Cucumber Tomato Salad

Published: June 11, 2025

by Olivia

Cucumber Tomato Salad is a refreshing dish that perfectly captures the essence of summer. This vibrant salad combines juicy vine tomatoes and crisp English cucumber, making it an ideal side for barbecues, picnics, or as a light lunch. Its unique blend of herbs and tangy dressing elevates the flavors, ensuring each bite is delicious. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or enjoying a quiet meal at home, this salad is sure to impress and satisfy.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick to Prepare: This salad takes just 20 minutes to make, allowing you to enjoy fresh flavors without spending hours in the kitchen.
Versatile Side Dish: Cucumber Tomato Salad pairs perfectly with grilled meats, fish, or can be enjoyed on its own for a light meal.
Healthy Ingredients: Packed with fresh vegetables and healthy fats from olive oil, this dish makes a nutritious choice for any occasion.
Bursting with Flavor: The combination of fresh herbs, garlic, and vine-ripened tomatoes creates a deliciously refreshing taste that excites the palate.
No-Cook Recipe: Ideal for hot summer days when you want to avoid heating up the kitchen.

Tools and Preparation

To make your Cucumber Tomato Salad efficiently, having the right tools on hand will streamline your cooking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Sharp Knife
Cutting Board
Glass Measuring Cup
Whisk
Mixing Bowl

Importance of Each Tool

Sharp Knife: A sharp knife ensures clean cuts through the vegetables, enhancing presentation and texture.
Cutting Board: A sturdy cutting board provides a safe surface for chopping and slicing ingredients.
Glass Measuring Cup: Using a glass measuring cup allows you to mix your dressing accurately while observing measurements easily.
Whisk: A whisk helps emulsify your dressing ingredients quickly for an even flavor distribution.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create your Cucumber Tomato Salad:

Fresh Vegetables

8 Small Vine Cocktail Tomatoes (not grape or cherry)
1 English Cucumber
1/4 Red Onion (thinly sliced)

Herbs and Seasonings

2 Tablespoons Parsley (fresh, chopped)
2 Tablespoons Cilantro (fresh, chopped)
2 Pinches Salt
2 Pinches Pepper
1 teaspoon Dried Basil (or 2 teaspoons fresh, chopped)

Dressing Ingredients

1/2 Cup Olive Oil
1/4 Cup Red Wine Vinegar
1 Squeeze Lemon Juice
3 Cloves Garlic (minced)
1 Pinch Pepper
1 teaspoon Kosher Salt
1 Pinch Brown Sugar

How to Make Cucumber Tomato Salad

Step 1: Prepare the Tomatoes

Cut each tomato into 6-8 wedges and then halve them for bite-sized pieces.

Step 2: Slice the Cucumber

Trim both ends off of the cucumber.
Slice it in half lengthwise to create two long halves.
Cut each half into 1/4-inch slices.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients

In a mixing bowl, toss together the tomatoes with brown sugar, red onion, parsley, cilantro, salt, and pepper until well combined.

Step 4: Make the Dressing

In a glass measuring cup, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, minced garlic, pepper, kosher salt, and brown sugar until fully blended.

Step 5: Dress and Chill

Pour the dressing over the tomato mixture in the bowl.
Cover with plastic wrap for 1-6 hours on the counter or refrigerate if preparing longer in advance.

This Cucumber Tomato Salad is best served fresh but can also be enjoyed chilled alongside grilled or toasted crostini bread!

How to Serve Cucumber Tomato Salad

Cucumber Tomato Salad is a versatile dish that can complement many meals. Here are some creative serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience.

As a Standalone Dish

This salad works beautifully as a light lunch or dinner option, especially on warm days.

With Grilled Meats

Pair this refreshing salad with grilled chicken or steak for a delicious contrast of flavors.

On Toasted Crostini

Serve the salad atop toasted crostini for a delightful appetizer that adds crunch and flavor.

As a Topping for Tacos

Use the salad as a fresh topping for tacos, adding a burst of freshness and color to your meal.

With Feta Cheese

Crumble feta cheese over the top for an extra layer of creaminess and saltiness that pairs well with the vegetables.

In Wraps or Sandwiches

Add this salad to wraps or sandwiches for added texture and flavor, making your meal more satisfying.

How to Perfect Cucumber Tomato Salad

To make the best Cucumber Tomato Salad, consider these simple tips that elevate its flavor and presentation.

Use Fresh Ingredients: The fresher your tomatoes and cucumber, the better the overall taste of the salad.
Let it Marinate: Allow the salad to sit for at least an hour to let the flavors meld together beautifully.
Adjust Seasoning: Taste before serving and adjust salt and pepper according to your preference.
Experiment with Herbs: Try adding different herbs like dill or mint for a unique twist on flavor.

Best Side Dishes for Cucumber Tomato Salad

Cucumber Tomato Salad pairs wonderfully with various side dishes. Here are some great options to consider:

Grilled Chicken Skewers: Tender pieces of chicken marinated in spices, grilled to perfection.
Quinoa Pilaf: A savory blend of quinoa with vegetables and herbs, providing a filling complement.
Garlic Bread: Crunchy garlic bread adds a comforting element alongside the fresh salad.
Roasted Vegetables: A mix of seasonal veggies roasted until caramelized enhances any meal.
Pasta Primavera: A colorful medley of pasta tossed with fresh vegetables and olive oil dressing.
Hummus Platter: Creamy hummus served with pita chips and assorted veggies makes for a delightful pairing.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When preparing your Cucumber Tomato Salad, it’s easy to overlook some details that can enhance the dish. Here are common mistakes to avoid:

Overdressing the salad: Adding too much dressing can drown the fresh flavors. Use just enough to coat the ingredients lightly.
Using unripe tomatoes: Choose ripe, flavorful tomatoes for the best taste. Check for firm yet slightly soft tomatoes on the vine.
Neglecting seasoning: Skipping salt and pepper can lead to blandness. Season each component before mixing for better flavor integration.
Cutting vegetables unevenly: Uniform cuts ensure even marinating and a pleasant bite. Aim for similar sizes when chopping tomatoes and cucumbers.
Forgetting about resting time: Allowing the salad to rest enhances flavors. Even 30 minutes can make a big difference.

Refrigerator Storage

Store in an airtight container.
Best consumed within 3 days for optimal freshness.

Freezing Cucumber Tomato Salad

Not recommended for freezing: The texture of cucumbers and tomatoes changes after freezing, making them watery upon thawing.

Reheating Cucumber Tomato Salad

Oven: Not applicable as this salad is best served chilled.
Microwave: Avoid reheating; serve cold instead to maintain freshness.
Stovetop: Not suitable; enjoy as a cold salad.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about Cucumber Tomato Salad.

How long can I store Cucumber Tomato Salad?

You can store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in an airtight container.

Can I customize my Cucumber Tomato Salad?

Absolutely! Feel free to add ingredients like feta cheese, olives, or avocados based on your preference.

Is Cucumber Tomato Salad healthy?

Yes, this salad is low in calories and packed with vitamins, making it a healthy choice for any meal.

What variations can I try with this salad?

You can experiment by adding fruits like melons or berries, or switch herbs between parsley and dill for different flavors.

Final Thoughts

Cucumber Tomato Salad is not only refreshing but also versatile, making it perfect for summer gatherings or as a side dish. With endless customization options, you can adapt this recipe to suit your taste. Don’t hesitate to give it a try!

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