Marinated Cucumber tomato and onion salad is a fresh summery salad, which takes only 5 minutes to throw together, super simple and delicious. No summer feasting and BBQ party is the same without this salad.
Summer is almost here and it’s time to think about side dishes for our BBQ party dinners (by party I mean, small socially distanced family dinners).
Serve this salad with fried chicken, pork chops, baked trout or slow cooker beef rump roast.
Jump To
- About This Recipe
- Why you’ll love this salad
- Readers Feedback
- Ingredients
- How to make Marinated Cucumbers, Tomatoes and Onions
- How to Cut Tomatoes for Salad
- Tips
- Serving Suggestions
- Preparation and Storage Tips for Tomato-Cucumber Salad
- Make Ahead Instructions
- Easy Side Salad Recipes
- Salad Recipes With Crunchy Cucumber
- Recipe
- Recipe Questions
- Comments
About This Recipe
- It’s easy and quick, requires only 3 main ingredients, and goes with just about everything.
- No fermentation is needed here, convenient as it is ready for eating in 1-2 hours. Just combine all the ingredients in a bowl, refrigerate and forget 🙂
- For BBQ I usually make a double batch of this salad, but other times I like to make it as I go because I always have the ingredients on hand.
- For cucumber - I usually peel cucumbers as they can be often too tough and bitter to eat. But it totally optional and also depends on the sort of cucumbers and time you have to make this BBQ side dish. But if in doubt, soak the veggies in slightly vinegar water for at least 30 minutes and then wash well under running water.
- Serve at BBQ parties, potlucks, and picnics with freshly cooked fatty meats, steaks, or seafood.
Why you’ll love this salad
- This a great, light refreshing side dish for barbecues, picnics, or potlucks.
- Easy and quick to throw together.
- Refreshing and vibrant summer side dish salad.
- Can be made with sugar replacement such as erythritol or stevia.
Readers Feedback
What The Yummy Bowl fans are saying across different platforms:
Came out great! Best dressing ever for this salad. Betty, Pinterest
I've always made the salad but I never knew to use herbs and water it's wonderful. Never knew to use oil either I'm a great grandma and you learn something new everyday! Thank you love it. Katherine, Blog Comments
Ingredients
- Crisp Cucumbers - opt for firm cucumbers sporting smooth, unwrinkled skins devoid of any soft spots. We love English cucumbers as they usually possess thinner skin and a slightly sweeter taste compared to Kirbys (or other small cucumbers). Once picked, cucumbers rapidly lose water, leading to shrinkage and wrinkling if stored for an extended period.
- Juicy Tomatoes - opt for the ripest, most flavorful ones available. Heirloom tomatoes (especially beefsteaks) offer superb taste but might be pricier unless grown personally. Roma and cherry tomatoes are great alternatives. Pop into the weekly farmer's market! The thicker and meatier the tomato, the more effectively it will absorb and hold up to the marinade. Whatever type you pick, aim for the best quality you can manage as the tomatoes' flavor is crucial. If using smaller tomatoes, slice them to allow the marinade to penetrate and enhance their taste.
- Onion - feel free to choose any onion variety—yellow, white, or red—for this recipe, each contributing a unique flavor. Yellow onions offer a standard, easily accessible onion taste at an affordable price. White onions or Vidalia onions are milder and slightly sweeter than yellow ones. Red onions, a tad spicier than yellow, add a vibrant color to the salad. Sweet onions, though pricier, boast a milder, naturally sweet taste as their name implies.
- Vinegar - while the recipe calls for distilled white vinegar, feel free to swap it with other vinegar based on your preference. I've used different alternatives over time like white wine vinegar, apple cider vinegar, Champagne vinegar, rice wine vinegar, and white balsamic vinegar when making this recipe. While vinegar is ideal here, in case you don't have it or don't have enough, fresh lemon juice or lime will do the trick.
- Oil - select a high-quality extra-virgin olive oil (or vegetable oil is ok) for the salad dressing as it contributes a delightful fruity flavor to the dish. Given that the dressing consists of only two ingredients (oil and vinegar), the quality plays a significant role!
- Kosher salt and black pepper - the usual suspects that go in every salad.
- Herbs - use at least 2 different types of dried herbs or go for Herbes de Provence, a blend of thyme, tarragon, basil, rosemary, oregano, and others, which will offer a rich flavor profile. Dried herbs are excellent for the flavor with just a small amount they'll transform the salad flavor completely. Save your fresh basil for garnishing this time!
How to make Marinated Cucumbers, Tomatoes and Onions
Combine dressing and vegetables. Add all ingredients in large bowl and mix well.
Marinate. Refrigerate at least 2 hours before serving. Bring to room temp before serving.
Enjoy. Serve with the liquid or without, either way, it’ll taste delicious as all the veggies are marinated thoroughly.
How to Cut Tomatoes for Salad
For cherry tomatoes, just halve each one. For larger tomatoes, start by removing the stems and coring them. Then, halve each tomato from top to bottom.
Slice each half into wedges from top to bottom, and cut each in half if you wish. Now, scooping out the seeds is optional, just like with cucumbers, it doesn't affect the taste at all, just a personal preference.
Tips
- Sugar - For a low-carb version prepare the marinade with a sugar replacement, such as erythritol or stevia. For sweeter brine add more tablespoons of sugar or sugar replacement. This salad is delicious with added sweetness but you can leave it out completely.
- Vinegar - The vinegar enhances the natural flavor in the vegetables and adds freshness to the dish. I used apple cider vinegar but feel free to use stronger vinegar such as white vinegar or milder versions such as rice vinegar or wine vinegar.
- For a low-carb version prepare the marinade with a sugar replacement, such as erythritol or stevia. For sweeter brine add more tablespoons of sugar or sugar replacement.
- Add red or yellow or green bell peppers.
- Any onion will work here, red onions give a nice color and different taste to the salad too.
- Best to be stored in the fridge in a jar or airtight container for up to 2-3 days.
- Choose ripe tomatoes and cucumbers. The fantastic flavor of this juicy salad comes entirely from top-quality produce.
- Add more freshness by garnishing with additional herbs like fresh dill, thyme, rosemary, chives, parsley, or oregano. Alternatively, a sprinkle of feta cheese, goat cheese, diced fresh mozzarella or shaved Parmesan serves as a delightful finishing touch.
- Try this salad also with an easy Greek dressing.
Serving Suggestions
I love to serve this bright salad with almost any type of main dish: grilled meats, fresh seafood, or roasted veggies. It will taste excellent with almost any dish including these:
- Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole
- Chicken Enchilada Casserole
- Gluten Free Eggplant Parmesan
- Creamy Mushroom Chicken Thighs
- Hamburgers
- Crock Pot Chicken Cacciatore Chicken Thighs
- Air Fryer Fried Chicken
- Pan Seared Pork Chops With Herbs
- Cauliflower Salmon Casserole
- Skillet Fried Salmon Patties
- Shrimp Scampi
- Spicy Vodka Pasta or Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta With Sausage
Preparation and Storage Tips for Tomato-Cucumber Salad
When adequately covered and refrigerated, cucumber tomato salad stays fresh for 2 days. The cucumbers might slightly soften after a couple of days, affected by their initial freshness and thickness of slicing.
Meanwhile, the onions will further soften and absorb the sweet-tart dressing flavors. Though the tomatoes should retain their juiciness and flavor, their texture may soften as they marinate.
Make Ahead Instructions
This salad tastes great cold and can be prepared in advance. Whisk together vinegar, olive oil, herbs, salt, and pepper in the salad bowl. Add sliced onion to the vinaigrette, and refrigerate for up to a day.
This keeps onions crunchy while enhancing the dressing's flavor. To finish, mix sliced cucumbers, tomatoes, and vinaigrette with onions and chill briefly before serving.
Easy Side Salad Recipes
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Recipe
Marinated Cucumber, Tomato and Onion Salad
INGREDIENTS
- 3 medium cucumbers (peeled and sliced ¼ inch thick (sliced about 4 cups))
- 1 medium white onion (sliced and separated into thicker rings)
- 3 medium tomatoes (largely chopped)
- ½ cup vinegar of your choice*
- ¼ cup granulated sugar*
- 1 cup water
- 2 teaspoons salt
- ½ teaspoon Black Coarse Pepper or to taste
- 2 tablespoon vegetable oil (I used olive oil)
- ½ teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon dried parsley
INSTRUCTIONS
- Combine ingredients in a large bowl and mix well.
- Refrigerate at least 2 hours before serving.
- Serve with the liquid or without, either way, it’ll taste delicious as all the veggies are marinated thoroughly.
NOTES
- Sugar - For a low-carb version prepare the marinade with a sugar replacement, such as erythritol or stevia. For sweeter brine add more tablespoons of sugar or sugar replacement.
- Vinegar - I used distilled white vinegar but feel free to use milder versions such as rice vinegar or wine vinegar.
