For the Marinade
- 1/3 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley or dill
The sugar can be adjusted depending on how tangy you like your salad.
I like just enough sweetness to balance the vinegar without turning the dressing sugary.
Best Cucumbers to Use
Several varieties work beautifully.
English Cucumbers
English cucumbers are one of my favorites because they have thin skins and relatively few seeds.
You can usually slice them without peeling.
Persian Cucumbers
Persian cucumbers are wonderfully crunchy and naturally sweet.
They are smaller, so you may need four or five instead of two.
Regular Garden Cucumbers
Regular cucumbers work perfectly too.
If the skin is thick or waxy, peel it before slicing.
Large cucumbers with lots of seeds can also be cut in half lengthwise and gently seeded with a spoon.
What Kind of Tomatoes Work Best?
Use tomatoes that are ripe but still firm.
You want juicy tomatoes, but you do not want them so soft that they fall apart during marinating.
Roma tomatoes are especially good because they are firm and meaty.
Cherry and grape tomatoes also work beautifully. Simply cut them in half.
And if you happen to have garden tomatoes sitting on the counter?
Use those!
Fresh garden tomatoes make this salad absolutely incredible.
Tools You’ll Need
Nothing fancy here.
You will need:
- Large mixing bowl
- Small bowl or measuring cup
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Whisk or fork
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Airtight storage container
A mandoline slicer can also be handy if you want very thin, uniform cucumber and onion slices.
Ingredient Substitutions and Additions
This salad is very forgiving, which means you can easily make it your own.
Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar provides a mellow tang, but you can substitute:
- Red wine vinegar
- White wine vinegar
- Rice vinegar
- Distilled white vinegar
White vinegar will give you a sharper flavor, so you may want to add a little extra sugar.
Onions
Red onion adds beautiful color, but sweet onions or white onions can also be used.
Fresh Herbs
Try:
- Dill
- Parsley
- Basil
- Chives
- Cilantro
Fresh dill is especially delicious with cucumbers.
Extra Vegetables
You can also add:
- Bell peppers
- Radishes
- Celery
- Avocado
- Chickpeas
- Corn
- Kalamata olives
Add Cheese
Crumbled feta is incredible in this salad.
I promised you versatile, and here’s proof!
With feta and olives added, the salad starts leaning toward a Mediterranean-inspired side dish.
How to Make Marinated Cucumber, Tomato and Onion Salad
This recipe could not be easier.
Step 1: Prepare the Cucumbers
Wash the cucumbers thoroughly.
Slice them into rounds about 1/8 to 1/4 inch thick.
If you prefer extra-crisp cucumber slices, keep them slightly thicker.
Step 2: Cut the Tomatoes
Cut the tomatoes into wedges or bite-sized chunks.
Try to keep them fairly substantial so they hold their shape while marinating.
Step 3: Slice the Onion
Slice the red onion very thinly.
Thin slices absorb the marinade more quickly and lose some of that strong raw-onion bite.
Step 4: Make the Marinade
In a small bowl, whisk together:
- Apple cider vinegar
- Olive oil
- Sugar
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Oregano
Whisk until the sugar and salt are mostly dissolved.
Step 5: Combine Everything
Place the cucumbers, tomatoes, and onions in a large bowl.
Pour the marinade over the vegetables.
Add your herbs and gently toss until everything is evenly coated.
Be gentle with those tomatoes!
Step 6: Refrigerate
Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
Two to four hours is even better.
During this time, gently stir the salad once or twice so the vegetables marinate evenly.
Step 7: Taste Before Serving
Give the salad a final toss.
Taste and adjust the salt, pepper, vinegar, or sweetness if necessary.
Serve chilled.
How Long Should Cucumber Tomato Salad Marinate?
At least one hour is ideal.
If you serve it immediately, it will still taste good, but the flavors will not be nearly as developed.
After two or three hours, the onions begin mellowing and the cucumbers absorb more of the tangy dressing.
That is when this salad really becomes something special.
You can also make it in the morning and serve it at dinner.
What to Serve With Marinated Cucumber Tomato Salad
This salad works with practically every warm-weather meal.
Serve it alongside:
- Grilled chicken
- Hamburgers
- Hot dogs
- BBQ ribs
- Pulled pork
- Grilled steak
- Baked fish
- Fried chicken
- Sandwiches
- Wraps
- Potato salad
- Pasta salad
- Corn on the cob
I especially love serving it beside rich barbecue dishes because the acidity cuts through the heavier flavors beautifully.
Tips for the Best Marinated Cucumber Salad
Slice the Onions Thinly
Thick raw onion slices can overpower everything else.
Paper-thin slices soften beautifully in the marinade.
Use Firm Tomatoes
Very soft tomatoes can become mushy after several hours.
Save those super-ripe tomatoes for sauce and choose firmer ones for this salad.
Do Not Skip the Chilling Time
The waiting really does matter.
An hour in the refrigerator completely changes the flavor.
Stir Before Serving
The dressing naturally settles at the bottom of the bowl.
