Cucumber Tomato Salad

Cucumber tomato sal is my go-to dish when the weather’s hot, the grill’s fired up, and I need something quick, fresh, and downright delicious to pull everything together. Yep, you heard that right—this cucumber tomato sal (or salad, if you’re fancy) is so simple, you can toss it together in under 10 minutes, but it’ll taste like you put way more effort in.

Here’s the thing: every summer, without fail, this salad ends up on repeat in my kitchen. Whether it’s a casual backyard BBQ or a lazy Tuesday lunch, it checks all the boxes—cool, crisp, juicy, and full of flavor. I still remember the first time I made it: I’d just gotten back from the farmers’ market with a bag of fresh cucumbers and some ridiculously sweet cherry tomatoes. I chopped them up, threw in some red onion I had lying around, whisked together a quick vinaigrette, and bam—it became an instant classic.

Honestly? It’s the kind of recipe that makes you feel like a kitchen pro even if you’ve never chopped a veggie in your life. Perfect for busy parents, students living off meal prep, or anyone craving something healthy without a ton of fuss. And if you’re looking for a salad that’s light but satisfying, this healthy cucumber tomato salad is exactly what you need.

Stick around, because I’m gonna show you how to make this quick cucumber tomato salad step-by-step, plus share my favorite ways to customize it. Spoiler alert: adding feta or avocado takes it next level.

Ready? Let’s get chopping.

Cucumber Tomato Salad Recipe Ingredients

Let’s break down what you need for this cucumber tomato salad. The ingredients are simple, fresh, and easy to find:

English Cucumber

I recommend using an English cucumber for its thin skin and small seeds. No peeling or seeding needed. If you only have regular cucumbers, peel them and scoop out the seeds if they’re large.

Grape or Cherry Tomatoes

Both grape tomatoes and cherry tomatoes work well here. They add sweetness and a juicy bite. Feel free to mix red and yellow for extra color.

Red Onion

Thinly sliced red onion gives the salad a mild bite. If you prefer a milder flavor, soak the slices in cold water for 10 minutes.

Dressing: Olive Oil, Red Wine Vinegar, Honey, Salt, Pepper

A simple salad with olive oil and vinegar dressing ties it all together. You’ll whisk olive oil, red wine vinegar, a little honey, salt, and pepper. Optional: swap in balsamic vinegar or lemon juice for a twist.

Fresh Herbs: Dill, Parsley, Basil

Don’t skip the herbs. Fresh dill, parsley, or basil bring brightness. I love a classic cucumber tomato dill salad, but cucumber tomato basil salad is perfect if you’re pairing it with Italian meals.

That’s all you need. Simple, fresh ingredients that come together fast.

Next, let’s talk about why I choose English cucumbers over regular ones.

English Cucumber vs. Regular Cucumbers

So, what’s the difference between an English cucumber and a regular cucumber? Let’s break it down:

I always go with English cucumbers because they’re less watery and require less prep. You can slice them straight into the salad, no fuss. But if you’re using regular cucumbers, just peel them and scoop out the seeds so your salad doesn’t get soggy.

Either way works—so use what you’ve got!

Now that we’ve settled the cucumber question, let’s get into how to make cucumber tomato salad step by step.

How to Make Cucumber Tomato Salad (Step-by-Step)

Making this cucumber tomato salad couldn’t be easier. Here’s exactly what to do:

1 – Chop the cucumbers
Slice your English cucumber into half-moons or bite-sized chunks. If using regular cucumbers, peel and remove the seeds first

2 – Slice the tomatoes
Cut your grape or cherry tomatoes in half. If you’re using larger tomatoes, chop them into chunks.

3 – Slice the red onion
Thinly slice the red onion. If you want a milder taste, soak the slices in cold water for 10 minutes, then drain.

4 – Make the dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, honey, salt, and black pepper. This simple vinaigrette salad dressing recipe ties it all together.

5 – Toss everything together
In a large bowl, combine the cucumbers, tomatoes, and onion. Pour the dressing over and toss well to coat.

6 – Add fresh herbs
Stir in chopped dill, parsley, or basil. This step adds so much flavor—don’t skip it!

7 – Serve or chill
You can serve this salad right away or cover and chill it for 30 minutes to let the flavors blend.

That’s it! A quick cucumber & tomato salad that’s fresh, light, and full of flavor.

Want to mix it up? Next, I’ll share some easy ways to customize your salad.

Cucumber Tomato Salad Variations: Easy Customizations

One of the best things about a cucumber tomato salad is how easy it is to customize. You can stick with the classic or mix in extra ingredients to make it your own. Here are some delicious ideas:

Add Feta

Crumbled feta takes this to a whole new level. The salty, creamy bite pairs perfectly with the juicy tomatoes and crisp cucumbers. Try it as a cucumber tomato salad with feta—great for Mediterranean-inspired meals.

Add Avocado

For extra creaminess, dice up a ripe avocado and gently fold it in. This cucumber tomato avocado salad is rich and satisfying while still keeping things fresh.

Add Bell Peppers

Chopped bell peppers add crunch and color. Use red, yellow, or orange for a vibrant cucumber tomato bell pepper salad that’s as pretty as it is tasty.

