Refreshing Marinated Cucumbers, Onions, and Tomatoes

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There’s something deeply satisfying about crisp, garden-fresh cucumbers paired with juicy cherry tomatoes and sweet, tender onions — all bathed in a vibrant, tangy marinade. This Refreshing Marinated Cucumbers, Onions, and Tomatoes dish is the ultimate summer side, packed with brightness, crunch, and a splash of bold flavor in every bite. Whether you’re hosting a BBQ, meal prepping for the week, or just craving a light snack, this colorful medley offers a delightful balance of sweet, sour, and a hint of spice.

This no-cook, healthy recipe is a great way to highlight fresh produce, and it pairs wonderfully with grilled meats, sandwiches, or even as a topping for tacos and wraps. It’s gluten-free, vegan-friendly, and low-calorie — ideal for anyone searching for healthy snacks, easy dinner sides, or quick lunch ideas. The marinated cucumbers and tomatoes soak up the vibrant vinaigrette beautifully, getting better the longer they sit, making this a perfect make-ahead recipe for busy days or picnic spreads.

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Ingredients for this Refreshing Marinated Cucumbers, Onions, and Tomatoes Recipe

• 2 medium cucumbers, thinly sliced
• 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 small white onion, thinly sliced into rings
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons chopped red chili (optional, for a spicy kick)
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon sugar (or honey for a natural sweetener)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• Optional: A few cracks of crushed red pepper flakes for extra heat

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Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables

Begin by thoroughly washing your cucumbers and cherry tomatoes. Slice the cucumbers into thin rounds using a sharp knife or mandoline for even thickness. Cut the cherry tomatoes in half. Peel the onion and slice it into thin rings or half-moons, depending on your preference. Finely chop the parsley and red chili (if using). Set all vegetables aside.

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Step 2: Make the Marinade

In a medium bowl or measuring cup, whisk together the apple cider vinegar, olive oil, sugar (or honey), salt, black pepper, and garlic powder until the sugar is mostly dissolved. If you like a little heat, stir in some red pepper flakes.

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Step 3: Combine and Toss

Place the sliced cucumbers, tomatoes, onions, parsley, and chili into a large mixing bowl or a wide-mouth mason jar. Pour the marinade over the vegetables and gently toss everything together until evenly coated. Use a spoon or spatula to ensure the dressing touches every slice.

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Step 4: Let It Marinate

Cover the bowl or seal the jar and refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving. The longer it marinates, the more flavorful it becomes — overnight is ideal. Give it a gentle stir halfway through for even flavor distribution.

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Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Serve chilled as a refreshing side dish, a topping for burgers or grilled meats, or even on toast for a crisp veggie bruschetta twist. It’s as versatile as it is delicious!

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Storage Instructions

This Refreshing Marinated Cucumbers, Onions, and Tomatoes dish stores beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep or enjoying over a few days. To keep it fresh:

• Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container or mason jar in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• Stir Daily: For the best flavor, give the mixture a gentle stir once a day to redistribute the marinade evenly.
• Avoid Freezing: Freezing is not recommended, as cucumbers and tomatoes will lose their texture and become mushy upon thawing.
• Drain Before Serving: If the mixture becomes overly watery after a couple of days, you can lightly drain some of the excess liquid before serving.

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Estimated Nutrition (Per 1-Cup Serving)

• Calories: ~80
• Fat: 5g
• Carbohydrates: 9g
• Sugar: 5g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 1g
• Sodium: 200mg

Note: Nutritional values may vary based on the size of the vegetables and whether you use sugar or honey.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of cucumbers work best for this recipe?

English cucumbers or Persian cucumbers are ideal because they have thin skins and fewer seeds, but regular cucumbers work too—just peel and seed them for best results.

Can I use red onion instead of white?

Absolutely! Red onions add a slightly sweeter, milder flavor and a lovely color contrast.

Is it okay to skip the sugar?

Yes, but the touch of sweetness helps balance the acidity of the vinegar. You can use a sugar alternative or natural sweetener like maple syrup or honey.

How long should I marinate the salad?

At least 2 hours is recommended, but for the best flavor, let it marinate overnight.

Can I add other vegetables?

Definitely. Thinly sliced bell peppers, radishes, or even shredded carrots make great additions.

What can I pair this dish with?

It goes well with grilled meats, sandwiches, burgers, tacos, or can be eaten on its own as a snack or light lunch.

How can I make it spicier?

Add extra red pepper flakes, more chopped chili, or a splash of hot sauce to the marinade.

Is this recipe vegan and gluten-free?

Yes, it’s naturally vegan and gluten-free — just double-check the ingredients in your vinegar or sweetener if you’re being extra cautious.

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