This Classic Marinated Cucumber, Tomato, and Onion Salad is the perfect side dish for any meal. It combines crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, and tangy onions, all marinated in a deliciously zesty vinaigrette. The flavors meld together perfectly after a few hours in the fridge, making this salad an ideal make-ahead option. Refreshing, crunchy, and full of flavor, it’s a great addition to barbecues, picnics, or any casual gathering.
Origin:
This salad is a classic in many cuisines around the world, including Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, and American. The marinated version enhances the flavor of the fresh vegetables, and it’s a popular dish served alongside grilled meats or as part of a light, healthy meal.
Ingredients:
- 2 large cucumbers, sliced thinly
- 2 large tomatoes, cut into wedges or bite-sized pieces
- 1 medium red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup (60ml) olive oil
- 1/4 cup (60ml) white vinegar or apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano or fresh oregano (optional)
- 1 teaspoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)
Instructions:
Prepare the Vegetables:
- Start by slicing the cucumbers thinly, cutting the tomatoes into wedges or bite-sized pieces, and thinly slicing the red onion. Place all the vegetables in a large bowl.
Make the Marinade:
- In a small bowl or jar, combine the olive oil, vinegar, sugar, salt, pepper, and oregano (if using). Whisk together until the sugar and salt dissolve completely.
Toss and Marinate:
- Pour the marinade over the vegetables and toss everything together gently to coat.
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate the salad for at least 1-2 hours (or up to 4 hours) to allow the flavors to marinate and blend together.
Serve:
- Before serving, give the salad a quick stir and garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired.
Tips for Success:
- If you prefer a stronger flavor, you can let the salad marinate overnight in the fridge.
- Use a mandoline slicer for evenly thin cucumber slices.
- If you like a bit of heat, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinade.
- This salad pairs well with grilled meats, seafood, or as part of a Mediterranean-style meal.
Recommendations:
- This salad can be served as a refreshing side to grilled chicken, lamb, or steak.
- For added crunch, you can sprinkle a little feta cheese or crumbled croutons on top before serving.
- You can also add other vegetables like bell peppers or olives to customize the salad to your liking.
Nutrition (per serving, approximate for 4 servings):
- Calories: ~150
- Protein: 2g
- Fat: 14g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Sugar: 4g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sodium: 300mg
This Classic Marinated Cucumber, Tomato, and Onion Salad is a versatile, refreshing, and healthy dish that is perfect for any occasion. With its bright flavors and easy preparation, it’s sure to be a hit every time!
- Chocolate Peanut Butter Cold Dessert
Chocolate Peanut Butter Cold Dessert Introduction If you’re searching for the perfect no-bake dessert that combines rich chocolate with creamy peanut butter, Chocolate … Read more - No-Bake Cherry Lush
No-Bake Cherry Lush Introduction If you’re looking for a simple dessert that’s guaranteed to impress without turning on the oven, No-Bake Cherry Lush … Read more - King’s Hawaiian Cream Cheese Cinnamon Rolls
King’s Hawaiian Cream Cheese Cinnamon Rolls Introduction King’s Hawaiian Cream Cheese Cinnamon Rolls are the perfect combination of soft, fluffy bread, creamy cheesecake … Read more - Texas Tornado Cake Recipe
Texas Tornado Cake Recipe Introduction If you’re looking for a dessert that’s rich, comforting, and guaranteed to impress, this Texas Tornado Cake Recipe … Read more - Strawberry Earthquake Cake
Strawberry Earthquake Cake – Gooey, Creamy & Irresistible Dessert Introduction If you’re looking for a dessert that’s bursting with strawberry flavor, irresistibly creamy, … Read more - Hawaiian Carrot Pineapple Cake
Hawaiian Carrot Pineapple Cake Introduction If you’re searching for a dessert that’s moist, flavorful, and guaranteed to impress, this Hawaiian Carrot Pineapple Cake … Read more - Chocolate Pound Cake with Chocolate Frosting
Chocolate Pound Cake with Chocolate Frosting Introduction If you’re searching for the ultimate chocolate dessert that’s rich, moist, and guaranteed to impress, this … Read more - Piña Colada Pound Cake
Piña Colada Pound Cake Introduction If you’re dreaming of a tropical getaway but can’t hop on a plane, this Piña Colada Pound Cake … Read more - Strawberry Crunch Banana Pudding
Strawberry Crunch Banana Pudding – Creamy, Fruity & Irresistible Dessert Introduction If you’re searching for a dessert that combines creamy textures, fresh fruit … Read more - Strawberry Cream Cheese Pound Cake
Strawberry Cream Cheese Pound Cake Introduction There’s something truly special about a homemade pound cake, especially when it combines the rich creaminess of … Read more - Banana Bread Brownies with Brown Butter Frosting
Banana Bread Brownies with Brown Butter Frosting Introduction There is something incredibly comforting about the aroma of freshly baked banana desserts filling the … Read more - Pecan Cheesecake Pie
Pecan Cheesecake Pie Pecan Cheesecake Pie – Introduction Pecan Cheesecake Pie is a rich, indulgent dessert that combines the creamy texture of cheesecake … Read more - Italian Cream Cake
Italian Cream Cake Italian Cream Cake Introduction Italian Cream Cake is one of those timeless desserts that instantly brings comfort, celebration, and elegance … Read more - Pineapple Coconut Cake
Pineapple Coconut Cake Introduction If you’re searching for a dessert that perfectly combines tropical flavors with incredible moisture and sweetness, this Pineapple Coconut … Read more - Texas Tornado Cake
Texas Tornado Cake Introduction Texas Tornado Cake is one of those old-fashioned Southern desserts that feels like it has a story behind every … Read more