This refreshing marinated vegetable salad is a celebration of summer’s bounty, combining crisp cucumbers, sweet onions, and juicy tomatoes in a bright, tangy dressing. It’s the kind of dish that takes me back to childhood picnics and family gatherings, where a big bowl of these marinated vegetables would disappear in minutes.
Perfect for hot summer days, this no-cook recipe gets better as it sits, allowing the vegetables to soak up all the delicious flavors of the marinade while maintaining their wonderful crunch.
Why You’ll Love This
- No cooking required – just slice and marinate
- Makes a perfect make-ahead side dish
- Naturally healthy, low-calorie, and refreshing
- Versatile – serves as a side dish or light lunch
- Great way to use up garden vegetables

Ingredients
- 3 medium cucumbers, thinly sliced
- 1 large red onion, thinly sliced
- 4 medium tomatoes, cut into wedges
- 1/3 cup white vinegar
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried dill
Instructions
- Slice cucumbers and onions thinly, cut tomatoes into wedges
- Combine vinegar, olive oil, sugar, salt, pepper, and dill in a large bowl
- Add vegetables to the bowl and toss gently to coat
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours
- Stir gently before serving
Tips & Variations
- Use English cucumbers for fewer seeds and thinner skin
- Swap white vinegar for apple cider vinegar for a different tang
- Add fresh herbs like basil or parsley for extra flavor
- Try adding bell peppers or celery for more crunch
- Use cherry tomatoes instead of regular tomatoes for easier serving
Serving Suggestions
Serve this vibrant salad alongside grilled meats or fish for a complete summer meal. It’s also perfect as part of a picnic spread or potluck gathering. For a light lunch, pair it with crusty bread and your favorite cheese.
Notes
- Keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days
- Best served chilled
- Drain excess liquid before serving if desired
- Salt vegetables just before serving to maintain crispness
FAQs
- Can I make this ahead of time? Yes, it actually tastes better after marinating for 2-24 hours.
- How do I prevent the cucumbers from getting too soft? Salt them just before serving and don’t slice them too thin.
- Can I use different types of onions? Yes, sweet onions or white onions work well too.
- Is this recipe good for meal prep? Yes, but keep the tomatoes separate until ready to serve for best results.

Ingredients
- 3 medium cucumbers, thinly sliced
- 1 large red onion, thinly sliced
- 4 medium tomatoes, cut into wedges
- 1/3 cup white vinegar
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried dill
Steps
- Slice cucumbers and onions thinly, cut tomatoes into wedges
- Combine vinegar, olive oil, sugar, salt, pepper, and dill in a large bowl
- Add vegetables to the bowl and toss gently to coat
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours
- Stir gently before serving
Notes
- Keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days
- Best served chilled
- Drain excess liquid before serving if desired
- Salt vegetables just before serving to maintain crispness







