Cucumber Tomato Salad Recipe with Tangy Vinaigrette

There’s just something magical about a salad that’s simple, colorful, and loaded with fresh, crunchy vegetables. This Cucumber Tomato Salad is everything you want in a warm-weather dish—refreshing, crisp, tangy, and incredibly easy to make. It comes together in just minutes, and the result is a vibrant bowl of goodness that’s light but full of flavor.

I first made this salad during a spontaneous backyard barbecue with friends, and it instantly became a go-to favorite. The cucumbers added a cool crunch, the juicy tomatoes burst with sweetness, and the red onion gave it just the right amount of zing. Tossed in a quick vinaigrette made with olive oil, red wine vinegar, and a hint of honey, it was everything a summer dish should be—simple, satisfying, and downright delicious.

What makes this salad so special isn’t just how good it tastes. It’s also how incredibly versatile it is. You can throw it together in under 15 minutes, pair it with grilled chicken or kebabs, or serve it as a stand-alone side dish at your next gathering. Plus, it’s naturally vegetarian, gluten-free, and super customizable depending on what herbs or veggies you have on hand.

Whether you’re planning a summer picnic, looking for a healthy side for weeknight dinners, or just want something quick and refreshing, this cucumber tomato salad is going to be your new best friend.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This cucumber tomato salad is the definition of easy, fresh, and satisfying. Here are a few reasons why it’s worth adding to your regular meal rotation:

1. Quick and easy to prepare
This recipe comes together in just 15 minutes or less. With minimal prep and no cooking involved, it’s perfect for those busy days when you still want something healthy and homemade.

2. Packed with fresh flavor
The combination of crisp cucumbers, sweet cherry tomatoes, and sharp red onions creates a dynamic mix of textures and flavors. The tangy vinaigrette pulls it all together with a sweet and savory finish.

3. Totally customizable
Whether you’re working with what’s already in your fridge or want to switch it up, this salad is endlessly adaptable. Add feta cheese for creaminess, toss in chickpeas for protein, or sprinkle in fresh herbs like parsley, dill, or basil to elevate the flavor even more.

4. Crowd-pleaser
Because it’s light, fresh, and colorful, this salad is always a hit at potlucks, cookouts, and family dinners. It’s also easy to double or triple for larger gatherings.

5. Naturally healthy
It’s low in calories, packed with hydrating vegetables, and made with wholesome ingredients. That means you can feel great about serving it to kids and adults alike.

Health Benefits

This simple cucumber tomato salad doesn’t just taste great—it also offers a wide range of nutritional perks:

Hydrating and low-calorie
Cucumbers are over 95% water, making this salad an excellent way to stay hydrated. Both cucumbers and tomatoes are naturally low in calories, so you can enjoy a big bowl without any guilt.

Rich in antioxidants
Tomatoes are loaded with lycopene, a powerful antioxidant linked to heart health and reduced risk of certain cancers. Red onions add quercetin, another antioxidant known for its anti-inflammatory effects.

Heart-healthy fats
The olive oil in the vinaigrette provides monounsaturated fats, which are known to support heart health by improving cholesterol levels and reducing inflammation.

Digestive support
The fiber in cucumbers, tomatoes, and red onions helps support a healthy digestive system. Plus, the natural acids in red wine vinegar can aid in digestion and help regulate blood sugar levels.

Naturally free of gluten and dairy
This salad is naturally gluten-free and dairy-free, making it perfect for people with dietary restrictions or sensitivities.

Preparation Time, Servings, and Nutritional Information

Total Time: 15 minutes
Servings: Serves 4 as a side
Calories per serving: 120
Protein: 1g
Carbohydrates: 6g
Fat: 10g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 3g

Ingredients List

Here’s what you’ll need to make this crisp and refreshing Cucumber tomato salad:

• 1 English cucumber, sliced into ¼-inch half rounds (no need to peel)
• 10 ounces grape or cherry tomatoes, halved
• ½ small red onion, thinly sliced (about ½ cup)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil – Adds richness and helps coat the veggies with flavor
• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar – Offers acidity and brightness
• 1 teaspoon honey – Adds a touch of sweetness to balance the tang
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt or fine sea salt – Enhances overall flavor
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper – Adds mild spice and warmth
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, dill, or basil (or a mix) – Brings fresh herbaceous flavor (optional but recommended)

Step-By-Step Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the cucumber
Trim the ends off the cucumber. Slice it in half lengthwise, then cut each half into ¼-inch thick half-moon shapes. If using a regular cucumber instead of English, consider peeling it and removing the seeds to avoid bitterness and extra moisture.

Step 2: Halve the tomatoes
Use a sharp knife to slice the grape or cherry tomatoes in half. If you’re using larger tomatoes like Roma, chop them into bite-sized pieces.

