Easy Marinated Tomatoes and Cucumbers Recipe
The Best Marinated Tomatoes and Cucumbers
This easy marinated tomatoes and cucumbers recipe is one of my favorite fresh summer side dishes. Made with juicy tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, and a simple homemade marinade, it’s the perfect addition to cookouts, grilled chicken, burgers, or weeknight dinners.
Best of all, it comes together in just minutes and tastes even better after it has chilled.
If you’re looking for a healthy cucumber and tomato salad, this simple recipe is fresh, flavorful, and made with everyday ingredients. Bonus, you likely have most of them in your garden!
Ingredients
- Fresh tomatoes (Heirloom or beef tomatoes are best. Roma works if you like a firmer tomato but have a little less flavor.)
- Cucumbers (I prefer English cucumbers, but any garden cucumber works.)
- Olive oil
- Vinegar
- Fresh herbs (I love to cut fresh herbs with these scissors. Makes the task 5 times as fast.)
- Salt and black pepper
- Onion (optional)
- Garlic (optional)
- Sugar (optional)
How to Make Marinated Tomatoes and Cucumbers
- Slice the tomatoes, cucumbers, and onion.
- Whisk together the olive oil, vinegar, herbs, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the marinade over the vegetables and gently toss to coat.
- Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving for the best flavor.
Easy Marinated Tomatoes and Cucumbers
Fresh, crisp, and full of summer flavor, this easy marinated tomatoes and cucumbers recipe is the perfect side dish for barbecues, potlucks, or weeknight dinners. Juicy tomatoes and crunchy cucumbers are tossed in a simple homemade vinaigrette for a light, healthy salad that's ready in minutes. Make it ahead for even better flavor, and easily customize it with or without onions and garlic.
Ingredients
- 4 Heirloom Tomatoes, cut into chunks or wedges
- 2 English Cucumbers, sliced
- 1/4 c. Olive Oil
- 1/4 c. Red Wine Vinegar
- Salt and Pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish
- 1 tsp. Minced Garlic
- 1/4 White Onion, sliced (optional)
Instructions
- Slice the tomatoes, cucumbers, and onion.
- Whisk together the olive oil, vinegar, herbs, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the marinade over the vegetables and gently toss to coat.
- Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving for the best flavor.
Notes
See blog post for substitutions. Refrigerate leftovers up to 3 days.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 8 Serving Size: 3/4 cAmount Per Serving: Calories: 85
Substitutions and Variations
This recipe is easy to customize based on your family’s preferences. With a rise in allergies or intolerances to onion and garlic, they are easily omitted from this recipe.
No Onion
If you prefer a marinated cucumber and tomato salad without onions, simply leave them out. The tomatoes and cucumbers are still incredibly flavorful on their own.
No Garlic
This recipe is just as delicious without garlic. If you’d like a little extra flavor, try adding fresh basil, dill, parsley, or a pinch of Italian seasoning instead.
Vinegar Options
Red wine vinegar, white wine vinegar, or apple cider vinegar all work beautifully and each adds its own subtle flavor.
Add-Ins
You can also mix in:
- Crumbled feta cheese
- Fresh mozzarella pearls
- Corn
- Avocado
- Bell peppers
- Fresh basil or dill
Storage Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The vegetables will continue to marinate, making them even more flavorful. Stir before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should tomatoes and cucumbers marinate?
For the best flavor, marinate for at least 30 minutes. A few hours is even better, and they can be made a day ahead.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! This is an excellent make-ahead side dish for summer parties, picnics, potlucks, and barbecues. I prefer to make it the evening before a gathering if I’m rushed for time the day of.
Do I have to peel the cucumbers?
Not at all. English cucumbers can be left unpeeled, while garden cucumbers may be peeled if the skin is thick. If using garden cucumbers, I like to quarter the cucumber and then cut off the seeds. This makes the dish less watery.
More Fresh Summer Recipes
If you love simple garden recipes, you’ll also enjoy all my garden recipes! And if you specifically have a bounty of cucumbers, I’ve detailed 5 other ways to use them in this post.
Thanks so much for stopping by the blog today. Make sure to browse my recipe archivesfor loads of easy and quick recipe ideas.
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~ Sarah
