Marinated Cucumbers, Onions, and Tomatoes – The Ultimate Summer Salad! 🥒🍅

 

Cool, crisp, and bursting with fresh flavors, this Marinated Cucumber, Onion, and Tomato Salad is the perfect side dish for hot days, BBQs, or weeknight dinners. With a tangy-sweet vinegar dressing, it’s light, refreshing, and gets better as it sits!

✨ Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✅ Ready in 15 minutes – No cooking required!

✅ Crunchy & refreshing – The ultimate summer side.

✅ Better overnight – Flavors meld beautifully.

✅ Versatile – Pairs with grilled meats, sandwiches, or fish.

📝 Ingredients

Vegetables

2 large cucumbers, thinly sliced

1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved (or 2 large tomatoes, chopped)

1 medium red onion, thinly sliced

1 bell pepper, sliced (optional, for extra crunch)

Dressing

½ cup apple cider vinegar (or white vinegar)

¼ cup water

2 tbsp sugar (or honey)

1 tsp salt

½ tsp black pepper

1 tsp dried dill (or 1 tbsp fresh)

1 tbsp olive oil (optional, for richness)

👩‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions

1️⃣ Prep the Vegetables

Slice cucumbers, tomatoes, and onions evenly.

Place in a large bowl (or mason jar for easy shaking).

2️⃣ Make the Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together vinegar, water, sugar, salt, pepper, and dill until sugar dissolves.

Pour over the vegetables and toss gently.

3️⃣ Marinate & Serve

Cover and refrigerate at least 1 hour (best overnight).

Stir occasionally to coat evenly.

Drain excess liquid before serving, or enjoy it as a light brine.

🔥 Pro Tips for the Best Salad

🔹 Use English cucumbers – No need to peel or seed!

🔹 Slice onions thin – Soak in ice water for 10 mins first to reduce sharpness.

🔹 Adjust sweetness – Add more sugar if too tangy.

🔹 Add fresh herbs – Basil or parsley brighten it up.

🍽️ Serving Suggestions

With grilled chicken or steak – Cuts through richness.

On burgers or sandwiches – A crunchy topping.

As a light lunch – Add feta or avocado.