Marinated Cucumbers, Onions, and Tomatoes

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There’s something timeless about a crisp, cool bowl of marinated cucumbers, onions, and tomatoes. This dish captures everything we love about simple summer sides: it’s fresh, vibrant, tangy, and just a little sweet. Whether you’re serving it next to grilled meat or packing it for a picnic, this Southern favorite is all about letting fresh produce shine in a marinade that does all the heavy lifting.

What makes this salad so beloved is the way it develops flavor the longer it sits. The tangy vinegar dressing mingles with the juices of the vegetables, softening the onions, infusing the tomatoes, and giving cucumbers that addictive zing. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep, this dish delivers a nostalgic bite that feels like home.

Why You’ll Love This Marinated Cucumbers, Onions, and Tomatoes

This recipe is the definition of unfussy. You don’t need fancy ingredients or a lot of time to bring it together, but it still tastes like something special. The cucumbers stay crisp, the tomatoes bring juiciness, and the onions mellow into a gentle tang. Once chilled, every bite is refreshing and bold, making it the perfect contrast to heavier entrees.

It also stores beautifully, meaning you can make it ahead and enjoy it over several days. That makes it ideal for weekly meal prep, potlucks, or lazy weekends when you want something easy and delicious on hand.

Can I Use a Different Type of Tomato?

Absolutely. While classic red slicing tomatoes work wonderfully, you can swap them out depending on what you have. Grape or cherry tomatoes are great for bite-size ease and pop with sweetness. Heirloom varieties bring bold color and more nuanced flavor. Just be sure your tomatoes are ripe but firm, so they hold their shape after marinating.

And if you happen to have garden tomatoes at the peak of their season? Even better. This dish thrives on peak produce and lets every ingredient shine in its purest form.

Ingredients for the Marinated Cucumbers, Onions, and Tomatoes

This salad relies on a short list of staple ingredients, but every component plays a key role. The magic lies in the combination of fresh vegetables and a tangy-sweet marinade that balances acidity and flavor without overpowering the natural taste of the produce.

• Cucumbers
• Tomatoes
• Onions
• White vinegar
• Water
• Sugar
• Salt
• Black pepper

Cucumbers are the refreshing base of this salad. They soak up the marinade while maintaining their crunch, offering a cooling contrast to the vinegar.

Tomatoes bring in sweetness and juiciness. Their acidity blends beautifully with the vinegar and adds color and depth to each bite.

Onions add sharpness and bite that mellow out as they marinate. They also lend a subtle sweetness that rounds out the flavor.

White vinegar is the acidic backbone that ties everything together, bringing brightness and tang to the marinade.

Water helps dilute the vinegar so it’s not overpowering, allowing the vegetable flavors to come through.

Sugar balances out the acidity and enhances the natural sweetness of the vegetables.

Salt is essential for drawing out moisture and enhancing every other flavor in the mix.

Black pepper adds just a touch of warmth and mild heat without overwhelming the salad.

How To Make the Marinated Cucumbers, Onions, and Tomatoes

Step 1: Slice the Vegetables

Start by slicing the cucumbers into rounds or half-moons depending on your texture preference. Core and wedge the tomatoes, or halve them if using grape or cherry types. Slice the onions thin so they absorb the marinade well.

Step 2: Make the Marinade

In a medium bowl or large measuring cup, whisk together the white vinegar, water, sugar, salt, and black pepper until the sugar and salt are fully dissolved.

Step 3: Combine Everything

In a large mixing bowl, toss together the sliced cucumbers, tomatoes, and onions. Pour the marinade over the vegetables and gently mix until everything is coated evenly.

Step 4: Chill and Marinate

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer everything to an airtight container. Let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, but ideally overnight. The longer it sits, the more flavorful it becomes.

Step 5: Serve Cold

Give the salad a gentle toss before serving. Enjoy it cold as a refreshing side dish to just about any summer meal.

How to Serve and Store Marinated Cucumbers, Onions, and Tomatoes

This dish is at its best when served cold, straight from the refrigerator. It makes an ideal side dish for summer barbecues, picnic spreads, or potluck dinners. The crisp cucumbers and tender tomatoes lend a refreshing contrast to grilled meats, while the vinegar-based marinade cuts through rich, savory flavors with ease.

The recipe makes enough to serve about 6 people as a side, but it can easily be doubled or even tripled if you’re hosting a larger gathering. Just make sure you have a large enough container for marinating.

To store, place the salad in an airtight container in the fridge. It will stay fresh for up to 5 days. You might find the flavors get even better after the first day as everything continues to marinate. Give it a quick stir before each serving.

What to Serve With Marinated Cucumbers, Onions, and Tomatoes?

Grilled Chicken Thighs

The acidity in the marinade pairs beautifully with smoky, charred chicken. It brings brightness to each bite and cuts through the richness.

Classic Cheeseburgers

This salad is a refreshing side to juicy cheeseburgers, offering a crisp and tangy counterpoint.

Barbecue Ribs

Balance the sweetness of barbecue sauce with this sharp, chilled veggie mix. It’s a classic combo for a reason.

Baked Mac and Cheese

Add something cool and vinegary to a creamy, heavy dish like mac and cheese for a meal that hits all the right notes.

Crispy Fried Catfish

The lightness and acidity of the marinated vegetables are a perfect foil for golden, crispy fried fish.

Pulled Pork Sandwiches

Serve this salad alongside or even on top of pulled pork for a crunchy texture and zesty flavor boost.

Herby Meatball Bowls

Combine with a protein-packed dish like these Herby Chicken Meatball Bowls for a lunch or dinner that feels fresh yet filling.

Classic Caprese Salad

Double down on the tomato freshness and pair this dish with a Classic Caprese Salad for a beautiful, summery spread.

Want More Salad Ideas with Fresh Flavor?

If this Marinated Cucumbers, Onions, and Tomatoes recipe hit the spot, here are some other refreshing ideas to try next:

• Try this colorful and creamy Creamy Tomato Spinach Pasta when you’re in the mood for something heartier but still veggie-packed.
• Craving more tomato goodness? Pair your meals with the Classic Caprese Salad layered with basil and mozzarella.
• If you’re looking for something cozy and cheesy, don’t miss the Delicious Ooey Gooey Mac and Cheese.
• Add crunch to your plate with the flavorful Crispy Jalapeno Popper Egg Rolls.
• And for something ultra-comforting, serve this alongside the beloved No Peek Chicken Casserole.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest salad board so you can come back to it anytime.

Let me know in the comments how your version turned out. Did you swap in cherry tomatoes or go full garden-fresh? Maybe you added a bit of garlic or fresh herbs?

I always love hearing how these recipes evolve in your kitchens. And if you have any questions, feel free to ask — we’re all learning together.

Explore beautifully curated health-boosting salads and veggie dishes on Janet Dishes on Pinterest and discover your new go-to for feeling fresh: Janet Dishes on Pinterest.

Conclusion

Marinated Cucumbers, Onions, and Tomatoes is the kind of side dish that quietly steals the show. Simple to make, easy to store, and bursting with flavor, it’s one of those recipes that never goes out of style. Whether you’re planning a cookout or just need something to brighten up a weekday dinner, this dish delivers every time.

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