Fresh & Tangy Marinated Cucumber, Onion, and Tomato Salad

Summer days call for something light, refreshing, and full of flavor, and this Fresh & Tangy Marinated Cucumber, Onion, and Tomato Salad is exactly that. With crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, and thinly sliced onions, all tossed in a tangy vinaigrette, this salad is everything you need to beat the heat. The best part? It’s quick to prepare, full of vibrant flavors, and it’s perfect as a side dish for any barbecue or picnic. Trust me, once you make this, you’ll find yourself reaching for it all season long.

Why You’ll Love Fresh & Tangy Marinated Cucumber, Onion, and Tomato Salad

Light & Refreshing:

This salad is cool, crisp, and incredibly refreshing—perfect for hot days when you want something light but satisfying.

Flavor-Packed:

The tangy vinaigrette elevates the fresh veggies with just the right amount of acidity and sweetness. It’s a zesty combo that’s seriously hard to beat!

Super Easy:

With just a few fresh ingredients, this salad comes together in no time. No need for any complicated prep—just slice, mix, and let it marinate. It’s a total breeze!

Versatile:

This salad goes with just about anything—serve it as a side dish at a BBQ, alongside grilled chicken or fish, or enjoy it on its own as a healthy snack.

Make-Ahead:

The flavors get even better as they marinate, which makes it a great make-ahead option for busy days. You can prep it the night before and let the salad sit in the fridge until you’re ready to serve.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this bright and zesty salad:

• Cucumbers: The star of the salad, offering a cool crunch that pairs beautifully with the tangy marinade.
• Tomatoes: Juicy, ripe tomatoes that bring in a burst of sweetness.
• Red Onion: Adds just the right amount of bite and color to the salad.
• Apple Cider Vinegar: For that tangy kick that balances out the sweetness of the veggies.
• Olive Oil: Gives the dressing a nice, smooth texture.
• Honey: A touch of sweetness to offset the acidity of the vinegar.
• Dried Oregano: Adds a bit of earthy flavor to bring everything together.
• Salt & Pepper: Season to taste to enhance all the flavors.

(Note: Exact measurements are provided in the recipe card below.)

Instructions

Ready to make this vibrant salad? Let’s dive in:

Step 1: Prepare the Veggies

Thinly slice the cucumbers, tomatoes, and red onion. You can either slice the cucumbers into rounds or half-moons, depending on your preference. Place all the veggies into a large bowl.

Step 2: Make the Dressing

In a separate small bowl, whisk together the apple cider vinegar, olive oil, honey, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust the sweetness or tanginess to your liking.

Step 3: Toss the Salad

Pour the dressing over the sliced veggies and toss gently to combine. Make sure everything is evenly coated in that delicious marinade.

Step 4: Marinate and Chill

Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together and the veggies to soak up all the tangy goodness. You can also let it marinate for a few hours or even overnight for even more intense flavor.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!

Once marinated, give the salad a quick toss before serving. Enjoy it as a side dish, a topping for grilled meats, or as a light and healthy snack.

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

This salad is as versatile as it is tasty! Here are a few ideas for how to enjoy it:

• As a Side Dish: It pairs perfectly with grilled meats like chicken, steak, or fish. It’s also fantastic with any BBQ meal or picnic spread.
• On Its Own: This salad is light enough to enjoy on its own, especially for a healthy snack or lunch.
• Topped on Tacos or Wraps: Use it as a topping for tacos, wraps, or even sandwiches for an extra burst of freshness.
• As a Salad Bowl Base: Add some quinoa or couscous to the salad for a heartier, meal-worthy dish. Toss in some feta or goat cheese for extra creaminess.

Additional Tips

Adjust the Veggies:

If you prefer, you can swap out the red onion for green onions or add a handful of fresh herbs like parsley or basil for added flavor.

Spice It Up:

For a little kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a finely chopped jalapeño to the dressing. This will bring a spicy element to balance out the sweetness.

Make It Ahead:

This salad actually gets better the longer it sits, so feel free to prepare it in advance. Just give it a quick toss before serving to redistribute the dressing.

Experiment with Vinegar:

If you’re not a fan of apple cider vinegar, you can swap it with white wine vinegar or even balsamic vinegar for a different twist on the flavor.

Add More Texture:

For extra crunch, consider adding a handful of roasted sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, or sliced almonds just before serving.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 6
Calories per serving: 110
Total Fat: 9g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 0mg
Sodium: 180mg
Total Carbohydrates: 8g
Dietary Fiber: 2g
Sugars: 5g
Protein: 1g

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Chill Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes

FAQs

Q1: Can I make this salad without honey?

A1: Yes! If you want to skip the honey, you can use a bit of sugar or simply leave it out if you prefer a more tangy salad.

Q2: Can I use a different vinegar?

A2: Absolutely! You can swap apple cider vinegar for white wine vinegar or even balsamic vinegar for a slightly sweeter taste.

Q3: How long can I store leftovers?

A3: Leftovers will keep in the fridge for up to 3 days. The veggies will soften a bit more as they sit, but the flavors will still be great.

Q4: Can I add other veggies to this salad?

A4: Of course! Feel free to toss in bell peppers, avocado, or even some shredded carrots for extra crunch and flavor.

Q5: Is this salad gluten-free?

A5: Yes, this salad is naturally gluten-free, so it’s perfect for anyone following a gluten-free diet.

Q6: Can I make this salad ahead of time?

A6: Yes! The longer it marinates, the better it tastes. You can make it a few hours or even the day before to allow the flavors to meld.

Q7: Can I add protein to make this a full meal?

A7: Absolutely! Add grilled chicken, chickpeas, or even some feta cheese for a complete meal.

Q8: Can I make this salad spicy?

A8: Yes! Add a finely chopped jalapeño or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the dressing for a little heat.

Q9: How do I keep the veggies from getting soggy?

A9: Just be sure not to let the salad sit for too long before serving. If you’re making it ahead, make sure to store it in an airtight container and give it a quick toss before serving.

Q10: Can I use a different type of oil?

A10: Yes! You can use any mild oil, like avocado oil or vegetable oil, if you don’t have olive oil on hand.

Conclusion

This Fresh & Tangy Marinated Cucumber, Onion, and Tomato Salad is a bright and zesty addition to any meal. It’s refreshing, packed with flavor, and easy to make, which makes it perfect for everything from casual dinners to summer parties. With its tangy vinaigrette and crisp veggies, it’s the kind of salad that’s both satisfying and light—just what you need to bring a little freshness to your plate!

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