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Cucumber Tomato Salad


 Nothing says summer quite like a bowl of crisp, colorful Cucumber Tomato Salad. It's fresh, vibrant, and bursting with garden flavor, making it the perfect side dish for backyard barbecues, picnics, potlucks, or simple family dinners.

Made with crunchy cucumbers, juicy cherry tomatoes, crisp red onion, and a light homemade vinaigrette, this refreshing salad comes together in just minutes with no cooking required. It's healthy, naturally gluten-free, and pairs beautifully with everything from grilled chicken to juicy steaks.

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Why You'll Love This Recipe

This refreshing salad is a summertime favorite because it is:

  • Ready in just 15 minutes
  • No cooking required
  • Fresh, healthy, and light
  • Perfect for BBQs and potlucks
  • Naturally gluten-free
  • Easy to customize
  • Full of crisp garden vegetables
  • Great for meal prep

What Does Cucumber Tomato Salad Taste Like?

Every bite is bright, crisp, and refreshing.

The cucumbers provide a cool, crunchy texture while sweet cherry tomatoes burst with juicy flavor. Thin slices of red onion add just the right amount of sharpness, and the homemade vinaigrette ties everything together with a tangy, herb-filled finish.

It's the perfect balance of fresh, savory, and slightly acidic flavors.

Why This Recipe Works

This simple salad is all about fresh ingredients.

Allowing the salad to rest for a few minutes before serving gives the tomatoes time to release their natural juices, which blend beautifully with the olive oil and vinegar to create a light, flavorful dressing.

Using cherry tomatoes instead of larger slicing tomatoes also helps prevent the salad from becoming watery while maintaining a firm, juicy bite.

Ingredients

You'll find the exact measurements in the printable recipe card below.

For the Salad

  • English cucumber or garden cucumbers
  • Cherry tomatoes
  • Red onion
  • Fresh parsley

For the Dressing

  • Extra virgin olive oil
  • Red wine vinegar
  • Garlic, minced
  • Salt
  • Black pepper
  • Dried oregano

Optional Additions

  • Crumbled feta cheese
  • Kalamata olives
  • Fresh basil
  • Fresh dill
  • Avocado
  • Chickpeas

Kitchen Tools You'll Need

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Small bowl
  • Whisk
  • Sharp knife
  • Cutting board
  • Measuring spoons
  • Serving spoon

Ingredient Substitutions & Variations

This salad is incredibly versatile.

Add Cheese

  • Feta
  • Fresh mozzarella pearls
  • Goat cheese

Add Protein

Turn it into a complete meal with:

  • Grilled chicken
  • Grilled shrimp
  • Salmon
  • Chickpeas
  • White beans

Change the Herbs

Fresh herbs completely change the flavor.

Try:

  • Basil
  • Dill
  • Mint
  • Cilantro

Try Different Vegetables

Add:

  • Bell peppers
  • Avocado
  • Radishes
  • Cucumbers of different varieties
  • Sliced zucchini

How to Make Cucumber Tomato Salad

Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables

Wash and dry all vegetables.

Slice the cucumbers into bite-sized rounds or half-moons.

Cut the cherry tomatoes in half.

Thinly slice the red onion.

Chop the fresh parsley.

Step 2: Make the Dressing

In a small bowl whisk together:

  • Olive oil
  • Red wine vinegar
  • Garlic
  • Oregano
  • Salt
  • Pepper

Whisk until fully combined.

Step 3: Combine

Place all vegetables into a large bowl.

Pour the dressing over the top.

Toss gently until everything is evenly coated.

Step 4: Let the Salad Rest

Allow the salad to sit for 10 minutes before serving.

This gives the vegetables time to absorb the dressing while creating an even more flavorful vinaigrette.

Step 5: Serve

Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Garnish with extra parsley or crumbled feta if desired.

What to Serve with Cucumber Tomato Salad

This fresh salad pairs perfectly with:

  • Grilled steak
  • Grilled chicken
  • Hamburgers
  • BBQ ribs
  • Pulled pork
  • Grilled salmon
  • Hot dogs
  • Roasted potatoes
  • Garlic bread

It also makes a delicious light lunch served with pita bread or grilled chicken.

Tips for the Best Cucumber Tomato Salad

Use Cherry Tomatoes

Cherry tomatoes stay firm and release less water than larger tomatoes.

Chill Before Serving

A brief rest allows the dressing to develop even more flavor.

Soak the Onion

If raw onions are too strong, soak the slices in ice water for 5 minutes before adding them to the salad.

Leave Some Cucumber Skin

Partially peeling cucumbers creates beautiful presentation while adding texture and nutrients.

Whisk the Dressing First

Mixing the dressing separately helps it coat every vegetable evenly.

Storage Instructions

Refrigerator

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.

The cucumbers will gradually soften as they absorb the dressing.

Can You Freeze It?

No.

Fresh vegetables contain too much water and become mushy after freezing.

General Information

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Total Time: 15 minutes
  • Rest Time: 10 minutes
  • Servings: 6
  • Course: Side Dish
  • Cuisine: American
  • Difficulty: Easy

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes. For the freshest texture, prepare the vegetables and dressing separately, then combine them about 30 minutes before serving.

What cucumbers work best?

English cucumbers, Persian cucumbers, or fresh garden cucumbers all work wonderfully because they have tender skins and fewer seeds.

Can I use regular tomatoes?

Yes, but cherry or grape tomatoes are recommended because they release less liquid and help the salad stay crisp.

How do I keep the salad from getting watery?

Use cherry tomatoes, avoid over-salting too early, and serve the salad within a few hours of tossing.

Can I add cheese?

Absolutely. Crumbled feta or fresh mozzarella are delicious additions that complement the fresh vegetables beautifully.

Is this salad healthy?

Yes! It's naturally low in calories, packed with vitamins, rich in antioxidants, and full of fresh vegetables. It's also gluten-free and easy to adapt for many dietary preferences.

Nutrition Information (Approximate Per Serving)

  • Calories: 145
  • Protein: 2g
  • Carbohydrates: 8g
  • Fat: 12g
  • Saturated Fat: 2g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Sugar: 5g
  • Sodium: 210mg

Nutrition values are estimates and may vary depending on ingredients used.

Conclusion

This Cucumber Tomato Salad is one of those timeless recipes you'll come back to all summer long. Crisp cucumbers, juicy cherry tomatoes, fresh herbs, and a simple homemade vinaigrette create a light, refreshing side dish that's perfect for everything from weeknight dinners to holiday cookouts.

Easy to prepare, endlessly customizable, and bursting with fresh flavor, it's the kind of recipe every home cook should have on hand.

If you try this recipe, we'd love to hear what you think! Leave a review below and share your beautiful salad photos on Pinterest so others can enjoy your creation.

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