Fresh, tangy, and bursting with color—this Marinated Cucumbers, Onions, and Tomatoes recipe is the ultimate summer side dish. Crisp cucumbers, sweet tomatoes, and zesty onions soak up a bright, garlicky vinaigrette that’s perfect for backyard barbecues, weeknight dinners, or make-ahead meal prep.
It’s a no-cook recipe that tastes better the longer it sits, making it a stress-free crowd-pleaser with garden-fresh appeal.
Why You’ll Love This Marinated Salad
Light & Refreshing: A cool contrast to grilled meats or heavy dishes.
Easy to Prepare: Just slice, mix, and marinate.
Customizable: Switch up the herbs, vinegar, or veggies.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Even better after a few hours in the fridge.
Healthy & Flavorful: Low in calories, big on taste.
Time Needed
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Marination Time: 30 minutes to overnight
Total Time: 40+ minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients
- 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
- 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
1️⃣ Prep the Veggies
Wash and slice cucumbers and onion. Halve the cherry or grape tomatoes.
2️⃣ Mix the Marinade
In a separate bowl, whisk together vinegar, olive oil, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).
3️⃣ Combine & Toss
Add the vegetables to a large mixing bowl. Pour the vinaigrette over the top and toss gently to coat.
4️⃣ Marinate
Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight for deeper flavor.
5️⃣ Serve & Enjoy
Toss again before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley or dill.
Storage Tips
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Flavor Tip: Stir occasionally during marination for even flavor distribution.
Nutrition Info (Per Serving)
Calories: 100
Carbohydrates: 6g
Fat: 7g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 3g
Protein: 1g
Sodium: 120mg
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use English cucumbers or pickling cucumbers?
Yes, both work great! English cucumbers are less seedy and have thinner skins.
2. What herbs pair well with this salad?
Fresh dill, parsley, basil, or even mint can be delicious additions.
3. Can I add other vegetables?
Absolutely—try sliced bell peppers, radishes, or avocado for extra texture.
4. How far ahead can I make this?
Up to 24 hours in advance is ideal. The flavors deepen and blend beautifully.
5. Can I make this oil-free?
Yes. Skip the oil or replace it with a splash of water for a lighter version.
Final Thoughts
Marinated Cucumbers, Onions, and Tomatoes is a refreshing side that never goes out of style. With simple ingredients and a quick prep time, it’s a go-to for summer meals and beyond. Bright, crisp, and customizable, this dish brings a burst of flavor to any table—no cooking required!
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Marinated Cucumbers, Onions, and Tomatoes
- Total Time: 40+ minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Fresh, tangy, and colorful—this Marinated Cucumbers, Onions, and Tomatoes recipe is a no-cook, make-ahead side dish bursting with summer flavor.
Ingredients
- 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
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley or dill
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Wash and slice cucumbers and onion. Halve the cherry or grape tomatoes.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together vinegar, olive oil, garlic, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.
- Add vegetables to a large bowl. Pour vinaigrette over and toss gently.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to overnight.
- Toss again before serving and garnish with fresh parsley or dill.
Notes
Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Stir during marination for even flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 100
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 7g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1g
Keywords: marinated cucumbers onions tomatoes, summer salad, vinaigrette, easy side dish