When summer hits and your garden (or local market) is bursting with fresh vegetables, there’s no better way to enjoy them than with this Marinated Cucumbers, Onions, and Tomatoes salad. It’s crisp, tangy, and refreshing—the kind of side dish that pairs perfectly with everything from grilled meats to sandwiches or even a light lunch on its own.

This classic Southern-inspired salad is marinated in a simple vinegar-based dressing that enhances the natural flavors of the vegetables without overpowering them. It’s incredibly easy to throw together, and it tastes even better the next day after the flavors have had time to blend.

INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED

• 3 medium cucumbers, peeled and sliced
• 3 medium tomatoes, cut into wedges
• 1 medium red onion, thinly sliced
• ½ cup white vinegar
• ¼ cup water
• 2 tbsp granulated sugar
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp fresh chopped parsley or dill (optional for garnish)

This recipe makes enough for 4 to 6 servings and is easy to double for cookouts or family gatherings.

STEP 1: PREP YOUR VEGETABLES

Start by peeling and slicing your cucumbers into thin rounds. If you prefer them with the peel on, you can certainly leave it—just give them a good scrub first.

Next, slice your red onion thinly. Red onion works best here because it adds a slight sweetness and color, but a sweet white onion will do in a pinch.

Finally, cut your tomatoes into wedges. If you’re using particularly juicy tomatoes, you can scoop out some of the seeds to avoid too much liquid in the final salad. Roma or vine-ripened tomatoes hold up well in the marinade without getting too soft.

STEP 2: COMBINE THE VEGGIES

Place all the sliced vegetables—cucumbers, onions, and tomatoes—into a large bowl. A glass or ceramic bowl is ideal, as it won’t react with the vinegar.

Give everything a quick, gentle toss to start blending the textures. The colors alone will have you excited to dig in.

MIXING THE MARINADE AND BRINGING IT ALL TOGETHER

Now that your fresh cucumbers, tomatoes, and onions are prepped and tossed in a bowl, it’s time to whip up the simple vinegar-based marinade that ties everything together. This is where the magic happens—the tangy, slightly sweet dressing soaks into the veggies, mellowing the onion, brightening the cucumber, and balancing the acidity of the tomatoes.

The best part? This marinade takes less than a minute to mix and doesn’t require any fancy ingredients.

STEP 3: WHISK TOGETHER THE MARINADE

In a small bowl, combine the following:

• ½ cup white vinegar
• ¼ cup water
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper

Whisk everything together until the sugar is mostly dissolved. You can taste the mixture and adjust to your liking—add a touch more sugar if you want it sweeter, or a pinch more salt if you prefer a bolder flavor.

This classic combination of vinegar, sugar, and seasonings creates a perfectly balanced marinade that enhances the freshness of the vegetables without overwhelming them.

STEP 4: POUR THE MARINADE OVER THE VEGETABLES

Slowly pour the marinade over the bowl of cucumbers, onions, and tomatoes. Use a large spoon to gently toss everything, making sure the veggies are evenly coated with the liquid.

At first, the dressing might seem like it won’t be enough, but as the vegetables sit, they’ll release some of their own natural juices and blend with the marinade to create a flavorful, slightly tangy brine.

STEP 5: CHILL FOR BEST FLAVOR

Cover the bowl tightly and place it in the refrigerator for at least 1 to 2 hours. This step is key—it gives the vegetables time to soften slightly and absorb all the tangy-sweet flavor of the marinade.

For best results, let it sit overnight. The onions will mellow, the cucumbers will stay crisp, and everything will take on that delicious marinated taste you expect from a true summer salad.

STEP 6: GARNISH AND SERVE

When you’re ready to serve, give the salad one more gentle toss. If desired, top it with a tablespoon of chopped fresh parsley or dill for a pop of color and an extra hint of freshness.

This dish is best served chilled, making it a great make-ahead option for hot summer days.

MARINATED CUCUMBERS, ONIONS, AND TOMATOES: FAQ AND FINAL THOUGHTS

There’s a reason this simple marinated salad has been passed around at picnics, potlucks, and Sunday dinners for generations. It’s fast, budget-friendly, and full of fresh flavor that only gets better with time. Whether you’re serving it with grilled meat, fried chicken, or just on its own, it’s a light and refreshing way to enjoy peak summer produce.

Before you dig in, here are some frequently asked questions and tips to help make your salad the best it can be.

1. How long does this salad last in the fridge?
Stored in an airtight container, this salad will keep well for 3 to 4 days in the refrigerator. The flavors deepen over time, but after a few days, the cucumbers may start to lose their crispness.

2. Can I make it the night before?
Yes, and in fact, it’s even better that way. Letting it chill overnight gives the veggies time to absorb all the flavor from the marinade. Just give it a quick stir before serving.

3. What kind of vinegar works best?
White vinegar is traditional and gives the salad its sharp, clean tang. You can also use apple cider vinegar for a slightly sweeter and fruitier flavor.

4. Can I add other vegetables?
Absolutely! Bell peppers, radishes, or even sliced celery make great additions. Just keep the ratio of marinade to vegetables in mind—if you add a lot more produce, you might need to double the dressing.

5. Is this salad keto or low-carb friendly?
To make it low-carb, you can swap the sugar for a low-carb sweetener like stevia or monk fruit. Otherwise, the base ingredients—cucumbers, onions, and tomatoes—are already keto-friendly in moderation.

6. What can I serve this salad with?
It goes wonderfully with anything off the grill—chicken, steak, or fish. It’s also a refreshing counterpoint to heavier dishes like mac and cheese, barbecue, or fried foods.

CONCLUSION: A SIMPLE SALAD THAT NEVER GOES OUT OF STYLE

There’s something so satisfying about a dish that’s made with humble ingredients and still steals the show. This Marinated Cucumbers, Onions, and Tomatoes salad is just that. It’s bright, zesty, and full of texture, offering a crisp bite of summer with every forkful.

It’s a recipe you’ll reach for all season long, whether you’re making dinner for two or feeding a backyard crowd. Best of all? It takes less than 10 minutes to pull together.

Give it a try, make it your own with fresh herbs or extra veggies, and don’t be surprised when people go back for seconds.

Here’s to simple, delicious food that brings everyone to the table!

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