Try Peaches

For a sweet summer twist, toss in some sliced peaches. It sounds unusual, but a cucumber tomato peach salad is refreshing and pairs beautifully with grilled meats.

Change the Dressing

Swap the red wine vinegar for balsamic for a balsamic cucumber tomato salad, or use lemon juice for a lemon vinaigrette cucumber tomato salad. Each variation gives the salad a slightly different flavor profile.

Mix and match however you like—it’s impossible to mess this up.

Next, I’ll share a few tips to make sure your salad stays fresh, flavorful, and never watery.

Tips for the Best Cucumber Tomato Salad

A few simple tricks will make sure your cucumber tomato salad turns out fresh and flavorful every time:

Don’t Skip the Herbs

Fresh herbs like dill, parsley, or basil make a big difference. Dried herbs just won’t give you the same pop of flavor. If you’ve got fresh herbs, use them!

Avoid a Watery Salad

Nobody wants soggy salad. To keep cucumbers from making the dish watery, lightly salt them and let them sit in a colander for 10–15 minutes. Then pat them dry before mixing. This step helps the salad stay crisp. (How to keep cucumber salad from getting watery—solved!)

Add the Dressing Just Before Serving

If you’re prepping this ahead, store the chopped veggies and the dressing separately. Toss them together right before serving to keep everything fresh and crunchy. Great for cucumber tomato salad meal prep or a make ahead summer salad.

Serve It Fresh, But It Keeps Well

This salad is best the day you make it, but it can last 1–2 days in the fridge. Store it in an airtight container if you’ve got leftovers. (How long does cucumber tomato salad last? About 48 hours for best quality.)

Simple tips, but they make all the difference.

Next, let’s talk about what to serve with your cucumber tomato salad for a complete meal.

Cucumber Tomato Salad Serving Suggestions

Wondering what to serve with your cucumber tomato salad? The beauty of this dish is that it pairs well with just about anything. Here are some tasty ideas:

Serve with Chicken

This salad is perfect alongside grilled or roasted chicken. Try it with this creamy garlic herb chicken for a light yet satisfying meal.

Serve with Steak

A juicy steak dinner gets a refreshing balance when you add this salad. For a heartier plate, pair it with balsamic steak and gorgonzola salad for a double salad combo.

Serve with Salmon or Shrimp

Seafood and fresh veggies are a natural match. Pair your cucumber tomato salad with garlic shrimp and broccoli or smoked salmon cucumber bites for a light, protein-packed spread.

Serve at BBQs and Picnics

This makes an easy bbq side salad recipe or picnic side dish. It holds up well next to grilled meats, burgers, and veggie skewers.

Vegetarian Pairings

Serve it alongside pasta, grains, or other veggie dishes. For contrast and crunch, try it next to broccoli raisin salad.

Whether it’s a casual weeknight dinner or a backyard gathering, this cold cucumber tomato salad adds a fresh, colorful touch to any plate.

Looking for more salad inspiration? I’ve got a few other recipes you’ll love coming up next.

More Healthy Summer Salad Recipes to Try

If you’re loving this cucumber tomato salad, you’ve got to check out a few more of my favorite fresh, flavorful salads. Each one brings something a little different to the table:

• Looking for a spicier twist? Try this flavorful Chinese cucumber salad—it’s got a kick you’ll love.
• Want more vibrant summer salad ideas? Don’t miss this refreshing strawberry spinach salad with juicy berries and a light dressing.
• Craving something fruity? This peach fruit salad with honey lime dressing is a must-try for sweet summer vibes.
• Need a crunchy contrast? Serve this broccoli raisin salad alongside your cucumber tomato creation for a different texture and flavor.

Each one is simple, fresh, and perfect for sharing—or keeping all to yourself (no judgment here).

Next up, I’ve got a handy printable recipe card so you can keep this cucumber tomato salad recipe right at your fingertips.

Printable Cucumber Tomato Salad Recipe Card

Cucumber Tomato Salad

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• Author: Jake
• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings

Print Recipe

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Description

This Cucumber Tomato Salad has crisp cucumber, juicy tomatoes and red onion, all tossed in a tangy dressing. Quick and easy to make, it’s the ultimate refreshing summer salad recipe!

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Ingredients

• 1 English cucumber, no need to peel
• 10 ounces grape or cherry tomatoes, halved
• ½ small red onion, thinly sliced, about ½ cup
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 1 teaspoon honey
• ½ teaspoon Kosher salt or fine sea salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley, dill and/or basil, optional

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Instructions

1. Trim off the two ends of the cucumber and then halve it lengthwise. Then slice it into ¼-inch thick half rounds.
2. Place the cucumber, halved tomatoes and sliced red onion in a medium bowl.
3. To make the dressing, in a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, honey, salt and pepper.
4. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to mix.
5. Gently stir in the fresh herbs, if using. Serve immediately or chill in the refrigerator for an hour or two to let the flavors meld together and then serve.

Notes

You can also use whole ripe tomatoes and chop them. The salad is best served within a few hours of preparation, but will still be delicious on the second day. Over time, the cucumbers will soften and both the cucumbers and tomatoes will release some liquid, watering down the salad a bit.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Salad
• Method: No Cook
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 99
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 302mg
• Fat: 7g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 8g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 1g
• Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: cucumber tomato salad, summer salad, easy salad, refreshing salad

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