Fresh & Tangy Marinated Cucumber, Onion, and Tomato Salad is everything you want in a summer dish: cool, crisp veggies melded together with a vibrant, tangy-sweet dressing that soaks in every juicy bite. It’s delightfully refreshing, quick to make without turning on the stove, and flexible enough for weekday lunches or a dazzling side dish for your next barbecue spread. Each chilled forkful takes you straight to a sun-drenched picnic, balancing sweet, sour, and savory flavors with every bite.

Fresh & Tangy Marinated Cucumber, Onion, and Tomato Salad Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this salad lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient brings color, texture, and unmistakable character, coming together in the Fresh & Tangy Marinated Cucumber, Onion, and Tomato Salad for a dish that’s so much more than the sum of its parts.

2 large cucumbers: Their cool crunch is the backbone of this salad — be sure to slice them thin for maximum marinade goodness.
3 medium tomatoes: Juicy wedges add sweetness and vibrant color; choose ripe but firm tomatoes for best results.
1 medium red onion: Thinly sliced, red onion gives a mild bite and pretty purple ribbons throughout.
1/4 cup apple cider vinegar: This is the tangy magic that ties everything together and helps the veggies absorb flavor.
1/4 cup olive oil: Adds richness and helps mellow out the sharp edges of the vinegar.
2 tablespoons granulated sugar: Balances the acidity — feel free to swap for honey or reduce for a lighter touch.
1 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the natural flavors and draws out a bit of veggie juice.
1/2 teaspoon black pepper: A gentle kick to wake up your taste buds.
1 teaspoon dried oregano: Infuses a Mediterranean vibe, making this salad even more irresistible.
2 tablespoons fresh parsley: Chopped and sprinkled just before serving, it brightens the whole bowl with herbal freshness.

How to Make Fresh & Tangy Marinated Cucumber, Onion, and Tomato Salad

Step 1: Prep and Chop Your Vegetables

Start by giving your cucumbers, tomatoes, and red onion some love. Peel the cucumbers if you like them extra-tender, but leaving the skin on adds wonderful color and crunch. Slice the cucumbers into thin rounds, cut the tomatoes into wedges, and slice the onion paper-thin for the best marinating power. Toss all three into a large mixing bowl, and admire the rainbow happening in your kitchen.

Step 2: Make the Tangy-Sweet Dressing

Grab a small bowl and vigorously whisk together the apple cider vinegar, olive oil, sugar, salt, black pepper, and dried oregano. You’re looking for a beautifully emulsified dressing where the sugar dissolves and the oregano is evenly distributed — you’ll know it’s ready when it smells as good as it looks!

Step 3: Marinate the Vegetables

Pour your tangy, herby dressing right over the veggies. Now, grab some tongs or a big spoon and gently toss everything together. Make sure every piece is lightly coated in the dressing to guarantee each bite of Fresh & Tangy Marinated Cucumber, Onion, and Tomato Salad bursts with balanced flavor. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least an hour — the hardest part is waiting!

Step 4: Add Fresh Parsley and Toss Again

Right before serving, sprinkle that vibrant chopped parsley over the marinated salad and give everything a final, gentle toss. The parsley doesn’t just add color — it brings a fresh pop that pairs perfectly with the tangy veggies.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!

Take the bowl out of the fridge, give it one more toss to combine any dressing that settled at the bottom, and enjoy the salad well-chilled. It’s dazzling served family-style or plated individually for that pretty, layered effect.

How to Serve Fresh & Tangy Marinated Cucumber, Onion, and Tomato Salad

Garnishes

A sprinkle of flaky sea salt, a dusting of extra parsley, or a few crumbles of feta cheese can instantly elevate your Fresh & Tangy Marinated Cucumber, Onion, and Tomato Salad. For a little zing, try some freshly cracked black pepper or even a hint of grated lemon zest right before serving.

