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.
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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
Feature | English Cucumber | Regular Cucumber |
---|---|---|
Skin | Thin, no peeling | Thick, often peeled |
Seeds | Minimal | More, larger seeds |
Flavor | Mild, sweet | Slightly bitter |
Water Content | Lower | Higher |
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
- Prepare the Vegetables:
- Slice 1 English cucumber into ¼-inch half-moons.
- Halve 1 pint of cherry tomatoes.
- Thinly slice ½ red onion.
- Make the Dressing:
- In a small bowl, whisk together:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon honey
- Salt and pepper to taste
- In a small bowl, whisk together:
- Combine:
- In a large bowl, mix the cucumbers, tomatoes, and red onion.
- Drizzle the dressing over the vegetables.
- Toss gently to combine.
- Add Fresh Herbs:
- Chop a handful of fresh dill or parsley.
- Sprinkle over the salad and toss lightly.
- 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
- Viral cucumber salad variation
- Tangy Mexican street corn salad
- Refreshing cucumber and watermelon salad
- Sweet and crunchy broccoli salad

Cucumber Tomato Salad
- 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
- 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
- Slice the cucumber into ¼-inch half-moons.
- Halve the cherry tomatoes.
- Thinly slice the red onion.
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper.
- Combine cucumbers, tomatoes, and red onion in a large bowl.
- Drizzle dressing over the vegetables and toss gently.
- Sprinkle chopped herbs on top and toss lightly again.
- 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


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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