This Marinated Cucumbers, Onions, and Tomatoes recipe is a vibrant and refreshing dish that’s perfect for summer gatherings or as a side for any meal. The combination of crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, and zesty onions creates a delightful medley that can brighten up any plate. With a tangy vinaigrette dressing, this salad not only appeals to the taste buds but also adds a pop of color to your table.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy to Prepare – This dish requires minimal effort and time, making it perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
Bursting with Flavor – The tangy marinade enhances the natural flavors of the vegetables, creating a refreshing taste experience.
Versatile Side Dish – Great with grilled meats or served on its own, this salad complements a variety of dishes.
Healthy Ingredients – Packed with fresh vegetables, this recipe is both nutritious and satisfying.
Perfect for Meal Prep – Make it ahead of time and enjoy it throughout the week as a healthy snack or side.

Tools and Preparation

To create your Marinated Cucumbers, Onions, and Tomatoes, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools. Having the right equipment will make the preparation process smoother.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Mixing bowl
Whisk
Knife
Cutting board
Measuring cups

Importance of Each Tool

Mixing bowl – A large bowl allows for easy mixing of ingredients without spills.
Whisk – Perfect for combining the marinade ingredients smoothly.
Knife – A sharp knife ensures clean cuts for your vegetables, enhancing presentation.
Cutting board – Provides a safe surface to chop your veggies efficiently.

Ingredients

This Marinated Cucumbers, Onions, and Tomatoes recipe features fresh ingredients that elevate its taste.

For the Salad

2 cucumbers, thinly sliced
1 pint cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
1 small red or white onion, thinly sliced

For the Marinade

1/4 cup apple cider vinegar or red wine vinegar
2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
1 clove garlic, minced
1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley or dill
Salt and pepper to taste
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

How to Make Marinated Cucumbers, Onions, and Tomatoes

Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables

Wash all vegetables thoroughly.
Thinly slice the cucumbers using a sharp knife.
Halve the tomatoes by cutting them through their center.
Thinly slice the onion into rings.

Step 2: Make the Marinade

In a mixing bowl, whisk together:
Vinegar
Olive oil
Minced garlic
Salt and pepper to taste
If desired, add red pepper flakes for an extra kick.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the sliced cucumbers, tomatoes, and onions.
Pour the prepared marinade over the vegetables.

Step 4: Toss and Refrigerate

Gently toss everything until all vegetables are evenly coated in the marinade.
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. For best results, let it marinate for several hours or overnight.

Step 5: Serve

Before serving, toss again gently to redistribute the marinade.
Garnish with freshly chopped herbs like parsley or dill if desired.

Enjoy your delicious Marinated Cucumbers, Onions, and Tomatoes as a refreshing side dish!

How to Serve Marinated Cucumbers, Onions, and Tomatoes

Serving Marinated Cucumbers, Onions, and Tomatoes can elevate any meal. This vibrant salad pairs well with various dishes, making it a versatile addition to your dining table.

As a Refreshing Salad

Enjoy the marinated salad on its own as a light and refreshing option for lunch or dinner.

With Grilled Meats

Serve alongside grilled chicken or steak to complement the smoky flavors with the crisp salad.

In Tacos or Wraps

Add a scoop of marinated cucumbers, onions, and tomatoes to tacos or wraps for an extra crunch and flavor boost.

On Sandwiches

Use the salad as a topping on sandwiches or burgers for a zesty twist that brightens up each bite.

As Part of a Picnic Spread

Include this dish in your picnic basket for a refreshing side that everyone will love during outdoor gatherings.

As an Appetizer

Serve small portions in individual cups as a tasty appetizer at parties or family gatherings.

How to Perfect Marinated Cucumbers, Onions, and Tomatoes

To achieve the best flavor in your Marinated Cucumbers, Onions, and Tomatoes, consider these helpful tips. A few adjustments can enhance taste and texture significantly.

Choose Fresh Ingredients: Using fresh cucumbers, ripe tomatoes, and crisp onions will provide optimal flavor and crunch.
Adjust the Marinade Time: Letting the vegetables marinate longer allows them to absorb more flavor. Aim for at least two hours.
Experiment with Herbs: Adding different herbs like basil or cilantro can give your salad a unique twist.
Add More Vegetables: Consider including bell peppers or radishes for added color and nutrition.
Taste Before Serving: Always taste your salad after marinating. Adjust seasoning if needed before serving.
Serve Chilled: For the best experience, serve this dish chilled straight from the refrigerator.

