The Perfect Cucumber Tomato Salad Recipe

Fresh, Healthy & Ready in 10 Minutes!

Nothing beats the simple perfection of a classic cucumber tomato salad on a warm summer day! This refreshing tomato cucumber salad combines crisp cucumbers, juicy ripe tomatoes, and a tangy vinaigrette that brings out the best in these garden favorites. Whether you’re looking for a quick side dish or a healthy lunch option, this easy cucumber tomato salad delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort.

I’ve been making this cucumber and tomato salad for years, and it never fails to disappear from the table in minutes. The secret? It’s all about using the freshest ingredients and the perfect balance of flavors in the dressing. Plus, I’ll share some amazing variations that will take this simple cucumber tomato salad to the next level!

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Why This Cucumber Tomato Salad Recipe is a Summer Essential

There’s something magical about the combination of crisp cucumbers and juicy tomatoes. This cucumber and tomato salad recipe isn’t just delicious – it’s incredibly versatile, nutritious, and perfect for those hot days when you want something light and refreshing.

What makes this cucumber salad and tomato combination so special? The contrasting textures and complementary flavors create a perfect harmony. The cool, crunchy cucumbers balance the sweet acidity of ripe tomatoes, while a simple vinaigrette ties everything together beautifully.

Is Cucumber Tomato Onion Salad Healthy? (The Answer Will Surprise You!)

Absolutely! This cucumber tomato onion salad is a nutritional powerhouse that’s perfect for healthy eating:

Health Benefits:

Hydrating: Both cucumbers and tomatoes are over 90% water
Low Calorie: Only 65-85 calories per serving
Rich in Antioxidants: Lycopene from tomatoes, vitamin K from cucumbers
Heart Healthy: Olive oil provides healthy monounsaturated fats
Anti-inflammatory: Red onions contain quercetin, a powerful antioxidant
Digestive Aid: High fiber content supports digestive health

Can we eat cucumber and tomato together in salad? Despite some myths, these vegetables are perfectly safe and nutritious when combined. In fact, they complement each other’s nutritional profiles beautifully!

Ingredients for the Perfect Cucumber Tomato Salad

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. Here’s what you’ll need for the ultimate marinated cucumber tomato and onion salad:

Main Ingredients:

2 large English cucumbers (or 3-4 regular cucumbers, peeled)
3-4 large ripe tomatoes (variety is key – try heirloom or cherry tomatoes)
1 medium red onion, thinly sliced
2 tablespoons fresh herbs (basil, parsley, or dill)

For the Easy Dressing for Cucumber and Tomato Salad:

3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar (or white wine vinegar)
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 clove garlic, minced
1 teaspoon honey (optional, for balance)
Salt and fresh black pepper to taste

Optional Add-ins for Variations:

Feta cheese for a cucumber tomato feta salad
Avocado chunks for a cucumber tomato avocado salad
Italian dressing instead of homemade for convenience

How Do You Make Tomato and Cucumber Salad? – Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Prep Your Vegetables

Start by washing your cucumbers and tomatoes thoroughly. For English cucumbers, you can leave the peel on – it adds great texture and nutrients. If using regular cucumbers, peel them and remove seeds if they’re large and tough.

Slice cucumbers into 1/4-inch thick rounds or half-moons. Cut tomatoes into bite-sized wedges or chunks – this helps them hold their shape better than thin slices.

Step 2: The Secret to Perfect Onions

Here’s my pro tip for the cucumber salad tomato red onion combination: Soak your sliced red onions in cold water for 10 minutes, then drain. This removes the sharp bite while keeping the crunch, making them perfect for this cucumber tomato and onion salad with vinegar.

Step 3: Make the Ultimate Cucumber Tomato Salad Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, vinegar, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, and honey (if using). This cucumber tomato salad dressing should be well emulsified and taste perfectly balanced – tangy but not sharp, with just a hint of sweetness.

Step 4: Combine and Marinate

Gently toss the cucumbers, tomatoes, and drained onions with the dressing. Add fresh herbs and season with salt and pepper. Let it marinate for at least 15-20 minutes in the refrigerator before serving.

Amazing Variations to Try

Mediterranean Cucumber Tomato Salad

Transform this into a mediterranean cucumber tomato salad by adding:

Kalamata olives
Crumbled feta cheese
Fresh oregano
A squeeze of lemon juice

Greek Cucumber Tomato Salad

For an authentic greek tomato cucumber salad (Greek Village Salad style):

Add large chunks of feta
Include green bell peppers
Use oregano and no basil
Drizzle with quality olive oil

Cucumber Tomato Salad Italian Dressing Version

Short on time? Use your favorite cucumber tomato salad italian dressing instead of making homemade. Just be sure to choose a high-quality brand without too many preservatives.

