Cucumber Tomato Salad is the kind of fresh, crisp dish that fits anywhere—whether you’re hosting a summer BBQ, need a quick lunch, or want a vibrant side for dinner. This salad is a colorful mix of juicy tomatoes, crunchy cucumbers, and aromatic herbs, all tossed in a tangy vinaigrette that ties it together beautifully. It’s light, refreshing, and takes just minutes to make, yet delivers bold, garden-fresh flavor in every bite.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This cucumber tomato salad is more than just simple—it’s packed with irresistible texture and flavor. Here’s why it stands out:
Fresh and Hydrating: Crisp cucumbers and juicy tomatoes offer a cool, refreshing bite—perfect for hot summer days.
Quick to Make: With just a few ingredients and no cooking required, it comes together in under 10 minutes.
Customizable: Add feta, avocado, red onion, or olives to make it your own.
Healthy and Light: Low in calories and rich in vitamins, it’s a nutritious addition to any meal.
Pairs with Everything: From grilled meats to light lunches, this salad fits seamlessly into many dishes.
Ingredients
Here’s everything you need to make this crisp and flavorful cucumber tomato salad:
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved (or grape tomatoes)
- 1 large English cucumber, thinly sliced (or 2 Persian cucumbers)
- 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped (or parsley or dill)
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar (or white wine vinegar)
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Optional add-ins:
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1 ripe avocado, diced
- 1/4 cup kalamata olives, pitted and halved
This ingredient list keeps things simple while offering fresh, Mediterranean-inspired flavor.
Instructions
Making this cucumber tomato salad is quick and easy. Follow these simple steps:
Step 1 – Prep the vegetables:
Wash and dry the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion. Slice the cherry tomatoes in half, thinly slice the cucumber, and cut the red onion into thin slivers. Chop the fresh herbs.
Step 2 – Mix the dressing:
In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until well combined. Adjust the seasoning to taste.
Step 3 – Combine the salad:
In a large mixing bowl, toss together the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and chopped herbs.
Step 4 – Dress the salad:
Pour the dressing over the vegetables and gently toss to coat evenly.
Step 5 – Chill or serve immediately:
You can serve the salad right away for a crisp texture, or let it marinate in the fridge for 15–30 minutes for deeper flavor.
Step 6 – Optional toppings:
Before serving, top with crumbled feta, diced avocado, or olives if using.
This salad is fresh, flavorful, and takes under 15 minutes to prepare—perfect for busy days or summer meals.
Pro Tips and Variations
Take your cucumber tomato salad to the next level with these helpful tips and easy variations:
Pro Tips:
Use ripe, juicy tomatoes:
Choose cherry or grape tomatoes for sweetness and vibrant color. Heirloom tomatoes also add a burst of flavor.
Slice cucumbers thinly:
Thin slices create better texture and absorb the dressing well. English or Persian cucumbers work best due to their low seed content.
Salt the cucumbers if desired:
For a crisper bite, lightly salt sliced cucumbers and let them sit for 10 minutes before adding to the salad. This helps release excess moisture.
Chill before serving:
Letting the salad rest in the fridge for 20–30 minutes allows flavors to blend beautifully.
Dress just before serving if storing:
To keep vegetables crisp, store the dressing separately and toss right before serving if making ahead.
Variations:
Add cheese:
Crumbled feta or small mozzarella balls bring a creamy, tangy bite that pairs perfectly with the vinaigrette.
Include avocado:
Diced avocado adds creaminess and makes the salad more filling.
Switch up the vinegar:
Try balsamic vinegar or white wine vinegar for a different flavor twist.
Boost with protein:
Toss in grilled shrimp, shredded rotisserie chicken, or chickpeas to turn it into a light main dish.
Try different herbs:
Swap basil with parsley, dill, or mint for a fresh spin. Even a touch of oregano can give it a Mediterranean feel.
Serving Suggestions
This crisp cucumber tomato salad is as versatile as it is flavorful. Here’s how to enjoy it best:
As a Side Dish
Grilled Meats:
Serve it with grilled chicken, steak, lamb, or shrimp for a fresh, cooling contrast.
Barbecue Favorites:
It pairs wonderfully with burgers, hot dogs, and kebabs at summer cookouts.
Mediterranean Platters:
Add it to a spread of hummus, olives, pita bread, and falafel for a colorful Mediterranean-style meal.
As a Light Meal
Top with Protein:
Add hard-boiled eggs, tuna, grilled tofu, or a scoop of cottage cheese for a quick and healthy lunch.
Stuff in a Pita or Wrap:
Spoon it into a warm pita with tzatziki or garlic sauce for a refreshing, handheld bite.
Serve Over Greens:
Turn it into a fuller salad by layering it on a bed of arugula, spinach, or mixed spring greens.
With Bread
Crusty Bread or Garlic Toast:
Use fresh crusty bread to mop up the vinaigrette—perfect for casual meals or appetizers.
Bruschetta Style:
Spoon it over toasted baguette slices with a sprinkle of feta or mozzarella.
Whether you’re prepping a quick lunch, rounding out dinner, or hosting a gathering, this salad fits right in—fresh, flavorful, and endlessly adaptable.
Conclusion
This cucumber tomato salad is proof that simple ingredients can create big flavor. With crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, and a bright vinaigrette, it’s a refreshing dish that never fails. Whether you serve it at a backyard barbecue, alongside grilled meats, or as a light lunch on a warm day, it delivers every time.
What makes this salad stand out is its balance—fresh, crunchy, tangy, and just enough zest to wake up your taste buds. Plus, it’s easy to customize. Add feta, avocado, or your favorite herbs and dressing to make it your own.
FAQs
What is the best dressing for cucumber tomato salad?
A simple vinaigrette made with olive oil, red wine vinegar or lemon juice, salt, and pepper works best. It enhances the fresh flavors without overpowering them.
What kind of vinegar for tomato cucumber salad?
Red wine vinegar is a classic choice, but you can also use white wine vinegar, apple cider vinegar, or even balsamic vinegar for a sweeter touch.
What herbs are good in cucumber tomato salad?
Fresh herbs like basil, parsley, dill, or oregano pair beautifully. They add depth and a burst of freshness to the salad.
How long to marinate cucumber salad?
Let the salad marinate for at least 15–30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and improves the overall taste.
Should I salt tomatoes before adding to salad?
Salting tomatoes before adding them can draw out excess moisture and intensify their flavor. Just let them sit for a few minutes and drain off the liquid if needed.Should cucumbers be peeled for salads?
It depends on the variety. English or Persian cucumbers have thin skins and don’t need peeling. For regular cucumbers with thicker skins, peeling is recommended for a better texture.
