Marinated Cucumber tomato and onion salad is a fresh summer side dish, it only takes 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).
It’s easy and quick, requires only 3 main ingredients, and goes with just about everything. No fermentation 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.
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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.
If possible, use organically grown tomatoes, cucumbers, and onions. But if in doubt, soak the veggies in slightly salted 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 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.
How to make Marinated Cucumbers, Tomatoes and Onions
Combine ingredients in 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.
Here are some tips to make the best Marinated Cucumbers, Onions and Tomatoes:
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.
- 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 more herbs - fresh or dried dill will add a burst of flavor to the dish. When serving the salad.
- 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 fridge in a jar or air-tight container for up to 2-3 days.
Serving Suggestions
I love to serve this salad with grilled meats, seafood, or roasted veggies. And of course casseroles such as cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole, creamy Chicken Enchilada Casserole, and veggie lovers' favorite Gluten Free Eggplant Parmesan.
Here are some of my recommendations:
ALL DINNER recipes.
Enjoy your Family BBQ dinners with this Marinated Cucumber, Tomato and Onion Salad.
Thank you,
Julia
Easy Side Salad Recipes
ALL SALAD recipes.
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.
Hope you guys enjoy this refreshing summer salad and please let me know how it turned out 🙂 Thanks, Julia
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!
Thank you so much Jen, glad you loved it!
Loved it. Thanks
delicious right 🙂 thank you Joyce!
Loved how delicious this salad turned out! So refreshing, perfect for summer nights!
thank you so much, I agree, the best salad for summer!
Yummy! This is perfect for my hubby and I for lunch! Can’t wait to try this today! Excited!
I hope you'll love this! Thank you!
Perfect for springtime! This is so fresh and beautiful, and the homemade dressing is fantastic, too. Thank you for another winning recipe!
Thank you so much!
What is the purpose of the olive oil? What effect does it have on the cucumbers?
Hi Charlie, olive oil stimulates the absorption of nutrients, gives flavor but feel free to leave it out!
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
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
When ever olive oil put on the fridge it will become cloudly an thick almost solid.I am surprise you did not know this.
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!
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.
thank you so much Sue for leaving a comment! Please enjoy!
So dang GOOD!!!! Love great recipes that are healthy. Thanks so much.
Thank you Annette for your feedback, we love delicious and healthy :))
Loved it. Very refreshing
thank you so much!
I used your recipe, with the dill too! So delicious!! I had it with Easter dinner and just made it again today!!! Perfection!!!
thank you so much Kebby!
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!
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!
If you're using Stevia as a sugar replacement is the measurement still 1/4 c ?
Hi Patricia! Stevia is usually stronger, I would suggest adding to taste.
Just made this salad for tomorrow! OMG! It looks super delicious! Thank you so much for your wonderful salad recipe. ❤️
Marti K
New Mexico
Thank you so much Marti, it means the world to me!
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!!!
Thank you so much Doris, glad you all liked it! I haven't tried it with rice vinegar yet!
This salad is so delicious. Pairs great with ham, green beans and potatoes and corn on the cob. Thanks for a great recipe!
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!