There’s nothing quite as refreshing as a crisp, tangy, and juicy salad on a warm day. This Cucumber, Onion, and Tomato Salad is one of my absolute favorite recipes when I need something light, healthy, and bursting with fresh flavors. It’s incredibly simple to make, yet so delicious that it’s a staple in my kitchen. Whether I serve it as a side dish for grilled meats, a fresh topping for sandwiches, or even enjoy it as a light lunch, this salad always hits the spot.
A Classic Combination of Fresh Ingredients
This salad is all about simple, wholesome ingredients that come together in the most delicious way. Crunchy cucumbers, sweet cherry tomatoes, and sharp red onions create a perfect balance of flavors and textures. The dressing, a blend of vinegar, oil, water, sugar, salt, and pepper, ties everything together, giving the vegetables a lightly pickled, tangy taste that makes each bite irresistible.
One of the things I love about this salad is how easy it is to customize. If I want more crunch, I add extra cucumbers. If I’m craving sweetness, I use more cherry tomatoes. And if I feel like a bit more zing, I let the salad marinate a little longer in the fridge. It’s an adaptable recipe that fits any occasion!
A Simple Yet Versatile Side Dish
This Cucumber, Onion, and Tomato Salad is perfect for barbecues, picnics, or as a refreshing side dish for any meal. It pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken, roasted vegetables, or even seafood. Plus, it’s one of those dishes that tastes even better the next day after the flavors have had time to meld. With minimal effort, you get a salad that’s not only tasty but also incredibly refreshing and healthy.
Ingredients for Cucumber, Onion, and Tomato Salad
To make this crisp and refreshing salad, you only need a handful of fresh ingredients and a simple dressing that brings everything together.
Fresh Ingredients:
- 2 cucumbers – Peeled and sliced for a crisp, hydrating base. You can leave the skin on if you prefer extra fiber and texture.
- 1 red onion – Sliced into thin rings to add a mild, slightly sweet sharpness.
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes – Sliced in half to release their natural juices and sweetness.
Dressing Ingredients:
- 1 cup white vinegar – Provides a bright, tangy flavor that enhances the vegetables.
- 1 cup oil – Helps balance the acidity of the vinegar and coats the ingredients for a smooth texture.
- 1 cup water – Lightens the dressing, preventing it from being too strong.
- 3 tbsp granulated sugar – Adds a subtle sweetness to balance the acidity.
- Salt and pepper to taste – Enhances and rounds out all the flavors.
How to Make Cucumber, Onion, and Tomato Salad
This salad is incredibly easy to prepare. With just a few steps, you’ll have a fresh, flavorful dish ready to enjoy!
Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables
- Start by washing all the vegetables thoroughly under running water.
- Slice the cucumbers into thin rounds. If you prefer, you can cut them into quarters for bite-sized pieces.
- Cut the cherry tomatoes in half, allowing their juices to mix into the salad.
- Slice the red onion into thin rings to evenly distribute the flavor throughout the salad.
Step 2: Make the Dressing
- In a mixing bowl, combine the vinegar, oil, water, and sugar.
- Stir well until the sugar dissolves completely.
- Season with salt and pepper to your taste, adjusting as needed.
Step 3: Combine and Marinate
- Place the cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, and onion rings in a large salad bowl.
- Pour the dressing over the vegetables and toss gently to coat everything evenly.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to let the flavors meld together.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
- After chilling, give the salad a final toss.
- Adjust the seasoning if necessary, then serve fresh as a side dish or enjoy it on its own.
How Long to Marinate Cucumber, Onion, and Tomato Salad?
One of the best things about this salad is how well it absorbs flavors over time. While you can serve it immediately, allowing it to marinate enhances the taste. Here’s a general guide:
- Quick version (30 minutes): The vegetables absorb just enough dressing to enhance their flavor while remaining extra crisp.
- Best flavor (1-2 hours): The dressing fully infuses the vegetables, balancing the acidity and sweetness.
- Overnight (for deeper flavor): The onions soften, and the cucumbers slightly pickle, creating a tangier, well-blended taste.
If you prefer a crunchier texture, serve the salad within the first hour. For a more marinated, tangy taste, let it sit overnight in the fridge.
How to Store Leftovers
This salad is great for meal prep and stores well in the refrigerator. Here’s how to keep it fresh:
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to develop, and the salad will become slightly more pickled.
