Delicious Marinated Cucumber Onion and Tomato Salad: How to Make It in 20 Minutes

Name: Delicious Marinated Cucumber Onion and Tomato Salad: How to Make It in 20 Minutes
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 2 large cucumbers, thinly sliced; 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced; 1/4 cup white vinegar; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 tablespoon sugar; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped

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Did you know that adding just 1.5 cups of fresh vegetables to your daily diet can reduce your risk of heart disease by up to 15%? What if I told you there’s a refreshing, vibrant salad that not only contributes to that goal but can be prepared in less time than it takes to watch your favorite sitcom episode? The Delicious Marinated Cucumber Onion and Tomato Salad is a perfect blend of crisp vegetables bathed in a tangy marinade that transforms simple ingredients into an extraordinary dish. This classic summer salad has been enjoyed across cultures for generations, offering a perfect balance of textures and flavors that complement almost any meal.

The beauty of this Tasty Vinegar Dressed Veggie Salad lies in its simplicity and versatility. Whether you’re looking for a quick side dish for a weeknight dinner or a refreshing addition to your backyard barbecue, this marinated salad delivers vibrant flavors while requiring minimal effort.

Ingredients List for Delicious Marinated Cucumber Onion and Tomato Salad

2 large cucumbers, thinly sliced (English cucumbers work best for their crisp texture and fewer seeds)
1 medium red onion, thinly sliced (substitute with sweet onion for a milder flavor)
3 medium tomatoes, cut into wedges (Roma or vine-ripened for best flavor)
1/3 cup apple cider vinegar (white wine vinegar is an excellent alternative)
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
2 tablespoons granulated sugar (or honey for a natural sweetener)
1 teaspoon dried dill (or 1 tablespoon fresh)
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon sea salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Optional: 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
Optional: 2 tablespoons fresh chopped parsley

The vibrant colors of the tomatoes against the pale green cucumbers create a feast for the eyes, while the red onions add a beautiful purple hue and pungent flavor that mellows as it marinates.

Timing

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Marinating time: At least 5 minutes (though 30 minutes to 2 hours is ideal)
Total time: 20 minutes active time

This recipe requires 75% less active cooking time than most hot side dishes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute entertaining. The hands-on preparation takes just 15 minutes, with the marinade doing the rest of the work while you prepare other dishes or simply relax.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Delicious Marinated Cucumber Onion and Tomato Salad

Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables

Wash all vegetables thoroughly under cold running water. For cucumbers, you can peel them completely, partially (creating stripes), or leave the skin on for extra nutrition and color. Slice cucumbers into thin rounds (about 1/8-inch thick). For tomatoes, remove the core and cut into wedges or chunks depending on your preference. For the red onion, slice into thin half-moons.

Pro tip: If you find raw onions too strong, soak the sliced onions in ice water for 10 minutes before adding them to the salad. This reduces their sharpness while maintaining their crisp texture.

Step 2: Create the Marinade

In a small bowl, whisk together the apple cider vinegar, olive oil, lemon juice, sugar, dried dill, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until the sugar is dissolved. The marinade should be tangy with a perfect balance of acidity and sweetness – don’t be afraid to taste and adjust to your preferences.

Step 3: Combine and Marinate

In a large bowl, combine the sliced cucumbers, onions, and tomato wedges. Pour the marinade over the vegetables and toss gently to ensure everything is well coated. The vegetables will immediately begin to release their juices, creating an even more flavorful marinade.

Step 4: Let the Flavors Develop

Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 5 minutes, though 30 minutes to 2 hours will allow the flavors to fully develop. The longer it sits (within reason), the better it gets as the vegetables absorb the marinade. Gently toss the salad occasionally to redistribute the marinade.

Step 5: Serve and Garnish

Before serving, give the salad another gentle toss. If using, sprinkle with crumbled feta cheese and fresh chopped parsley for added flavor and visual appeal. Serve chilled with a slotted spoon to leave excess marinade behind.

