Two kinds of vinegar in the marinade make all the difference—that dual-vinegar blend is what gives this dish a sharper, brighter tang than the usual one-vinegar version. Combining crisp cucumbers, juicy chopped tomatoes, and thinly sliced onion in a vibrant olive oil dressing, this Marinated Cucumber / Tomato Salad is the ultimate cool and refreshing side dish for warm summer gatherings, barbecues, and easy weeknight meals.
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Prep Time | 15 minutes |
| Chill Time | 1 hour (or longer) |
| Total Time | 1 hour 15 minutes |
| Servings | 6 servings |
| Difficulty | Very Easy |
| Cuisine | Classic Summer Salad |
Why This Recipe Works
The magic of this salad lies in its sophisticated dressing. Pairing sharp white vinegar with the complex fruitiness of red wine vinegar creates a dynamic, layered tang that cuts through the rich foods often served at BBQs. More importantly, letting the vegetables sit in the marinade for at least an hour (or longer if you can) is what actually transforms standard crisp vegetables into a deeply flavorful, cohesive marinated salad.
Ingredients
The Fresh Vegetables
| Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Cucumbers | 3 medium | Sliced (peeled or unpeeled) |
| Tomatoes | 3 large | Chopped (ripe and firm) |
| Onion | ½ medium | Thinly sliced (red or sweet yellow) |
The Dual-Vinegar Dressing
| Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Olive oil | ¼ cup | Quality extra virgin preferred |
| White vinegar | 3 tbsp | Provides a clean, sharp bite |
| Red wine vinegar | 1 tbsp | Adds fruity complexity |
| Sugar | 2 tsp | Balances the acidity |
| Salt | 1 tsp | Brings out the vegetable juices |
| Black pepper | ½ tsp | Freshly ground |
Step-by-Step Instructions
Phase 1: Prep and Combine
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the sliced cucumbers, chopped tomatoes, and thinly sliced onion. Toss gently to mix the vegetables.
Phase 2: Whisking the Dressing
- In a separate small bowl or liquid measuring cup, whisk together the olive oil, white vinegar, red wine vinegar, sugar, salt, and black pepper until the sugar and salt are fully dissolved.
Phase 3: Marinating and Serving
- Pour the prepared dressing evenly over the bowl of vegetables. Toss well to ensure every slice is fully coated.
- Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving (longer if you can—allowing it to marinate for a few hours or even overnight deepens the flavor immensely). Serve chilled and enjoy!
Chef Tips for Perfect Results
Don’t Rush the Marinating Time: The waiting period is crucial. As it chills, the salt and vinegars draw out some of the natural juices from the tomatoes and cucumbers, creating a delicious liquid base that acts like a light vinaigrette.
Cucumber Choice: English cucumbers or Persian cucumbers work wonderfully because they have thinner skins and fewer seeds, but standard cucumbers peeled in alternating stripes work great too!
Conclusion
Marinated Cucumber / Tomato Salad is a timeless summer staple that requires zero cooking and delivers maximum flavor. With its sharp dual-vinegar kick and ultra-refreshing crunch, it’s bound to be the star of your next picnic or family dinner.