Marinated Cucumber Tomato and Onion Salad is a summer classic that’s as simple as it is delicious. With just a handful of fresh ingredients and 5 minutes of prep, it’s the ultimate fuss-free side dish for BBQs, picnics, or any warm-weather gathering.
Why I Like It
- It reminds me of summer at my grandma’s – She used to toss this salad together in a big bowl and let it chill while we fired up the grill. One bite takes me right back to those easy, breezy afternoons.
- It’s ridiculously easy but tastes like I tried hard – This one’s a lifesaver when I’m short on time.
- It’s my fridge-friendly favorite – I make a big batch and snack on it for days. The longer it sits, the better it tastes—and it means less cooking for me during the week!
>>>No wonder it’s one of the blog’s most popular recipes, with over 55k shares! Trust me, your summer feasting isn’t complete without it.
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Marinated Cucumber Tomato Salad Video
Ingredients
- Crisp Cucumbers - choose firm cucumbers with smooth, unwrinkled skins and no soft spots. English cucumbers, with their thinner skin and slightly sweeter taste, are a preferred option.
- Juicy Tomatoes - while heirloom tomatoes, especially beefsteaks, offer superb taste, Roma and cherry tomatoes are excellent alternatives. Visit the weekly farmer's market for fresh options.
- Onion - use yellow for a standard taste, white or Vidalia (sweet onion) for mild sweetness, and red onions for a slightly spicier option with vibrant color.
- Vinegar - substitute distilled white vinegar with alternatives like white or red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar.
- Oil - opt for high-quality extra-virgin olive oil as the dressing contains only two crucial ingredients (oil and vinegar).
- Herbs - to flavor the salad, use two types of dried herbs, Italian seasoning or Herbs de Provence, a blend offering a rich flavor profile; save fresh basil for garnishing.
📋 You can find the full ingredient list in the Recipe Card below the article.
Readers Feedback
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, our reader
How To Make Cucumber Tomato and Onion Salad
- Combine dressing and vegetables. Add sliced onions, chopped tomatoes, sliced cucumbers, sugar, water, vinegar, oil, dried herbs into large bowl and mix well. Season with salt and pepper.
- Marinate. Refrigerate at least 2 hours before serving.
- Bring to room temperature before serving.
- Enjoy. Serve with the liquid or without, either way, it’ll taste delicious as all the veggies are marinated thoroughly.
My favorite way to serve marinated salad is with grilled meats and chimichurri sauce, yum! You'll also love this salad with fried chicken, pork chops, or baked trout.
You can also visit the Seasonal Recipes category to discover fresh ideas that highlight the best ingredients each season has to offer. Let’s create flavorful, wholesome dishes together!
Should I leave the skin on a cucumber for a salad?
English cucumbers have softer skins and can be left on. For Kirbys, which have tougher skins, I'd recommend removing it.
Tips
- Sugar - for sweeter brine add more tablespoons of sugar, or leave the sugar out completely. It will still taste very delicious!
- Vinegar - I used apple cider vinegar but feel free to use stronger vinegar such as white vinegar or milder (rice vinegar or wine vinegar).
- More veg - add green, yellow or red bell peppers.
- Choose ripe tomatoes and cucumbers. The fantastic flavor of this juicy salad comes entirely from top-quality produce.
- Use different garnish - we like fresh dill, thyme, rosemary, chives, parsley, or oregano.
- Cheese - a sprinkle of feta, goat cheese, diced fresh mozzarella, or shaved Parmesan adds a delightful finishing touch.
- Creamy salad - Try this salad with a different dressing - my easy Greek yogurt dressing.
- I used dried herbs for convenience, but fresh herbs like basil, cilantro, dill, and parsley will also work!
What kind of cucumbers are used for salads?
English cucumbers, also known as seedless, greenhouse, burpless, or European cucumbers, are a variety known for their long and slender shape.
They are characterized by sweet, firm flesh and smooth, thin, dark green skin.
What To Serve With Cucumber, Tomato and Onion Salad
My favorite recipes to serve this salad with:
Storage Tips for Cucumber Tomato Salad
To Store. When refrigerated, marinated cucumber tomato salad remains fresh for two days. Depending on their initial freshness and thickness of slicing, cucumbers may soften a bit.
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Side Salad Recipes
Recipe Card
Marinated Cucumber, Tomato and Onion Salad (Just 5 Minutes)
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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 coarse black 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.
VIDEO
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 apple cider vinegar, rice vinegar or wine vinegar.
- For herbs - use dried herbs for convenience, or try chopped fresh basil, mint, dill or cilantro.
ADD YOUR OWN PRIVATE NOTES
NUTRITION
FAQs
Marinated cucumber salad can be stored in the fridge for up to two days.
Choose a vinegar with a mild tang that enhances the crispness of the cucumbers and tomatoes without overshadowing them. White wine vinegar or rice vinegar are both great options, adding a gentle acidity that boosts the salad's freshness.
Vinegar brings a tangy, acidic flavor that enhances your salad's taste, making it more enjoyable.
Diane
Thank you so much for this, I love it. I take out the seeds of the cucumbers because they cause me to burp. lol they taste good going down but not coming back.
Julia
glad you enjoyed, yes you can take the seeds out of both cucumber and tomato if needed 🙂
Kathy W
This was a hit with a gathering, and me because it was so easy. Stevia and acv, pleased the ones that were on diets! so glad I made this instead of the way I usually do, this recipe will replace the old one. Thank you!
Gary.S
loving the sound of that marinated cucumber, tomato, and onion salad! quick meals like this are perfect for my post-workout routine. keeps things light but flavorful. gonna have to give it a try this weekend. props to julia for sharing this gem!
TinaMarie
Hey Julia, I'm a bit curious about what you mean by 'storage tips for cucumber tomato salad.' How long do you reckon it'll stay fresh in the fridge? I hate when my salads get soggy, lol.
Frank
Delicious!!
Julia | The Yummy Bowl
thank you Frank!