When the sun is high and your grill is fired up, nothing beats a cool, tangy Marinated Cucumber, Tomato and Onion Salad. It’s crisp, refreshing, and basically summer in a bowl. Whether you’re hosting a backyard BBQ or need a quick side dish for weeknight dinners, this salad is here to deliver bold flavor with minimal fuss.

This summer salad brings together fresh cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, and sharp onion slices, all soaking in a vibrant marinade that’s sweet, tangy, and herb-kissed. It’s the kind of dish that makes everything else on the table taste better—and bonus, it takes just minutes to prep and chills out in the fridge while you kick back.

Why You’ll Love This Marinated Cucumber Tomato, and Onion Salad

Super easy to prep ahead
Delicious with everything from burgers to grilled fish
Light, crisp, and full of flavor
A BBQ salad favorite that’s always a hit

Ingredients

3 medium cucumbers (~4 cups / 600 g), peeled and sliced 0.6 cm thick

1 medium white onion, sliced into thick rings
3 medium tomatoes, largely chopped
120 ml (½ cup) vinegar of choice (e.g., white, apple cider, rice)
50 g (¼ cup) granulated sugar (or sugar substitute)
240 ml (1 cup) water
2 tsp salt
½ tsp coarse black pepper (or to taste)
2 tbsp vegetable or olive oil
½ tsp dried basil
½ tsp dried parsley

How to Make This Quick Side Dish

Chop the Veggies: In a large bowl, combine sliced cucumbers, onion rings, and chopped tomatoes.

Make the Marinade: In a separate container, whisk together the vinegar, sugar, water, salt, pepper, oil, basil, and parsley until the sugar dissolves.
Marinate: Pour the marinade over the vegetables and mix thoroughly.

Chill: Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to let the flavors meld. Longer is even better!
Serve Cold: Enjoy chilled with or without the marinade. It’s delicious either way.

Tips for the Perfect Summer Salad

Use ripe, firm tomatoes that won’t fall apart in the marinade.

Red onions can be swapped in for a sweeter flavor and a pop of color.
Want a low-sugar version? Swap in honey, agave, or a sugar substitute.
Don’t skip the chill time—it makes all the difference.

Olivia’s Backyard BBQ Favorite

This salad is one of those magical dishes that reminds me of summers at my grandma’s house. She’d slice up whatever was ripe in the garden and throw it into a big glass bowl with a quick vinegar marinade. It was always on the table, no matter what we were grilling. Now, I make it every time we fire up the grill—it’s nostalgic, fresh, and always the first thing to disappear.

What to Serve with This BBQ Salad

This salad is the ultimate sidekick to summer mains. Think grilled chicken, ribs, burgers, hot dogs, or even veggie kebabs. It’s also lovely next to a slice of cornbread or a simple pasta dish. Honestly, it’s great with just about anything hot off the grill.

How to Store Leftovers

Store the salad in its marinade in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors will intensify over time, and the cucumbers may soften slightly. If you prefer it crunchier, try draining off the marinade before storing. Give it a good toss before serving again.

FAQs About Marinated Cucumber Tomato and Onion Salad

Can I make this ahead?

Yes! It’s best when it has at least 2 hours to chill—overnight is even better.

Can I add other veggies?

Absolutely! Bell peppers, radishes, or avocado (just before serving) work great.

Can I use cherry tomatoes?

Yes—just halve them for bite-sized pops of flavor.

Do I have to peel the cucumbers?

Nope! If you like the texture of the peel, feel free to leave it on.

A Cool, Crisp Salad You’ll Make All Summer

This Marinated Cucumber, Tomato and Onion Salad is the side dish that shows up, stands out, and steals the show. Quick, easy, and bursting with bright flavor, it’s your new go-to for any summer occasion—BBQs, picnics, potlucks, or just a laid-back dinner on the porch.

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