This Marinated Cucumbers, Onions, and Tomatoes recipe is a refreshing and flavorful side dish, perfect for summer gatherings or everyday meals. The combination of crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, and zesty onions marinated in a tangy vinaigrette creates a vibrant salad that everyone will love. It’s not only easy to prepare but also versatile enough to complement any main dish.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick Preparation: This dish comes together in just 30 minutes, making it ideal for last-minute meal planning.
Fresh Flavor: The combination of fresh vegetables and a zesty marinade offers a burst of flavor in every bite.
Versatile Side Dish: Pair it with grilled meats, sandwiches, or serve it as part of a buffet spread for gatherings.
Healthy Ingredients: Packed with nutritious vegetables, this salad is both low-calorie and full of vitamins.
Make-Ahead Option: Marinate the salad ahead of time for even better flavor; it’s perfect for meal prep!

Tools and Preparation

Before you dive into making Marinated Cucumbers, Onions, and Tomatoes, gather your tools. Having everything ready ensures a smooth cooking experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Mixing bowl
Whisk
Cutting board
Sharp knife
Measuring cups

Importance of Each Tool

Mixing bowl: A large bowl allows you to combine all ingredients easily without spilling.
Whisk: Perfect for blending the marinade ingredients smoothly.
Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for slicing vegetables efficiently.

Ingredients

For the Salad

2 cucumbers, thinly sliced
1 pint cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
1 small red or white onion, thinly sliced

For the Marinade

1/4 cup apple cider vinegar or red wine vinegar
2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
1 clove garlic, minced
1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley or dill
Salt and pepper to taste
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

How to Make Marinated Cucumbers, Onions, and Tomatoes

Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables

Wash all the vegetables thoroughly. Then:
1. Slice the cucumbers into thin rounds.
2. Halve the cherry or grape tomatoes.
3. Thinly slice the onion.

Step 2: Make the Marinade

In a mixing bowl:
1. Whisk together the apple cider vinegar (or red wine vinegar), extra virgin olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and pepper.
2. If desired, add red pepper flakes for extra heat.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients

In a large bowl:
1. Add the sliced cucumbers, halved tomatoes, and onions.
2. Pour the marinade over the vegetables.
3. Toss gently to coat everything evenly.

Step 4: Refrigerate

Cover the bowl:
1. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let flavors meld—overnight is best for deeper flavor.

Step 5: Serve

Before serving:
1. Toss again to redistribute the marinade.
2. Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or dill if desired.

Enjoy your delicious Marinated Cucumbers, Onions, and Tomatoes as a perfect side dish!

How to Serve Marinated Cucumbers, Onions, and Tomatoes

Marinated Cucumbers, Onions, and Tomatoes is a versatile dish that can elevate any meal. Here are some delightful serving suggestions to enjoy this refreshing salad.

As a Standalone Salad

This dish shines on its own as a light salad. Serve it chilled for a refreshing appetizer.

With Grilled Meats

Pair your marinated vegetables with grilled chicken, steak, or fish. The tangy flavors complement the smoky taste of grilled dishes perfectly.

In a Wrap or Sandwich

Use the salad as a filling in wraps or sandwiches. It adds crunch and flavor to any lunch option.

As a Topping for Tacos

Spoon the marinated mixture over tacos for added freshness. It brightens up the flavors of meats and beans.

With Quinoa or Rice Bowls

Add this salad to grain bowls for extra texture and flavor. It pairs well with quinoa or brown rice for a nutritious meal.

As Part of a Picnic Spread

Include this dish in your picnic basket. Its vibrant colors and flavors make it an appealing side for outdoor dining.

How to Perfect Marinated Cucumbers, Onions, and Tomatoes

Perfecting this dish enhances its taste and presentation. Here are some tips to elevate your marinated salad.

Choose Fresh Ingredients: Always use ripe tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, and fresh herbs. Quality produce makes all the difference.
Adjust Marinade to Taste: Feel free to tweak the vinegar or oil ratios according to your preference for acidity and richness.
Let It Marinate Longer: For better flavor absorption, let the salad sit in the fridge overnight if possible. This allows the ingredients to meld together beautifully.
Experiment with Herbs: Try different herbs like basil or cilantro for a unique twist on flavor. Each herb brings its own character to the dish.
Add Crunch: Incorporate bell peppers or radishes for added crunchiness. This variation adds texture and makes the salad more interesting.

