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.
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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.
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.
I use these glass meal prep containers to store leftovers — they keep everything fresh for days.
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Side Salad Recipes
Recipe Card
Marinated Cucumber, Tomato and Onion Salad (Just 5 Minutes)
VIDEO
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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.
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
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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.
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!
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.
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!
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!
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!
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!
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.
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!
Melissa
Loved it. Very refreshing
Julia | The Yummy Bowl
thank you so much!
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 :))
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!
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!
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!
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!
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!
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!