Nutritional Information about Delicious Marinated Cucumber Onion and Tomato Salad

Per serving (approximately 1 cup):

Calories: 120
Total Fat: 9g
Saturated Fat: 1.5g
Cholesterol: 0mg
Sodium: 295mg
Total Carbohydrates: 9g
Dietary Fiber: 2g
Sugars: 6g
Protein: 1g
Vitamin C: 25% of Daily Value
Vitamin A: 15% of Daily Value
Potassium: 8% of Daily Value

This refreshing salad provides 20% fewer calories than most creamy side dishes while delivering twice the fiber. It’s particularly rich in vitamins A and C, which support immune function and skin health.

Healthier Alternatives for the Delicious Marinated Cucumber Onion and Tomato Salad Recipe

Replace refined sugar with honey, maple syrup, or stevia for a natural sweetener with additional health benefits
Use fresh herbs instead of dried for increased antioxidant properties – try basil, mint, or cilantro
Add a handful of spinach or arugula to increase the nutritional profile with minimal impact on flavor
Incorporate colorful bell peppers for added vitamin C and visual appeal
Substitute half the oil with plain Greek yogurt for a creamier dressing with added protein and probiotics
Add a tablespoon of chia seeds for omega-3 fatty acids and additional fiber

Serving Suggestions of Delicious Marinated Cucumber Onion and Tomato Salad

Serve alongside grilled chicken or fish for a complete, light summer meal
Use as a topping for grilled bread or crostini for an easy appetizer
Add to grain bowls with quinoa or farro for a more substantial lunch option
Serve in lettuce cups for an elegant, low-carb presentation
Include as part of a Mediterranean mezze platter with hummus and olives
Spoon over a baked potato for a lighter alternative to traditional toppings
Use as a fresh condiment for sandwiches or wraps instead of mayonnaise

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Using overly ripe tomatoes that will become mushy when marinated
Not slicing vegetables consistently, which leads to uneven marinating
Over-salting the marinade (remember that the salt will draw moisture from the vegetables)
Using low-quality vinegar (the vinegar is a key flavor component)
Rushing the marinating time (data shows that flavor compounds need at least 5 minutes to begin penetrating vegetable cells)
Making too far in advance – while some marination is good, the salad is best consumed within 24 hours
Using a metal bowl, which can react with the acidic marinade (use glass or plastic instead)

Storing Tips for the Delicious Marinated Cucumber Onion and Tomato Salad Recipe

Store in an airtight glass container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days
The salad will release more liquid as it sits; you can drain some off if it becomes too watery
For meal prep, prepare the vegetables and marinade separately, combining them just a few hours before serving
If you know you’ll have leftovers, reserve some fresh vegetables to add later to refresh the texture
Freeze the marinade alone for future use, but never freeze the prepared salad as the vegetables will become mushy

Conclusion

The Delicious Marinated Cucumber Onion and Tomato Salad is more than just a side dish – it’s a versatile, nutritious addition to your recipe collection that celebrates the vibrant flavors of fresh produce. With just 20 minutes of preparation time, you’ll create a dish that not only delights the palate but also contributes to your daily vegetable intake in the most delicious way possible.

Why not prepare this refreshing salad today? It’s the perfect way to enjoy seasonal vegetables while adding a burst of color and flavor to your table. We’d love to hear how you personalized this recipe or what main dishes you paired it with – share your experience in the comments below!

FAQs

How long does the cucumber salad need to marinate?
While you can serve it after just 5 minutes of marinating, allowing it to sit for 30 minutes to 2 hours in the refrigerator will develop the flavors more fully. The salad remains delicious for up to 3 days, though the vegetables will soften over time.

Can I make this salad ahead of time for a party?
Yes! This salad actually improves with some time in the refrigerator. For the best texture and flavor for entertaining, prepare it 2-4 hours before serving.

Is this recipe keto-friendly?
By replacing the sugar with a keto-approved sweetener like stevia or erythritol, this recipe becomes keto-friendly with approximately 5g net carbs per serving.

What main dishes pair well with this salad?
This versatile salad complements grilled meats, fish, and poultry beautifully. It’s particularly delicious with Mediterranean dishes, burgers, or as part of a vegetarian spread.

How can I reduce the sharp onion flavor?
Soak sliced onions in ice water for 10 minutes before adding them to the salad. This simple step removes some of the compounds responsible for that sharp bite while maintaining the onion’s crisp texture.