Marinated Cucumbers, Onions, and Tomatoes is a fresh and vibrant dish that’s perfect for summer gatherings, barbecues, or as a healthy side to any meal. The vegetables are marinated in a tangy and savory vinaigrette that enhances their natural flavors, making each bite crisp, refreshing, and full of zest. This dish is easy to make, requires minimal ingredients, and can be prepared in advance, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Refreshing and light: The crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, and tangy onions create a balanced, refreshing salad that pairs well with almost any main course.

• Quick and easy: This recipe takes just minutes to prepare and can be made ahead of time, making it perfect for busy days or entertaining guests.

• Healthy and vibrant: Packed with fresh vegetables, this dish is low in calories and full of vitamins, making it a nutritious addition to your meal.

• Perfect for summer: The combination of flavors is light and refreshing, ideal for warm weather or a picnic.

• Customizable: Adjust the seasoning, vinegar, or herbs to match your preferences or try adding extra veggies for a more hearty dish.

Ingredients

• 1 large cucumber, sliced thinly

• 1 medium red onion, thinly sliced

• 2 medium tomatoes, cut into wedges or chunks

• ¼ cup white wine vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, for a slight sweetness)

• 1 teaspoon dried oregano (or fresh, if available)

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• Fresh parsley or dill for garnish (optional)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Prepare the vegetables: Slice the cucumber into thin rounds, cut the onion into thin rings or half-rings, and chop the tomatoes into wedges or bite-sized chunks.

2. Make the marinade: In a bowl, whisk together the white wine vinegar, olive oil, sugar (if using), oregano, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed—if you like it more tangy, add extra vinegar; for a sweeter version, add a little more sugar.

3. Marinate the vegetables: In a large bowl or airtight container, combine the cucumber, onion, and tomato. Pour the marinade over the vegetables and toss gently to coat everything evenly.

4. Chill: Cover the bowl or container and refrigerate the marinated vegetables for at least 30 minutes, but ideally 1-2 hours. The longer they marinate, the more flavorful they will become.

5. Serve: Before serving, give the salad a quick stir to redistribute the marinade. Garnish with fresh parsley or dill for added flavor and a pop of color, if desired.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: This recipe makes about 4 servings.

• Preparation time: 10 minutes

• Chill time: 30 minutes to 2 hours (for best flavor)

• Total time: 40 minutes to 2 hours

Variations

• Add more veggies: You can add bell peppers, zucchini, or even olives for extra flavor and texture.

• Spicy version: For a kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a few thin slices of jalapeño to the marinade.

• Herb variations: Fresh dill, basil, or thyme can be used in place of or in addition to oregano for a different herbal twist.

• Sweet version: Swap the sugar for honey or maple syrup for a slightly different sweetness, or use balsamic vinegar for a sweeter, more robust marinade.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store the marinated cucumbers, onions, and tomatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

• Reheating: This dish is meant to be served cold, so it doesn’t require reheating. However, you can bring it to room temperature if desired before serving.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of vinegar?

Yes, you can substitute white wine vinegar with apple cider vinegar, rice vinegar, or even balsamic vinegar for a different flavor profile.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Yes, this dish can be made in advance. In fact, the longer it sits in the marinade, the more flavorful the vegetables will become.

Can I make this without sugar?

Yes, the sugar is optional. If you prefer a more tangy and savory version, you can leave it out entirely or replace it with a small amount of honey or agave syrup if you prefer a natural sweetener.

Can I add cheese to this salad?

Yes, crumbled feta cheese or mozzarella would be a great addition to this salad, giving it a creamy texture and extra flavor.

Can I use other vegetables?

Absolutely! You can add or substitute vegetables like radishes, carrots, or even leafy greens like spinach for a more substantial salad.

How long should I marinate the vegetables?

The vegetables should be marinated for at least 30 minutes, but 1-2 hours is ideal for allowing the flavors to fully develop. You can also marinate them overnight if you’re making this dish ahead of time.

Conclusion

Marinated Cucumbers, Onions, and Tomatoes is a fresh, light, and flavorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion. The tangy marinade enhances the natural sweetness of the vegetables, making it an ideal side dish to accompany grilled meats, sandwiches, or even a hearty pasta dish. With its easy preparation and customizable ingredients, this simple salad is sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation. Enjoy the refreshing crunch and bold flavors of this delightful dish!

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