MARINATED CUCUMBER, ONION, AND TOMATO SALAD

Here’s a long, detailed recipe for a fresh, tangy, and southern-style Marinated Cucumber, Onion, and Tomato Salad — a perfect dish to refresh, hydrate, and nourish during warm days or as a detox-friendly side for heavier meals.

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Marinated Cucumber, Onion, and Tomato Salad

A Southern-Inspired, Hydrating Summer Favorite

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Introduction

This salad is simple but packed with flavor. Fresh cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, and crisp onions are soaked in a tangy-sweet vinegar marinade that draws out their natural juices and infuses every bite with deliciousness. It’s a classic in Southern American cooking, often served at barbecues, potlucks, and summer tables. Aside from being refreshing, it’s also low-calorie, hydrating, and good for digestion.

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Why This Salad Works

• Cucumbers are cooling, hydrating, and contain antioxidants that support skin and kidney health.
• Tomatoes are rich in lycopene, a powerful antioxidant that supports heart and skin health.
• Onions have anti-inflammatory and detoxifying properties.
• The vinegar-based marinade helps balance blood sugar, stimulates digestion, and enhances absorption of nutrients.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 large cucumbers, peeled or unpeeled, sliced into thin rounds
• 2–3 ripe tomatoes, cut into wedges or chunks
• 1 medium red onion (or white onion), thinly sliced into rings or half-moons

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Marinade Ingredients:

• ½ cup white vinegar or apple cider vinegar
• ¼ cup water
• 3 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil
• 1–2 tablespoons granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
• ¾ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano or Italian seasoning
• Optional: ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes for heat

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Optional Add-ins (customizable):

• 1–2 tablespoons fresh chopped parsley or dill
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic or garlic powder
• ½ cup sliced bell peppers (for crunch and color)
• ½ avocado (added right before serving)
• Crumbled feta cheese (for a Mediterranean twist)

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Instructions

✅ 1. 

Prepare the Vegetables

• Cucumbers: Wash and slice into thin rounds. You can leave the skin on if tender, or peel for a more delicate texture.
• Tomatoes: Core and cut into wedges or large chunks. If they’re very juicy, gently squeeze to remove some excess liquid so the marinade doesn’t get diluted.
• Onion: Peel and slice thinly. Soaking the slices in cold water for 5–10 minutes can reduce sharpness if desired.

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Make the Marinade

In a medium bowl or jar:

• Whisk together the vinegar, water, oil, sugar, salt, pepper, and herbs/spices.
• Stir until the sugar and salt dissolve fully.

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Combine and Marinate

• In a large bowl or container, gently toss together the cucumbers, tomatoes, and onions.
• Pour the marinade over the vegetables, making sure everything is well coated.
• Cover and refrigerate for at least 2–3 hours, preferably overnight for best flavor.

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Stir and Serve

• Before serving, give everything a good stir to redistribute the marinade.
• Taste and adjust seasoning if needed (more vinegar for tang, sugar for sweetness, or salt for balance).
• Garnish with fresh parsley, dill, or crumbled feta if using.

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Storage & Make-Ahead Tips

• This salad is best eaten within 2–3 days.
• The flavors deepen the longer it marinates.
• If making ahead, add delicate ingredients like avocado or cheese right before serving.
• Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Stir well before each serving.

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Tips for Success

• Use firm cucumbers (like English or Persian) to avoid sogginess.
• Let the salad come to room temperature 10–15 minutes before serving to maximize flavor.
• If you want it less acidic, add a bit more olive oil or even a spoon of Greek yogurt for creaminess.
• For a low-sugar version, use honey, stevia, or skip the sweetener entirely.

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How to Serve

• As a refreshing side dish with grilled meats, fish, or tofu.
• Over greens or quinoa for a light lunch.
• Alongside barbecue, fried chicken, or Southern comfort food.
• Tossed with cold pasta for a quick salad upgrade.

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Nutrition Info (Per 1 Cup Serving – Approximate)

• Calories: 80
• Carbohydrates: 8g
• Sugars: 4g
• Protein: 1g
• Fat: 6g
• Fiber: 2g
• Vitamin C: 25% DV
• Potassium: 10% DV
• Lycopene & Antioxidants: High

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Variations You Can Try