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.

🥒🍅 

Marinated Cucumber, Onion, and Tomato Salad

A Southern-Inspired, Hydrating Summer Favorite

📝 

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.

🌿 

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.

🍅 

Ingredients

🥗 

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

🧴 

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

🌿 

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)

👩‍🍳 

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.

✅ 2. 

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.

✅ 3. 

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.

✅ 4. 

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.

🧊 

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.

💡 

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.

🍽️ 

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.

🍅 

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

🥄 

Variations You Can Try

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *