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

How to Make Cucumber Tomato Salad

Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables

Add the sliced cucumbers, halved cherry tomatoes, and thinly sliced red onion to a large mixing bowl.

If your onions are particularly strong, you can soak the slices in ice water for a few minutes before adding them. This helps mellow their sharpness while keeping them crunchy

Step 2: Make the Simple Vinaigrette

In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar or lemon juice, salt, black pepper, and oregano.

Whisk until the ingredients are well combined.

Step 3: Dress the Salad

Pour the vinaigrette over the cucumber, tomato, and onion mixture.

Gently toss everything together so the dressing coats the vegetables without crushing the tomatoes.

Step 4: Add the Fresh Herbs

Sprinkle the chopped parsley over the salad and gently toss once more.

If you're using feta, fold it in at this point.

Step 5: Let It Rest

Here is the step I really don't want you to skip!

Let the salad sit for about 10 minutes before serving.

During this short resting period, the salt and acidity help draw flavorful juices from the vegetables. Those juices mingle with the olive oil and dressing, making every bite more flavorful.

Step 6: Taste and Serve

Give the salad a final taste and add a little more salt or pepper if needed.

Serve chilled or at room temperature.

What to Serve With Cucumber Tomato Salad

This fresh salad is practically made for summer gatherings!

Serve it alongside:

• Grilled chicken
• Burgers
• Grilled steak
• Barbecue ribs
• Grilled fish
• Baked chicken
• Baked potatoes
• Pasta dishes
• Sandwiches and wraps

It is particularly good alongside rich or smoky foods because the crisp vegetables and tangy dressing provide a refreshing contrast.

Tips for the Best Cucumber Tomato Salad

Don't Peel the Cucumbers Completely

If you like the look and texture of cucumber skin, leave some of it intact. Alternating peeled and unpeeled strips gives the cucumbers a pretty appearance and plenty of texture.

Slice the Onion Thinly

Thin slices distribute the onion flavor throughout the salad without allowing it to overpower the tomatoes and cucumbers.

Whisk the Dressing Separately

Combining the vinaigrette ingredients before adding them to the vegetables helps distribute the seasoning more evenly.

Don't Skip the Resting Time

Those 10 minutes really do make a difference. The salad becomes more flavorful as the ingredients mingle.

Serve It Fresh

For maximum crunch, this salad is best served the same day it is prepared.

How to Store Cucumber Tomato Salad

Place leftover salad in an airtight container and refrigerate.

It can be enjoyed for up to 2 days, although the vegetables will gradually soften as they sit in the dressing.

For the freshest texture, make the salad shortly before serving.

I wouldn't recommend freezing it. Cucumbers and tomatoes contain a lot of water, and freezing can significantly change their texture once thawed.

Recipe Information

• Prep time: 15 minutes
• Total time: 15 minutes
• Servings: 6
• Cooking: No cooking required

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make cucumber tomato salad ahead of time?

Yes. You can prepare it a little ahead of serving, but for the best crunch, I recommend making it the same day. If preparing in advance, keep it refrigerated and give it a gentle toss before serving.

Do I need to remove cucumber seeds?

Not always. English and Persian cucumbers generally don't need to be seeded. If you're using a large cucumber with a very watery, seedy center, removing some of the center can help keep the salad crisp.

Can I use balsamic vinegar?

Absolutely. Balsamic vinegar will give the salad a slightly sweeter flavor and a darker dressing. Red wine vinegar keeps the finished salad lighter and brighter.

Can I leave out the feta?

Of course! The feta is completely optional. The salad is delicious with just the vegetables, herbs, and vinaigrette.

Can I use lemon juice instead of vinegar?

Yes! Fresh lemon juice is an excellent substitute and gives the salad a wonderfully bright flavor.

How long does cucumber tomato salad last?

For the best texture, enjoy it within 1–2 days. The longer it sits, the softer the cucumbers and tomatoes will become.

Nutrition Information

Approximate nutrition per serving will vary depending on the exact vegetables, amount of dressing, and whether feta is added.

For a serving without feta, this salad provides roughly:

• Calories: 100–120
• Carbohydrates: 7–9g
• Protein: 1–2g
• Fat: 9–10g
• Fiber: 1–2g
• Sodium: 200–300mg

These are estimates rather than laboratory measurements.

More Fresh Summer Recipes to Try

If you're building a summer menu, don't stop with this salad! Try pairing it with other simple recipes such as a refreshing pasta salad, grilled vegetables, or a light fruit dessert.

And if you have a favorite way to dress cucumber and tomato salad, I would love to hear about it.

Did You Make This Recipe?

If you make this Cucumber Tomato Salad, leave a review and tell me how it turned out!

And please share a photo on Pinterest so other home cooks can discover this wonderfully simple summer side dish. There is nothing better than seeing your creations!

Final Thoughts

This easy Cucumber Tomato Salad is proof that a great side dish doesn't need a long ingredient list or hours in the kitchen.

Fresh cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, crisp red onion, herbs, and a simple vinaigrette are all it takes. The result is colorful, crunchy, tangy, and incredibly refreshing.

Whether you're planning a backyard barbecue, summer potluck, weeknight dinner, or simply need something quick to serve alongside grilled food, this recipe is a keeper.

And that 10-minute rest? Trust me—that's where the magic happens!