As the sun sets on another warm summer day, I find myself reaching for the refreshing simplicity of a Cucumber Tomato Salad. This crisp and vibrant dish is a delightful blend of juicy tomatoes and crunchy cucumbers, all dressed in a tangy, homemade vinaigrette that dances on the palate. Whether you’re hosting a spontaneous gathering or simply craving a quick, healthy side, this easy recipe delivers on all fronts. With just a few minimal ingredients, it quickly transforms into a crowd-pleaser that elevates any meal. Plus, if you’re feeling adventurous, a Cucumber Tomato Avocado Salad variation adds a creamy twist to this classic favorite! What’s your secret ingredient for a perfect summer salad?

What makes this salad so refreshing?

Vibrant flavors: The combination of juicy tomatoes and crisp cucumbers creates a refreshing burst in every bite, making it a perfect summer dish.
Easy to prepare: With minimal ingredients and straightforward steps, it’s a breeze to whip up, ensuring you spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying your meal.
Healthy option: Packed with fresh produce, this Cucumber Tomato Salad is a nutritious choice that can accompany any meal. Want to add more veggies? Try it alongside this Broccoli Salad Crunchy for extra health benefits!
Crowd-pleaser: Whether it’s a family dinner or a summer barbecue, this salad is sure to impress your guests and complement a variety of dishes.
Customization options: Feel free to elevate this dish with your favorite ingredients, like avocado or feta cheese, adding your own twist to this classic favorite!

Cucumber Tomato Salad Ingredients

For the Salad
• English cucumber – Adds crisp texture and refreshing taste; no need to peel for optimal flavor.
• Grape or cherry tomatoes – Provides sweetness and juiciness; halve before adding to the salad.
• Red onion – Adds crunch and sharpness; soaking in ice water can mellow the flavor if desired.
• Fresh herbs (parsley, dill, or basil) – Optional garnish that adds a burst of flavor and color.

For the Dressing
• Olive oil – Serves as a base for the dressing, adding richness; extra virgin olive oil is preferred for flavor.
• Red wine vinegar – Brings acidity to balance the sweetness; can be substituted with balsamic vinegar.
• Honey – Adds a touch of sweetness to the dressing; maple syrup can be used as an alternative for a vegan option.
• Kosher salt – Enhances flavor without overpowering the ingredients; can substitute with fine sea salt.
• Black pepper – Adds mild heat and depth; freshly ground is recommended for best flavor.

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Cucumber Tomato Salad

Step 1: Prepare the Fresh Veggies
Start by trimming the ends of the English cucumber, then slice it in half lengthwise. Cut it into ¼-inch thick half rounds for that perfect crunch. Next, halve the grape or cherry tomatoes to bring out their juicy sweetness. You’ll soon create a refreshing Cucumber Tomato Salad, so gather these vibrant ingredients in a medium-sized mixing bowl.

Step 2: Add the Onion
Thinly slice about a quarter of a red onion and, for a milder flavor, soak these slices in ice water for about 10 minutes. This technique will help mellow the onion’s sharpness, making it a delightful complement to the salad. Once drained, add the onion pieces to the bowl with the cucumbers and tomatoes, ensuring a colorful medley.

Step 3: Whisk Up the Dressing
In a small bowl, combine ¼ cup of extra virgin olive oil, 2 tablespoons of red wine vinegar, 1 tablespoon of honey, and a teaspoon each of kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Whisk these ingredients together until emulsified and glossy. This tangy dressing will beautifully enhance the flavors of the Cucumber Tomato Salad, making each bite pop with freshness.

Step 4: Toss the Salad
Pour the prepared dressing over the salad mixture and gently toss everything together using a spatula. Aim for an even coating over the cucumbers, tomatoes, and onions, making sure they are well combined. The colors should be vibrant and inviting, signaling that this refreshing Cucumber Tomato Salad is almost ready to serve.

Step 5: Finish with Fresh Herbs
If you’re using fresh herbs like parsley, dill, or basil, now is the time to add them. Chop roughly a tablespoon of your chosen herbs and fold them gently into the salad mix. These vibrant accents will contribute a lovely aroma and additional flavor, transforming your salad into a beautiful centerpiece on the table.

Step 6: Serve or Chill
At this point, you can serve the salad immediately for a fresh crunch, or let it chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to an hour. Allowing the flavors to meld will enhance the Cucumber Tomato Salad’s taste, making it even more delectable. If you choose to serve it right away, enjoy its crisp, refreshing qualities straight from the bowl!

Cucumber Tomato Salad Variations

Feel free to play around with these delicious variations to make this salad truly your own!

Creamy Avocado: Add diced avocado for a rich, creamy texture that beautifully complements the crunchy vegetables. This twist brings a delightful creaminess to every bite, tempting your taste buds.
Milder Shallots: Replace red onion with shallots for a milder, sweeter flavor. This subtle change offers a gentle bite that elevates the overall taste without overpowering the fresh ingredients.
Crunchy Peppers: Incorporate diced bell peppers or sweet corn to add a pop of color and a bit of sweetness. These additions brighten the salad, making it even more inviting on a hot summer day.
Tangy Feta Cheese: Mix in crumbled feta cheese for a tangy flavor boost that adds a wonderful depth to the dish. The creamy texture of the cheese pairs perfectly with the fresh veggies, enhancing every mouthful.
Herb Explosion: Try adding fresh mint or cilantro for an additional layer of flavor. These herbs introduce a unique twist, refreshing the salad and taking it to a new level of deliciousness!
Spicy Kick: Add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for a subtle heat that livens up the dish. It’s a fun way to spice things up while still keeping the salad bright and fresh.
Citrusy Zest: Finish with a splash of lemon juice or a zest of lime for an extra zing. This brightens the overall flavor, elevating your Cucumber Tomato Salad into a zesty delight that’s perfect for summer meals.

