This refreshing salad mixes crunchy cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, and zesty onions, all marinated in a simple dressing. It’s a colorful side that brightens up any meal!
I love how quick it is to prepare—just chop, mix, and let it sit! Perfect for those hot days when you want something light and tasty. Plus, it’s a real crowd-pleaser! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cucumbers: I suggest using English cucumbers for their mild taste and crunchy texture. However, you can swap them for regular cucumbers if that’s what you have. Just peel them if the skin is thick.
Tomatoes: Ripe, juicy tomatoes are essential for flavor. Cherry or grape tomatoes work well too. If they’re out of season, you can use canned diced tomatoes; just drain them first.
Red Onion: The red onion adds a nice bite. If you find red onions too strong, a sweet onion or even green onions can be good alternatives.
White Vinegar: White vinegar gives a sharp tang. You can use apple cider vinegar for a milder flavor. Lemon juice is also a great substitute if you want a fresh twist.
How Can I Make Sure My Salad Has the Best Flavor?
The key here is in marinating! Letting the salad sit in the fridge allows the flavors to soak into the vegetables. This is crucial for transforming simple ingredients into a tasty dish.
- Mix the marinade thoroughly before pouring it over the veggies. This ensures each piece gets coated.
- Cover the salad well while it marinates. This prevents odors from other foods in the fridge from affecting it.
- If you can, stir the salad again about halfway through the marinating time. This helps enhance the flavor even more!
Easy Marinated Cucumber Tomato Onion Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salad:
- 2 medium cucumbers, thinly sliced
- 3 medium tomatoes, chopped
- 1 medium red onion, thinly sliced
For the 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)
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley or dill, chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
This salad can be prepped in about 15 minutes. Just chop your veggies and whip up the marinade. After that, let it sit in the fridge for at least 1 hour to soak up all those delicious flavors! It’s quick, refreshing, and the longer it marinates, the tastier it gets!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Combine Your Veggies:
Start by slicing the cucumbers and red onion, and chopping the tomatoes. In a large bowl, mix all these fresh veggies together. This salad is all about the freshness, so cut them thin for easy eating!
2. Whisk Together the Marinade:
In a small bowl or jar, add the white vinegar (or apple cider vinegar), olive oil, sugar, salt, black pepper, and the dried oregano if you’re using it. Whisk everything together until the sugar and salt are completely dissolved. This simple dressing brings everything together beautifully!
3. Mix the Marinade with the Veggies:
Pour that yummy marinade over your chopped veggies in the bowl. Gently toss everything together to ensure all the vegetables are well-coated with the dressing. It’s like giving them a nice spa treatment!
4. Let It Chill:
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and pop it in the refrigerator. Let it chill for at least 1 hour. This time allows the flavors to meld and intensify, making every bite delicious!
5. Serve and Enjoy:
Once your salad is nicely chilled, give it a good stir again. Before serving, sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley or dill on top for a burst of color and flavor. Serve cold and enjoy this refreshing salad as a perfect side dish!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Different Types of Vinegar?
Yes! While white vinegar gives a nice tang, feel free to use apple cider vinegar for a sweeter taste or even lemon juice for a fresh citrus twist. Just keep in mind it may alter the flavor slightly!
How Can I Make This Salad Vegan?
This salad is already vegan-friendly! The ingredients used—cucumbers, tomatoes, onions, and spices—are all plant-based. Enjoy it guilt-free!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Salad?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Just note that the vegetables may become softer as they continue to marinate, but the flavors will still be delicious!
Can I Add Other Vegetables or Ingredients?
Absolutely! Feel free to mix in bell peppers, radishes, or even avocado for a creamier texture. Just adjust the seasoning as needed to balance the new flavors!
