Marinated Cucumbers, Onions, and Tomatoes

Posted on May 16, 2025

Easy Marinated Cucumber Tomato Onion Salad – A Refreshing No-Cook Recipe

Looking for a quick, refreshing, and flavor-packed side dish? This Marinated Cucumbers, Onions, and Tomatoes recipe is the ultimate summertime staple. It’s crisp, juicy, and tangy with just the right balance of sweetness and zest. Perfect for picnics, BBQs, or a simple family dinner, this dish comes together in minutes and tastes even better after a little chill time in the fridge. Whether you’re craving something light or need a colorful side for your grilled favorites, this marinated salad delivers big flavor with minimal effort.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This easy Marinated Cucumbers, Onions, and Tomatoes recipe is a total crowd-pleaser—and here’s why! It uses simple, fresh ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen. The tangy vinegar dressing is super refreshing, and it gets better the longer it sits. It’s low-effort but full of flavor, making it the perfect make-ahead side. Plus, it’s naturally gluten-free, vegan, and low-calorie, so it fits a variety of dietary needs.

Ingredients

You’ll only need a handful of fresh ingredients to make this vibrant and zesty salad. It’s all about letting those garden veggies shine with a simple marinade that brings everything together. Here’s what you need:

Ingredients:

2 large cucumbers, thinly sliced
3 medium tomatoes, cut into wedges or thick slices
1 medium red onion, thinly sliced
½ cup white vinegar (apple cider vinegar works too)
¼ cup water
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon sugar (optional, for a touch of sweetness)
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
¼ teaspoon garlic powder (or 1 small clove garlic, minced)
Fresh herbs like dill, parsley, or basil (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

This recipe is all about simplicity. With just a bit of slicing and mixing, you’ll have a delicious, tangy salad that only gets better as it marinates. Here’s how to bring it all together:

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Prep the veggies
Slice the cucumbers and red onion thinly. Cut tomatoes into wedges or thick slices.
Make the marinade
In a large bowl, whisk together the vinegar, water, olive oil, sugar (if using), salt, pepper, and garlic powder until well combined.
Combine everything
Add the cucumbers, onions, and tomatoes to the bowl with the marinade. Gently toss until all the veggies are coated.
Let it marinate
Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. For best flavor, let it sit for 2–4 hours or overnight.
Serve and enjoy
Give it a good stir before serving, and top with fresh herbs if you like!

Servings and Timing

One of the best things about this Marinated Cucumbers, Onions, and Tomatoes recipe is how fast it comes together—and how easy it is to scale for a crowd!

Servings:

This recipe makes about 4–6 servings as a side dish.

Timing:

Prep time: 10 minutes
Marinate time: Minimum 30 minutes (2–4 hours for best flavor)
Total time: 40 minutes to 4 hours, depending on marination

It’s ideal for making ahead, so you can focus on your main dish or entertaining your guests while it chills.

Tips and Variations

Want to customize this dish to fit your taste or what’s in your fridge? No problem! This recipe is super flexible and fun to tweak.

Tips:

Use seedless cucumbers like English or Persian for fewer seeds and a crisper bite.
Slice vegetables uniformly for even marination and prettier presentation.
Chill before serving for the best texture and flavor—it gets better over time!

Variations:

Add feta or mozzarella for a creamy twist.
Toss in avocado or bell peppers for extra color and crunch.
Switch the vinegar—try red wine vinegar or balsamic for a different flavor profile.
Spice it up with red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce.

Storage

This marinated salad is perfect for prepping ahead, and the flavors only get better with time! Here’s how to store any leftovers safely and deliciously.

Storage Guidelines:

Refrigerate: Store the marinated cucumbers, onions, and tomatoes in an airtight container in the fridge.
Shelf life: Best enjoyed within 2–3 days, as the tomatoes can become too soft after that.
Stir before serving: The marinade may settle, so give it a quick toss before enjoying leftovers.
Avoid freezing: The fresh veggies won’t hold up well in the freezer—they’ll lose their crunch.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this salad a day ahead?
Yes! In fact, it’s even better after a few hours in the fridge or overnight.

Do I have to peel the cucumbers?
Nope! Feel free to leave the skin on for extra crunch and color—just wash them well.

Can I use cherry tomatoes instead of regular tomatoes?
Absolutely. Just halve or quarter them for the perfect bite-size pieces.

What type of vinegar works best?
White vinegar is classic, but apple cider, red wine, or even rice vinegar are tasty alternatives.

Is the sugar necessary?
It’s optional—it adds a touch of sweetness to balance the acidity. You can leave it out or adjust to taste.

How do I make it spicy?
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a few slices of fresh jalapeño for a kick!

Can I serve this warm?
It’s best served cold or at room temperature. Heating can make the veggies too soft.

Conclusion

This Marinated Cucumbers, Onions, and Tomatoes recipe is a total win—fresh, flavorful, and effortlessly simple. It’s the kind of dish that tastes like summer in every bite and comes together with pantry staples and crisp veggies. Whether you’re serving it alongside grilled meats, packing it for a picnic, or enjoying it as a light lunch, it’s sure to become a regular in your rotation.

Pin4

4 Shares

Marinated Cucumbers, Onions, and Tomatoes

Why You’ll Love This Recipe