Cucumber, Onion, and Tomato Salad – A Summertime Staple Recipe

This classic Cucumber, Onion and Tomato Salad is a refreshing summertime dish that is commonly served at most picnics and gatherings. And it is definitely a staple refrigerator item in our house during the months of June, July and August.

It makes for a perfect side dish and pairs well with almost everything! Although there are many variations on what type of dressing to make, we love this combination.

It has the perfect balance of the vinegar tang mixed with a little bit of sweetness that will have you eating this all summer long!

And this dish is very versatile. Because cucumbers are ready to pick much earlier than the tomatoes, we sometimes skip the tomatoes and make this recipe with only cucumbers and onions.

However, there is nothing better than tasty combination of eating fresh picked cucumbers, onions and tomatoes that have been marinating in a sweet vinegar dressing!

Cucumber, Onion and Tomato Salad Recipe

*Complete recipe instructions including specific measurements, cook temperatures and times are located in a printable recipe card at the bottom of this article. However, be sure to keep reading for helpful tips and tricks when making this recipe.

INGREDIENTS:

• Cucumbers
• Onion
• Tomatoes
• Distilled white vinegar
• Sugar, or sugar substitute
• Salt
• Fresh ground black pepper

INSTRUCTIONS:

The first step in making this cucumber, onion, and tomato salad is to prepare the vegetables. Start by cutting the ends off each side of the cucumbers.

Then you must decide whether or not that you want to peel them. Although the skin of cucumbers contain many nutrients, including fiber and vitamin A, our family prefers to eat them with the peels removed.

However the choice is completely up to you. It will not change how the cucumbers absorb the liquid that they are submerged in.

Then slice each cucumber into 1/8 inch rounds. You can do this with a sharp knife or use a mandoline slicer.

However, if cucumbers typically cause bloating or indigestion for you or your family members, I would suggest you remove the seed core.

Do this by slicing the cucumber in half lengthwise and then use a spoon to scoop out the center of the cucumber. Then proceed with slicing the cucumber.

But instead of having cucumber circles you will have cucumbers that resemble a moon shape. Then place the cucumbers in a medium size bowl and set aside while you slice the onion.

Cut The Onions

You can use any type of onion that you have on hand. However, different types of onions will impact the overall flavor of your cucumber, onion, and tomato salad.

If you prefer sweeter onions, use those. However, if you like red or white onions, it is okay to use those as well.

No matter what onion you choose, peel the skin off and then cut the onion in half from the top to the bottom. Then flip the cut side down and cut it into thin strips.

Once the onion has been cut, add the slivers to the bowl with the cucumbers.

Prepare The Tomatoes

Now it is time to cut the tomatoes. First wash and core the tomatoes. Then cut the tomatoes into wedges using a serrated knife.

Again, you can use whatever variety of tomatoes that you have on hand. I prefer to use plum tomatoes because they have less seed core than other varieties.

However, in the middle of summer when my cherry tomato plants are out of control, I use those instead. Although I don’t add them in whole.

Instead I slice them in half so that the tomato can fully absorb the vinegar/sugar mixture. Once you have your tomatoes sliced, add them to the bowl with the cucumbers and onions.

Now it is time to prepare the dressing for your cucumber, onion, and tomato salad.

Dressing Instructions

In a small bowl add the vinegar, sugar, salt and pepper. Then whisk vigorously until the sugar is completely dissolved.

Feel free to adjust the sugar to your liking. The amount listed below (in the printable recipe card) is meant to be a guideline which pleases the average person.

However, tastes vary and the amount of sugar can vary as well. In addition, if you don’t want to use sugar at all you can leave it completely out or use a sugar substitute such as honey, stevia, or agave nectar.

Once the dressing has been made, pour the liquid mixture over top of the cumbers, onion and tomato salad. Then use tongs or a large spoon to toss the mixture well.

Before you place the salad in the refrigerator, be sure to submerge the veggies as much as possible in the vinegar mixture.

But don’t worry if they can’t all be in the liquid. Because as the mixture melds together, more liquid will be released by the veggies.

Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, but preferably overnight for the best flavor.

Once you have eaten some of the cucumber, onion, and tomato salad, feel free to reuse the dressing. Simply add fresh veggies to the liquid mixture and refrigerate as instructed.

You can do this 2-3 times. After that, I would suggest discarding the vinegar mixture and start from scratch again.

Enjoy!

Mary and Jim

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