Easy Marinated Tomato Cucumber Onion Salad

This Easy Marinated Tomato Cucumber Onion Salad is a refreshing and flavorful dish that’s perfect for warm weather. With juicy tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, and thinly sliced red onions, all tossed in a tangy vinaigrette dressing, this salad makes a great side dish for any meal. The addition of Italian seasoning, garlic, and honey gives the dressing a lovely balance of savory, sweet, and tangy flavors.

Why Make This Recipe

Refreshing and Light

This salad is full of fresh vegetables and is incredibly light, making it the perfect dish for a hot summer day or when you’re looking for something refreshing to pair with your meal.

Quick and Simple

The ingredients are easy to find, and the salad comes together in just a few minutes. The dressing is a simple combination of pantry staples that you probably already have on hand.

Customizable

Feel free to adjust the dressing or vegetables according to your preferences. You can add more herbs, switch out the honey for agave nectar, or even toss in some crumbled feta or olives for extra flavor.

Ingredients & Substitutions

• 1 pint grape tomatoes or cherry tomatoes (halved): Grape tomatoes are sweet and firm, but cherry tomatoes work just as well. If you can’t find fresh tomatoes, you can use sun-dried tomatoes for a different flavor profile.
• 1 medium English cucumber (sliced): English cucumbers are mild and crunchy, but you can use regular cucumbers if needed. Just make sure to peel and deseed them for the best texture.
• 1/2 small red onion (sliced thin): Red onions add a mild sharpness and vibrant color. You can use yellow or white onions, but red onions provide the best flavor and color for this salad.

For the dressing:

• 1/2 cup olive oil: Olive oil forms the base of the dressing. You can use avocado oil or vegetable oil if you prefer a milder oil.
• 1/4 cup white wine vinegar: White wine vinegar adds a tangy acidity. You can substitute with apple cider vinegar or red wine vinegar for a different flavor.
• 1 clove garlic (minced): Garlic adds savory depth. You can use garlic powder if you don’t have fresh garlic.
• 1 teaspoon honey or agave nectar: Honey adds sweetness and balance to the acidity. You can substitute with maple syrup or leave it out for a sugar-free version.
• 3 tablespoons Italian salad dressing seasoning: This seasoning mix adds a burst of flavor with herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme. You can substitute with dried herbs if you don’t have the mix, using equal parts oregano, basil, and parsley.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the vegetables:
   • Slice the tomatoes in half, slice the cucumber, and thinly slice the red onion. Place all of these into a large bowl.
2. Make the dressing:
   • In a small bowl or mixing cup, combine the olive oil, white wine vinegar, minced garlic, honey (or agave nectar), and Italian seasoning. Add salt and pepper to taste. Whisk until the dressing is well-mixed and emulsified.
3. Toss the salad:
   • Pour the dressing over the tomatoes, cucumbers, and onions. Toss gently to combine and coat the vegetables evenly with the dressing.
4. Chill and serve:
   • You can serve the salad immediately or store it in the fridge, covered, for up to 2 days. If making ahead of time, reserve half of the dressing to add just before serving, as the salad will absorb some of the dressing as it sits.

How to Serve Easy Marinated Tomato Cucumber Onion Salad

This salad is a perfect side dish for grilled meats, chicken, or fish. It’s also great served with sandwiches, wraps, or a light pasta dish. For an even heartier meal, you can toss in some quinoa, beans, or feta cheese.

How to Store Easy Marinated Tomato Cucumber Onion Salad

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. The salad will continue to marinate and absorb the flavors of the dressing, so it may taste even better the next day. If you’re making it ahead, store the dressing separately and toss the salad just before serving to keep the vegetables crisp.

Tips to Make Easy Marinated Tomato Cucumber Onion Salad

1. Make it a meal: To turn this salad into a full meal, you can add grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas for extra protein.
2. Chill before serving: Let the salad chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld together.
3. Add extra toppings: For added flavor, you can top the salad with crumbled feta, olives, or a sprinkle of sunflower seeds.

Variations

• Add more veggies: You can toss in some bell peppers, carrots, or even avocado for extra flavor and texture.
• Use different herbs: Experiment with fresh basil, parsley, or dill to give the dressing a fresh, herby kick.
• Spicy kick: Add a diced jalapeño or red pepper flakes for some heat.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought dressing?
Yes, you can use store-bought ranch or Italian dressing in place of the homemade version, though the homemade dressing adds more flavor and customization.

Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can make it ahead and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. The flavors will deepen as it sits, making it even better the next day.

Can I freeze this salad?
It’s not recommended to freeze this salad, as the cucumbers and tomatoes will lose their texture once thawed. It’s best served fresh or after a few days in the fridge.

Conclusion

Easy Marinated Tomato Cucumber Onion Salad is a simple, refreshing dish that’s bursting with flavor. Whether you serve it as a side or a light meal, it’s sure to please with its crunchy vegetables, tangy dressing, and perfect balance of savory and sweet. Perfect for any summer gathering or as an everyday salad, this dish is bound to become a staple in your recipe rotation.