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!
- Peach Cool Whip Pie Recipe
Peach Cool Whip Pie Recipe Introduction When it comes to easy, refreshing desserts, nothing beats a light and creamy no-bake pie. This Peach … Read more - King’s Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish
King’s Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish King’s Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish – Introduction King’s Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish is one of those easy bakery-style desserts that looks … Read more - Homemade Fluffy Pancakes
Homemade Fluffy Pancakes Homemade Fluffy Pancakes – Introduction There’s something comforting about waking up to a stack of warm, golden pancakes. Homemade Fluffy … Read more - Crispy Honey Garlic Chicken
Crispy Honey Garlic Chicken Introduction Crispy Honey Garlic Chicken is one of those irresistible dishes that combines everything people love in comfort food: … Read more - Luxury Dark Chocolate Mousse
Luxury Dark Chocolate Mousse Introduction to Luxury Dark Chocolate Mousse There’s something undeniably elegant about Luxury Dark Chocolate Mousse. This timeless dessert has … Read more - Bread in 20 Minutes – No Yeast, No Waiting
Bread in 20 Minutes – No Yeast, No Waiting Introduction to Bread in 20 Minutes – No Yeast, No Waiting There are moments … Read more - Banana Pudding Cheesecake
Banana Pudding Cheesecake Banana Pudding Cheesecake Banana Pudding Cheesecake is the ultimate dessert fusion that combines the creamy richness of classic cheesecake with … Read more - Strawberry Banana Pudding
Strawberry Banana Pudding Strawberry Banana Pudding – The Ultimate No-Bake Dessert You’ll Love When it comes to easy, crowd-pleasing desserts, nothing beats a … Read more - 3-Ingredient Apple Dump Cake
3-Ingredient Apple Dump Cake 3-Ingredient Apple Dump Cake – The Easiest Dessert You’ll Ever Make If you’re looking for a quick, foolproof dessert … Read more - Heavenly Chocolate & Coconut Birthday Cake
Heavenly Chocolate & Coconut Birthday Cake Heavenly Chocolate & Coconut Birthday Cake Introduction – Heavenly Chocolate & Coconut Birthday Cake The Heavenly Chocolate … Read more - Strawberry Crunch Stuffed Cheesecake
Strawberry Crunch Stuffed Cheesecake Strawberry Crunch Stuffed Cheesecake – The Ultimate Dessert You Need to Try If you’re looking for a dessert that’s … Read more - Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake
Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake Introduction If you’re looking for a dessert that feels luxurious but requires almost no effort, Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake is exactly … Read more - Strawberry Cheesecake Fantasy
Strawberry Cheesecake Fantasy Introduction If you’re looking for a dessert that perfectly balances elegance, flavor, and indulgence, Strawberry Cheesecake Fantasy is exactly what … Read more - Strawberry Cheesecake Banana Pudding
Strawberry Cheesecake Banana Pudding Introduction If you’re looking for a dessert that feels indulgent, refreshing, and absolutely irresistible, Strawberry Cheesecake Banana Pudding is … Read more - Gooey Pecan Pie Cobbler
Gooey Pecan Pie Cobbler Introduction to Gooey Pecan Pie Cobbler If you’re searching for a dessert that feels like pure comfort in every … Read more