Marinated Cucumber Tomato Onion

Featured in Fresh and Delicious Salad Recipes for Every Season.

Ripe tomatoes, crunchy cucumbers, and sliced onions come together in a tangy mix of vinegar, olive oil, and seasonings. Chilling them deepens the zippy flavors, perfect for a cool side. A little sweetness and some fresh parsley bring everything into balance. It only gets better with time, making it a solid pick for gatherings or picnics. Simple, tasty, and packed with fresh garden vibes!

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Updated on Tue, 24 Jun 2025 14:42:55 GMT
A bowl loaded with marinated cucumber, tomato, and onion salad. Pin it
A bowl loaded with marinated cucumber, tomato, and onion salad. | chefmelt.com

This cucumber tomato onion mix is my go-to answer for sweltering summer nights and neighborhood gatherings. The snap of veggies with zingy dressing makes any grilled meat or basic sandwich better, and I usually have all the stuff sitting in my kitchen already. My family's enjoyed this alongside burgers in the backyard and paired with winter chicken dinners when we need something lively.

I first tossed this together for a weekend barbecue when I needed something cool and healthy on the side. Everyone loved it so much that one friend asked how to make it before they'd even finished eating.

  • Cucumbers: grab ones with tight green skin and no mushy parts for that satisfying crunch that soaks up flavors
  • Tomatoes: pick juicy ripe ones or fancy heirlooms when you can find them for natural sweetness
  • Red onion: gives that nice kick and slight sweetness look for firm purple bulbs not wrinkly ones
  • White vinegar or apple cider vinegar: creates that mouth-watering zing pick one with a clean sharp smell
  • Olive oil: adds smooth richness grab the extra virgin stuff for better taste
  • Granulated sugar: you can skip it but a spoonful balances the sour notes especially with tart tomatoes
  • Salt: pulls out veggie juices and ties everything together
  • Black pepper: adds warmth and depth always crack it fresh for better smell
  • Dried oregano or Italian seasoning: brings that garden flavor try to use newer spices for stronger taste
  • Fresh parsley: not totally needed but makes everything look prettier and taste fresher flat leaf works best

Easy Making Instructions

Cut Your Veggies:
Slice cucumbers into thin circles or half circles keeping skins on for extra bite. Cut tomatoes into chunks or thick slices and thinly slice the red onion. Dump everything in a big bowl with plenty of mixing room.
Mix Your Dressing:
In another small bowl stir together your vinegar olive oil sugar salt pepper and oregano. Keep stirring until sugar and salt melt away and everything looks mixed well. Give it a taste and tweak if needed it should have punch but not hurt your mouth.
Combine Everything:
Pour all your dressing over the bowl of cut veggies making sure to get all the herbs and spices. Mix everything really well with your hands or a big spoon so all pieces get coated. This helps flavors start working right away.
Let It Sit:
Cover your bowl and stick it in the fridge for at least an hour so veggies can soak up the dressing and release their juices. For amazing flavor let it sit overnight you won't believe the difference.
Final Touches:
Before you serve it stir everything again to spread the juices around. Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley on top if you want that green pop. Serve it cold as a side dish or eat it as a light lunch with some crusty bread.
A bowl of marinated cucumber, tomato and onion salad. Pin it
A bowl of marinated cucumber, tomato and onion salad. | chefmelt.com

I always try to grab those colorful heirloom tomatoes when they're around because they make this dish look amazing. My kiddo once wanted to help cut the parsley and now we always finish it together before bringing it to dinner.

Keeping It Fresh

Keep this covered in your fridge for up to three days. It actually gets better with time so don't worry if it sits around. Day two often brings the best flavor. If you're making it for a party just give it a good stir and drain off extra liquid if you want before putting it out.

Ingredient Swaps

You can use sweet yellow onions or thin shallot slices instead of red onion if you want something milder. Rice vinegar works for a gentler tang or add sliced bell peppers for more crunch and color. When you're out of fresh parsley dried will work in a pinch for that finishing touch.

Pairing Ideas

This tastes great next to grilled fish or chicken and works well with baked potatoes or stuffed in pita bread for lunch. Try spooning it over hummus or soft feta cheese for a tasty snack or serve it alongside fried foods to cut through the heaviness.

A bowl of marinated cucumber, tomato and onion salad. Pin it
A bowl of marinated cucumber, tomato and onion salad. | chefmelt.com

Background Story

This mix of marinated veggies shows up everywhere from American backyard parties to sunny Mediterranean meals and Balkan summer tables. The formula stays consistent fresh seasonal stuff with a tangy dressing that brings out natural crunch. It's the type of food that travels through generations with each family tweaking it just a bit to make it their own.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ How long should the veggies soak in the marinade?

Give it at least an hour to pick up the flavors. For an even tastier dish, let it chill overnight.

→ Can I switch to a different vinegar?

Absolutely! Apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar will each bring a unique twist to the marinade.

→ Is sugar needed for the marinade?

It’s your call. Sugar adds a touch of balance to the vinegar’s sharpness, but you can leave it out or tweak it to your liking.

→ What’s the best way to store leftovers?

Pop any leftovers in a lidded container and stash them in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh for around three days.

→ What foods go well with this salad?

This pairs perfectly with grilled dishes, fish, sandwiches, or as part of a picnic spread.

Marinated Cucumber Tomato Onion

Fresh veggies like cucumbers, tomatoes, and onion steep in a sharp, herby marinade, making this an easy summer crowd favorite.

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
~
Total Time
15 Minutes

Category: Salads

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: Mediterranean

Yield: 4 Servings (1 big bowl of salad)

Dietary: Vegan, Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free

Ingredients

→ Salad Base

01 3 medium-sized tomatoes, sliced into wedges or thick rounds
02 2 large cucumbers, cut into thin slices
03 1 red onion, sliced thinly

→ Marinade

04 12 g sugar (optional)
05 60 ml vinegar (white or apple cider)
06 45 ml olive oil
07 2.5 g black pepper, ground
08 2 g oregano (or Italian spice mix)
09 5 g salt

→ Garnish

10 15 g parsley, fresh and chopped (if you want)

Instructions

Step 01

Blend vinegar, olive oil, oregano, sugar (if you like), salt, and pepper in a small bowl until smooth.

Step 02

Put the sliced cucumbers, tomatoes, and onion into a big bowl.

Step 03

Drizzle the dressing over the veggies in your big bowl. Toss everything well, making sure each piece gets coated.

Step 04

Cover and chill the salad in your fridge for at least an hour. Let it sit overnight for even more flavor.

Step 05

Toss the salad quickly before serving. Sprinkle some fresh parsley on top if you'd like.

Notes

  1. Let the salad soak overnight for the best flavor. Taste and tweak the seasoning before dishing it up.

Tools You'll Need

  • Big bowl
  • Small bowl
  • Whisk or fork
  • Sharp knife for chopping
  • Cutting board
  • Fridge

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 110
  • Total Fat: 7.8 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 9.6 g
  • Protein: 1.5 g