![- 2 large cucumbers, thinly sliced - 1 large red onion, thinly sliced - 3 ripe tomatoes, diced into bite-sized pieces - 1/4 cup rice vinegar - 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil - 1 tablespoon honey (or agave syrup for a vegan option) - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste - Fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish) To make marinated cucumbers, onions, and tomatoes, you need fresh, vibrant veggies. I always choose large cucumbers for crunch. Red onions add sweetness and color. Ripe tomatoes bring juiciness to the dish. For the dressing, rice vinegar gives a tangy kick. Olive oil adds smoothness. Honey sweetens it just right. Garlic powder and oregano lend depth, while salt and pepper enhance all the flavors. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of green. It makes the dish look beautiful and adds fresh flavor. This mix of ingredients creates a light, refreshing salad. Check the [Full Recipe] for exact steps on making this delight. Mixing the Vegetables Start by gathering your fresh produce. Grab 2 large cucumbers, 1 large red onion, and 3 ripe tomatoes. Thinly slice the cucumbers and onion. Dice the tomatoes into bite-sized pieces. Place all the vegetables in a large mixing bowl. Use your hands or a spoon to mix them gently. Make sure each veggie is spread out evenly. Preparing the Dressing In a separate small bowl, whisk together the dressing. Add 1/4 cup of rice vinegar, 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil, and 1 tablespoon of honey. If you're vegan, use agave syrup instead. Then, add 1 teaspoon of garlic powder and 1 teaspoon of dried oregano. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Mix well until the honey dissolves and the ingredients blend nicely. Combining and Marinating Drizzle the dressing over your vegetable mixture. Use a large spoon to toss the salad. Make sure all the ingredients are coated in the zesty dressing. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap or a lid. Place it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully. After marinating, give the salad another gentle toss. Just before serving, garnish with finely chopped fresh parsley. This adds a nice pop of color and freshness. For the complete recipe, check the Full Recipe. Selecting Fresh Ingredients Start with fresh cucumbers, onions, and tomatoes. Look for vibrant colors and firm textures. Choose cucumbers with smooth skin. For tomatoes, pick ones that yield slightly to touch. Fresh produce enhances taste and crunch. Adjusting Flavors to Your Preference Taste your dressing before adding it to the veggies. You can adjust the sweetness or tanginess. If you like it sweeter, add more honey. For extra zest, increase the rice vinegar. Personalize it to match your palate. Marination Time Recommendations Let the salad marinate for at least 30 minutes. This time allows the flavors to blend well. If you have more time, marinate it for up to two hours. Just remember, longer marinating can make the veggies softer. Enjoy the crispness by not exceeding the 2-hour mark. For the complete method and ingredients, check the Full Recipe. {{image_4}} You can change up the flavors and textures in this salad. Adding bell peppers or radishes gives a nice crunch. Try using red or yellow bell peppers for sweetness. Radishes add a spicy kick. Incorporating avocado makes the dish creamy and rich. Slice the avocado and mix it in right before serving. This keeps it from browning. Utilizing fresh herbs like dill or basil brightens the dish. These herbs add fragrance and flavor. Toss in a handful to elevate your salad. You can also switch the dressing to make it your own. Substituting different vinegars can change the taste. Balsamic vinegar gives a sweet, deep flavor. Apple cider vinegar adds a hint of fruitiness. Making it spicier with jalapeños is fun if you like heat. Chop them finely and mix them into the dressing. Start with a small amount and taste as you go. If you're looking for vegan dressing options, use agave syrup instead of honey. This keeps the dish sweet without animal products. You can try adding a splash of lemon juice for brightness. For the Full Recipe, refer back to the beginning for all the details. To keep your marinated cucumbers, onions, and tomatoes fresh, store them in the fridge. Use an airtight container to lock in the flavors. This method helps prevent spoilage and keeps the veggies crisp. For best quality, consume the salad within three days. After that, the veggies may start to lose their crunch and flavor. Don't let leftovers go to waste! You can add them to a wrap or sandwich. They also make a great topping for grilled chicken or fish. Toss them into a grain bowl for extra flavor and crunch. When reheating, avoid high heat. Instead, use a microwave at low power to warm them gently. This way, you maintain the texture and taste. How long should I marinate the salad? You should marinate the salad for at least 30 minutes. This time lets the flavors blend well. The longer you marinate, the more intense the taste. I often let it sit for an hour. Can I prepare this salad ahead of time? Yes, you can make this salad ahead of time. I recommend preparing it a few hours before serving. This gives the flavors time to develop. Just keep it in the fridge until you are ready to eat. What is the best way to serve marinated cucumbers, onions, and tomatoes? Serve the salad in a clear glass bowl. This showcases the vibrant colors of the veggies. You can drizzle extra olive oil on top for added flavor. Garnish with fresh parsley for a nice touch. For the full recipe, check out the recipe section. This blog covered a simple and tasty salad recipe. You learned about key ingredients like cucumbers, onions, and tomatoes. I provided clear steps for mixing and marinating the salad. You discovered tips to select fresh produce and adjust flavors. We explored fun variations with different vegetables and dressings. Lastly, I shared storage tips to keep your salad fresh. I hope you feel confident making this marinated salad. Enjoy creating delicious meals that friends and family will love!](https://lazychefmagic.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/34699d86-18e2-49c0-afa3-56e64a7728c5-250x250.webp)
Marinated Cucumbers Onions and Tomatoes
Elevate your summer meals with this Crisp & Zesty Garden Medley! This refreshing salad combines cucumbers, tomatoes, and red onions drizzled with a flavorful homemade dressing for a delicious side dish in just 10 minutes. Perfect for BBQs or a light lunch, it’s packed with fresh flavors that everyone will love. Ready to try this easy recipe? Click to explore step-by-step instructions and make your garden medley today!