Floating Salad
Our favorite summer side: Floating Salad with Cucumber, Tomato, and Red Onions, topped with an herby apple cider vinegar dressing.
👩🍳 Cool Off with This Refreshing Floating Salad
This Floating Salad Recipe is my favorite way to cool off in the summer. Crisp cucumbers, juicy garden tomatoes, and thin slices of red onion all soak in a tangy apple cider vinegar dressing until every bite is fresh, crunchy, and full of flavor. It’s light, hydrating, and just right for hot days, picnics, and backyard barbecues.
We make this one over and over during garden season. Brant swears it’s the best side dish, especially when the cucumbers and tomatoes come straight from the vines. The vinegar dressing has a bold, slightly sweet bite that seeps into the veggies, making them taste better the longer they sit.
The name “Floating Salad” comes from how the vegetables aren’t just tossed with dressing. They’re swimming in it, soaking up flavor with every bite. It also happens to be gluten free, dairy free, and vegan friendly, so it works for just about everyone at the table.
I like it alongside grilled chicken, smoky ribs, or baked salmon, but honestly it makes a great snack all by itself. Let it chill in the fridge and grab a bowl whenever you need something cool and refreshing. Simple, quick, and full of good-for-you veggies, this vinegar cucumber tomato salad is summer in a bowl.
🛒 Recipe Ingredient List
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Floating Salad
Ingredients
- 2 Large Tomatoes (chopped)
- 2 Cucumbers (chopped)
- 1 Medium Red Onion (sliced thin)
- ¾ cup Apple Cider Vinegar
- 1 cup White Vinegar
- ½ cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 teaspoon Dried Parsley
- 1 teaspoon Dried Basil
- 1 teaspoon Dried Oregano
- ½ teaspoon Dried Thyme
- ½ teaspoon Salt
- ½ teaspoon Pepper
Instructions
- Slice the 2 Large Tomatoes, 2 Cucumbers and 1 Medium Red Onion, into bite sized slices or cubes. Place into a large bowl.
- In a small bowl, whisk together ¾ cup Apple Cider Vinegar, ½ cup extra-virgin olive oil, 1 teaspoon Dried Basil, 1 teaspoon Dried Oregano, ½ teaspoon Dried Thyme, 2 teaspoon Dried Parsley, ½ teaspoon Salt and ½ teaspoon Pepper.
- Pour dressing over the tomato, cucumber and onion mix. Give it a quick toss, cover and place in the refrigerator for at least an hour before serving. Every once in a while, give it a quick toss to redistribute the dressing. This marinade time is crucial for full depth of flavor. Consume within 3-4 days.
Substitutions
Nutrition
FAQs
Do I have to peel the cucumbers for floating salad?
Totally up to you! If you’re using garden cucumbers or English cucumbers with thinner skin, no need to peel. If the skin is thick or waxy, go ahead and peel for a more tender bite.
What kind of vinegar works best in floating salad?
Apple cider vinegar is the go-to here because it’s bold, a little sweet, and perfect for marinating fresh veggies. You could use white wine vinegar or red wine vinegar in a pinch, but the flavor will be slightly different.
Can I add other veggies to floating salad?
Absolutely! Floating Salad is super flexible. Try adding thinly sliced radishes, bell peppers, or even a handful of chopped fresh herbs like parsley, dill, or basil for extra freshness.
How long does Floating Salad last in the fridge?
It’ll stay good for about 2-3 days. The cucumbers might soften a bit, but it’ll still taste great. If you like it extra crisp, just enjoy it the same day or the next.
Serving Suggestions For Floating Salad
Floating Salad is one of those magical summer sides that goes with just about everything. It’s cool, crisp, and loaded with zippy flavor, so it’s the perfect contrast to anything hot off the grill. We love serving it next to smoky barbecue ribs, juicy grilled chicken, or a big ol’ steak. It cuts through the richness and gives the whole plate a fresh, balanced feel.
It also makes a killer sidekick for lighter meals like grilled salmon, shrimp skewers, or even a loaded veggie sandwich.
More Summer Salads
If you’re anything like me, once the temps start climbing, salads take center stage. They’re fresh, flavorful, and honestly just hit different when the sun’s out. I’ve got a lineup of easy summer salads that are perfect for potlucks, cookouts, or just dinner on the back porch.
Street Corn Salad is our summertime classic— packed with grilled corn, juicy tomatoes, and a smoky chili-lime kick that practically screams summer.
I love a good protein boost, and Greek Chickpea Salad delivers with hearty chickpeas, fresh veggies, and salty feta—perfect for lunches or meal prep.
Avocado Salsa keeps things simple and refreshing with creamy avocado, ripe tomatoes, and a splash of lime. It’s like a chunky guac you can eat with a fork.
If you’re craving crunch, you’ve gotta try the Loaded Broccoli Salad—think fresh broccoli, apples, pears, cheese, bacon, and pomegranate all tossed in a tangy dressing. And for something creamy and classic, my Greek Yogurt Coleslaw is a lightened-up take that still brings all the flavor.
We’ve also been loving Grilled Corn Salad with Zesty Lime Dressing, Mediterranean Pasta Salad with Lemon-Oregano Vinaigrette, and my sweet-and-savory Sweet Corn & Peach Fiesta Salad. Every one of these is bursting with fresh summer vibes—and they all pair perfectly with whatever you’re throwin’ on the grill.
This was absolutely amazing!!!
One of our Summer faves.