Marinated Cucumbers, Onions, and Tomatoes Recipe
Summer is the perfect time to try fresh salad recipes. Our Marinated Cucumbers, Onions, and Tomatoes salad is a cool and refreshing choice. It combines crisp veggies with zesty flavors, making your meals special.
This amazing Marinated Cucumbers, Onions, and Tomatoes salad is all about simple, tasty home cooking. It uses fresh ingredients to add a burst of flavor to any meal. It makes even the simplest dishes extraordinary.
Great for barbecues, potlucks, or a quick side dish, this salad is a hit. Its vibrant colors and textures will wow everyone. The tangy marinade and crisp veggies make it a summer favorite.
Our Marinated Cucumbers, Onions, and Tomatoes recipe is easy to make but packed with flavor. It’s a dish that everyone will love, and it’s good for you too.
Introduction to Marinated Cucumbers, Onions, and Tomatoes
Summer dishes that bring fresh, vibrant flavors are always a hit. This marinated vegetable salad is a true gem among seasonal recipes. It turns simple ingredients into a refreshing classic that delights the palate.
What Makes This Dish Special?
The magic of this vegetable marinade is in its simplicity and burst of flavors. It combines three key ingredients for a perfect harmony:
- Crisp cucumbers that provide a cool crunch
- Sweet onions with a delicate bite
- Juicy tomatoes bursting with summer freshness
This mix turns an ordinary side dish into an extraordinary culinary experience. It brightens up any plate.
The Perfect Side Dish for Any Meal
This salad is perfect for picnic food and summer gatherings. It fits any dining scenario. Whether it’s a backyard barbecue or a quick weeknight dinner, these marinated vegetables add color, nutrition, and intense flavor. The versatility of this dish makes it a favorite for home cooks looking for quick and delicious summer solutions.
Ingredients You’ll Need for the Marinade
Starting with fresh ingredients is key to making tasty Healthy Sides. This guide will show you how to pick the best produce for your marinated vegetable salad. It makes Easy Meal Prep easy.
Fresh Cucumbers: Selecting the Perfect Crunch
Choosing the right cucumber is crucial for your salad. Here are some top picks:
- English cucumbers: Seedless and crisp
- Persian cucumbers: Small and sweet
- Garden cucumbers: Budget-friendly option
Pro tip: Go for cucumbers that are firm and have bright green skin for the best freshness.
Sweet Onions: Flavor Foundations
Onions add a rich flavor to your Healthy Sides. Here are some options:
- Yellow onions: Mild and versatile
- Red onions: Sharp and colorful
For a milder taste, soak red onions in cold water before adding them to your salad.
Juicy Tomatoes: Color and Taste
Choosing the right tomatoes can make your Easy Meal Prep stand out:
- Cherry tomatoes: Sweet and bite-sized
- Roma tomatoes: Meaty and flavorful
- Beefsteak tomatoes: Large and juicy
Recipe card
A refreshing and tangy summer salad featuring crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, and zesty onions marinated in a flavorful vinegar dressing. Perfect as a side dish for any meal!
Equipment
- Large Mixing Bowl – For combining the vegetables and marinade.
- Knife & Cutting Board – For slicing vegetables.
- Measuring Cups & Spoons – For accurate ingredient portions.
- Whisk – To mix the dressing.
- Plastic Wrap or Lid – For marinating in the fridge.
Ingredients
- 2 large cucumbers, sliced thin
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved (or 2 large tomatoes, chopped)
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley or basil, chopped (optional)
For the Marinade:
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar (or white vinegar)
- 1/4 cup water
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon sugar (or honey)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano (optional)
Instructions
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Prepare the Vegetables:
- Slice the cucumbers and red onion thinly.
- Halve the cherry tomatoes or chop large tomatoes into bite-sized pieces.
- Place all the vegetables in a large mixing bowl.
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Make the Marinade:
- In a small bowl, whisk together vinegar, water, olive oil, sugar, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and oregano until well combined.
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Marinate the Salad:
- Pour the marinade over the vegetables and toss well to coat.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 4 hours for deeper flavor).
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Serve & Enjoy:
- Before serving, give the salad a good stir and garnish with fresh parsley or basil if desired.
- Serve chilled as a side dish with grilled meats, seafood, or sandwiches.
Essential Marinade Seasonings
These seasonings will take your dish to the next level:
- Apple cider vinegar
- Fresh dill
- Black pepper
- Sea salt
These ingredients will give you a vibrant, refreshing salad that’s both healthy and tasty.
Easy Steps to Make Marinated Cucumbers, Onions, and Tomatoes
Making your own refrigerator pickles salad is easy. It needs little prep and packs a big flavor punch. With basic tools and fresh veggies, you can make a side dish that wows everyone.
Preparing the Vegetables
First, wash the cucumbers, onions, and tomatoes well. Use a sharp knife to cut them into even slices. Thin slices soak up the marinade better.
For cucumbers, cut rounds about 1/4 inch thick. Red or yellow onions look great sliced into half-moon shapes.
Mixing the Marinade
In a big bowl, mix vinegar, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Add fresh herbs like dill or basil for extra flavor. Let the ingredients mix well, so don’t hurry.
Taste and adjust the seasonings until it’s just right.
Marinating Time: How Long is Best?
Let the veggie mix marinate for at least 30 minutes before serving. For even more flavor, chill it for 2-4 hours. Stir it a few times to spread the flavor evenly.
Serving Suggestions and Storage Tips
Serve it cold as a side dish or a light meal. Keep it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. The flavors get better with time.
Enjoy it cold or at room temperature for the best taste.