Cucumber and Tomato Salad

A refreshing summer salad combining crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, and tangy dressing for the perfect side dish. Ready in just 15 minutes, this Cucumber and Tomato Salad is a versatile recipe that pairs with everything from grilled meats to Mediterranean meals.

Easy Cucumber and Tomato Salad Recipe

There’s something magical about the classic combination of fresh cucumbers and ripe tomatoes. This Cucumber and Tomato Salad recipe celebrates the simplicity of summer produce at its peak, bringing together crisp textures and bright flavors in a dish that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. As a staple in Mediterranean cuisine, this salad has graced tables for generations, offering a cooling counterpoint to grilled dishes and hearty mains.

What makes this homemade Cucumber and Tomato Salad truly special is its versatility. While the recipe remains fundamentally uncomplicated, it creates a canvas for seasonal variations and personal preferences. Whether you’re serving it at a backyard barbecue or as part of a weeknight dinner, this timeless combination never disappoints.

THIS RECIPE:

• Requires just 7 simple ingredients
• Comes together in under 15 minutes
• Is naturally vegan and gluten-free
• Keeps well for quick lunches and sides

Recipe Details	Information
Prep Time	15 minutes
Cook Time	0 minutes
Total Time	15 minutes
Servings	4-6 servings
Yield	About 6 cups

This easy Cucumber and Tomato Salad recipe exemplifies the beauty of letting quality ingredients shine. With minimal preparation and maximum flavor, it’s the perfect solution for busy weeknights or elegant entertaining. The salad’s refreshing crispness makes it an ideal companion to heavier dishes, while its vibrant colors brighten any table setting.

Ingredients for Cucumber and Tomato Salad

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The secret to an exceptional Cucumber and Tomato Salad lies in selecting the freshest, highest-quality ingredients. Since this salad features raw vegetables, their natural flavors take center stage, making quality particularly important. Whenever possible, opt for locally grown, in-season produce for the most vibrant flavors and textures.

For the Salad:

• 3 medium English cucumbers (about 1½ pounds)
• 1½ pounds ripe tomatoes (about 4 medium)
• ½ red onion, thinly sliced
• ¼ cup fresh herbs (dill, parsley, or mint), chopped
• ¼ cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)

For the Dressing:

• 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Ingredient Category	Recommended Quantity	Quality Tips
Cucumbers	3 medium (English/seedless)	Look for firm cucumbers with bright green skin and no soft spots. English cucumbers have thinner skin and fewer seeds.
Tomatoes	1½ pounds (4 medium)	Choose tomatoes that are deeply colored, fragrant, and slightly firm to the touch. Heirloom varieties add beautiful color variation.
Onions	½ medium red onion	Select onions that are firm, heavy, and free from sprouting. Red onions provide the perfect mild flavor and vibrant color.
Fresh Herbs	¼ cup chopped	Use herbs with bright color and strong aroma; avoid wilted or yellowing leaves.
Olive Oil	3 tablespoons	Choose extra virgin for the most flavor. Quality olive oil should have a fruity, peppery taste.

When selecting cucumbers for your salad, English or Persian varieties work best as they have thinner skin and fewer seeds, eliminating the need for peeling or seeding. For tomatoes, choose varieties that are juicy yet firm enough to hold their shape when cut – Roma, vine-ripened, or heirloom tomatoes are excellent choices. The variety of tomato you select will significantly impact both the flavor and appearance of your Cucumber and Tomato Salad.

How to Make Cucumber and Tomato Salad

Creating the perfect Cucumber and Tomato Salad is all about proper preparation and allowing the flavors to meld together harmoniously. The process is straightforward, but a few key techniques will elevate your salad from good to extraordinary. The goal is to create a balanced dish with crisp vegetables and complementary flavors.

