Discover the refreshing simplicity of Cracker Barrel’s newest side dish sensation with this easy copycat recipe that transforms ordinary garden vegetables into an extraordinary salad bursting with fresh flavors and satisfying crunch. This light yet flavorful cucumber tomato and onion salad combines crisp English cucumbers, sweet grape tomatoes, and mild white onions in a perfectly balanced tangy dressing that enhances rather than masks the natural flavors of each ingredient.
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Table of Contents
Why This Recipe Works
The brilliance of this cucumber tomato and onion salad lies in its perfect balance of textures, flavors, and simplicity that allows each ingredient to shine while creating harmony together. The tangy Italian dressing marinade penetrates the vegetables without overwhelming their natural flavors. At the same time, the combination of sweet grape tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, and mild onions creates textural interest in every bite. The extended marinating time allows the flavors to meld beautifully, improving the taste over several days.
Perfect for Any Occasion
This versatile salad effortlessly transitions from casual family dinners to elegant entertaining, working equally well as a light side dish, refreshing appetizer, or healthy lunch option. The bright colors and fresh flavors complement everything from grilled meats to fried chicken, while the light nature makes it ideal for hot summer days when heavy sides feel overwhelming.
Ingredients
Fresh Vegetables:
- Cucumbers – Choose English varieties for fewer seeds and less bitterness
- Grape tomatoes – Provide natural sweetness and firm texture that holds up well
- White onion – Offers mild flavor that won’t overpower the delicate vegetables
Dressing Components:
- Italian dressing – Creates the tangy, herb-infused base for the marinade
- Vinegar – Adds bright acidity that enhances all vegetable flavors
How to Make Cucumber Tomato Onion Salad
- Thinly slice cucumbers and onion.
- In a bowl, mix together vinegar, sugar, and Italian dressing.
- Add sliced cucumbers, tomatoes, and sliced onions.
- Toss to coat the vegetables with dressing.
- Cover and allow the vegetables to marinate for an hour before serving.
Tips for Making the Cucumber Tomato Salad
- Make at least four hours before serving. This is the type of salad that requires the flavors to meld together. While the flavor improves within a few days of making, you don’t have to wait that long.
- Serve at room temperature. The cold masks a lot of this salad’s taste, so take it out of the fridge about 30 minutes before serving.
- Add a bit of protein. Chickpeas and cold, cooked chicken are great additions to this salad to make it a little more filling.
- Store covered in the fridge for up to five days. Give the salad a good stir with a perforated serving spoon and strain the liquid before serving.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
- Refrigerator Storage:Â Store covered salad for up to 5 days in the refrigerator, stirring before each serving to redistribute the dressing.
- Serving Preparation: Remove from refrigerator 30 minutes before serving to reach optimal temperature for best flavor.
- Liquid Management: Drain excess liquid before serving using a perforated spoon to maintain proper consistency.
Love Cracker Barrel? Try these copycat recipes!
- Coca-Cola Cake Recipe
- Country Apples
- Glazed Baby Carrots
- Kale Brussel Sprout Salad
- Loaded Hash Browns
Favorite Salad Side Dishes
- Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad
- Broccoli Salad Recipe
- Carrot and Raisin Salad
- Cold Spaghetti Salad Recipe
- Copper Penny Carrots
- Hot German Potato Salad Recipe
- Lime Jello Salad with Cottage Cheese
- Sauerkraut Salad
Check out my easy salad recipes and the best copycat Cracker Barrel recipes here on CopyKat!
Check out how beautiful our recipes look on Instagram!
Cracker Barrel Cucumber Tomato and Onion Salad
Ingredients
- 16 ounces grape tomatoes
- 3 cucumbers
- 1/2 cup sliced white onion
- 2 tablespoons Italian dressing
- 1 cup white vinegar
- 1/2 cup sugar
Instructions
- Slice cucumbers into thin 1/4 inch slices.
- In a large bowl, mix together vinegar, sugar, and Italian dressing.
- Add sliced cucumbers, tomatoes, and sliced onions.
- Cover and allow the vegetable to marinate for about an hour before serving.
I happen to make this for 5 years and they do not use Italian they use a homestyle balsamic dressing Ken’s
These are good but like the ones in sour cream better.
This is one of my favorite salad to take to summer barbeque gatherings. It’s so refreshing. I didn’t realize that Crackle Barrel had this on their menu. When I go there, I am usually looking at the country fried something or other side of the menu, definitely not the salad section. For those who may want to add to this already delicious simple salad, you may want to include some green or black olives, which is what I do. I have also cubed some queso fresco and mix it in. Delish. Sorry for adding my two cents to your recipe but I got excited when I saw the recipe and wanted to share what I sometimes add to it.
Hey, no problem 😉 I love your additions.
To be honest all they use is kens italian dressing nothing else and the same for there grilled chicken i worked there 7yrs
Apparently I am late trying this recipe!! We loved it! I plan to make it often!!
So easy to make! I had everything in the fridge to make this salad.
You have no vegetarian or vegan rec.
I don’t have a section for vegetarian recipes, some are vegetarian naturally though.
Isn’t this vegetarian?
My family love it. Thanks
Why no garlic and/or celery?
When I tried the recipe neither was in the salad.
The original has celery seed in the marinade… Certain of it.
I didn’t notice that when I tried the dish. They may have modified the recipe since I have tried it. I will have to go back and check out the dish again.
No. Celery seed.I worked there for 5 years
Don’t be such a mean person.
Good, but too sweet for my taste, so I added salt and pepper to improve. Next time, only 1/4 c sugar. Right proportion of tomatoes to cukes to onions.
Almost as good as cracker barrel! Super yummy.
Wow! This is good!
This looks super yummy!
Why the video? When activated it posts a sign saying “This video is private” and will not play.