Marinated Cucumber & Cherry Tomato Salad (Jar Style)
Yield
1 large mason jar (about 1 quart)
Serves 3–4 as a side
Ingredients
Vegetables
2 cups cherry tomatoes (red + yellow if possible)
1 large English cucumber or 2 Persian cucumbers, sliced into rounds
¼ medium red onion, thinly sliced
Optional add-ins:
Bell pepper strips
Zucchini slices
Olives
Marinade (the magic)
⅓ cup olive oil
3 tbsp red wine vinegar
(or apple cider vinegar for brighter tang)1 tbsp lemon juice (fresh)
1 tsp honey or sugar (balances acidity)
1 tsp Dijon mustard (optional but excellent)
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
½ tsp black pepper
½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
Herbs & Seasoning (visible in the photo)
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp dried basil or Italian seasoning
½ tsp dried dill or fresh dill (chopped)
1 tbsp sesame seeds (optional but matches the look)
Instructions
1. Prep the Vegetables
Wash everything well.
Slice cucumbers into medium-thick rounds (not paper-thin).
Leave cherry tomatoes whole or slice in half.
Thinly slice red onion into half-moons.
👉 Lightly salt the cucumbers and let them sit for 10 minutes, then pat dry. This keeps the salad crisp instead of watery.
2. Make the Marinade
In a bowl or jar:
Whisk olive oil, vinegar, lemon juice, honey, and Dijon.
Add garlic, salt, pepper, red pepper flakes, oregano, basil, dill, and sesame seeds.
Whisk until fully emulsified.
Taste and adjust:
Too sharp? Add a pinch more honey.
Too flat? Add salt or lemon.
3. Assemble the Jar
Layer cucumbers, tomatoes, and red onion in the jar.
Pour marinade over the vegetables.
Press vegetables down so everything is submerged.
Seal tightly and shake gently.
4. Marinate
Refrigerate at least 2 hours
Best flavor at 12–24 hours
Will keep fresh for 4–5 days
Shake the jar once or twice while marinating.
How to Serve
As a side dish
On grilled chicken or fish
Stuffed into pita or wraps
With crusty bread + feta 🧀
Straight from the jar (no judgment)
Flavor Variations
Greek-style: Add feta and kalamata olives
Spicy: Add sliced jalapeño
Sweet & tangy: Add sliced strawberries or extra honey
Low oil: Replace half the olive oil with water
