Looking for a simple, healthy, and vibrant side dish? This Cucumber Tomato Salad is just what your table needs. Bursting with juicy tomatoes, crunchy cucumbers, and a zippy vinaigrette, it’s a classic summer staple that pairs with nearly anything. I still remember my grandmother tossing one together from her garden bounty—no frills, just pure flavor. It’s that kind of nostalgic charm and unbeatable freshness that make this salad a timeless winner. Whether you’re prepping a picnic, a BBQ, or just want something light for lunch, this salad is refreshingly foolproof and so easy, even kitchen beginners will feel like pros.

Why You’ll Love This Cucumber Tomato Salad

You’ll fall in love with Cucumber Tomato Salad for so many reasons—and it’s more than just its gorgeous colors!

Crisp and Juicy: The fresh crunch of cucumber meets the sweet tang of ripe tomatoes in every bite.
Ridiculously Easy: No cooking, no fuss. Just chop, mix, and enjoy in under 10 minutes.
Versatile Pairing: Pairs effortlessly with grilled meats, sandwiches, or pasta dishes.
Budget-Friendly: All the ingredients are affordable and often already in your fridge.

Fun Facts About Cucumber Tomato Salad

Here are a few bite-sized facts to add some trivia to your table:

Mediterranean Roots: Variations of cucumber and tomato salad exist across Greek, Turkish, and Middle Eastern cuisines.
Hydration Hero: Cucumbers are over 95% water, making this salad ultra-hydrating.
Tomato Debate: Botanically, tomatoes are fruits, not veggies—yes, even in your salad!
Garden Favorite: This dish is often dubbed “summer salad” due to its popularity during garden harvest season.

Key Ingredients in Cucumber Tomato Salad

Cucumbers: Adds a crisp, refreshing bite that balances the juicy tomatoes.
Tomatoes: Provides sweetness, acidity, and vibrant color.
Red Onion: Offers a sharp contrast and mild spice.
Olive Oil: Helps tie everything together with richness and depth.
Vinegar or Lemon Juice: Brings bright tanginess to lift all the flavors.
Fresh Herbs (like basil or parsley): Infuse garden-fresh flavor and aroma.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Cucumber Tomato Salad

Prep Your Veggies: Slice cucumbers thinly and chop your tomatoes into bite-sized pieces. If using cherry tomatoes, halve them.
Thinly Slice Onion: Slice red onion very thin so it doesn’t overpower the dish. Soaking in water for 5 minutes can mellow its sharpness.
Mix the Base: In a large bowl, combine cucumbers, tomatoes, and onions.
Whisk the Dressing: In a small bowl, mix olive oil with vinegar or lemon juice. Add a pinch of salt and black pepper.
Toss to Combine: Pour the dressing over the vegetables and gently toss until coated.
Add Herbs Last: Sprinkle in fresh herbs for a burst of color and flavor.
Chill (Optional): Let it sit for 10–15 minutes in the fridge to meld the flavors.
Taste and Adjust: Give it a final taste—add more vinegar, salt, or herbs if needed.

Cucumber Tomato Salad Tips and Twists

Looking to upgrade your Cucumber Tomato Salad game? Try these ideas:

Cooking Tips:

Always use fresh, ripe tomatoes for best flavor.
English cucumbers or Persian cucumbers work great—less seedy and more crisp.
Salt your cucumbers beforehand to remove excess moisture.
Use a sharp knife for clean, even slices.
Chill before serving for maximum flavor infusion.

Fun Variations:

Add Feta: Crumbled feta brings a salty, creamy element.
Go Greek: Toss in olives, oregano, and a sprinkle of oregano.
Avocado Boost: Add chopped avocado for creamy richness.

Storage, Reheating, and Make-Ahead Tips

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Reheating: This salad is best served cold—no reheating necessary.
Make-Ahead: Prep all the ingredients and keep dressing separate until just before serving to avoid sogginess.

Serving Suggestions

Cucumber Tomato Salad shines on its own or as the perfect sidekick. Here are a few tasty pairings:

Grilled Chicken Wraps – Try it next to our Grilled Chicken Wraps for a balanced summer meal.
Pasta Dishes – Lighten up a rich main like Chicken Alfredo Lasagna.
BBQ Favorites – It’s refreshing next to smoky meats or Instant Pot BBQ Chicken.
Picnic Platters – Great with Simple Avocado Toast or deviled eggs.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use different types of tomatoes?
Yes! Heirloom, cherry, or grape tomatoes all work well.

2. What’s the best cucumber to use?
English or Persian cucumbers are ideal—they’re seedless and extra crunchy.

3. Is this salad keto-friendly?
It can be! Just skip the onions or limit the portion to stay low-carb.

4. Can I make it dairy-free?
Absolutely—just avoid cheese-based add-ins like feta.

5. How do I prevent it from getting soggy?
Add salt to the cucumbers and drain excess water before mixing.

Enjoy Your Cucumber Tomato Salad

Fresh, fast, and flavorful—this Cucumber Tomato Salad is a real crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re serving it at a summer cookout or just need a quick side to brighten your dinner table, it delivers every time. The best part? It only takes minutes to make, with ingredients you likely have on hand. So grab your cutting board, and let this simple salad add a pop of freshness to your plate. You’ve got this!

Explore More Recipes

Craving more fresh and flavorful ideas? Pair your Cucumber Tomato Salad with these favorites from our kitchen:

Cool off with our Watermelon Feta Salad—the ultimate sweet-salty combo.
For a cozy, hearty contrast, try Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken Meatballs.
Our How to Make Carbone Spicy Rigatoni is a creamy main that balances well with this crisp salad.
Or keep things light and tasty with a bite of No-Bake Cherry Cheesecake for dessert!

Let this salad be your go-to and mix up your menu with confidence.

Cucumber Tomato Salad Recipe

This cucumber tomato salad is a quick, refreshing side dish perfect for summer meals. It’s beginner-friendly, full of flavor, and pairs with almost anything. With crunchy cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, and a tangy vinaigrette, it’s a go-to favorite you’ll love making.

Course Salad, Side Dish

Cuisine American, Mediterranean

Keyword cucumber tomato salad, easy salad recipe, fresh side dish, healthy salad, summer salad

Prep Time 10

Total Time 10

Servings 4 servings

Calories 110kcal

Author Abby Marlow

Ingredients

2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
2 cups cucumber, sliced
1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp lemon juice
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1/4 tsp dried oregano
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley or basil
Optional: 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese

Instructions

Slice cucumbers and halve the cherry tomatoes. Add to a mixing bowl.
Thinly slice the red onion and add to the bowl.
In a small bowl, whisk olive oil, lemon juice, salt, pepper, and oregano.
Pour the dressing over the vegetables.
Toss gently to coat everything evenly.
Add fresh herbs and mix lightly.
Optional: Sprinkle feta cheese on top for extra flavor.
Chill for 10 minutes before serving for best taste.

Notes

For best texture, use English or Persian cucumbers. You can also swap in balsamic vinegar or add avocado for a creamy variation. This cucumber tomato salad is best served fresh.

Nutrition
Calories: 110
Carbohydrates: 8g
Protein: 2g
Fat: 9g
Sodium: 290mg
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 3g