Give everything another gentle toss before putting it on the table.
Taste the Dressing First
Vinegars vary in sharpness.
Taste your marinade before adding it to the vegetables and adjust the sugar or salt if necessary.
Keep the Vegetables Cold
This salad is most refreshing when served well chilled.
Anything but boring!!
Can You Make It Ahead of Time?
Absolutely.
In fact, this is one recipe where preparing it ahead of time actually improves the flavor.
For the best texture, make it about 2 to 6 hours before serving.
You can also prepare it the night before, although the vegetables will be softer the following day.
If you prefer maximum crunch, keep the vegetables and dressing separate overnight and combine them a few hours before serving.
How to Store Marinated Cucumber, Tomato and Onion Salad
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
It is best enjoyed within about 2 to 3 days.
The salad will continue softening as it sits because salt and vinegar naturally draw moisture from the vegetables.
It may become juicier overnight.
That extra liquid is completely normal.
Give everything a stir before serving again.
Can You Freeze Cucumber Tomato Salad?
I do not recommend freezing it.
Cucumbers and tomatoes contain a lot of water.
After freezing and thawing, both vegetables tend to become soft and watery instead of crisp.
Thankfully, this recipe is so quick to make fresh that freezing really is not necessary.
Should You Peel the Cucumbers?
You can, but you do not have to.
English and Persian cucumbers have tender skins that are usually perfectly pleasant to eat.
Standard cucumbers sometimes have thicker skins.
You can peel them completely or create decorative stripes by removing every other strip of skin.
It looks beautiful in the finished salad!
How to Make the Onion Flavor Milder
If you are especially sensitive to raw onions, soak the sliced onions in cold water for about 10 minutes before adding them to the salad.
Drain them thoroughly.
The cold-water soak removes some of the onion's sharpness while keeping the slices crisp.
Once they hit the vinegar marinade, they mellow even further.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Cherry Tomatoes?
Yes.
Cherry and grape tomatoes are excellent choices.
Cut them in half so the dressing can mingle with their juices.
Can I Use White Vinegar?
Yes.
White vinegar gives the salad a sharper, more traditional pickled flavor.
Because it is stronger tasting than apple cider vinegar, you may want to slightly increase the sugar.
Can I Make This Salad Without Sugar?
Yes.
The sugar is there to balance the vinegar rather than make the salad noticeably sweet.
You can reduce it, omit it, or replace it with a small amount of honey or maple syrup.
Why Did My Salad Become Watery?
That is completely normal.
Salt pulls moisture from cucumbers and tomatoes during marinating.
Those vegetable juices combine with the dressing and create even more flavorful marinade.
Can I Add Feta Cheese?
Definitely.
Feta adds a creamy, salty contrast to the crisp vegetables.
Add it shortly before serving so it does not break down too much in the dressing.
How Long Does the Salad Last?
For the best flavor and texture, enjoy it within 2 to 3 days.
Can I Use Fresh Dill?
Please do!
Fresh dill and cucumber are such a good combination.
Start with about 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill and add more to taste.
Can I Make It Spicy?
Absolutely.
Add crushed red pepper flakes, thinly sliced jalapeño, or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
General Recipe Information
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Marinating Time: 1–4 hours
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: About 1 hour 15 minutes minimum
Servings: Approximately 6
Course: Salad, Side Dish
Method: No Cook
Cuisine: American-inspired
Approximate Nutritional Information
Per serving, depending on exact ingredients and portion size:
- Calories: 120
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 390 mg
Nutritional values are approximate and will vary depending on the brands and quantities used.
More Fresh Recipes to Try
If you love bright, produce-packed recipes like this one, you might also enjoy:
- Peach and Tomato Summer Salad
- Fresh Peach Cucumber Salad
- Peach Caprese Salad
- Grilled Peach Salad With Feta
- Southern Peach Coleslaw
- Peach and Avocado Salad
- Fresh Corn and Tomato Salad
Final Thoughts
This Marinated Cucumber, Tomato and Onion Salad proves that some of the simplest recipes really are the best.
You start with three everyday vegetables, pour over a quick homemade marinade, and give everything a little time in the refrigerator.
That is it.
A few hours later, you have a crisp, juicy, tangy side dish that goes with almost anything.
The cucumbers stay refreshing, the tomatoes become even more flavorful, and those onions soak up enough vinegar to become deliciously mellow.
Make it for a backyard barbecue, pack it for a picnic, or keep a bowl chilling in the refrigerator for easy summer dinners.
Just do not be surprised if you find yourself sneaking forkfuls straight from the container.
I certainly would not judge!!
Did You Make This Recipe?
If you make this Marinated Cucumber, Tomato and Onion Salad, I would love to hear how it turned out!
Leave a review, tell me what herbs or vegetables you added, and share your finished salad on Pinterest so other readers can see your version.
And if someone in your family suddenly decides they “actually like cucumbers” after trying it?
Definitely come back and tell me about that too!
