This Marinated Cucumbers, Onions, and Tomatoes recipe is a delightful blend of crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, and zesty onions. Perfect for summer gatherings or a refreshing side at your everyday meals, this dish stands out with its tangy vinaigrette and vibrant colors. You’ll love how easily it comes together, making it suitable for any occasion.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in just minutes, making it an ideal choice for busy days.
Fresh and Flavorful: The combination of cucumbers, onions, and tomatoes creates a refreshing taste that brightens up any meal.
Versatile Side Dish: Enjoy this salad alongside grilled meats, as part of a picnic spread, or even on its own as a light lunch.
Customizable Ingredients: Feel free to add other vegetables or herbs to make it your own!
Healthy Option: Packed with fresh veggies, this dish is low in calories and high in nutrients.

Tools and Preparation

To make your Marinated Cucumbers, Onions, and Tomatoes perfectly, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools. Having the right tools will ensure you prepare this dish efficiently.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Mixing bowl
Whisk
Knife
Cutting board

Importance of Each Tool

Mixing bowl: A large mixing bowl allows you to combine all ingredients without spills.
Whisk: Using a whisk helps emulsify the dressing for a well-blended marinade.
Knife: A sharp knife ensures clean slices of cucumbers and tomatoes for the best texture.
Cutting board: A sturdy cutting board provides a safe surface for cutting vegetables.

Ingredients

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 the cucumbers under cold water.
Thinly slice the cucumbers using a sharp knife.
Halve the cherry or grape tomatoes.
Thinly slice the onion.

Step 2: Make the Marinade

In a mixing bowl, whisk together the vinegar, olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and pepper.
If desired, add red pepper flakes for a hint of spice.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients

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

Step 4: Toss to Coat

Gently toss everything together to ensure all vegetables are evenly coated with the marinade.

Step 5: Chill Before Serving

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid.
Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes; longer is better for enhanced flavor.

Step 6: Serve Your Salad

Before serving, give everything another gentle toss.
Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or dill if desired. Enjoy your Marinated Cucumbers, Onions, and Tomatoes!

How to Serve Marinated Cucumbers, Onions, and Tomatoes

Marinated Cucumbers, Onions, and Tomatoes make for a vibrant side dish that can enhance any meal. Here are some creative ways to serve this refreshing salad.

As a Standalone Salad

Serve it chilled as a refreshing appetizer or light lunch. The crispness of cucumbers combined with juicy tomatoes makes it satisfying.

With Grilled Meats

Pair your marinated salad with grilled chicken or steak. The tangy vinaigrette complements the smoky flavors beautifully.

In Tacos

Use the salad as a topping for tacos. It adds crunch and freshness, balancing out heavier fillings.

Over Quinoa or Rice

Spoon the marinated vegetables over a bed of quinoa or rice for a wholesome grain bowl. This adds texture and flavor to your meal.

As a Sandwich Filling

Incorporate the salad into sandwiches or wraps. It adds moisture and brightness, enhancing the overall taste.

With Crackers or Bread

Serve it alongside crackers or crusty bread as a delicious snack option. The crunch of the crackers pairs well with the marinade.

How to Perfect Marinated Cucumbers, Onions, and Tomatoes

To achieve the best flavors in your Marinated Cucumbers, Onions, and Tomatoes, consider these helpful tips:

Choose fresh produce: Use ripe tomatoes and firm cucumbers for optimal flavor and texture.
Adjust marinating time: Letting it sit longer allows flavors to meld together. Aim for at least one hour.
Experiment with herbs: Fresh herbs like basil or cilantro can add unique flavors to the dish.
Taste before serving: Adjust seasoning with salt or pepper just before serving to ensure it’s perfectly seasoned.
Add sweetness: For a sweeter taste, include a touch of honey or sugar in the marinade.
Use different vinegars: Try balsamic vinegar for a more robust flavor profile if you want something different.

