sliced red onion. Add the freshly chopped dill and parsley to the bowl.2 large cucumbers, 2 cups cherry tomatoes, 1 medium red onion, 1/4 cup fresh dill, 1/4 cup fresh parsley
- In a separate small bowl or a jar with a tight-fitting lid, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, and Dijon mustard. If you prefer a slightly sweeter dressing, add the teaspoon of sugar now and whisk until dissolved. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Taste the dressing and adjust the salt and pepper as needed.1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil, 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar, 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard, 1 teaspoon sugar, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Pour the prepared dressing over the vegetable mixture in the large bowl. Gently toss everything together to ensure all the vegetables are evenly coated with the dressing. Be careful not to over-mix, which could bruise the delicate ingredients.1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil, 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar, 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard, 1 teaspoon sugar, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- For the best flavor, cover the bowl and refrigerate the Marinated Cucumber Tomato Onion Salad for at least 30 minutes before serving. This resting period allows the flavors to meld and the vegetables to absorb the delicious dressing, transforming it into a truly marinated masterpiece. You can marinate it for up to 2 hours for an even more intense flavor.