Marinated Cucumbers, Onions and Tomatoes

This Marinated Cucumbers, Onions, and Tomatoes dish is a vibrant, tangy, and refreshing side that’s perfect for summer barbecues, picnics, or as a light accompaniment to any meal. With its crisp cucumbers, sweet tomatoes, sharp onions, and zesty marinade, this salad is bursting with flavor and texture. It’s quick to make, requires no cooking, and gets better the longer it sits, making it an ideal make-ahead dish. Let’s dive into this simple yet sensational recipe!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

No Cooking Required: Just chop, mix, and marinate—perfect for hot days.
Light & Refreshing: A great way to balance heavier meals like grilled meats or pasta dishes.
Make-Ahead Friendly: The flavors deepen over time, so it’s even better the next day.
Customizable: Adjust the ingredients and seasonings to suit your taste.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Salad:

2 medium cucumbers, thinly sliced (English or Persian cucumbers work well)
1 large tomato, diced (or a mix of cherry tomatoes, halved)
1 small red onion, thinly sliced
Optional: Fresh herbs like dill, parsley, or cilantro for added freshness

For the Marinade:

1/4 cup apple cider vinegar (or white wine vinegar)
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp sugar (or honey for a natural alternative)
1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
1/2 tsp black pepper
Optional: 1 tsp dried dill, garlic powder, or red pepper flakes for extra flavor

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prep the Veggies

Wash and slice the cucumbers, dice the tomatoes, and thinly slice the red onion. If the onion is too strong for your taste, soak the slices in cold water for 10–15 minutes to mellow their sharpness, then drain and pat dry.
Optional: Chop fresh herbs like dill or parsley for added brightness.

2. Make the Marinade

In a small bowl, whisk together the apple cider vinegar, olive oil, sugar, salt, black pepper, and any optional seasonings (like dill or garlic powder) until the sugar dissolves.
Taste the marinade and adjust the sweetness, acidity, or saltiness to your preference