Best Side Dishes for Marinated Cucumbers, Onions, and Tomatoes

Marinated Cucumbers, Onions, and Tomatoes pair well with various side dishes. Here are some excellent options to consider:

Grilled Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn complements the tangy salad perfectly; simply grill until charred.
Roasted Potatoes: Crispy roasted potatoes make for a hearty contrast; season them with herbs for added flavor.
Coleslaw: A creamy coleslaw brings richness that balances out the freshness of the salad.
Garlic Bread: Crunchy garlic bread is great for scooping up leftover dressing from your plate.
Pasta Salad: A light pasta salad offers another refreshing option; incorporate seasonal veggies for variety.
Steamed Asparagus: Lightly steamed asparagus adds elegance and pairs nicely with the zesty flavors of your cucumber dish.
Stuffed Bell Peppers: Stuffed peppers provide a filling side that complements the lightness of the marinated vegetables.
Hummus with Veggies: A colorful platter of hummus with assorted veggies rounds off your meal beautifully while keeping it healthy.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Marinated Cucumbers, Onions, and Tomatoes, it’s easy to overlook some key details. Here are common mistakes to avoid for the best results.

Skipping the Marinade Time: Failing to let your salad marinate can lead to bland flavors. Always refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
Using Overripe Tomatoes: Overripe tomatoes can mush up and ruin the texture. Choose firm cherry or grape tomatoes for a better crunch.
Not Seasoning Adequately: Insufficient seasoning can make your dish taste flat. Adjust salt and pepper to enhance the overall flavor.
Cutting Vegetables Unevenly: Uneven slices of cucumbers or onions can affect both texture and presentation. Use a sharp knife for uniform cuts.
Ignoring Fresh Herbs: Skipping fresh herbs can reduce freshness in flavor. Always add parsley or dill for a burst of flavor.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store in an airtight container.
Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days for optimal freshness.

Freezing Marinated Cucumbers, Onions, and Tomatoes

Freezing is not recommended as it affects texture.
If necessary, freeze in a freezer-safe bag for up to 1 month.

Reheating Marinated Cucumbers, Onions, and Tomatoes

Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Bake covered for about 10 minutes.
Microwave: Heat on medium power in short intervals (30 seconds) until warm.
Stovetop: Warm gently over low heat in a skillet, stirring occasionally.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about Marinated Cucumbers, Onions, and Tomatoes that many home cooks have.

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

For the best flavor, marinate for at least 30 minutes but ideally overnight in the fridge.

Can I use different types of onions?

Yes! Red or white onions work well; choose according to your taste preference.

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

This salad pairs beautifully with grilled meats or as part of a picnic spread.

How do I customize this recipe?

Feel free to add other ingredients like bell peppers or olives for extra flavor!

Final Thoughts

Marinated Cucumbers, Onions, and Tomatoes is a delightful side dish that brings freshness to any meal. Its versatility allows you to customize it according to your taste. Try this refreshing recipe at your next gathering or enjoy it as an everyday side!

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Marinated Cucumbers, Onions, and Tomatoes

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Author: Ana
Total Time: 10 minutes
Yield: Serves 4

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Description

Marinated Cucumbers, Onions, and Tomatoes is a refreshing salad bursting with vibrant flavors. This simple yet delicious dish combines crisp cucumbers, juicy cherry tomatoes, and zesty onions, all tossed in a tangy vinaigrette. Perfect for summer barbecues or as a light side for any meal, it’s quick to prepare and offers endless customization options. Enhance your dining experience by serving it chilled with grilled meats or as part of a picnic spread. With its colorful presentation and healthy ingredients, this salad is sure to impress family and friends alike.

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: 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes

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Instructions

Wash cucumbers under cold water and thinly slice them using a sharp knife.
Halve the cherry tomatoes and thinly slice the onion.
In a mixing bowl, whisk together vinegar, olive oil, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes.
Combine cucumbers, tomatoes, and onions in a large bowl.
Pour the marinade over the vegetables and gently toss to coat.
Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to enhance flavors.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Category: Side Dish
Method: No Cooking
Cuisine: American