This simple salad features crunchy cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, and zesty onions. The best part? It’s super easy to whip up in no time!
You can serve it as a side dish or enjoy it on its own. I love how refreshing it is on a hot day. Plus, no cooking means more time to relax! 🥗
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cucumbers: I love using English cucumbers for their crispness and minimal seeds. If they aren’t available, regular cucumbers work too. For a fun twist, try using pickling cucumbers for a crunchier texture!
Tomatoes: Ripe, juicy tomatoes shine in this salad. If you’re looking for alternatives, cherry tomatoes would add a nice sweetness. Just cut them in halves or quarters.
Red Onion: Red onion provides a lovely crunch and mild flavor. You can swap it with green onions for a milder taste or even sweet onions if you prefer something less pungent.
Vinegar: While I use white vinegar, apple cider vinegar gives a distinct flavor. You could even try balsamic vinegar for a deeper, sweeter twist!
How Do I Ensure My Salad Tastes Great After Marinating?
Marinating is key to this salad’s flavor! The longer you let it sit, the more the veggies absorb the marinade. Here’s how to do it right:
- Mix your marinade until the sugar dissolves completely; this helps flavor disperse evenly.
- Make sure the veggies are well-coated before refrigerating.
- If possible, toss the salad once or twice while it’s marinating to redistribute flavors.
- For optimum taste, aim to marinate for at least 1-2 hours, or even overnight if you have the time!
Enjoy your fresh salad! It’s a delightful dish that pairs well with almost any meal.
Easy Marinated Cucumber Tomato Onion Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Fresh Vegetables:
- 2 medium cucumbers, thinly sliced
- 3 medium tomatoes, cut into wedges or chunks
- 1 medium red onion, thinly sliced
Marinade:
- 1/4 cup white vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano (optional)
Garnish:
- Fresh parsley or dill for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This refreshing salad takes just about 10 minutes to prep, and then you’ll want to let it marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes, or preferably 1-2 hours. So overall, plan for a quick prep followed by a little patience for the flavors to meld beautifully!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Combine the Vegetables:
In a large mixing bowl, toss together the sliced cucumbers, cut tomatoes, and thinly sliced red onion. Ensure they are well mixed; it’s fun to see the colors come together!
2. Prepare the Marinade:
In a smaller bowl, whisk together the white vinegar, olive oil, sugar, salt, black pepper, and dried oregano (if you’re using it). Mix until the sugar is completely dissolved—this helps infuse the salad with flavor!
3. Toss and Coat:
Pour the marinade over the chopped vegetables. Gently toss everything together to make sure all the veggies are coated evenly with the delicious dressing.
4. Chill:
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and place it in the refrigerator. Let the salad sit for at least 30 minutes, but letting it marinate for an hour or two will give you the best flavor!
5. Final Touches:
Once you’re ready to serve, give the salad another toss. If you’d like, sprinkle some fresh parsley or dill on top for an extra pop of flavor and color!
6. Serve and Enjoy!
Serve chilled as a refreshing side dish with your favorite meals, or enjoy it on its own. Dig in and savor the vibrant flavors!
FAQ for Easy Marinated Cucumber Tomato Onion Salad
Can I Use Different Vegetables?
Absolutely! Feel free to add bell peppers, radishes, or even avocados for a twist. Just keep in mind that different vegetables may alter the flavor and texture of the salad.
How Long Does This Salad Last in the Fridge?
This salad is best enjoyed within 2-3 days. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep it fresh. If you notice any excess liquid after a couple of days, just drain some off before serving!
Can I Make This Salad Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare this salad a day in advance. Just keep it refrigerated, and the flavors will continue to develop. Stir it before serving to redistribute the marinade.
How Can I Adjust the Flavor?
If you prefer a tangier salad, add a bit more vinegar. For sweetness, you can increase the sugar slightly. Taste the marinade before pouring it over the vegetables to adjust to your liking!
