Cucumber Tomato Salad: A Fresh and Vibrant Summer Delight
Have you ever wondered why the simplest recipes often create the most memorable flavors? In the culinary world, sometimes less truly is more, and nowhere is this more evident than in a classic Cucumber Tomato Salad.
This refreshing dish combines crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, and zesty dressings to create a symphony of flavors that’s perfect for hot summer days. The beauty of this Cucumber Tomato Salad lies in its versatility and simplicity—requiring minimal preparation yet delivering maximum satisfaction.
Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue, looking for a healthy side dish, or simply craving something light and refreshing, this tomato cucumber salad is your perfect companion. Let’s dive into creating this colorful bowl of goodness that celebrates the best of summer produce.
Ingredients List
Gathering fresh, quality ingredients is the secret to making this salad shine. The vibrant colors and crisp textures will awaken your senses even before the first bite.
- 3 medium cucumbers, preferably English or Persian (about 2 cups when sliced)
- 4 ripe tomatoes, medium-sized (Roma or vine-ripened work beautifully)
- 1 small red onion, thinly sliced (about ½ cup)
- ½ cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
- ¼ cup fresh herbs (mint, dill, or basil work wonderfully)
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar or fresh lemon juice
- 1 clove garlic, minced (optional)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Substitution ideas: No red onion? Try green onions or shallots for a milder flavor. Vegan? Skip the feta or use a plant-based alternative. No red wine vinegar? Apple cider vinegar or additional lemon juice works perfectly.
Timing
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Chilling Time (optional but recommended): 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
This Cucumber Tomato Salad comes together in just 15 minutes of active preparation—that’s 75% less time than many cooked side dishes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings. The optional chilling time allows flavors to meld beautifully.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these simple steps to create a perfect salad every time. Each technique is designed to enhance the natural flavors of your fresh ingredients.
Step 1: Prepare the Cucumbers
Wash the cucumbers thoroughly under cold running water. For English cucumbers, the skin is tender enough to leave on, adding beautiful color contrast. If using regular cucumbers with thicker skin, you may want to peel them partially or completely.
Slice the cucumbers into thin rounds (about ¼-inch thick) or half-moons if the cucumbers are particularly large. For a more elegant presentation, you can use a mandoline for uniform slices.
Pro tip: If your cucumbers contain many seeds, halve them lengthwise and scoop out the seeds with a spoon before slicing to prevent excess moisture in your salad.
Step 2: Prepare the Tomatoes
Wash and dry the tomatoes. Cut them into bite-sized pieces—wedges, chunks, or halves if using cherry tomatoes. The key is creating pieces similar in size to your cucumber slices for balanced bites.
If your tomatoes are particularly juicy, consider removing some seeds to prevent the salad from becoming too watery. Simply cut the tomatoes in half and gently squeeze or scoop out some seeds.
Step 3: Prepare the Onions
Peel and thinly slice the red onion. To mellow the sharp flavor, place sliced onions in a bowl of cold water for 5-10 minutes, then drain and pat dry. This quick soak removes some of the bite while maintaining the onion’s crisp texture.
Step 4: Create the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, vinegar or lemon juice, minced garlic (if using), dried oregano, salt, and pepper until well combined. The dressing should have a pleasant balance of acidity and richness.
Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. For a creamier dressing variation, add a teaspoon of Dijon mustard or Greek yogurt.
Step 5: Assemble the Salad
In a large bowl, combine the cucumber slices, tomato pieces, and red onion. Pour the dressing over the vegetables and toss gently to coat everything evenly without breaking the tomatoes.
Add the chopped fresh herbs and crumbled feta cheese (if using). Toss once more very gently. The herbs add aromatic freshness while the feta brings a delightful salty creaminess to balance the vegetables.
Step 6: Serve or Chill
The salad can be served immediately, but allowing it to chill in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes lets the flavors meld beautifully. If chilling for longer than 30 minutes, consider adding the herbs and cheese just before serving to maintain their fresh appearance.
