Marinated Cucumbers, Onions, and Tomatoes Recipe Introduction
This Marinated Cucumbers, Onions, and Tomatoes recipe creates the ultimate fresh vegetable salad that’s bursting with tangy, garden-fresh flavors. The simple yet effective marinade transforms ordinary vegetables into an extraordinary side dish that’s perfect for barbecues, potlucks, or everyday meals. What sets this Marinated Cucumbers, Onions, and Tomatoes recipe apart is its perfect balance of sweet and sour flavors that penetrate the vegetables without overpowering their natural taste. The recipe requires no cooking, making it an ideal choice for hot summer days when you want something refreshing and light. This Marinated Cucumbers, Onions, and Tomatoes recipe serves as both a healthy side dish and a flavorful condiment that pairs beautifully with grilled foods, sandwiches, and hearty main courses.
Storage Options
Store this Marinated Cucumbers, Onions, and Tomatoes recipe in the refrigerator for up to 5 days in an airtight container. The vegetables will continue to absorb flavors and can be enjoyed straight from the refrigerator. For best texture, consume within 3 days, though the flavors actually improve over time. Do not freeze as this will compromise the vegetables’ crisp texture.
Summary
This Marinated Cucumbers, Onions, and Tomatoes recipe combines fresh garden vegetables with a tangy vinegar-based marinade to create a refreshing, healthy side dish. Ready in just 15 minutes with 2 hours marinating time, this no-cook recipe serves 6-8 people and offers the perfect balance of sweet, sour, and savory flavors while maintaining the vegetables’ natural crunch.
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wooden spoon or tongs
- Airtight storage container
- Fine-mesh strainer (optional)
Ingredients
For the Vegetables:
- 4 large cucumbers, peeled and sliced thin
- 2 medium red onions, thinly sliced
- 4 large ripe tomatoes, cut into wedges
- 1 medium green bell pepper, sliced (optional)
For the Marinade:
- 1/2 cup white vinegar
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped (or 1 tablespoon dried)
Instructions
Prepare Vegetables: Wash and prepare all vegetables. Peel cucumbers and slice into 1/4-inch rounds. Cut onions into thin slices. Cut tomatoes into wedges, removing seeds if desired for less liquid.
Combine Vegetables: In a large mixing bowl, combine sliced cucumbers, onions, tomatoes, and bell pepper if using. Toss gently to distribute evenly.
Make Marinade: In a separate bowl, whisk together white vinegar, vegetable oil, sugar, salt, pepper, oregano, garlic powder, and fresh dill until sugar and salt are completely dissolved.
Marinate: Pour the marinade over the vegetables and toss thoroughly to ensure all pieces are well coated.
Chill: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably 4-6 hours or overnight.
Serve: Stir gently before serving. Serve chilled as a side dish or condiment. Can be served with or without the marinade liquid.
Notes
- Use the freshest vegetables possible for the best flavor and texture
- Salting cucumbers for 30 minutes before marinating and then draining can help reduce excess water
- The longer the vegetables marinate, the more intense the flavors become
- This recipe works well with English cucumbers, which have fewer seeds
Tips for Success
Choose Quality Vegetables: Select firm cucumbers, sweet onions, and ripe but firm tomatoes for the best results in your Marinated Cucumbers, Onions, and Tomatoes recipe.
Balance the Marinade: Taste the marinade before adding to vegetables and adjust sugar, vinegar, or salt to achieve your preferred flavor profile.
Control Moisture: If your Marinated Cucumbers, Onions, and Tomatoes recipe becomes too watery, drain excess liquid before serving or salt the cucumbers beforehand.
Timing Matters: While this recipe can be served after 2 hours, allowing it to marinate overnight develops the most complex and satisfying flavors.
Additional Tips and Variations
Mediterranean Style: Add crumbled feta cheese and Kalamata olives to transform your Marinated Cucumbers, Onions, and Tomatoes recipe into a Greek-inspired salad.
Spicy Version: Include sliced jalapeños or red pepper flakes for a kick of heat in your Marinated Cucumbers, Onions, and Tomatoes recipe.
Herb Variations: Experiment with fresh basil, parsley, or chives instead of dill for different flavor profiles.
Sweet Onion Upgrade: Use Vidalia or sweet onions for a milder, sweeter flavor that complements the tangy marinade.
Vinegar Options: Try apple cider vinegar or rice vinegar for subtle flavor variations in your Marinated Cucumbers, Onions, and Tomatoes recipe.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I make this Marinated Cucumbers, Onions, and Tomatoes recipe ahead of time? A: Yes! This recipe is perfect for make-ahead preparation and actually improves in flavor when made 1-2 days in advance.
Q: How do I prevent my vegetables from becoming too watery? A: Salt the cucumbers for 30 minutes, then drain and pat dry before combining with other vegetables and marinade.
Q: Can I use different types of vinegar? A: Absolutely! Apple cider vinegar, rice vinegar, or even balsamic vinegar can create interesting flavor variations in this Marinated Cucumbers, Onions, and Tomatoes recipe.
Q: Is this recipe suitable for special diets? A: Yes, this Marinated Cucumbers, Onions, and Tomatoes recipe is naturally vegan, gluten-free, and keto-friendly.
Q: How long will leftovers keep? A: Properly stored, this recipe will keep in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, though texture is best within the first 3 days.
Conclusion
This Marinated Cucumbers, Onions, and Tomatoes recipe represents the perfect marriage of simplicity and flavor, delivering a refreshing side dish that enhances any meal while requiring minimal preparation time. The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility and ability to complement virtually any cuisine, from casual backyard barbecues to elegant dinner parties. Whether you’re looking for a healthy addition to your meal prep routine or a crowd-pleasing dish for your next gathering, this Marinated Cucumbers, Onions, and Tomatoes recipe consistently delivers exceptional results. The combination of crisp vegetables and tangy marinade creates a dish that’s both satisfying and refreshing, making it an invaluable addition to your recipe collection. Once you experience how this simple Marinated Cucumbers, Onions, and Tomatoes recipe transforms ordinary vegetables into something extraordinary, you’ll find yourself making it again and again for its incredible flavor, health benefits, and effortless preparation.
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