Marinated Cucumbers Onions Tomatoes

This chilled Marinated Cucumbers Onions and Tomatoes salad brings a crisp and tangy punch to any summer meal My family cannot get enough of its bright flavors whenever the garden is overflowing with fresh vegetables This easy recipe is my solution for quick wholesome salads all season long

I discovered this salad when my neighbor shared her version on a blazing July afternoon Since then I cannot imagine a hot day without a big bowl ready for scooping My kids raid the fridge for leftovers even before dinner

Ingredients

• Cucumbers: Thin and crisp slices give cool crunch Choose unblemished firm cucumbers for best texture English or Persian types have fewer seeds
• Cherry or grape tomatoes: Bursting with juiciness and a pop of color Use the ripest sweetest tomatoes you can find for extra flavor
• Red or white onion: Brings a gentle bite and sharpness Always use fresh onions and slice as thin as possible for balanced flavor
• Apple cider or red wine vinegar: This gives the salad its signature tang Choose a vinegar with smooth acidity for best taste
• Extra virgin olive oil: Adds richness and unites the flavors Select a good olive oil for a bright and fresh finish
• Garlic: Freshly minced garlic infuses the marinade Always smash and chop just before using for maximum aroma
• Fresh parsley or dill: Herbs finish the salad with lively notes Go for lush bunches with no yellowing leaves
• Salt and pepper: These enhance and balance every ingredient Use flaky salt and freshly cracked pepper if you have them
• Red pepper flakes: If you like a hint of heat be sure to add Do not use old spice jars as fresh flakes really make a difference

Instructions

Prep the Produce:

Wash the cucumbers thoroughly and slice them thin using a knife or mandoline Halve the tomatoes with a sharp knife Lay the onion flat and slice as paper thin as possible for tenderness

Make the Marinade:

In a medium mixing bowl add the vinegar olive oil minced garlic salt and pepper If you like a bit of heat add the red pepper flakes Whisk with a fork until the vinaigrette looks lightly emulsified and glossy

Combine the Vegetables:

Place the sliced cucumbers halved tomatoes and onions in a large salad bowl Use your hands or salad tongs to distribute them evenly

Dress and Toss:

Pour the marinade over the vegetables making sure all pieces get coated Gently toss with tongs or two spoons so nothing gets bruised

Chill and Marinate:

Cover the bowl tightly Place it in the refrigerator for at least thirty minutes to allow the vegetables to soak up the flavors The longer this sits the better everything tastes

Finish and Serve:

Right before serving toss the salad again Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or dill on top for that final pop of color and flavor

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My favorite ingredient here is the fresh dill It reminds me of summer mornings helping my grandmother snip herbs from her backyard patch She would always say the salad is not complete without a generous handful of something green on top

Storage Tips

Store any leftovers in a tightly covered container in the refrigerator The flavors deepen overnight but the cucumbers stay surprisingly crisp If a little extra liquid gathers just drain before serving You can prep this up to a day ahead for parties

Ingredient Substitutions

You can swap white vinegar or even lemon juice for the apple cider vinegar if needed Yellow onion works in a pinch Fresh basil or tarragon add a new element if you are out of dill or parsley In a hurry use pre sliced veggies from the produce section

Serving Suggestions

This salad pairs perfectly with grilled meats or simple pasta dishes It also shines tucked into pita with hummus or served over a bed of arugula When it is sweltering outside I like it solo as a snack straight from the bowl

Cultural Notes

Marinated salads like this are popular all across Eastern Europe and the American South They are a practical way to use up seasonal bounty and to keep vegetables tasting fresh even on the hottest days Many families pass down their own variations

Seasonal Adaptations

Add radishes for extra crunch Try yellow or orange tomatoes for a beautiful rainbow effect Stir in sliced sweet bell peppers to bulk up the salad

Success Stories

When I brought this to a picnic last year it disappeared before any of the other sides People were asking for the recipe after just a few bites and one friend started making it weekly for her own family That is when I knew it was a keeper

Freezer Meal Conversion

These vegetables are at their best fresh Freezing is not recommended as it will make them limp Instead chop the veggies ahead and keep them separate in the fridge Mix and dress only right before serving for peak texture

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Give this salad a try with your next summer meal It is as refreshing as it is simple and will become a warm-weather favorite in no time

Common Recipe Questions

→ Can I use different types of vinegar for this dish?

Yes, apple cider vinegar or red wine vinegar both work well and offer a slightly different tang to the marinade.

→ How long should the vegetables marinate?

Marinate for at least 30 minutes, but a few hours or overnight enhances the flavors further.

→ Can I add other herbs or spices?

Fresh parsley or dill are great, but basil or mint can also add a unique flavor profile to the salad.

→ Is it possible to make this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely, preparing it in advance allows the flavors to meld and the vegetables to absorb the vinaigrette.

→ What pairs well with this marinated salad?

This vibrant salad pairs well with grilled meats, seafood, or as a refreshing addition to light meals.