Step 1: Prepare the cucumbers

1. Wash the cucumbers thoroughly under cold water.
2. For English cucumbers, there’s no need to peel them. If using regular cucumbers, you may want to peel them partially, creating “stripes” for visual appeal.
3. Slice the cucumbers into ¼-inch thick half-moons.
4. For extra crispness, place sliced cucumbers in a colander, sprinkle with ½ teaspoon salt, and let sit for 10-15 minutes to draw out excess moisture. Rinse and pat dry before using.

Step 2: Prepare the tomatoes

1. Core and cut tomatoes into bite-sized wedges or chunks.
2. If tomatoes are very juicy, place them in a colander for 5 minutes to drain excess liquid.

Step 3: Prepare the onions

1. Slice the red onion very thinly.
2. To reduce sharpness, place sliced onions in ice water for 10 minutes, then drain and pat dry.

Step 4: Make the dressing

1. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and pepper until emulsified.
2. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

Step 5: Assemble the salad

1. In a large bowl, combine the prepared cucumbers, tomatoes, and red onion.
2. Pour the dressing over the vegetables.
3. Add chopped fresh herbs and toss gently to coat everything evenly.
4. If using, sprinkle crumbled feta cheese on top.

Step 6: Rest and serve
Allow the salad to rest for 10-15 minutes before serving, giving the flavors time to meld. Toss once more right before bringing to the table.

Tips for Making Cucumber and Tomato Salad

Mastering the art of Cucumber and Tomato Salad comes down to understanding a few key principles that professional chefs follow. These expert insights will help you create a perfectly balanced and flavorful salad every time.

• Salt your cucumbers ahead of time to draw out excess moisture, resulting in crispier cucumber slices that won’t water down your salad.
• Use a mix of tomato varieties for more complex flavors and visual interest.
• Slice onions paper-thin to distribute their flavor without overwhelming the other ingredients.
• Dress the salad at least 10 minutes before serving to allow flavors to develop, but not so far in advance that vegetables become soggy.

Technique	Recommendation	Why It Works
Cucumber Preparation	Salt and drain	Removes excess water, keeping salad crisp
Onion Treatment	Soak in ice water	Mellows sharp flavor while maintaining crunch
Ingredient Size	Uniform, bite-sized pieces	Ensures balanced flavor in every bite
Serving Temperature	Slightly chilled, not cold	Enhances flavor perception

Pro tip: For an extra layer of flavor, add a pinch of sumac or za’atar to your dressing. These Middle Eastern spices complement the fresh vegetables beautifully and add a subtle depth to your Cucumber and Tomato Salad.

The key to exceptional texture in this salad is understanding how each vegetable releases moisture. Tomatoes will continue to release juices as they sit, which can make your salad watery. Counteract this by ensuring your cucumbers are well-drained and by adding the juiciest ingredients just before serving.

Make-Ahead Instructions

One of the best features of homemade Cucumber and Tomato Salad is that certain components can be prepared in advance, making it perfect for entertaining or meal planning. Understanding how to properly prepare and store each element ensures your salad remains fresh and delicious.

You can prepare most components of this salad up to 24 hours in advance:

1. Cucumber preparation: Slice cucumbers, salt, drain, and store in an airtight container lined with paper towels for up to 24 hours.
2. Dressing: Whisk together all dressing ingredients and store in a sealed jar in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will actually develop and improve over time.
3. Onions: Slice and soak red onions, then drain and store in an airtight container for up to 24 hours.
4. Herbs: Wash and dry herbs, but wait to chop them until just before assembling the salad.

For the freshest results, I recommend waiting to cut tomatoes until you’re ready to assemble the salad, as they deteriorate quickly once cut. If you need to prepare everything in advance, assemble the salad without the tomatoes and dressing, then add those components up to 30 minutes before serving.

Storing Leftovers

Properly storing leftover Cucumber and Tomato Salad helps maintain its texture and flavor for additional meals. While this salad is best enjoyed fresh, leftovers can still be delicious if handled correctly.

Store leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The vegetables will release more liquid as they sit, so using a container with a raised bottom or draining excess liquid before serving leftovers helps maintain the salad’s integrity. For best food safety practices, ensure the salad doesn’t sit at room temperature for more than 2 hours.

