This easy marinated tomato cucumber salad recipe is bursting with garden-fresh flavor. With just 5 minutes of prep time, this crisp, tangy side requires no cooking and just gets better with time. The simple oil and vinegar dressing highlights the natural sweet and crunchy goodness of vine-ripened veggies.
This tangy marinated tomato cucumber salad packs a bright, crisp punch of flavor that screams summertime. In just 5 minutes, you can toss together this easy no-cook side made with only 6 fresh ingredients – sliced cucumbers, tomato wedges, thinly sliced onion, white vinegar, olive oil, and a pinch of sugar and salt. The keys to maximizing this salad’s simple ingredients are chilly marinating and choosing produce at its peak of ripeness.
Allow the just-sliced cukes, tomatoes, and onions to hang out in the vinaigrette dressing for at least 2 hours, chilled in the fridge. As it marinates, you’ll notice the vegetables begin to release their juices, plumping up the salad with a lightly sweet liquid that mingles with the tart dressing. For the juiciest results, opt for fresh-picked, in-season tomatoes and unwaxed mini seedless cucumbers. Toss these garden gems with the easy oil and vinegar mixture for a bright pop of flavor contrast alongside rich barbecue and sandwiches. Just adjust the vinegar to find your preferred level of zing. This no-fuss side gets better with time and makes summertime meals shine with crisp-tart simplicity.
Can I use regular cucumbers instead of pickling cucumbers?
Yes, you can use regular cucumbers. However, pickling cucumbers tend to be smaller, thinner-skinned, and extra crunchy. If using regular cucumbers, opt for unwaxed mini cucumbers or Persian cucumbers if possible for a nice crunch.
How long does the salad need to marinate?
For best flavor, marinate the salad for at least 2 hours, or up to 8-12 hours. The vegetables will release more moisture and absorb more dressing flavor as they soak. If you’re short on time, aim for 20-30 minutes of marinating.
Do I need to peel the cucumbers?
Peeling is optional and adds nice texture contrast and visual appeal when left in stripes. Peeling helps remove any bitterness and waxy skin. If not peeling, try scrubbing off any stickers or wax.
Can I prepare this salad in advance?
Absolutely! Prepare the salad through Step 6 up to 2 days in advance. Keep chilled until ready to serve. Drain any excess liquid before serving if needed. Allowing the flavors to develop overnight really takes this simple side to the next level.
Ingredients:
- 1⁄4 cup white vinegar
- 1⁄4 cup olive oil
- 1 tablespoon white sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1⁄4 teaspoon black pepper
- 4 medium cucumbers, peeled and sliced (about 3 cups)
- 2 large tomatoes, sliced into wedges (about 3 cups)
- 1 small onion, thinly sliced (about 1 cup)
Instructions:
Make the Dressing
- In a large bowl, whisk together the white vinegar, olive oil, white sugar, salt and black pepper. Set aside.
Prep the Vegetables
- Peel alternating stripes off the cucumbers using a vegetable peeler. Slice the cucumbers into 1⁄4 inch slices.
- Wash the tomatoes and slice them into thick wedges. Recipe by Ineskohl.info
- Peel and thinly slice the onion into rings.
Assemble the Salad
- Add the sliced cucumbers, tomatoes and onions to the large bowl with the dressing. Toss gently until evenly coated.
- Marinate
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, stirring occasionally. Allowing the vegetables to marinate draws out their juices and marries the flavors with the tangy dressing.
- Serve
- Use a slotted spoon to transfer the marinated tomato cucumber salad to a serving bowl or plate. Spoon some of the collected vegetable juices over top. Enjoy this bright, crisp salad as a side or light lunch.
Tips:
- Choose ripe, in-season cucumbers and tomatoes for the best flavor. Small pickling cucumbers are especially crunchy.
- Adjust vinegar or water to taste. More vinegar = more zing!
- Let it marinate as long as possible for maximum flavor.
- Tomatoes release more juice as they sit. Add water to thin dressing if needed.
- Save leftover vegetable juice to make salad dressing or Bloody Mary mix!
