Fresh & Easy Cucumber Tomato Salad

When the summer heat hits, there’s nothing like a crisp, refreshing salad to cool you down. This Cucumber Tomato Salad combines the crunch of cucumbers, the juiciness of tomatoes, and the zing of red onions, all tossed in a tangy vinaigrette. It’s:

  • Quick & Easy: Ready in just 15 minutes.
  • Healthy: Low in calories, high in flavor.
  • Versatile: Perfect as a side dish or a light meal.
  • Make-Ahead Friendly: Flavors meld beautifully over time.

Whether you’re hosting a BBQ, packing a picnic, or just need a quick lunch, this salad is your go-to.

Ingredients Breakdown

Cucumbers

  • Type: English cucumbers are ideal due to their thin skin and minimal seeds.
  • Prep: Slice into ¼-inch half-moons for the perfect bite.

Tomatoes

  • Varieties: Cherry, grape, or Roma tomatoes work well.
  • Prep: Halve or quarter, depending on size.

Red Onion

  • Flavor: Adds a sharp contrast to the sweet tomatoes and cucumbers.
  • Tip: Soak slices in ice water for 5 minutes to mellow the bite.

Fresh Herbs

  • Options: Dill, parsley, or basil.
  • Note: Fresh herbs elevate the salad’s flavor profile.

Dressing

  • Ingredients: Olive oil, red wine vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper.
  • Alternative: Balsamic vinegar can be used for a sweeter touch.

English vs. Regular Cucumbers

FeatureEnglish CucumberRegular Cucumber
SkinThin, no peelingThick, often peeled
SeedsMinimalMore, larger seeds
FlavorMild, sweetSlightly bitter
Water ContentLowerHigher

For this salad, English cucumbers are preferred for their crisp texture and mild flavor.

Tips for Maximum Crunch & Flavor

  • Chill Before Serving: Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to enhance flavors.
  • Add Dressing Just Before Serving: Prevents the salad from becoming soggy.
  • Customize: Add feta cheese, avocado, or chickpeas for extra protein and flavor.
  • Make-Ahead: Prepare the salad a day in advance; it tastes even better the next day.

Step-by-Step Recipe Instructions

  1. Prepare the Vegetables:
    • Slice 1 English cucumber into ¼-inch half-moons.
    • Halve 1 pint of cherry tomatoes.
    • Thinly slice ½ red onion.
  2. Make the Dressing:
  3. Combine:
    • In a large bowl, mix the cucumbers, tomatoes, and red onion.
    • Drizzle the dressing over the vegetables.
    • Toss gently to combine.
  4. Add Fresh Herbs:
    • Chop a handful of fresh dill or parsley.
    • Sprinkle over the salad and toss lightly.
  5. Chill and Serve:
    • Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
    • Serve cold and enjoy!

Easy Salad Variations to Try

  • Mediterranean Twist: Add Kalamata olives and feta cheese.
  • Avocado Addition: Incorporate diced avocado for creaminess.
  • Spicy Kick: Sprinkle red pepper flakes or add sliced jalapeños.
  • Protein Boost: Mix in grilled chicken or chickpeas.

Make It a Meal: What to Serve With It

This Cucumber Tomato Salad pairs wonderfully with:

  • Grilled Meats: Chicken, steak, or fish.
  • Sandwiches: Complements a variety of sandwiches.
  • Pasta Dishes: Adds freshness to heavier pasta meals.
  • Picnics: A great addition to any picnic spread.

Looking for more salad inspiration? Check out our fresh strawberry spinach salad or the fruit salad with honey-lime dressing.

More Salads to Try Next

Print
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Fresh cucumber tomato salad with red onion, cherry tomatoes, dill, and olive oil in a white bowl

Cucumber Tomato Salad


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  • Author: Jake
  • Total Time: 15 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

A refreshing summer salad with crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, and tangy red onions tossed in a simple vinaigrette.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 English cucumber, sliced into ¼-inch half-moons
  • 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
  • ½ red onion, thinly sliced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon honey
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Handful of fresh dill or parsley, chopped

Instructions

  1. Slice the cucumber into ¼-inch half-moons.
  2. Halve the cherry tomatoes.
  3. Thinly slice the red onion.
  4. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper.
  5. Combine cucumbers, tomatoes, and red onion in a large bowl.
  6. Drizzle dressing over the vegetables and toss gently.
  7. Sprinkle chopped herbs on top and toss lightly again.
  8. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.

Notes

For a sweeter twist, use balsamic vinegar instead of red wine vinegar. Add feta cheese, avocado, or chickpeas for variation.

  • 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: 50mg
  • Fat: 7g
  • Saturated Fat: 1g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 8g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 1g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg
Step-by-step cucumber tomato salad with fresh ingredients and finished bowl, labeled for virilerecipes.com
Cucumber tomato salad in a white bowl with red onions, dill, and a virilerecipes.com label

Final Thoughts

Thank you for stopping by Virile Recipes! This Cucumber Tomato Salad is a testament to how simple ingredients can create a dish that’s both refreshing and satisfying. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or just starting out, this salad is sure to become a favorite in your recipe repertoire.

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