Fresh Marinated Summer Salad

This marinated cucumber tomato onion salad transforms everyday vegetables into a refreshing side dish that perfectly complements any summer meal. The simple marinade infuses the crisp vegetables with tangy, herbaceous flavors that only get better with time.

This salad has been my summertime potluck secret weapon for years. When garden tomatoes reach their peak sweetness, this recipe showcases their fresh flavor while the marinade adds depth that store-bought deli salads can never match.

Ingredients

• Cucumbers: Provide refreshing crunch and hydration. Look for firm cucumbers with no soft spots for the best texture.
• Tomatoes: Contribute juicy sweetness and beautiful color. Choose ripe but firm tomatoes that feel heavy for their size.
• Red onion: Adds sharp flavor that mellows beautifully in the marinade. Select onions that feel firm with tight, shiny skin.
• White vinegar: Creates the tangy base for the marinade. Apple cider vinegar works wonderfully too, adding a subtle fruity note.
• Olive oil: Balances the acidity with richness. Use extra virgin for the best flavor profile.
• Sugar: Helps balance the acidity when tomatoes aren't at peak sweetness. Feel free to adjust based on your tomatoes' natural sweetness.
• Salt and pepper: Awaken all the flavors. Kosher salt works best for even distribution.
• Dried oregano: Brings Mediterranean flair. Italian seasoning creates a more complex herb profile if you prefer.
• Fresh parsley: Brightens the final presentation with color and fresh flavor.

How To Make Marinated Cucumber Tomato Onion Salad

Prepare the vegetables:

Slice cucumbers into thin rounds about 1/8 inch thick. If using larger cucumbers, consider halving them lengthwise first. Cut tomatoes into wedges or thick slices, ensuring they're substantial enough to hold up in the marinade. Slice the red onion thinly to allow maximum flavor absorption while maintaining some texture.

Create the marinade:

Whisk vinegar and olive oil together vigorously until they begin to emulsify. Add sugar if using, which helps balance acidity, especially if your tomatoes aren't perfectly ripe. Incorporate salt, pepper, and dried herbs, whisking until the sugar and salt fully dissolve for even flavor distribution.

Combine and coat:

Pour the freshly prepared marinade over your sliced vegetables while it's still actively emulsified. Gently toss everything together using two large spoons or clean hands, making sure every piece gets coated with the flavorful liquid. The salt will immediately begin drawing moisture from the vegetables, creating more marinade.

Allow flavor infusion:

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate. This resting period is crucial as it allows the vegetables to release their juices while absorbing the marinade flavors. The onions will mellow, the cucumbers will slightly pickle, and the tomatoes will contribute their sweet juices to the mixture.

Final presentation:

Just before serving, gently toss everything once more to redistribute the marinade that has settled at the bottom. Transfer to a serving bowl with some of the marinade and sprinkle with fresh parsley for a bright finish and visual appeal.

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My favorite aspect of this salad is how the humble red onion transforms during marination. What starts as sharp and pungent becomes mellow and almost sweet after soaking in the vinegar mixture. It reminds me of summer dinners at my grandmother's house, where this salad appeared at every family gathering from May through September.

Serving Suggestions

This versatile salad pairs beautifully with grilled proteins like chicken, fish, or steak. The acidity cuts through richness, making it perfect alongside heavier barbecue fare. For a light lunch, serve it with crusty bread to soak up the flavorful marinade or atop mixed greens for an instant full salad. It also makes an excellent sandwich topping or addition to grain bowls for extra flavor and crunch.

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Make It Your Own

Feel free to customize this basic recipe to suit your taste preferences. Adding feta cheese creates a Greek-inspired variation with creamy, salty notes. Diced avocado introduces richness that balances the tangy marinade perfectly. Fresh herbs like dill, basil, or mint can replace or complement the oregano for different flavor profiles. For heat lovers, thinly sliced jalapeños or red pepper flakes wake up the palate with each bite.

Storage Tips

Store this salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The vegetables will continue softening slightly but remain delicious. Over time, the cucumbers will become more pickled while tomatoes may release more juice. If making far in advance, consider adding the tomatoes closer to serving time to maintain their texture. Before serving leftover portions, drain some excess liquid if desired and refresh with a drizzle of olive oil and a pinch of salt.

Health Benefits

This refreshing salad isn't just delicious but nutritious too. Cucumbers provide hydration and silica for healthy skin and joints. Tomatoes deliver lycopene, a powerful antioxidant linked to heart health and cancer prevention. Red onions contain quercetin, which helps reduce inflammation and boost immunity. The olive oil adds healthy fats that help your body absorb the vegetables' fat-soluble vitamins more effectively. With minimal calories and maximum nutrition, this salad supports overall wellness while satisfying hunger.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ How long should I marinate the salad?

For best results, marinate the salad for at least 1 hour in the fridge. For deeper flavor, marinate overnight.

→ Can I use different types of vinegar?

Yes, you can substitute white vinegar with apple cider vinegar, red wine vinegar, or even balsamic vinegar for a slightly different flavor profile.

→ Can I make the salad ahead of time?

Absolutely! This salad is ideal for meal prep and can be made the day before. It tastes better as it sits and absorbs the marinade.

→ What can I serve with this salad?

This salad pairs wonderfully with grilled meats, fish, or as a side dish to pasta or grain-based dishes.

→ How can I make this salad more filling?

To make this salad heartier, you can add chickpeas, crumbled feta, or even some cooked quinoa. These additions complement the fresh ingredients and make it a complete meal.