Nutritional Information
This vibrant salad isn’t just delicious—it’s packed with nutrients that support overall health. A typical serving (approximately 1 cup) contains:
• Calories: 120-150 (varies with cheese inclusion)
• Carbohydrates: 8g
• Protein: 3g (7g with feta)
• Fat: 9g (healthy fats from olive oil and optional feta)
• Fiber: 2g
• Vitamin C: 35% of daily recommended intake
• Vitamin A: 15% of daily recommended intake
• Potassium: 8% of daily recommended intake
Cucumbers are 95% water, making this salad incredibly hydrating. Tomatoes provide lycopene, a powerful antioxidant linked to reduced risk of heart disease and certain cancers. The olive oil enhances absorption of fat-soluble vitamins.
Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe
This salad is naturally healthy, but here are some modifications to suit specific dietary needs:
For lower sodium: Reduce or omit the salt and use less feta cheese, or try a lower-sodium cheese alternative. Herbs and a squeeze of extra lemon can compensate for flavor.
For lower calories: Use less olive oil (try 2 tablespoons instead of 3) and reduce or omit the cheese. The salad will still be delicious with the natural flavors of the vegetables.
For more protein: Add a cup of cooked quinoa, chickpeas, or diced grilled chicken to transform this side dish into a complete meal with minimal additional preparation.
For keto-friendly version: Add avocado chunks for healthy fats and keep the feta cheese. The net carbs remain relatively low while satisfaction increases substantially.
Serving Suggestions
This versatile salad pairs beautifully with a variety of main dishes and can be adapted for different occasions:
For summer barbecues: Serve alongside grilled meats or fish. The cool, crisp salad provides a refreshing contrast to smoky, charred flavors. It’s particularly wonderful with Mediterranean-style grilled lamb or chicken souvlaki.
For light lunches: Stuff the salad into a whole wheat pita pocket with hummus for a portable, nutritious meal. Alternatively, serve atop a bed of leafy greens with a hard-boiled egg for added protein.
For elegant dinners: Present on a large platter, arranging the components in concentric circles for visual appeal. Drizzle with a balsamic reduction and serve alongside crusty artisan bread and white wine.
For meal prep: Prepare components separately and assemble individual portions just before eating to maintain optimal texture throughout the week.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using out-of-season tomatoes – Quality matters tremendously in simple recipes. If fresh tomatoes aren’t at their peak, consider using cherry or grape tomatoes, which tend to be flavorful year-round.
- Not removing excess moisture – Cucumbers and tomatoes release water, which can dilute your dressing. Consider salting and draining cucumbers for 15 minutes before assembling, or using seedless varieties.
- Overdressing the salad – Start with less dressing than you think you need. You can always add more, but an overdressed salad becomes soggy quickly.
- Aggressive mixing – Tomatoes are delicate. Toss gently to prevent them from breaking down and creating a mushy texture.
- Making too far in advance – While some chilling time helps flavors develop, preparing this salad more than a few hours ahead can result in a watery, less vibrant dish.
Storing Tips for the Recipe
For the freshest experience, consume this salad within 24 hours of preparation. If you need to prepare components ahead of time, follow these storage strategies:
Store cut cucumbers and onions together in an airtight container with a paper towel to absorb excess moisture. Keep tomatoes separate until serving time, as refrigeration can diminish their flavor and texture.
Prepare the dressing up to three days in advance and store in a sealed jar in the refrigerator. Shake well before using, as the oil and vinegar will naturally separate.
If you have leftover dressed salad, it will keep for about a day in the refrigerator, though the vegetables will soften. Drain any accumulated liquid before serving again, and brighten with a fresh squeeze of lemon juice.
Conclusion
The humble Cucumber Tomato Salad proves that extraordinary flavor can come from ordinary ingredients when they’re fresh and thoughtfully prepared. This versatile dish celebrates the natural goodness of summer produce while offering endless opportunities for personalization.
Whether you’re a seasoned chef or kitchen novice, this recipe delivers consistent results with minimal effort. The combination of crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, and zesty dressing creates a refreshing side that complements almost any meal.
Have you tried making this vibrant salad? We’d love to hear your variations and serving suggestions in the comments below! And if you enjoyed this recipe, be sure to check out our other fresh summer salads that make the most of seasonal produce.