Best Side Dishes for Marinated Cucumbers, Onions, and Tomatoes

Marinated Cucumbers, Onions, and Tomatoes make an excellent accompaniment to many meals. Here are some side dishes that pair wonderfully with this refreshing salad:

Grilled Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn complements the tangy flavors of the salad perfectly.
Roasted Potatoes: Crispy roasted potatoes provide a hearty contrast to the lightness of the cucumber salad.
Garlic Bread: Crunchy garlic bread adds texture and is great for soaking up any leftover marinade.
Quinoa Salad: A protein-packed quinoa dish can round out your meal while keeping it healthy.
Coleslaw: The crunchiness of coleslaw matches well with marinated vegetables for an added crunch.
Pasta Salad: A light pasta salad with olive oil dressing is another delightful pairing that enhances summer meals.
Fried Plantains: Sweet fried plantains bring sweetness that balances well with tangy flavors.
Rice Pilaf: Fluffy rice pilaf is an excellent base that absorbs flavors from both dishes beautifully.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Marinated Cucumbers, Onions, and Tomatoes is a delightful recipe, but there are common mistakes to watch out for. Here are some tips to ensure your dish turns out perfectly.

Using stale vegetables: Always choose fresh cucumbers, tomatoes, and onions. They enhance flavor and texture.
Skipping marination time: Marinating for at least 30 minutes is crucial. It allows flavors to meld together beautifully.
Not adjusting seasoning: Taste the mixture before serving. Adjust salt and pepper to suit your preferences for a balanced flavor.
Overcrowding the bowl: When mixing ingredients, use a large enough bowl. This ensures even coating with the marinade without crushing the veggies.
Ignoring freshness of herbs: Fresh herbs elevate the dish. Use vibrant parsley or dill for an extra burst of flavor.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store in an airtight container.
Lasts for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Marinated Cucumbers, Onions, and Tomatoes

Not recommended as freezing alters texture and flavor.
Best enjoyed fresh.

Reheating Marinated Cucumbers, Onions, and Tomatoes

Oven: Preheat to 350°F. Heat covered until warm; avoid overcooking.
Microwave: Warm in short bursts on low power; stir frequently to prevent cooking.
Stovetop: Gently heat on low; stir until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about Marinated Cucumbers, Onions, and Tomatoes that can help you enjoy this dish even more!

How long should I marinate Marinated Cucumbers, Onions, and Tomatoes?

For best results, marinate for at least 30 minutes. Longer time enhances the flavors significantly.

Can I customize my Marinated Cucumbers, Onions, and Tomatoes?

Absolutely! Feel free to add other vegetables or change herbs according to your taste. Bell peppers or radishes work well.

What can I serve with Marinated Cucumbers, Onions, and Tomatoes?

This salad pairs wonderfully with grilled meats or as part of a picnic spread. It’s also great alongside sandwiches.

Are Marinated Cucumbers, Onions, and Tomatoes healthy?

Yes! This dish is low in calories and packed with nutrients from fresh vegetables. It’s a refreshing option for any meal.

Final Thoughts

Marinated Cucumbers, Onions, and Tomatoes is a wonderful addition to any meal. Its fresh flavors make it versatile enough for summer barbecues or everyday dinners. You can easily customize this recipe by adding your favorite herbs or spices to suit your taste!

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Marinated Cucumbers, Onions, and Tomatoes

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Author: Tina
Total Time: 15 minutes
Yield: Serves 4

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Description

Marinated Cucumbers, Onions, and Tomatoes is a vibrant and refreshing summer salad that’s as easy to make as it is delightful to eat. This dish features crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, and zesty onions all bathed in a tangy vinaigrette that enhances their natural flavors. Perfect as a side for grilled meats or enjoyed on its own, this salad adds a pop of color and taste to any meal. With its healthy ingredients and versatility, it’s the ideal choice for picnics, barbecues, or quick weekday meals.

Ingredients

Scale

2 cucumbers, thinly sliced
1 pint cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
1 small red or white onion, thinly sliced
1/4 cup apple cider vinegar or red wine vinegar
2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
1 clove garlic, minced
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional: red pepper flakes for spice

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Instructions

Wash and prepare the vegetables by slicing cucumbers, halving tomatoes, and thinly slicing the onion.
In a mixing bowl, whisk together vinegar, olive oil, garlic, salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes.
Combine the sliced vegetables in a large bowl and pour the marinade over them.
Toss gently to coat the veggies evenly and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or longer for best flavor).
Serve chilled, tossing again before serving.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Category: Salad
Method: No Cooking
Cuisine: American