This Cucumber Tomato and Onion Salad Recipe is a refreshing and easy recipe, which is made with crisp cucumbers, grape tomatoes, and sweet white onion. It’s an ideal side dish, ready in about 15 minutes, plus chilling time.
Jump to RecipeCucumber Tomato and Onion Salad Recipe Ingredients Recipe
Veggies:
- 3 cucumbers, sliced into ¼-inch rounds
- 16 oz grape tomatoes, halved
- ½ cup white onion, thinly sliced
Dressing:
- 1 cup white vinegar
- ½ cup sugar (or less to taste)
- 2 tbsp Italian dressing (any brand)
How To Make Cucumber Tomato and Onion Salad Recipe
- Prepare the Vegetables: In a large bowl, combine the sliced cucumbers, halved grape tomatoes, and thinly sliced white onion.
- Make the Dressing: In a separate, smaller bowl, add the white vinegar, sugar, and Italian dressing. Whisk vigorously until the sugar is completely dissolved.
- Combine and Marinate: Pour the dressing over the vegetables in the large bowl. Toss gently to ensure everything is well-coated.
- Chill Thoroughly: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator to chill and marinate for at least 1 hour before serving. This step is essential for the flavors to meld.
- Serve: Stir the salad once more just before serving. Serve chilled.
Recipe Tips
- How long should I let this marinate? For the best flavor, you must let this salad marinate for at least 1 hour. The magic happens when the vegetables soak up the sweet and tangy dressing. It’s even better if made 2-4 hours in advance.
- Can I use a different kind of onion? Yes. White onion provides a sharp, clean flavor. Red onion is a fantastic substitute, offering a slightly milder taste and a beautiful pop of color.
- Why add Italian dressing? The 2 tablespoons of Italian dressing (even a cheap, basic one) act as a “secret ingredient.” It adds a perfect blend of oil, herbs, and emulsifiers that help the dressing cling to the vegetables and provides a more complex flavor than just vinegar and sugar alone.
- How can I make this less sweet? The sugar-to-vinegar ratio is a matter of personal taste. This recipe is for a classic, sweet-and-sour marinade. Feel free to reduce the sugar to ⅓ cup or even ¼ cup if you prefer a more vinegar-forward, tangy salad.
What To Serve With Cucumber Tomato and Onion Salad Recipe
This crisp, chilled salad is a classic side dish for potlucks, barbecues, and simple family dinners. It cuts through the richness of heavy dishes.
- BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwiches
- Grilled Chicken or Steak
- Hamburgers and Hot Dogs
- Fried Chicken or Fried Fish
- Smoked Ribs
How To Store Cucumber Tomato and Onion Salad Recipe
Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This salad keeps very well and the flavor arguably gets better on the second day. It will last for up to 5 days, though the cucumbers will gradually soften. Freeze: Freezing is not recommended.
Cucumber Tomato and Onion Salad Recipe Nutrition Facts Recipe
(Per serving, assuming 8 servings)
- Calories: 110 kcal
- Total Fat: 1.5g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 120mg
- Total Carbohydrate: 23g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 19g (mostly from the added sugar)
- Protein: 1g
Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.
FAQs
This is totally up to you. Leaving the skins on (especially with English or hothouse cucumbers) adds color, texture, and nutrients. If using standard waxy cucumbers, you may prefer to peel them.
Yes, apple cider vinegar works well as a substitute for white vinegar. It will give the salad a fruitier, slightly mellower tang.
Cucumbers are full of water, which they will naturally release, especially when combined with salt (which may be in your Italian dressing). This is normal and just adds to the marinade.
Cucumber Tomato and Onion Salad Recipe
Course: SaladsCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy8
servings15
minutes1
hour110
kcalA classic, refreshing, and tangy marinated salad with crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, and onion in a sweet vinegar dressing.
Ingredients
3 cucumbers, sliced
16 oz grape tomatoes, halved
½ cup white onion, thinly sliced
1 cup white vinegar
½ cup sugar
2 tbsp Italian dressing
Directions
- Combine sliced cucumbers, halved tomatoes, and sliced onion in a large bowl.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together the white vinegar, sugar, and Italian dressing until the sugar is dissolved.
- Pour the dressing over the vegetables and toss to coat.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to marinate.
- Stir again and serve chilled.
Notes
- Chilling for at least 1 hour is essential for the flavor to develop.
- You can reduce the sugar to ⅓ cup if you prefer a tangier salad.
- Red onion can be substituted for the white onion for a milder flavor and more color.
