Marinated Cucumber Tomato Onion Salad: A Refreshing and Flavorful Delight 🥗🍅🧅✨
1. Introduction
Welcome to your new favorite summer salad—Marinated Cucumber Tomato Onion Salad. This vibrant dish combines crisp cucumbers, juicy cherry tomatoes, and tangy onions, all marinated in a perfectly seasoned vinaigrette. Whether you’re looking for a side dish for grilled meats or a light lunch, this salad offers a burst of fresh flavors and healthy ingredients. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to prepare, making it ideal for busy weeknights or weekend gatherings. For more quick and healthy recipes, check out our calorie-conscious meal plan.
2. Ingredients Needed for Marinated Cucumber Tomato Onion Salad
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes
- 1 large cucumber or 2 smaller ones
- 1 small red onion or yellow onion
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
- Fresh herbs: parsley, cilantro, or dill (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
These simple ingredients come together to create a vibrant, flavorful salad. For additional prep tools, consider the Fullstar Ultimate Veggie Prep Master, which makes slicing and chopping effortless and quick.
3. How to Make Marinated Cucumber Tomato Onion Salad
Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables
Start by washing the cherry tomatoes and cucumbers thoroughly. Slice the cucumbers into thin rounds or half-moons, depending on your preference. Thinly slice the red onion and set aside.
Step 2: Make the Marinade
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper. Adjust the seasoning to taste, adding more vinegar or honey if desired for a balanced tang and sweetness.
Step 3: Combine the Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the sliced vegetables. Pour the marinade over the top and toss gently to coat everything evenly. If using fresh herbs, chop them finely and sprinkle over the salad.
Step 4: Marinate and Chill
Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully, creating a deliciously marinated effect. For quick marination, try using the Ninja SLUSHi Pro RapidChill Drink Maker to speed up the chilling process.
4. Storage Tips for Leftover Marinated Cucumber Tomato Onion Salad
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The flavors will intensify as it sits, so prepare in advance for your busy week. Avoid keeping it too long, as onions and vegetables can become soggy over time.
5. Serving Suggestions for Marinated Cucumber Tomato Onion Salad
This salad is versatile and pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken, fish, or steak. It also makes an excellent topping for tacos or a fresh accompaniment to a cheese platter. For extra flavor, add crumbled feta or kalamata olives. For more quick and flavorful dinners, visit our easy weeknight meal ideas.
6. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use regular onions instead of red onions?
Yes, you can substitute with yellow or white onions. Red onions are preferred for their mild flavor and color, but any onion works well.
What are pickled cherry tomatoes?
Pickled cherry tomatoes are cherry tomatoes that have been marinated in vinegar and spices, bringing a tangy, briny flavor. They’re a tasty addition to salads and charcuterie boards. You can try making your own or buy them online or at specialty stores.
How long does it take to prepare this salad?
The total prep time, including marinating, is approximately 40 minutes to 1 hour. The actual chopping and mixing take about 10-15 minutes.
Can I customize this salad?
Absolutely! Feel free to add sliced bell peppers, olives, or fresh herbs. For a protein boost, toss in some grilled chicken or chickpeas.
7. Kitchen tools that you might need for this recipe
- Fullstar Ultimate Veggie Prep Master: Simplify your vegetable chopping with this versatile prep tool, making the process faster and safer.
- Ninja SLUSHi Pro RapidChill Drink Maker: Chill your salad quickly or prepare refreshing drinks alongside your meal with this efficient appliance.
- CAROTE Premium 16pc Nonstick Cookware Set: Perfect for preparing your entire meal, from cooking proteins to making side dishes.
Investing in quality kitchen tools can make the preparation of salads and other dishes more enjoyable and efficient.
8. Conclusion
The Marinated Cucumber Tomato Onion Salad is a delightful, healthy dish that adds freshness and flavor to any meal. Easy to prepare and customize, it’s perfect for summer barbecues, picnics, or everyday dinners. With simple ingredients and a quick marinade process, this salad will quickly become a household favorite. Embrace the vibrant flavors and enjoy a wholesome, refreshing addition to your dining table. For more delicious salads and side dishes, explore our collection of recipes and cooking tips on The Whisk House.
9. Final thoughts
Keep experimenting with different vegetables and herbs to find your perfect variation. This salad not only refreshes your palate but also provides a nourishing, low-calorie option that fits into various dietary lifestyles. Happy cooking!
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Marinated Cucumber Tomato Onion Salad
Enjoy this vibrant and refreshing Marinated Cucumber Tomato Onion Salad, perfect for hot summer days. Combining crisp cucumbers, juicy cherry tomatoes, and tangy onions, all marinated in a flavorful vinaigrette, this healthy salad is ideal as a side or light lunch. Easy to prepare and customizable with fresh herbs, it offers a burst of fresh flavors and nutritious ingredients that will keep you coming back for more.
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes
- 1 large cucumber or 2 smaller ones
- 1 small red onion or yellow onion
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
- Fresh herbs: parsley, cilantro, or dill (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Start by washing the cherry tomatoes and cucumbers thoroughly. Slice the cucumbers into thin rounds or half-moons, depending on your preference. Thinly slice the red onion and set aside.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper. Adjust the seasoning to taste, adding more vinegar or honey if desired for a balanced tang and sweetness.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the sliced vegetables. Pour the marinade over the top and toss gently to coat everything evenly. If using fresh herbs, chop them finely and sprinkle over the salad.
- Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully, creating a deliciously marinated effect.
Notes
- Make sure to refrigerate the salad to keep it fresh and flavorful.
- For a more intense marinade, let the salad sit longer, up to 2 hours.
- Add crumbled feta or kalamata olives for extra flavor and texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing, Marinating
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 120 Kcal
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg