This recipe for Marinated Cucumber Tomato Salad takes full advantage of summer’s abundant bounty, combining crisp vegetables with a delightfully simple and flavorful marinade. It’s the quintessential warm-weather dish, perfect for any occasion!
Refreshing Marinated Cucumber Tomato Salad: Your Perfect Summer Side Dish
There’s nothing quite like the vibrant flavors of summer, and for many, that means the unparalleled joy of fresh tomatoes and crisp cucumbers. Even without a green thumb, these resilient garden heroes often thrive, providing a steady supply of delicious produce. This Marinated Cucumber Tomato Salad is my go-to recipe for celebrating these seasonal treasures, transforming them into a light, refreshing, and incredibly flavorful side dish that complements any summer meal. It’s also fantastic as a quick, healthy lunch. The secret lies in a perfectly balanced marinade that enhances the natural sweetness and tang of the vegetables, making every bite a burst of summer sunshine.
With so many tomatoes and cucumbers popping up in my garden, I was running out of ideas! This marinated salad was just what I was looking for! I have made it about 5 times already and each time, it gets eaten quickly. Friends and family have absolutely loved it and it is so simple to make!
– Ann
Understanding the Appeal: Why This Salad is a Summer Must-Have
This Marinated Cucumber Tomato Salad isn’t just another side dish; it’s a celebration of summer’s purest flavors, elevated by a simple yet effective marinade. Here’s why this recipe deserves a permanent spot in your warm-weather rotation:
Unbeatable Freshness and Flavor
The core of this salad lies in its star ingredients: ripe tomatoes and crisp cucumbers. When picked fresh, these vegetables offer an unparalleled taste experience. Tomatoes, bursting with juicy sweetness, provide a robust base, while cucumbers add a refreshing crunch and a subtle, cool flavor. Together, they create a harmonious contrast that is both satisfying and incredibly light. The marinade then acts as a gentle enhancer, drawing out and intensifying these natural characteristics without overpowering them.
Effortless Preparation for Busy Days
One of the best aspects of this recipe is its simplicity. With minimal chopping and a quick whisking of marinade ingredients, you can have this vibrant salad prepped in under 15 minutes. The most challenging part is waiting for it to chill and marinate, allowing the flavors to fully meld. This ease of preparation makes it ideal for impromptu backyard barbecues, weeknight dinners, or meal prepping for a healthy week ahead, saving you precious time in the kitchen during those long summer evenings.
Incredibly Versatile and Adaptable
While perfect as a standalone side, this cucumber tomato salad is also incredibly versatile. It pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, fish, or steak, adding a bright and zesty counterpoint to heartier entrees. It can be a light and satisfying lunch on its own, perhaps with a slice of crusty bread. Furthermore, the recipe is highly adaptable to your personal taste and what you have on hand, allowing for variations with different herbs, vinegars, or even additional vegetables. It’s a recipe that encourages creativity while consistently delivering delicious results.
Frequently Asked Questions About Marinated Cucumber Tomato Salad
Yes, absolutely! You can certainly substitute granulated sugar with your preferred sugar substitute. Just be sure to adjust the quantity according to the specific substitute’s instructions, as they vary greatly in sweetness compared to regular sugar. The goal is to balance the acidity of the vinegar, not to make the salad overtly sweet.
While I truly believe the small amount of sweet onion adds a crucial layer of flavor and depth to the overall dish, if you genuinely dislike onions, you can certainly leave it out. However, if it’s just the pungency you’re concerned about, try slicing the onion and soaking it in ice water for about 5-10 minutes before adding it to the salad. This simple trick significantly reduces its sharp flavor, making it much milder and more enjoyable.
Fresh basil is a classic choice, but this salad welcomes other fresh herbs beautifully. Fresh oregano adds an earthy, peppery note, while fresh parsley offers a clean, bright flavor. You could even experiment with a touch of fresh dill for a more Mediterranean twist. For a quick alternative, a sprinkle of dried Italian seasoning can also work in a pinch, though fresh herbs truly make a difference.
Absolutely! If you’re a garlic lover, a clove or two of freshly minced garlic would be an outstanding addition to the marinade. It would infuse the vegetables with a lovely aromatic warmth, perfectly complementing the other flavors. Add it directly to the mason jar with the other marinade ingredients before shaking.
Of course! This recipe follows a traditional Southern style where vegetables are often cut into larger wedges and slices. However, feel free to dice your cucumbers and tomatoes into smaller, bite-sized chunks if that’s your preference. The preparation method can always be adapted to suit how you like to enjoy your salads.
For the best taste and texture, this salad is ideal when consumed within the first two to three days. Store any leftovers in a tightly covered container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to five days, though the vegetables may soften slightly over time. Please note: this salad does not freeze well due to the high water content of the vegetables, which would become mushy upon thawing.
Ingredients for Your Flavorful Summer Salad
Creating this delicious Marinated Cucumber Tomato Salad requires just a handful of fresh ingredients, most of which you might already have on hand or can easily pick up from your local farmer’s market. Quality ingredients make all the difference in this simple dish.
Fresh Vegetables: The Stars of the Show
- Cucumbers: For this recipe, you’ll need about 3 large cucumbers. If you’re using conventional garden cucumbers, it’s best to peel them as their skin can be tough and sometimes bitter. Alternatively, English cucumbers (often sold wrapped in plastic) have a much thinner, more tender skin that can be left on, saving you a step! Aim for slices about 1/4-inch thick for a satisfying crunch.
- Tomatoes: Select 4 large, ripe, and flavorful tomatoes. Beefsteak tomatoes from the garden are perfect for their size and juiciness. You want tomatoes that are plump, firm, and easy to slice into wedges. Heirloom varieties also work wonderfully, offering a beautiful array of colors and complex flavors.
- Sweet Onion: One small sweet onion, thinly sliced, provides a subtle savory note and a slight tang. If you find raw onions too pungent, a great trick is to slice them first and then soak them in a bowl of ice water for 5-10 minutes. This significantly mellows their flavor, making them more enjoyable in the salad.
The Zesty Marinade: Crafting the Perfect Dressing
- White Vinegar: Half a cup of plain white vinegar forms the acidic base of our marinade. Its clean, sharp tang is crucial for brightening the vegetables and providing that classic marinated flavor. While apple cider vinegar can be used for a slightly fruitier note, white vinegar is highly recommended for its classic profile in this recipe.
- Water: A third of a cup of water helps to dilute the marinade slightly, ensuring it’s not overly strong and allows the vegetable flavors to shine.
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Half a cup of good quality extra virgin olive oil adds richness and body to the marinade. It helps to carry the flavors and creates a silky texture. Choose an olive oil with a flavor you enjoy, as it will be prominent in the dressing.
- Granulated Sugar: Don’t skip the 3 tablespoons of granulated sugar! While it might seem counterintuitive in a savory salad, the sugar plays a vital role in balancing the sharp acidity of the vinegar. It doesn’t make the salad sweet, but rather harmonizes the flavors, creating a well-rounded and irresistible dressing.
- Kosher Salt and Black Pepper: You’ll need 1 tablespoon of kosher salt and 2 teaspoons of freshly ground black pepper. Freshly ground black pepper is highly recommended for its superior aroma and flavor compared to pre-ground pepper. These seasonings are essential for enhancing all the other ingredients and tying the flavors together.
- Fresh Basil Leaves: About 3 fresh basil leaves, sliced into thin strips (chiffonade), are the perfect finishing touch. Basil adds an unmistakable aromatic, sweet, and slightly peppery flavor that screams “summer.” While dried basil can be used in a pinch, fresh basil truly elevates this salad to another level.
How to Make Marinated Cucumber Tomato Salad: A Step-by-Step Guide
Whipping up this refreshingly simple Marinated Cucumber Tomato Salad is quick and straightforward. Follow these easy steps to bring the taste of summer to your table.
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Prepare the Vegetables: In a generously sized bowl, combine your sliced cucumbers, tomato wedges, and thinly sliced sweet onion. Make sure the bowl is large enough to comfortably toss all the ingredients, unlike my initial attempt which proved too small! Set this bowl aside while you prepare the marinade.
- Whisk the Marinade: In a large mason jar with a secure lid, or a separate mixing bowl, add the white vinegar, water, extra virgin olive oil, granulated sugar, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper. If using a mason jar, tightly secure the lid and shake vigorously until all ingredients are well combined and the sugar and salt have dissolved. If using a bowl, whisk everything together thoroughly until smooth.
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Combine and Marinate: Pour the prepared marinade over the cucumber and tomato mixture in the large bowl. Add the sliced fresh basil leaves, then stir everything together gently but thoroughly, ensuring all the vegetables are coated in the flavorful marinade.
- Chill for Flavor Development: Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator to chill for at least 2 hours. This chilling time is crucial for allowing the vegetables to absorb the marinade and for the flavors to fully meld, resulting in a perfectly balanced and deeply flavorful salad. Do not skip this step!
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Serve (Optional Drain): Before serving, give the salad a good stir to redistribute the flavors. Optionally, you can drain most of the marinade from the bowl, leaving approximately 1/3 cup at the bottom. This ensures the vegetables are well-flavored but not swimming in liquid. Serve chilled and enjoy!
Serving Suggestions and Creative Variations
This Marinated Cucumber Tomato Salad is incredibly versatile, making it easy to adapt to your taste or what you have available. Beyond being a delightful side, it can be a foundation for more elaborate meals or tweaked for new flavor profiles.
Perfect Pairings
- Grilled Meats: Its bright acidity cuts through the richness of grilled chicken, pork chops, or steak, making it an ideal companion for summer BBQs.
- Seafood: Serve alongside pan-seared salmon, grilled shrimp, or baked white fish for a light and healthy meal.
- Sandwiches & Wraps: Add a scoop to your favorite sandwich or wrap for an extra layer of fresh flavor and texture. It’s especially good with turkey or hummus sandwiches.
- Picnics & Potlucks: This salad travels well and holds its own for hours, making it a crowd-pleasing option for any outdoor gathering.
- Light Lunch: Enjoy a generous serving on its own for a refreshing and hydrating midday meal, perhaps with some whole-grain crackers.
Flavorful Variations
- Add Cheese: Crumble some feta cheese for a briny, salty kick, or add small mozzarella balls (bocconcini) for a creamy texture, transforming it into a Caprese-inspired delight.
- Extra Vegetables: Incorporate thinly sliced bell peppers (red, yellow, or orange for color), chopped celery for added crunch, or even some pitted Kalamata olives for a Mediterranean flair.
- Different Vinegars: While white vinegar is classic, explore other options. Red wine vinegar offers a bolder, slightly fruitier tang, while a good quality balsamic vinegar could add a richer, sweeter complexity (though it will darken the salad).
- Spice It Up: For those who love a bit of heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes in the marinade or a finely minced jalapeño added with the vegetables can provide a nice kick.
- Citrus Boost: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice added to the marinade along with the vinegar can brighten the flavors even further.
Craving More Fresh and Easy Recipes?
- Marinated Cole Slaw
- Creamy Cucumber Salad
- Cucumber Cream Cheese Spread
- Mom’s Vinegar Cucumber Salad
- Slab Tomato Pie
- Marinated Green Bean Salad
- Bread and Butter Pickles
- Broccoli Cauliflower Salad
- Black Eyed Pea Salad
- Chow Chow
- Caprese Pasta Salad
- Spaghetti Salad
- Refrigerator Pickles
Originally published: July 2021
Updated and republished: June 2025
Cucumber Tomato Salad
This recipe for marinated Cucumber Tomato Salad takes advantage of those abundant summer vegetables and combines them with the most deliciously easy marinade!
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Marinating Time: 2 hours
Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
Servings: 10
Author: Brandie Skibinski
Ingredients
- 3 large cucumbers, peeled and cut into about 1/4-inch thick slices
- 4 large ripe tomatoes, cut into wedges
- 1 small sweet onion, sliced into thin strips
- ½ cup white vinegar
- ⅓ cup water
- ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 3 Tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 Tablespoon kosher salt
- 2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper
- 3 fresh basil leaves, sliced into strips
Instructions
In a large bowl, add the 3 large cucumbers, peeled and cut into about 1/4-inch thick slices, 4 large ripe tomatoes, cut into wedges, and 1 small sweet onion, sliced into thin strips. Set the bowl aside while making the marinade.
In a large mason jar with a lid, add 1/2 cup white vinegar, 1/3 cup water, 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil, 3 Tablespoons granulated sugar, 1 Tablespoon kosher salt, and 2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper. Shake well. Alternatively, you can whisk all the marinade ingredients together in a bowl.
Pour marinade over the cucumber/tomato mixture in the large bowl, add the 3 fresh basil leaves, sliced into strips, and stir.
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and put it into the refrigerator to chill for about 2 hours. This step is really important so don’t skip it.
Optional: To serve, stir the mixture really well then drain most of the marinade out (leaving just about 1/3 cup in the bottom of the bowl).
Video
Notes
- Please refer to the FAQ’s and ingredient list above for other substitutions or for the answers to the most common questions.
- This salad is best if eaten within the first two or three days. It will keep in a covered container, in the fridge, for up to 5 days. Do not freeze.
- Vegetables can be cut up smaller based on your preference.
- Fresh oregano and fresh parsley (or a little dried Italian seasoning) are some other delicious herb options.
Course: Appetizer, Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Nutrition
Calories: 146kcal | Carbohydrates: 11g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 11g | Sodium: 707mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 8g
Nutritional Disclaimer
“The Country Cook” is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is an estimate. If calorie count and other nutritional values are important to you, we recommend running the ingredients through whichever online nutritional calculator you prefer. Calories and other nutritional values can vary quite a bit depending on which brands were used.
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