As you explore these variations, you may also enjoy pairing your salad with dishes like Hearty Tomato Soup or a Sheet Pan Salad for a complete and satisfying meal.

What to Serve with Refreshing Cucumber Tomato Salad

Imagine the warmth of a summer evening, where fresh flavors come together to create a perfect meal experience.

Grilled Chicken: The smoky flavors of grilled chicken pair beautifully with the crisp, refreshing notes of the salad, making for a satisfying and well-rounded meal.
Garlic Bread: With its crunchy exterior and soft, buttery interior, garlic bread complements the salad’s fresh ingredients, adding a comforting touch to your summer feast.
Pasta Primavera: Light and vibrant, a colorful pasta primavera can elevate the meal by embracing fresh vegetables that mirror the salad’s bounty of flavors.
Quinoa Bowl: The nutty earthiness of quinoa not only provides a filling base but also mingles wonderfully with the Cucumber Tomato Salad, offering a nutritious boost.
Lemon Basil Sparkler: This refreshing drink made with lemon juice and fresh basil can be the perfect thirst-quencher alongside the crispness of your salad, enhancing its summer vibes.
Chocolate Mousse: For dessert, a light chocolate mousse brings a rich and creamy contrast to the salad’s textures, leaving your palate delighted with every bite.

Expert Tips for Cucumber Tomato Salad

Prep Cucumbers Right: Lightly salt sliced cucumbers before mixing to draw out excess moisture and prevent a watery salad.
Chill to Enhance Flavor: For maximum taste, let the salad sit in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. The flavors meld beautifully!
Use Fresh Ingredients: Opt for the ripest tomatoes and freshest herbs available—they elevate this Cucumber Tomato Salad to another level.
Customize with Ease: Don’t hesitate to add your favorite ingredients, like avocado or corn, for a unique twist that suits your palate.
Serve Fresh: This salad is best enjoyed fresh. If storing leftovers, keep in an airtight container and consume within a day for optimal taste.

Make Ahead Options

These Cucumber Tomato Salad preparations are perfect for busy weeknights and save you valuable time! You can slice the cucumbers and tomatoes up to 24 hours in advance and store them separately in airtight containers to maintain their freshness. Additionally, the dressing can be prepared and refrigerated for 3 days; just give it a good whisk before adding it to the salad. To prevent the salad from becoming soggy, wait to combine the vegetables and dressing until right before serving. Simply toss everything together, allow it to chill for a bit, and you’ll have a delightful meal ready to impress with minimal effort!

How to Store and Freeze Cucumber Tomato Salad

Fridge: Store the Cucumber Tomato Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 day. It’s best enjoyed fresh, so try to prepare it shortly before serving.

Room Temperature: If left out at room temperature, consume the salad within 2 hours to ensure safety and freshness, especially on warm days.

Make-Ahead Tips: If you want to prepare in advance, consider chopping veggies and storing them separately from the dressing. This keeps everything crisp and fresh until you’re ready to combine.

Refrigeration Note: To enhance flavor further, chilling the salad for 30 minutes to an hour before serving allows the dressing to meld beautifully with the fresh ingredients.

Cucumber Tomato Salad Recipe FAQs

What kind of cucumbers are best for this salad?
I recommend using English cucumbers for their crisp texture and refreshing taste. They have fewer seeds and a thinner skin, allowing you to enjoy the full flavor without the need to peel them. If you can’t find English cucumbers, Persian cucumbers are a great alternative.

How long can I store the salad in the fridge?
Store your Cucumber Tomato Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 day. If you have leftovers, try to consume them quickly since the longer they sit, the more watery the salad may become.

Can I freeze this salad?
It’s not ideal to freeze Cucumber Tomato Salad since the texture of the vegetables will suffer when thawed. However, if you’re keen on freezing, I suggest separating the dressing from the vegetables and freezing just the leftover dressing (it’s good for up to 3 months). When you’re ready to enjoy the salad again, make a fresh batch of veggies and use the thawed dressing!

What should I do if the salad turns out watery?
If your Cucumber Tomato Salad gets watery, it’s likely because the cucumbers released too much moisture. To prevent this, slice the cucumbers and lightly salt them, letting them sit for about 10 minutes. After this, drain the excess water before combining them with the other ingredients. You’ll end up with a perfectly crisp salad!

Are there any allergens in this salad?
This Cucumber Tomato Salad is naturally gluten-free and vegan, making it a safe choice for many dietary restrictions. However, if you plan to include feta cheese or other creamy toppings, be mindful of dairy allergies. Always check ingredient labels, especially for the dressing, to avoid hidden allergens.

Can my pets enjoy this salad?
Absolutely! Cucumbers and tomatoes are generally safe for dogs and cats in moderation. Just make sure to avoid any dressing or spices, as they can cause tummy troubles for your furry friends. Always consult your vet if you’re unsure about specific ingredients!