Dessert

Fresh & Tangy Marinated Cucumber, Onion, and Tomato Salad Recipe

Bylina moretti December 14, 2025December 14, 2025

Introduction

This Fresh & Tangy Marinated Cucumber, Onion, and Tomato Salad is a bright, flavorful side dish perfect for warm days or anytime you want a refreshing salad. The crisp vegetables soak up a zesty vinegar dressing, creating a delightful combination of textures and tastes.

Ingredients

2 large cucumbers, thinly sliced
4 medium tomatoes, cut into wedges or large chunks
1 small red onion, thinly sliced
1/4 cup white vinegar
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon sugar
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill or parsley

Instructions

Step 1: In a large bowl, combine the thinly sliced cucumbers, cut tomatoes, and thinly sliced red onion to create the fresh base for the salad.
Step 2: In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the white vinegar, olive oil, sugar, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder until the mixture is well combined and slightly emulsified.
Step 3: Pour the dressing over the mixed vegetables and toss gently but thoroughly to coat every piece evenly in the tangy mixture.
Step 4: Cover the bowl tightly and refrigerate the salad for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld together and the vegetables to absorb the dressing.
Step 5: Before serving, optionally garnish with freshly chopped dill or parsley for added aroma and color. Serve chilled or at room temperature for best taste.

Tips & Variations

For extra crunch, add thinly sliced bell peppers or radishes to the salad.
Use apple cider vinegar instead of white vinegar for a slightly sweeter tang.
If you prefer a spicier kick, sprinkle in a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes.
Fresh herbs like basil or mint can be substituted for dill or parsley to change the flavor profile.

Storage

Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The flavors deepen as it sits, but the vegetables may become softer over time. For best texture, consume within the first day. This salad is best served chilled or at room temperature; if refrigerated, let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving.

How to Serve

A small tower made of thin slices of cucumber, tomato, and red onion is stacked on a white marbled surface. The bottom layer is a round green cucumber slice, followed by a layer of purple onion slice, then a red tomato slice, then another cucumber slice, another onion slice, and topped with a cucumber slice and two red onion rings. The layers look fresh and slightly shiny with droplets of moisture. The whole tower is sprinkled with coarse black pepper, sea salt, and small green herbs scattered around it. The details show a fresh, colorful, and textured vegetable stack. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, this salad benefits from marinating for at least an hour, so preparing it in advance helps the flavors meld beautifully. However, consume within 2 days for best texture and freshness.

Can I use other types of vinegar?

Absolutely. While white vinegar gives a clean, sharp tang, you can use apple cider vinegar or red wine vinegar for a milder, fruitier flavor. Just adjust the quantity to taste.