Before serving leftover Cucumber and Tomato Salad, drain any accumulated liquid and refresh the flavors with:

• A drizzle of extra virgin olive oil
• A splash of vinegar or fresh lemon juice
• Additional fresh herbs
• A pinch of salt and freshly ground pepper

Pro tip: If you anticipate having leftovers, consider reserving some of the dressing rather than adding it all at once. This way, you can add fresh dressing to the leftover salad, reviving its flavors.

Freezing Cucumber and Tomato Salad

Cucumber and Tomato Salad is not suitable for freezing. The high water content in both cucumbers and tomatoes means they’ll become mushy and unappetizing once thawed. The cell walls of these vegetables break down during freezing, resulting in a watery, texturally compromised salad.

Instead of freezing, I recommend:

1. Making smaller batches that can be consumed within 1-2 days
2. Preparing the components separately and assembling only what you need for each meal
3. Repurposing leftover salad in creative ways (see serving suggestions below)

If you’re looking for meal prep options, consider preparing all the components and storing them separately, then assembling fresh portions as needed throughout the week.

Serving Suggestions

Cucumber and Tomato Salad is incredibly versatile, complementing numerous dishes and cuisines. Its refreshing nature makes it perfect for balancing richer, heartier foods.

Perfect Pairings:

• Serve alongside grilled proteins such as chicken souvlaki, lamb kebabs, or grilled fish
• Complement Mediterranean meals with hummus, pita, and falafel
• Add to a mezze platter with olives, stuffed grape leaves, and baba ganoush
• Serve as a side dish with pasta, pizza, or other Italian favorites

Presentation Ideas:

• Serve in a shallow bowl to showcase the vibrant colors
• Garnish with additional fresh herbs and a drizzle of high-quality olive oil just before serving
• For elegant entertaining, serve individual portions in small bowls or on endive leaves

Beverage Pairings:

• Crisp white wines like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio
• Light, refreshing beers such as pilsners or wheat beers
• For non-alcoholic options, sparkling water with lemon or mint-infused iced tea

This salad is best served slightly chilled but not cold—about 10-15 minutes after removing from the refrigerator—as this temperature best showcases the flavors of the fresh vegetables and herbs.

FAQ

Can I make Cucumber and Tomato Salad without onions?
Absolutely! The beauty of this easy Cucumber and Tomato Salad recipe is its flexibility. You can omit the onions entirely or substitute with milder alternatives like green onions or chives for a gentler flavor profile. The core ingredients—cucumbers and tomatoes—provide plenty of flavor on their own.

What can I substitute for red wine vinegar in the dressing?
Several alternatives work beautifully in this recipe. Try white wine vinegar, champagne vinegar, or fresh lemon juice for similar acidity levels. Apple cider vinegar also works, though it provides a slightly different flavor profile. If using lemon juice, add the zest as well for enhanced citrus notes.

My salad becomes watery after sitting. How can I prevent this?
This is common with cucumber and tomato salads due to their high water content. To minimize excess moisture: 1) Salt and drain cucumbers before assembling, 2) Use firmer tomato varieties and remove some seeds/pulp, 3) Dress the salad just before serving or serve the dressing on the side, 4) If making ahead, place vegetables on paper towels before combining.

Is Cucumber and Tomato Salad healthy?
Yes! This salad is exceptionally nutritious, featuring vegetables high in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Cucumbers provide hydration and fiber, while tomatoes offer lycopene and vitamin C. The olive oil in the dressing contains heart-healthy fats. Overall, this salad is low in calories while being nutrient-dense, making it an excellent addition to a balanced diet.

Can I add other vegetables to this salad?
Certainly! Cucumber and Tomato Salad welcomes creative additions. Consider bell peppers for sweetness and crunch, avocado for creaminess, or radishes for peppery notes. Other complementary additions include olives, capers, or artichoke hearts. Just remember that additional ingredients may release more moisture, potentially affecting the salad’s texture over time.