PRIVATE NOTES
(Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate.)
Recipe Questions
Whether to leave the skin on a cucumber for a salad depends on your preference. English cucumbers have softer skins and can be left on. For Kirbys, which have tougher skins, using a vegetable peeler before slicing might be preferable based on your taste.
English cucumbers, also recognized as seedless, greenhouse, burpless, or European cucumbers, belong to the variety known for their long and slender shape. They are characterized by sweet, firm flesh and are encased in smooth, thin, dark green skin. This cucumber, with its great crunch and small, almost unnoticeable seeds, is considered one of the most versatile types of cucumber in the kitchen.
Julia
Hope you guys enjoy this refreshing summer salad and please let me know how it turned out 🙂 Thanks, Julia
K a t h e r i n e Morris i s
I've always made the salad but I never knew to use herbs and water it's wonderful. Never knew to use oil either I'm a great grandma and you learn something new everyday! Thank you love it
Julia | The Yummy Bowl
thank you so much Katherine, this wonderful life is all about learning new things!
David Fryaufff
Do you think it makes a better, healthier salad if you remove the tomato seeds from your tomato wedges before adding them to the salad? Easy to do and i’m thinking there are some real benefits
Julia | The Yummy Bowl
Why would you remove seeds from a tomato? I have never done it!
marion
Hullo Julia, this is such a delicious and quick recipe, and I am a great Gma too, and make this recipe lots, but do add some celery, for crunch, and chopped cheese,, , also choped boiled egg,.,, so easy to add chopped turkey meat, or tinned salmon etc etc . yumm !!!
Julia | The Yummy Bowl
never tried those, but yes you can add more mix-ins if you like!
marion
yes some say the seeds and skin of tomatoes are a bit toxic, but i use them ,,,
Dee
I myself need to avoid seeds, but I LOVE tomatoes, so I remove the seeds from tomatoes whenever I use them.
Julia | The Yummy Bowl
thank you Dee!
Betsy
I always leave the seeds with the toms. That’s good nutrition there that I am paying to eat, not discard. I always use Romas because they are meatier and have consistently better flavor. Because they are meatier, there is a bit less inner juice. I think you get more for the $$.
What do you see as the benefits of seeding the toms?
Julia | The Yummy Bowl
I was wondering the same Betsy. And I'm not sure about the health benefits but some people like to remove the seeds from both cucumber and tomatoes so the dish won't ''ruin'' the consistency.
Albert J Niemeyer
Can you use red wine vinegar in this recipe?
Julia | The Yummy Bowl
yes!
Brenda
I made something similar and used red wine vinegar and Italian seasoning and no sugar. It’s so good!
Julia | The Yummy Bowl
thank you, yes sugar is not the most important flavor in this recipe and can be left out easily!
Teresa
Very good and not too vinegary!!
Julia | The Yummy Bowl
awesome, thank you Teresa!
Juli P.
I was wondering why you use dry herbs? I have over abundance of fresh basil and parsley, and was going use them. Do you think it will work ok?
Julia | The Yummy Bowl
yes fresh is even better!
Robin
I make the same salad but without the tomatoes. I add noodles to it. It is so good that way. It makes it great side dish.
Julia | The Yummy Bowl
yes I do the same and on this site you'll find more similar salads made just with cucumbers, enjoy!
Jen
I love how quick and easy this is to throw together. You're right about the flavors really meshing together the longer it's marinated. Loved every bite!
Julia
Thank you so much Jen, glad you loved it!
Joycehansen96@gmail.com
Loved it. Thanks
Julia | The Yummy Bowl
delicious right 🙂 thank you Joyce!
Michelle
Loved how delicious this salad turned out! So refreshing, perfect for summer nights!
Julia
thank you so much, I agree, the best salad for summer!
Beth
Yummy! This is perfect for my hubby and I for lunch! Can’t wait to try this today! Excited!
Julia
I hope you'll love this! Thank you!
Eliza Cross
Perfect for springtime! This is so fresh and beautiful, and the homemade dressing is fantastic, too. Thank you for another winning recipe!
Julia
Thank you so much!
Evy
My mouth was watering making this! I used the tiny cucumbers that come in a package of 6- can’t wait to munch on this!
Julia | The Yummy Bowl
thank you Evy!
Charlie Peterson
What is the purpose of the olive oil? What effect does it have on the cucumbers?
Julia
Hi Charlie, olive oil stimulates the absorption of nutrients, gives flavor but feel free to leave it out!