- Draining tip: Before serving leftovers, drain excess liquid if the salad has released too much water.
- Avoid freezing: Cucumbers and tomatoes do not freeze well, as they become mushy when thawed.
Tips for the Perfect Cucumber, Onion, and Tomato Salad
To make sure your salad is fresh, crisp, and full of flavor, follow these simple tips:
✔ Choose firm, fresh vegetables – Crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, and fresh onions ensure the best texture and taste.
✔ Use high-quality vinegar and oil – A good white vinegar or even apple cider vinegar can make a big difference in flavor.
✔ Slice onions thinly – If raw onions are too strong for your taste, soak them in cold water for 10 minutes before adding them to the salad.
✔ Adjust sweetness and acidity – Like it sweeter? Add an extra teaspoon of sugar. Prefer more tang? Increase the vinegar slightly.
✔ Chill before serving – Allowing the salad to sit in the fridge enhances the flavors and gives it a refreshing taste.
✔ Add extra toppings – For variety, try adding fresh herbs like parsley or dill, crumbled feta cheese, or even toasted sunflower seeds for extra crunch.
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Cucumber, Onion, and Tomato Salad – A Refreshing and Flavorful Dish
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Cucumber, Onion, and Tomato Salad is a light, refreshing dish that’s perfect for any meal. Crisp cucumbers, juicy cherry tomatoes, and flavorful red onions are tossed in a tangy-sweet dressing, making it a delicious side dish for barbecues, picnics, or a quick weekday lunch. With simple ingredients and minimal prep, this salad comes together effortlessly!
Ingredients
- 2 cucumbers – peeled and sliced
- 1 red onion – sliced into rings
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes – sliced in half
- 1 cup white vinegar
- 1 cup oil
- 1 cup water
- 3 tbsp granulated sugar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
-
Prepare the Vegetables:
- Wash and dry the cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, and red onion.
- Slice the cucumbers into thin rounds (or quarters for bite-sized pieces).
- Cut the cherry tomatoes in half.
- Slice the red onion into thin rings.
-
Make the Dressing:
- In a bowl, combine the vinegar, oil, water, and sugar.
- Stir well until the sugar dissolves.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
-
Combine and Marinate:
- In a large salad bowl, add the cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, and onions.
- Pour the dressing over the vegetables and toss gently.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to let the flavors blend.
-
Serve and Enjoy:
- Before serving, give the salad a final toss.
- Adjust seasoning if needed and serve fresh!
Notes
✔ For a milder onion flavor, soak the sliced onions in cold water for 10 minutes before adding them to the salad.
✔ For extra crunch, add chopped bell peppers or sunflower seeds.
✔ For more flavor, sprinkle fresh herbs like parsley or dill.
✔ Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 day
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use a different type of vinegar for the dressing?
Yes! While white vinegar gives a classic tangy flavor, you can substitute it with other types for a different taste:
- Apple cider vinegar – Adds a slight fruity sweetness.
- Red wine vinegar – Gives a deeper, slightly more complex acidity.
- Rice vinegar – Offers a milder, slightly sweet flavor.
Each variation will slightly change the taste, so adjust the sugar and seasoning as needed.
2. How can I reduce the strong flavor of raw onions?
If raw onions taste too strong for you, here are a few ways to mellow their bite:
- Soak the sliced onions in cold water for 10 minutes before adding them to the salad.
- Use a pinch of salt to rub the onions lightly before rinsing them.
- Substitute sweet onions like Vidalia or shallots for a milder taste.
These tricks will make the onions softer in flavor while still adding a delicious crunch.
3. Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Absolutely! This salad actually tastes better after marinating. However, for the best texture:
- Prepare the dressing and vegetables separately if making it more than a day in advance.
- Combine and refrigerate about 1-2 hours before serving to allow the flavors to develop while keeping the cucumbers crisp.
If storing overnight, expect the cucumbers to release some water, so you may need to drain excess liquid before serving.
4. What can I serve with Cucumber, Onion, and Tomato Salad?
This refreshing salad pairs well with many dishes! Some great serving ideas include:
- Grilled chicken or fish – The crisp, tangy flavors balance smoky, savory meats.
- Rice or quinoa bowls – Adds freshness to grain-based dishes.
- Pita bread or hummus – Complements Mediterranean-inspired meals.
- BBQs and picnics – A perfect side for burgers, grilled beef, or roasted vegetables.