15-Minute Easy Fresh Tomato Cucumber Salad
A refreshing summer salad combining crisp cucumbers and ripe tomatoes in a tangy apple cider vinegar dressing infused with dill and onion. The vegetables release their natural juices as they marinate, creating a flavorful brine that intensifies over time. Perfect for barbecues, potlucks, or as a light side dish during hot weather. The simple preparation makes it ideal for busy weeknights, while the make-ahead nature allows flavors to develop beautifully in the refrigerator.
Ingredients
- 2 seedless cucumbers, peeled and sliced into 1/2 inch rounds
- 6 vine ripe tomatoes, quartered
- ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
- ⅓ cup olive oil
- 1 yellow onion, cut into half moon slices
- 1 tablespoon granulated oniononion powder1:1basic
common pantry swap
- 1 tablespoon dill weedfresh dill1:3upgrade
use 3 tbsp fresh chopped
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- salt, to taste
- pepper, to taste
Instructions
- 1
Whisk together oil, vinegar, granulated onion, sugar and dill weed in a small bowl and set aside
- 2
Add vegetables to a large bowl and season well with salt and pepper
- 3
Pour dressing over vegetables and toss well to combine
- 4
Cover and refrigerate for a couple of hours before serving for best results
Tips
Don't add extra dressing as vegetables release their own liquid while marinating, creating natural flavor enhancement
Allow at least 2 hours of refrigeration time for flavors to meld and vegetables to release their juices
White wine vinegar can substitute for apple cider vinegar with similar tangy results
Good to Know
Refrigerate covered up to 3 days. Drain excess liquid before serving if needed.
Can be made up to 1 day ahead. Flavors improve with time in refrigerator.
Serve chilled as a side dish. Drain excess liquid if accumulated during storage.
Common Mistakes
Don't overdress the salad to avoid soggy vegetables from excess liquid release
Don't skip marinating time to ensure proper flavor development
Substitutions
common pantry swap
FAQ
Can I make this salad without marinating time?
Yes, but marinating for at least 2 hours allows flavors to develop and vegetables to release natural juices that enhance the overall taste.
What if my salad gets too watery after sitting?
Simply drain excess liquid before serving. The vegetables naturally release water which can be discarded without losing flavor.
How long will this salad keep in the refrigerator?
The salad stays fresh for up to 3 days covered in the refrigerator, though texture is best within the first 2 days.