Cucumber Tomato Salad Recipe: A Crisp, Fresh Summer Side Dish

Thank you so much for stopping by! There is something about a bowl of fresh vegetables on a warm summer day that just feels right. When the grill is going, the table is filled with hearty sides, and everyone is ready to eat, I love having something bright and refreshing to balance everything out.

That’s exactly where this Cucumber Tomato Salad Recipe comes in!

It is crisp, colorful, wonderfully refreshing, and incredibly easy to make. Juicy cherry tomatoes, crunchy cucumbers, sharp red onion, fresh parsley, and a simple homemade vinaigrette come together in one bowl. No oven, no complicated cooking, and hardly any cleanup!

And that little 10-minute resting period? Don’t skip it! That is when all those fresh flavors start mingling together.

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Why You’ll Love This Cucumber Tomato Salad

I’m always a fan of recipes that look beautiful without requiring a lot of work, and this salad checks every box.

Here’s why it deserves a place at your next summer meal:

• Quick and easy: It comes together in about 15 minutes.
• No cooking required: Just chop, whisk, toss, and serve.
• Fresh and colorful: The combination of red tomatoes, green cucumbers, and red onion is gorgeous.
• Perfect for summer: It is especially refreshing alongside grilled foods.
• Easy to customize: Add feta, olives, fresh herbs, or other favorite vegetables.
• Great for gatherings: The recipe makes about 6 servings.

The flavor is wonderfully balanced. The cucumbers are cool and crunchy, the tomatoes add juicy sweetness, the red onion brings a little bite, and the vinaigrette adds a bright tangy finish.

What Does Cucumber Tomato Salad Taste Like?

Think crisp, juicy, tangy, and refreshing all in one bite.

The olive oil gives the dressing a smooth richness, while red wine vinegar or lemon juice provides just enough acidity. Dried oregano adds a subtle savory note, and fresh parsley brings everything together.

The tomatoes also release some of their natural juices as the salad rests, creating an even more flavorful dressing.

It is light enough for a hot afternoon but flavorful enough that you’ll probably find yourself going back for another scoop!

Ingredients You’ll Need

For approximately 6 servings:

• 3 cups sliced cucumber, about 2 medium cucumbers
• 2 cups cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
• ¼ cup thinly sliced red onion
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1½ tablespoons red wine vinegar or fresh lemon juice
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano or Italian seasoning
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
• ¼ cup crumbled feta cheese, optional

Choosing the Best Vegetables

For the best texture, use firm cucumbers and fresh cherry or grape tomatoes.

English or Persian cucumbers are especially convenient because their seeds are small and their skin is thin. If you're using a larger garden cucumber with a very watery center, you can scoop out some of the seeds before slicing.

For the tomatoes, cherry and grape varieties work beautifully because they stay firm and give the salad plenty of juicy flavor without becoming overly watery.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

You don't need anything fancy for this recipe!

• Large mixing bowl
• Small bowl for the vinaigrette
• Whisk
• Sharp knife
• Cutting board
• Measuring spoons
• Serving spoon

That’s it. One bowl for the vegetables, one little bowl for the dressing, and you're ready to go.

Easy Ingredient Substitutions and Add-Ins

This is one of those recipes where you can absolutely make it your own.

Add Feta Cheese

Crumbled feta adds a salty, creamy contrast to the crisp vegetables and turns the salad into a more substantial Mediterranean-inspired side.

Add Kalamata Olives

A handful of sliced Kalamata olives brings a delicious briny flavor.

Swap the Herbs

Don't have parsley? Try fresh basil or dill instead. Both pair beautifully with cucumber and tomato.

Use Lemon Juice

Fresh lemon juice can replace the red wine vinegar when you want an especially bright, citrusy dressing.

Try Different Tomatoes

Cherry and grape tomatoes are ideal, but you can use other ripe tomatoes if that is what you have available. Just keep in mind that very juicy tomatoes can make the salad more watery.

How to Make Cucumber Tomato Salad

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