This Cucumber Tomato Salad, with juicy tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, and red onions all tossed in a light and tangy dressing, is the definition of simplicity done right. It is perfect for entertaining, a BBQ, or a summer dinner at home!
Easy Cucumber Tomato Salad
This Cucumber Tomato Salad is the ultimate (easy) summer salad recipe!
Unlike my creamy cucumber salad, this recipe swaps out the dairy-based dressing for a light and bright dressing that infuses the cucumbers with intense flavor. Add in some tangy red onion, juicy tomatoes, and fragrant basil and this easy salad is going to quickly become your favorite simple side dish for the summer.
It is perfect served alongside balsamic pork tenderloin, ribeye steak, grilled Greek chicken, creamy cavatappi pasta, baked salmon, and the list goes on!
Happy Cooking! xo Kristen
Cucumber Tomato Salad Ingredients
The key to this salad is to use the freshest of ingredients. Look for ripe tomatoes, firm cucumbers, and vibrant fresh herbs.
- Tomatoes: Use ripe vine-ripened or heirloom tomatoes when in season. Otherwise, opt for grape tomatoes or cherry tomatoes which taste delicious year-round.
- Cucumber: I typically opt for using hothouse or persian cucumbers, as they do not need to be peeled or seeded. If using garden cucumbers, I recommend peeling them and removing the seeds for the best texture.
- Onion: Use a red onion for a pungent punch of flavor or a Vidalia onion for sweet, mild notes.
- Apple Cider Vinegar: Something acidic is needed to brighten the flavors of this simple salad. Feel free to replace the apple cider vinegar with white wine vinegar, red wine vinegar, or fresh lemon juice.
- Olive Oil: Opt for a good-quality extra virgin oil for the best flavor.
- Fresh Herbs: I love fresh basil paired with cucumbers, tomatoes, and onion, but fresh dill, parsley, tarragon, oregano, or chives are great options are well.
Make it Your Own
Optional Additions
- Craving Cheese? Add crumbled feta cheese or fresh mozzarella pearls to the salad right before serving. Alternatively, place a ball of burrata cheese on a platter and serve the tomato cucumber salad around the ball of cheese.
- Love Olives? I often add up to 1/4 cup of pitted kalamata olives to add a briny touch.
- Love Avocado? Add diced Hass avocado to the salad for a rich, creamy element.
Tips for Making Cucumber Tomato Salad
As I have stated, this cucumber and tomato salad is one of the easiest recipes to make, but I have a few tips to help ensure the best results.
- Prepare dressing first. I recommend whisking the components of this dressing together in a large mixing bowl or serving dish. Then you can simply add the cucumbers, onions, and tomatoes right to the dressing, cutting back on the amount of dirty dishes.
- Think bite-sized pieces. Slice the tomatoes into wedges, cucumbers into half moons, and thinly slice the onion. This will ensure the salad is easy to eat.
- Hate the flavor of raw onions? Soak the sliced onion in cold water for 5 minutes and then drain and pat dry before adding to the salad. It will help mellow out the sharp flavor.
- Serve within a few hours of preparation. While you can let the flavors meld for an hour or two, I don’t recommend preparing much earlier than that. As the salad sits, the tomatoes and cucumber will release liquid, making the salad watered down and soggy.
More Favorite Simple Salad Recipes
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In a large bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil. 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar, ½ teaspoon dried oregano, ½ teaspoon kosher salt, and ¼ teaspoon black pepper until well combined.
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Add the diced tomatoes, sliced cucumbers, and thinly sliced onions to the prepared dressing and gently toss gently to coat the vegetables with the dressing.
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Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours prior to serving, to allow time for the flavors to meld together.
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Right before serving, sprinkle the salad with fresh basil ribbons, gently toss, and serve immediately.
English/Hothouse Cucumber: Feel free to use regular cucumber in place of an English cucumber, just be sure to peel and remove the seeds from the cucumber for best results.
No Apple Cider Vinegar? Replace it with fresh lemon juice, red wine vinegar, or white wine vinegar.
Note on Storage: This salad is best served within 4 hours after preparation. Longer than that the salad will begin to become watered down and soggy.
Calories: 119kcalCarbohydrates: 13gProtein: 2gFat: 7gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gSodium: 308mgPotassium: 437mgFiber: 2gSugar: 8gVitamin A: 922IUVitamin C: 19mgCalcium: 45mgIron: 1mg
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
