This refreshing and tangy salad is perfect for a light summer meal or as a side dish for any occasion. The marinated cucumbers, tomatoes, and onions create a burst of flavors that are both satisfying and healthy.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup distilled white vinegar
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1/4 cup sugar
- Salt to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 3 cucumbers, peeled and sliced into 1/4 inch pieces
- 3 tomatoes, cut into wedge-shaped pieces
- 1 onion, sliced and separated into rings
Directions:
- Prepare the Marinade:
- In a large bowl, combine the water, distilled white vinegar, vegetable oil, and sugar. Stir until the sugar is fully dissolved.
- Season the mixture with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Adjust seasoning as needed.
- Prepare the Vegetables:
- Peel and slice the cucumbers into 1/4 inch pieces.
- Cut the tomatoes into wedge-shaped pieces.
- Slice the onion and separate it into rings.
- Marinate the Vegetables:
- Add the sliced cucumbers, tomato wedges, and onion rings to the bowl with the marinade. Toss the vegetables gently to ensure they are evenly coated with the marinade.
- Chill and Marinate:
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or up to overnight. This allows the flavors to meld and the vegetables to soak up the marinade.
- Serve:
- Before serving, give the salad a gentle toss to redistribute the marinade. Serve chilled.
Helpful Tips:
- Freshness: Use the freshest vegetables possible for the best flavor and texture.
- Adjusting Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet marinade, you can reduce the amount of sugar to suit your taste.
- Additional Herbs: Add fresh herbs such as dill, parsley, or basil for extra flavor.
Serving Suggestions:
- As a Side Dish: Serve alongside grilled meats, fish, or as part of a barbecue spread.
- Light Lunch: Enjoy as a light and refreshing lunch on its own or with a slice of crusty bread.
- Topping: Use as a topping for sandwiches or burgers for added crunch and flavor.
FAQs:
- Can I use other types of vinegar?
- Yes, you can experiment with apple cider vinegar or red wine vinegar for different flavor profiles.
- How long does the salad keep?
- This salad can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The vegetables will continue to marinate and may become more flavorful.
- Can I add other vegetables?
- Absolutely! Bell peppers, radishes, or even carrots can be added for extra color and crunch.
Serving Size and Time:
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Marinating Time: At least 2 hours
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes (or more if marinated overnight)
- Servings: 4-6 servings
Enjoy this simple, flavorful, and healthy marinated cucumber, tomato, and onion salad as a versatile dish that pairs well with various meals!
Recipe Card
Marinated Cucumber, Tomato, and Onion Salad
This refreshing and tangy salad is perfect for a light summer meal or as a side dish for any occasion. The marinated cucumbers, tomatoes, and onions create a burst of flavors that are both satisfying and healthy.
Ingredients
- – 1 cup water
- – 1/2 cup distilled white vinegar
- – 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- – 1/4 cup sugar
- – Salt to taste
- – Freshly ground black pepper to taste
- – 3 cucumbers peeled and sliced into 1/4 inch pieces
- – 3 tomatoes cut into wedge-shaped pieces
- – 1 onion sliced and separated into rings
Instructions
Prepare the Marinade:
- – In a large bowl, combine the water, distilled white vinegar, vegetable oil, and sugar. Stir until the sugar is fully dissolved.
- – Season the mixture with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Adjust seasoning as needed.
Prepare the Vegetables:
- – Peel and slice the cucumbers into 1/4 inch pieces.
- – Cut the tomatoes into wedge-shaped pieces.
- – Slice the onion and separate it into rings.
Marinate the Vegetables:
- – Add the sliced cucumbers, tomato wedges, and onion rings to the bowl with the marinade. Toss the vegetables gently to ensure they are evenly coated with the marinade.
Chill and Marinate:
- – Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or up to overnight. This allows the flavors to meld and the vegetables to soak up the marinade.
Serve:
- – Before serving, give the salad a gentle toss to redistribute the marinade. Serve chilled.