Refreshing Cucumber Tomato Salad with Sweet and Tangy Vinaigrette Recipe

Introduction

This refreshing cucumber tomato salad combines crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, and sharp onion slices tossed in a sweet and tangy vinaigrette. It’s an easy, flavorful side dish perfect for warm days, potlucks, or any meal that needs a light, fresh touch.

Ingredients

• 1 cup water
• ½ cup distilled white vinegar
• ¼ cup vegetable oil
• ¼ cup white sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
• 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, or to taste
• 3 cucumbers, peeled and sliced ¼-inch thick
• 3 tomatoes, cut into wedges
• 1 onion, sliced and separated into rings

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large bowl, whisk together water, vinegar, vegetable oil, sugar, salt, and black pepper until the dressing is smooth and well combined.
2. Step 2: Add the sliced cucumbers, tomato wedges, and onion rings to the bowl. Stir gently to coat all the vegetables evenly with the dressing.
3. Step 3: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld and the vegetables to marinate.
4. Step 4: Remove from the refrigerator, give the salad a quick stir, and serve chilled for best flavor and freshness.

Tips & Variations

• Substitute apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar for a different flavor twist in the dressing.
• Use red onions for a spicier bite or sweet onions for a milder, sweeter taste.
• If using smaller tomatoes like cherry or grape, slice them to help the dressing soak in better.
• Try good quality olive oil instead of vegetable oil for a richer flavor.
• Letting the salad marinate longer enhances the flavor, but cucumbers may lose some crispness over time.

Storage

Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 5 days. The cucumbers might become less crisp after a couple of days, while the onions will mellow and absorb more of the dressing’s flavor. Tomatoes may soften but will remain juicy. Serve chilled, and stir well before serving if stored.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of cucumbers for this salad?

Yes, you can use any firm cucumbers with smooth skins, such as English cucumbers or Persian cucumbers. Just be sure they are fresh and crisp for the best texture.

How long should I marinate the salad before serving?

For best flavor, marinate the salad in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours. The longer it marinates, up to 24 hours, the more the flavors will meld, but cucumbers may lose some crunch over extended time.

Refreshing Cucumber Tomato Salad with Sweet and Tangy Vinaigrette Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 145 reviews

• Author: Julian
• Total Time: 2 hrs 15 mins
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This refreshing cucumber tomato salad combines crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, and sliced onions tossed in a sweet and tangy vinaigrette. Easy to prepare and perfect for warm weather, this salad offers vibrant flavors and make-ahead convenience, making it an ideal side dish for everything from BBQ to picnic sandwiches.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Dressing

• 1 cup water
• ½ cup distilled white vinegar
• ¼ cup vegetable oil
• ¼ cup white sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
• 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, or to taste

Salad

• 3 cucumbers, peeled and sliced ¼-inch thick
• 3 tomatoes, cut into wedges
• 1 onion, sliced and separated into rings

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Instructions

1. Gather Ingredients. Assemble all the required ingredients including water, vinegar, oil, sugar, salt, pepper, cucumbers, tomatoes, and onion.
2. Prepare Dressing. In a large bowl, whisk together water, distilled white vinegar, vegetable oil, white sugar, salt, and freshly ground black pepper until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
3. Combine Salad Ingredients. Add the peeled and sliced cucumbers, tomato wedges, and onion rings into the bowl with the dressing. Stir gently to thoroughly coat the vegetables with the vinaigrette.
4. Marinate. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow flavors to meld and enhance the salad’s taste.
5. Serve. After marinating, give the salad a final stir and serve chilled as a crisp and flavorful side dish.

Notes

• Use firm, fresh cucumbers with smooth skins for best texture.
• Choose the ripest and tastiest tomatoes you can find; heirloom tomatoes work excellently but cherry or Roma tomatoes are good alternatives.
• Any type of onion can be used; red onions add color and spice while sweet onions offer milder flavor.
• Other vinegars such as apple cider, white wine, or Champagne vinegar can substitute distilled white vinegar to vary the flavor.
• Vegetable oil provides a neutral flavor, but high-quality olive oil can be used for a richer taste.
• This salad can be prepared ahead and stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 5 days; flavors improve as it marinates but cucumbers may lose crispness over time.
• Pair this salad with grilled meats, BBQ dishes, picnic sandwiches, or pasta salads for a well-rounded meal.

• Prep Time: 15 mins
• Cook Time: 0 mins
• Category: Salad
• Method: No-Cook
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: cucumber tomato salad, fresh salad, vinaigrette, summer salad, easy side dish, make-ahead salad, picnic recipe, refreshing salad