Cucumber Tomato Salad

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Cucumber Tomato Salad is a refreshing, vibrant dish that’s perfect for summer meals, potlucks, or a light side at dinner. Crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, and tangy red onions come together in a simple vinaigrette for a quick and healthy salad bursting with fresh flavor. It’s easy to make, requires minimal ingredients, and pairs well with grilled meats, sandwiches, or Mediterranean dishes.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

cucumberscherry or grape tomatoesred onionolive oilred wine vinegarlemon juicegarlicfresh parsley (or dill)saltblack pepper

directions

Slice the cucumbers into thin rounds or half-moons, depending on preference.

Cut the cherry tomatoes in half.

Thinly slice the red onion and soak in cold water for 5 minutes to mellow the sharpness, then drain.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cucumbers, tomatoes, and red onions.

In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper to create the vinaigrette.

Pour the vinaigrette over the vegetables and toss to coat evenly.

Add chopped fresh parsley (or dill) and toss again.

Let the salad rest for at least 10 minutes to allow flavors to meld before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4-6 people.Preparation time: 15 minutesResting time: 10-15 minutesTotal time: 25-30 minutes

Variations

Add crumbled feta cheese for a creamy, tangy touch.

Include sliced avocado for extra creaminess.

Toss in olives for a Mediterranean flair.

Use apple cider vinegar or balsamic vinegar instead of red wine vinegar.

Add chickpeas or grilled chicken to turn it into a light meal.

storage/reheating

Store Cucumber Tomato Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.Note: The vegetables will release water over time, so stir before serving and consider draining excess liquid.

Do not freeze this salad as the texture of cucumbers and tomatoes will deteriorate.

FAQs

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, but it’s best enjoyed within a few hours for the freshest texture.

What kind of cucumbers work best?

English cucumbers or Persian cucumbers are ideal as they are less watery and have tender skins.

Can I use different types of tomatoes?

Absolutely—heirloom, Roma, or chopped beefsteak tomatoes all work well.

Is this salad vegan?

Yes, this recipe is naturally vegan.

Can I add herbs other than parsley?

Yes, dill, basil, or mint are great alternatives or additions.

What’s the best way to slice the vegetables?

Uniform thin slices for cucumbers and halved cherry tomatoes create the best texture and presentation.

Can I skip the onion?

Yes, you can omit it or replace it with green onions or shallots for a milder flavor.

How can I reduce the sharpness of red onion?

Soak the slices in cold water for a few minutes before adding them to the salad.

Conclusion

Cucumber Tomato Salad is a crisp, colorful side dish that delivers big on flavor with minimal effort. It’s versatile, healthy, and a great way to showcase fresh produce. Whether you’re serving it at a backyard barbecue or a casual family dinner, this salad is sure to be a hit.

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