Side Dishes

This salad pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, salmon, or anything hot off the barbecue. It also brings color and freshness to savory comfort foods like roasted potatoes or crusty bread for sopping up every last drop of dressing. If you want a lighter meal, simply add chickpeas or white beans for a plant-based protein boost.

Creative Ways to Present

Try spooning your Fresh & Tangy Marinated Cucumber, Onion, and Tomato Salad into individual mason jars for a picnic, or heap it onto crostini for a zippy summer appetizer. For a family-style meal, layer the veggies artfully on a large platter and drizzle any remaining dressing over the top for an extra glossy finish.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Fresh & Tangy Marinated Cucumber, Onion, and Tomato Salad in an airtight container in the fridge. The flavors only grow bolder and more delicious after a good chill, making it a perfect make-ahead side. It keeps well for two to three days, but is freshest within the first 24 hours.

Freezing

Freezing is not recommended for this salad, as the fresh cucumbers and tomatoes will lose their crispness and become watery upon thawing. It’s definitely a dish best enjoyed straight from the fridge in its fresh, marinated glory.

Reheating

There’s no need to reheat Fresh & Tangy Marinated Cucumber, Onion, and Tomato Salad — it shines when served cold right from the fridge. If it’s been sitting for a day or two, give it a quick toss and maybe add a fresh sprinkle of parsley before diving in.

FAQs

Can I use a different type Salad

Absolutely! Red wine vinegar or white wine vinegar will both give your Fresh & Tangy Marinated Cucumber, Onion, and Tomato Salad a slightly different, but equally lovely, tang. Just avoid anything super strong like balsamic, which could overpower the delicate veggies.

Is this salad suitable for vegan and gluten-free diets?

Yes, this recipe is naturally vegan and gluten-free. All the ingredients are plant-based and contain no wheat, so everyone can enjoy a big scoop with confidence.

How far in advance can I make this salad?

You can make the Fresh & Tangy Marinated Cucumber, Onion, and Tomato Salad up to 24 hours in advance for the best flavor and texture. In fact, the extra marinating time allows the veggies to soak up even more of that delicious dressing!

What are some fun add-ins?

Feel free to get creative: diced bell peppers, sliced radishes, Kalamata olives, or even cubes of feta cheese are all fantastic additions. You could even toss in a handful of chickpeas for extra protein or a pinch of red pepper flakes for gentle heat.

What’s the best way to slice the vegetables?

A sharp knife is your best friend here — thinly slice the cucumbers and onions so they soak up plenty of marinade, and cut the tomatoes into wedges so they hold their shape without getting mushy. If presentation matters, lay a few vegetable rounds on top for a decorative touch.

Final Thoughts

There’s something so satisfying about seeing simple veggies transform into something crave-worthy in the Fresh & Tangy Marinated Cucumber, Onion, and Tomato Salad. The next time you’re looking for a refreshing, colorful side that everyone will love, I hope you’ll give this recipe a try — I truly believe it’ll become a staple in your kitchen, too!

Fresh & Tangy Marinated Cucumber, Onion, and Tomato Salad Recipe

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4.6 from 17 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian, Vegan, Gluten-Free

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Description

This Fresh & Tangy Marinated Cucumber, Onion, and Tomato Salad is a refreshing and flavorful side dish perfect for summer gatherings. The crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, and zesty dressing create a vibrant and delicious combination that will impress your guests.

Ingredients

Scale

Cucumbers:

2 large cucumbers, sliced into thin rounds

Tomatoes:

3 medium tomatoes, cut into wedges

Onion:

1 medium red onion, thinly sliced

Dressing:

1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
1/4 cup olive oil
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon dried oregano
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

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Instructions

Prepare Vegetables: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cucumbers, tomatoes, and red onion.
Make Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together apple cider vinegar, olive oil, sugar, salt, pepper, and oregano.
Toss with Dressing: Pour the dressing over the vegetables and toss gently to coat.
Marinate: Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow flavors to meld.
Finish and Serve: Before serving, sprinkle with fresh parsley and toss again. Serve chilled.