Best Side Dishes for Marinated Cucumbers, Onions, and Tomatoes

This marinated salad pairs wonderfully with various side dishes. Here are some great options to consider:

Grilled Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn complements the tangy flavors of the salad perfectly.
Potato Salad: A classic side that balances freshness with creamy textures.
Coleslaw: The crunchiness of coleslaw offers a satisfying contrast to the soft tomatoes and cucumbers.
Baked Beans: Sweet baked beans provide an excellent flavor combination alongside this dish.
Caprese Skewers: Fresh mozzarella and basil skewers add an elegant touch while echoing similar flavors.
Garlic Bread: Perfectly toasted garlic bread serves as a delicious accompaniment to scoop up the salad’s flavors.
Roasted Vegetables: A mix of roasted veggies provides warmth and depth next to the chilled cucumber salad.
Pasta Salad: A light pasta salad can round out your meal with additional carbs while keeping it fresh!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Marinated Cucumbers, Onions, and Tomatoes, it’s easy to overlook a few key details. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:

Ignoring the marinade time: Not allowing the vegetables to marinate long enough can lead to a bland dish. Aim for at least 30 minutes but ideally let it sit for several hours or overnight for maximum flavor.
Using the wrong vinegar: Choosing a strong vinegar can overpower the salad. Stick with apple cider vinegar or red wine vinegar for a balanced taste.
Cutting vegetables unevenly: If your cucumbers, onions, and tomatoes are not sliced uniformly, they will not marinate evenly. Use a sharp knife and take your time to ensure consistent sizes.
Over-seasoning: Adding too much salt or pepper can mask the fresh flavors of the vegetables. Start with small amounts and adjust according to taste.
Skip the garlic: Omitting garlic from the marinade can result in a lack of depth in flavor. Incorporate minced garlic for that extra zing.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store leftover Marinated Cucumbers, Onions, and Tomatoes in an airtight container.
They will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To maintain freshness, consume within this timeframe.

Freezing Marinated Cucumbers, Onions, and Tomatoes

Freezing is not recommended: The texture of cucumbers and tomatoes changes when frozen.
If you do freeze them, use freezer-safe containers and consume within 1 month for best quality.

Reheating Marinated Cucumbers, Onions, and Tomatoes

Oven: This dish is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature; reheating may cause sogginess.
Microwave: If you must reheat, use low power in short bursts but note that this may alter the texture.
Stovetop: Similar to microwave instructions; heat gently without cooking further.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I customize my Marinated Cucumbers, Onions, and Tomatoes?

Yes! Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or radishes for extra crunch and color.

How long should I marinate my vegetables?

For best results with Marinated Cucumbers, Onions, and Tomatoes, marinate for at least 30 minutes to enhance flavor absorption.

What herbs can I use in this recipe?

You can substitute parsley with dill or cilantro based on your preference for a different flavor profile.

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Absolutely! In fact, making it ahead allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Just store it in the fridge until you’re ready to serve.

Final Thoughts

Marinated Cucumbers, Onions, and Tomatoes are not only refreshing but also versatile. This recipe makes a great side dish for summer barbecues or family dinners. Feel free to customize it by adding your favorite herbs or additional veggies. Try it today for a burst of summer flavor!

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Marinated Cucumbers, Onions, and Tomatoes

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Author: Amanda
Total Time: 15 minutes
Yield: Serves approximately 4 people 1x

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Description

Marinated Cucumbers, Onions, and Tomatoes is a delightful summer side dish that combines the crispness of fresh cucumbers, the juiciness of ripe tomatoes, and the zesty punch of onions. This vibrant salad is marinated in a tangy vinaigrette, making it not only refreshing but also incredibly flavorful. It’s perfect for summer barbecues, picnics, or as a light accompaniment to any meal.

Ingredients

Scale

2 cucumbers, thinly sliced
1 pint cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
1 small red or white onion, thinly sliced
1/4 cup apple cider vinegar or red wine vinegar
2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
1 clove garlic, minced
Fresh herbs (parsley or dill), chopped
Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

Prepare vegetables: Wash and slice cucumbers, halve tomatoes, and thinly slice onion.
Make marinade: In a mixing bowl, whisk together vinegar, olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and pepper.
Combine: In a large bowl, add the sliced vegetables and pour the marinade over them. Toss gently to coat.
Refrigerate: Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (overnight for best flavor).
Serve: Toss again before serving and garnish with fresh herbs if desired.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Category: Side Dish
Method: No cooking required
Cuisine: American