Beverly
Is the oil suppose to sort of turn to a solid when lifted in fridge for the few days. Mine did and I had to heat it in microwave just a few seconds to melt it. Love the salad anyway
Julia
wow I never heard of oil turning solid in a salad, so strange! Unless you kept it in the freezer for some reason? I am happy you liked it anyway! Thank you
Jill Bua
When ever olive oil put on the fridge it will become cloudly an thick almost solid.I am surprise you did not know this.
Julia
it may become cloudly yes of course but not solid, at least I never had this problem. I'd recommend checking your refrigerator temperature to be on the safe side, that it is not very cold. Thanks!
Sue
My husband has requested this salad every day for the past five days. We both love it! It’s a pretty dish too, very colorful.
Julia | The Yummy Bowl
thank you so much Sue for leaving a comment! Please enjoy!
Cassandra
The reason for the olive oil to solidify in the fridge has absolutely nothing to do with the temperature of your fridge and it’s all from the natural fat’s that is in olive oil, just take it out for 20-30mins and the ambient room temperature will make the natural fat’s of the olive oil will warm up and return to a liquid form again , this won’t change the taste, flavour or texture of the salad dressing, enjoy by yourself and with loved ones.
Julia | The Yummy Bowl
good point Cassandra!
Annette Starnes
So dang GOOD!!!! Love great recipes that are healthy. Thanks so much.
Julia | The Yummy Bowl
Thank you Annette for your feedback, we love delicious and healthy :))
Melissa
Loved it. Very refreshing
Julia | The Yummy Bowl
thank you so much!
Kebby
I used your recipe, with the dill too! So delicious!! I had it with Easter dinner and just made it again today!!! Perfection!!!
Julia | The Yummy Bowl
thank you so much Kebby!
Kelli
I was wondering if I could make this the day before an event? I want to take it to a family gathering tomorrow but I’m not sure if I should make it the day before or the day of (: I can’t wait to try it!
Julia | The Yummy Bowl
hi Kelli! Sorry, I think my answer is a little late. You can definitely make the salad on the day (in the morning), and fresh is the best!
Patricia Merritt
If you're using Stevia as a sugar replacement is the measurement still 1/4 c ?
Julia | The Yummy Bowl
Hi Patricia! Stevia is usually stronger, I would suggest adding to taste.
Marti Kronstedt
Just made this salad for tomorrow! OMG! It looks super delicious! Thank you so much for your wonderful salad recipe. ❤️
Marti K
New Mexico
Julia | The Yummy Bowl
Thank you so much Marti, it means the world to me!
Doris
This is so easy and delicious! I didn't change a thing. This will be my go to recipe from now on. All my family enjoyed it...even my 15 month old granddaughter.
I used rice vinegar fyi
Thanks!!!
Julia | The Yummy Bowl
Thank you so much Doris, glad you all liked it! I haven't tried it with rice vinegar yet!
Sue
This salad is so delicious. Pairs great with ham, green beans and potatoes and corn on the cob. Thanks for a great recipe!
Julia | The Yummy Bowl
That's delicious, isn't it! I love all the pairing choices you've listed, and this is a universal side dish for all main courses really 🙂 Thank you Sue!
Jill
I recently made this recipe, just as written, and it was delicious!! I even ate some with breakfast, lunch and dinner the next 3 days! It will be the next dish I take to a potluck, for sure!
Julia | The Yummy Bowl
thank you so much Jill, it is so easy and great at the same time!
Shay Davidson
Too much water in the recipe so I will cut it in half next time; this time, I just added more vinegar--The marinade tasted too bland to me so with more vinegar, it fixed the problem and perked it up a bit. As the author suggested, I cut the sugar back because I have a T1D husband, (type 1 diabetic) so the less sugar the better. I'm not a fan of fake sugars so I'll settle for a bit less sweet and more tart. I used fresh basil and fresh parsley, which tasted really good. This time of year, we can find the freshest cucumbers, tomatoes and yes, even onions, so a perfect idea to showcase them all!
Julia | The Yummy Bowl
Hi Shay! Was it possible that you didn't use enough salt? Other readers have tried the recipe and loved it! And yes cutting out the sugar is not an issue at all, you can use less or no sugar at all. I am also not a big fan of ''fake sugars''. Thank you so much for leaving a comment!
Laura
fresh basil really makes a difference.
Denise Moody
I made this for a family dinner. Was a great hit! So easy and great summertime salad. Will keep this recipe and use again.
Julia | The Yummy Bowl
thank you Denise!
Frank
Delicious!!
Julia | The Yummy Bowl
thank you Frank!