Step 3: Slice the onion
Peel and thinly slice half a small red onion. If the flavor of raw onion is too sharp for your taste, soak the slices in cold water for 5–10 minutes, then drain before adding to the salad.

Step 4: Combine the vegetables
In a large mixing bowl, combine the sliced cucumbers, halved tomatoes, and red onions.

Step 5: Make the vinaigrette
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, honey, salt, and black pepper until well combined.

Step 6: Toss the salad
Pour the dressing over the vegetable mixture and toss gently with a spoon or tongs until everything is evenly coated.

Step 7: Add herbs (optional)
Stir in chopped fresh parsley, dill, or basil for a burst of fresh flavor.

Step 8: Serve or chill
You can serve the salad immediately for a fresh crunch, or cover and chill it in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to let the flavors meld together even more.

How to Serve

This cucumber tomato salad is wonderfully versatile and pairs with just about any main course. Here are a few delicious serving ideas:

• Serve it as a side with grilled chicken, beef kebabs, or baked fish.
• Use it as a topping for falafel wraps or rice bowls.
• Add it to your favorite mezze platter alongside hummus, pita bread, and olives.
• Spoon it over couscous or quinoa for a quick, plant-based lunch.

Pairing Suggestions

To round out your meal, consider pairing this salad with:

• Grilled meats: Chicken skewers, lamb chops, or beef kofta all work beautifully.
• Hearty mains: Try it alongside stuffed peppers, baked rice dishes, or roasted eggplant.
• Drinks: Serve with sparkling water, lemonade, or a cool cucumber-mint mocktail for a refreshing touch.

Storage, Freezing & Reheating Instructions

Storage:
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. After that, the cucumbers may start to lose their crunch, and the tomatoes can become too soft.

Freezing:
This salad does not freeze well, as cucumbers and tomatoes contain a high water content and can become mushy once thawed.

Reheating:
This is a cold salad, so reheating isn’t necessary. If it’s been chilled, simply give it a gentle stir before serving.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Using watery cucumbers
If your cucumbers are especially watery, lightly salting them and letting them sit for 10 minutes before draining can help keep the salad crisp.

Overdressing the salad
Too much vinaigrette can make the salad soggy. Start with a smaller amount and add more if needed.

Skipping the herbs
While optional, fresh herbs make a big difference in flavor. Don’t skip them if you have them on hand.

Not tasting and adjusting
Taste the salad before serving and adjust the salt, vinegar, or honey as needed to match your preference.

Cutting vegetables too early
If you’re prepping ahead, wait to slice the cucumbers and tomatoes until just before serving to keep them crisp and fresh.

Pro Tips

1. Use English cucumbers for their thin skin and milder flavor—no peeling needed.
2. Try heirloom tomatoes if they’re in season for extra sweetness and color variety.
3. Add crunch by topping with toasted sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds.
4. Chill before serving for maximum flavor—30 minutes in the fridge makes a big difference.
5. Make it a meal by adding canned chickpeas or cubed grilled chicken for protein.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use a different type of vinegar?
Yes, white wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar are great alternatives to red wine vinegar.

Can I make this salad ahead of time?
You can prep the veggies and dressing separately and combine them just before serving to keep everything crisp.

What can I substitute for red onion?
Thinly sliced green onions or shallots make a milder substitute.

Is this salad vegan?
Yes, it is vegan as long as you swap the honey for maple syrup or agave nectar.

Can I add cheese to this salad?
Absolutely. Crumbled feta or cubes of fresh mozzarella go really well with the other ingredients.

How can I make this salad more filling?
Add a protein like grilled chicken, chickpeas, or quinoa to turn it into a full meal.

Can I use regular cucumbers?
Yes, but you may want to peel and deseed them to reduce bitterness and moisture.

What if my tomatoes are too juicy?
Cut them in half and gently squeeze out some of the liquid and seeds to avoid watering down the salad.

Is it okay to skip the honey?
Yes. You can omit it or replace it with a different sweetener like maple syrup.

How long can this salad sit out at room temperature?
It’s best served fresh or chilled, but it can safely sit out for up to 2 hours during a meal or gathering.

Conclusion & Call to Action

This Cucumber Tomato Salad is the perfect example of how simple ingredients can come together to create something truly delicious. It’s quick, healthy, and full of fresh, vibrant flavors that you’ll crave all summer long.

Whether you’re serving it alongside grilled meats or enjoying it as a light lunch, this salad is sure to become a regular in your kitchen. It’s easy to make, fun to customize, and always a hit with family and friends.

If you try this recipe, I’d love to hear how it turned out! Share your version in the comments, or snap a photo and tag me on Instagram so I can see your delicious creation.

Ready to bring some freshness to your table? Go grab those cucumbers and tomatoes—it’s salad time.

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