This classic marinated cucumber, tomato, and onion salad is one of those simple bowls of vegetables that somehow eats like a treat—my husband is usually suspicious of anything called a salad, but he polished this off so quickly I barely got a second helping. It’s built on familiar Midwestern potluck flavors: crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, and sweet onion in a lightly tangy, just-sweet-enough vinaigrette. Versions of this salad show up all over Eastern Europe and the American Midwest, where gardens overflow with cucumbers and tomatoes in the summer. The magic is in the brief marinade, which softens the edges of the vegetables and infuses them with flavor without turning them limp or sour. It’s easy, make-ahead friendly, and uses pantry staples you likely already have on hand.
Serve this salad well-chilled in a glass bowl so you can see all the colors—cucumbers, tomatoes, and onions glistening in the marinade. It pairs beautifully with grilled or roasted meats like chicken, pork chops, or steak, and it’s excellent alongside burgers, brats, or barbecue. For a lighter meal, spoon it next to grilled fish or a simple omelet. It’s also a natural fit for potlucks, picnics, and weeknight dinners, because it holds nicely in the fridge and actually tastes better after a little time to marinate. Offer some crusty bread to soak up the extra dressing at the bottom of the bowl.
Classic Marinated Cucumber, Tomato, and Onion Salad
Servings: 4