Pro Tips for the Best Results

Choose the Right Tomatoes: Use a mix of varieties for complex flavor – try cherry, Roma, and heirloom tomatoes
Salt Your Tomatoes: For extra flavor, lightly salt tomato pieces and let them sit for 10 minutes before adding to the salad
Temperature Matters: Serve at room temperature or slightly chilled for the best flavor
Don’t Overdress: Start with less dressing – you can always add more, but you can’t take it away

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

Can you make cucumber tomato salad ahead of time? Yes, with some considerations:

Best Timeline: Make 2-4 hours ahead for optimal flavor and texture
How long does cucumber tomato salad last in the fridge? Up to 2 days, but drain excess liquid before serving
Make-Ahead Strategy: Store vegetables and dressing separately, combine just before serving
Storage Tip: Keep in the refrigerator in an airtight container

Perfect Pairings: What Goes with Cucumber Tomato Salad

This versatile cucumber tomato onion vinegar salad pairs beautifully with:

Grilled Proteins:

BBQ chicken or pork
Grilled fish (especially salmon)
Lamb kebabs
Turkey burgers

Mediterranean Meals:

Hummus and pita
Grilled halloumi cheese
Stuffed grape leaves
Greek gyros

Summer Entertaining:

Picnic spreads
Pool parties
BBQ gatherings
Potluck dinners

Frequently Asked Questions

How Many Calories in a Salad with Tomatoes and Cucumbers?

This recipe contains approximately 75-85 calories per serving, making it an excellent low-calorie option that’s still satisfying and nutritious.

How to Make Cucumber Tomato and Onion Salad?

Simply follow our recipe above! The key is using fresh ingredients, proper knife skills, and allowing time for the flavors to meld together.

Cucumber Tomato Salad Recipes Vinegar – Which Type is Best?

Red wine vinegar is classic, but you can also try:

Balsamic vinegar for sweetness
Apple cider vinegar for tang
White wine vinegar for delicate flavor
Rice vinegar for Asian-inspired versions

Cucumber Tomato Salad Recipe Card

Fresh Cucumber Tomato Salad

A refreshing summer salad that’s healthy, delicious, and ready in just 10 minutes! Perfect as a side dish or light lunch.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5.0 from 2 votes)

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Prep Time: 10 minutes
Marinate Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Course: Side Dish, Salad
Cuisine: American, Mediterranean
Servings: 4-6
Calories: 75 per serving

Ingredients

For the Salad:

2 large English cucumbers, sliced into rounds
3-4 large ripe tomatoes, cut into wedges
1 medium red onion, thinly sliced
2 tablespoons fresh herbs (basil, parsley, or dill)

For the Dressing:

3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 clove garlic, minced
1 teaspoon honey (optional)
Salt and fresh black pepper to taste

Instructions

Prep vegetables: Wash and slice cucumbers into 1/4-inch rounds. Cut tomatoes into bite-sized wedges. Thinly slice red onion and soak in cold water for 10 minutes, then drain.
Make dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, and honey until well combined.
Combine: In a large bowl, gently toss cucumbers, tomatoes, and drained onions with the dressing.
Season and herbs: Add fresh herbs, salt, and pepper. Toss gently to combine.
Marinate: Refrigerate for 15-20 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.
Serve: Give a final gentle toss and serve chilled or at room temperature.

Recipe Notes

Cucumber Choice: English cucumbers don’t need peeling, but regular cucumbers should be peeled and seeded
Tomato Tips: Use a variety of tomatoes for complex flavor – cherry, Roma, and heirloom work beautifully
Make-Ahead: Best served within 2-4 hours of making. Store leftovers up to 2 days
Variations: Add feta for Greek style, avocado for creaminess, or olives for Mediterranean flair
Dressing Storage: Leftover dressing keeps in fridge for up to 1 week

Nutrition (Per Serving)

Calories: 75
Carbs: 8g
Fat: 5g
Protein: 2g
Fiber: 2g
Vitamin C: 15% DV
Potassium: 320mg

Keywords: cucumber tomato salad, fresh summer salad, healthy side dish, easy vegetable salad, garden fresh recipe

More Refreshing Summer Salads

Love this simple cucumber tomato salad? Try these other fresh and delicious recipes from Emma Easy Recipes:

Watermelon Feta Salad with Mint
Caprese Salad with Fresh Mozzarella
Greek Village Salad (Horiatiki)
Fresh Corn and Avocado Salad
Summer Zucchini Salad with Lemon

Follow Emma Easy Recipes on Instagram, Pinterest, and TikTok for more fresh, seasonal recipe inspiration!

This cucumber tomato salad recipe is proof that the simplest combinations are often the most satisfying. With peak summer vegetables, a bright vinaigrette, and just the right amount of red onion bite, it’s a salad that celebrates the season in every forkful. Whether you’re serving it at a backyard BBQ or enjoying it as a light lunch, this easy cucumber tomato salad brings fresh flavors and vibrant nutrition to your table.

Ready to make this crowd-pleasing cucumber and tomato salad? Grab the freshest vegetables you can find and let’s create something delicious together! 🥒🍅✨