This classic cucumber, onion, and tomato salad is one of those timeless recipes that never goes out of style. It’s crisp, juicy, tangy, slightly sharp from the onion, and perfectly balanced with vinegar and cracked pepper. It pairs beautifully with grilled meats, fried chicken, BBQ, seafood, or even simple sandwiches. It’s light, hydrating, and packed with fresh flavor.

This recipe uses simple ingredients you likely already have at home, but the magic comes from how they’re prepared and combined.

🛒 Ingredients

3 ripe tomatoes
3 cucumbers
1 medium onion
½ cup vinegar (white vinegar or apple cider vinegar)
1 teaspoon cracked black pepper
1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
2 tablespoons olive oil (optional but recommended)
1–2 tablespoons fresh chopped parsley (optional for extra freshness)
1 teaspoon sugar (optional, balances acidity)

🥣 Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Choose the Right Vegetables

The key to a great salad is starting with fresh produce.

Tomatoes:

Choose firm but ripe tomatoes. They should:

Feel heavy for their size
Have smooth skin
Smell slightly sweet

Roma tomatoes work well because they’re less watery, but vine-ripened or garden tomatoes add incredible flavor.

Cucumbers:

English cucumbers are ideal because:

Thin skin
Fewer seeds
Less bitterness

If using regular cucumbers, you may want to peel them and remove some seeds.

Onion:

Red onion is best for this salad because it adds color and mild sharpness. White onion works too, but it’s stronger.

Step 2: Prepare the Cucumbers

Wash cucumbers thoroughly.
Peel them partially (optional). You can create a striped effect by peeling in alternating strips.
Slice into thin rounds or half-moons about ¼ inch thick.

If cucumbers are very watery:

Sprinkle lightly with salt
Let sit 10–15 minutes
Pat dry with paper towel

This prevents excess liquid from diluting the dressing.

Step 3: Prepare the Tomatoes

Wash and core the tomatoes.
Cut into wedges or bite-sized chunks.
Remove excess seeds if very juicy (optional).

Tomatoes naturally release juice, which mixes with vinegar to create part of the dressing.

Step 4: Slice the Onion

Peel the onion.
Slice thinly into half-moons.

If you prefer a milder onion flavor:

Soak sliced onions in cold water for 10 minutes
Drain before adding to salad

This removes some of the sharp bite while keeping flavor.

Step 5: Make the Simple Vinegar Dressing

In a small bowl, combine:

½ cup vinegar
1 teaspoon cracked pepper
1 teaspoon salt
Optional: 1 teaspoon sugar
Optional: 2 tablespoons olive oil

Whisk until combined.

Vinegar Options:

White vinegar = classic sharp flavor
Apple cider vinegar = slightly sweet and mellow
Red wine vinegar = richer taste

Olive oil softens the acidity and adds body to the dressing.

Step 6: Combine Everything

In a large mixing bowl:

Add cucumbers.
Add tomatoes.
Add onions.
Pour dressing over the top.
Toss gently to combine.

Make sure all vegetables are coated evenly.

Step 7: Let It Marinate

This step makes the salad truly special.

Cover and refrigerate for at least:

30 minutes (minimum)
2 hours (best flavor)

As it sits:

Tomatoes release juice
Onions soften
Cucumbers absorb vinegar
Flavors blend beautifully

Stir once or twice while chilling.

🥗 Texture & Flavor Profile

This salad is:

Crisp from cucumbers
Juicy from tomatoes
Slightly sharp from onions
Tangy from vinegar
Balanced with peppery warmth

It’s refreshing and light but packed with bold flavor.

🌿 Optional Add-Ins for Extra Flavor

While the base recipe is perfect on its own, you can customize it:

Fresh Herbs:

Parsley
Dill
Basil
Cilantro

Extra Vegetables:

Bell peppers
Avocado
Radishes

Creamy Version:

Add:

¼ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
Reduce vinegar slightly

Mediterranean Twist:

Add:

Feta cheese
Kalamata olives
Oregano

🧊 Storage & Make-Ahead Tips

This salad keeps well in the refrigerator for 2–3 days.

Store in an airtight container.

Note:

Cucumbers soften over time.
Flavor becomes stronger after 24 hours.

Before serving leftovers:

Stir well
Adjust salt if needed

🍽 Serving Ideas

This salad pairs wonderfully with:

Grilled chicken
BBQ ribs
Burgers
Fried fish
Steak
Roasted potatoes

It also works as:

A topping for tacos
A sandwich side
A picnic dish
A potluck favorite

💧 Why This Salad Feels So Refreshing

Cucumbers are about 95% water, making this salad:

Hydrating
Light
Cooling

Vinegar helps stimulate digestion and brightens flavor without heavy sauces.

This is why it’s especially popular in summer.

🧂 Adjusting Flavor to Your Taste

Too tangy?
Add a pinch more sugar or a drizzle of olive oil.

Too mild?
Add extra vinegar or salt.

Want heat?
Add red pepper flakes or sliced jalapeño.

🧠 Pro Tips for the Best Salad

✔ Slice vegetables evenly for balanced texture
✔ Use freshly cracked pepper for stronger aroma
✔ Chill before serving
✔ Don’t overdress — vegetables should be coated, not swimming
✔ Taste and adjust before serving

🥒 Nutrition Benefits