🥒🍅 Classic Cucumber, Tomato & Red Onion Salad
Simple, crisp, and incredibly refreshing, this Classic Cucumber, Tomato & Red Onion Salad showcases fresh garden vegetables tossed in a light lemon-herb vinaigrette. Juicy tomatoes, crunchy cucumbers, and thinly sliced red onions combine with fresh herbs for a colorful salad that’s healthy, flavorful, and ready in just minutes.
The first time I made this salad was during peak summer when tomatoes and cucumbers were overflowing from the garden. With just a handful of simple ingredients, it became one of those recipes everyone requested at family cookouts.
Last weekend, I served it alongside grilled lemon chicken and roasted potatoes. The cool, crisp vegetables were the perfect complement to the warm, savory main course.
❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ready in just 15 minutes
Fresh and refreshing
Naturally gluten-free
Mediterranean-inspired
Healthy and low in calories
Perfect for cookouts and picnics
Great make-ahead side dish
Pairs with almost any main course
📋 Recipe Information
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: None
Total Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 6
Course: Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine: Mediterranean
🛒 Ingredients
Salad
2 English cucumbers, sliced into half-moons
4 ripe Roma tomatoes, chopped
½ medium red onion, thinly sliced
¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill (optional)
Lemon Herb Dressing
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon dried oregano
½ teaspoon sea salt
¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Optional Additions
½ cup crumbled feta cheese
Kalamata olives
Sliced avocado
Chickpeas
Fresh basil
🍳 Equipment Needed
Large mixing bowl
Small bowl or jar for dressing
Whisk
Cutting board
Sharp knife
👩🍳 Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables
Place the following into a large bowl:
Cucumbers
Tomatoes
Red onion
Parsley
Dill (if using)
Step 2: Make the Dressing
In a small bowl or jar, whisk together:
Olive oil
Lemon juice
Red wine vinegar
Dijon mustard
Oregano
Salt
Black pepper
Whisk until well combined.
Step 3: Toss the Salad
Pour the dressing over the vegetables.
Gently toss until everything is evenly coated.
Step 4: Chill (Optional)
For the best flavor, refrigerate the salad for 15–30 minutes before serving.
Step 5: Serve
Top with crumbled feta, olives, or fresh basil if desired.
Serve chilled or at room temperature.
💡 Tips for Success
Use Fresh, Ripe Produce
The better the tomatoes and cucumbers, the more flavorful the salad.
Slice the Onion Thinly
Thin slices mellow nicely in the dressing without overpowering the other vegetables.
Salt Just Before Serving
If preparing ahead, wait to add the salt until shortly before serving to help keep the vegetables crisp.
Chill Briefly
A short rest in the refrigerator allows the flavors to blend while maintaining the vegetables’ freshness.
🌟 Delicious Variations
Greek Style
Add:
Crumbled feta
Kalamata olives
Extra oregano
Mediterranean Chickpea Salad
Mix in one can (15 ounces) of drained and rinsed chickpeas for extra protein and fiber.
Creamy Version
Stir in a few spoonfuls of Greek yogurt or sour cream for a creamy twist.
Garden Fresh
Add diced bell peppers, radishes, or fresh sweet corn for more color and crunch.
🍽️ What to Serve With It
This refreshing salad pairs perfectly with:
Grilled chicken
Grilled salmon
Beef kebabs
Pork tenderloin
Lamb chops
Burgers
Falafel
Baked fish
Last weekend, I served it with grilled lemon-herb chicken, roasted baby potatoes, and warm pita bread. It brought a bright, refreshing contrast to the meal.
🥡 Storage Instructions
Refrigerator
Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Drain any excess liquid and toss again before serving.
Not Recommended for Freezing
Fresh vegetables lose their crisp texture after freezing.
📊 Nutrition Information (Approximate Per Serving)
Calories: 105
Protein: 2g
Carbohydrates: 7g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 4g
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Sodium: 180mg
Nutrition values are approximate and may vary depending on the ingredients used.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes. Prepare it up to a few hours in advance, but add the salt just before serving for the best texture.
What tomatoes work best?
Roma, vine-ripened, cherry, grape, or heirloom tomatoes all work well.
Can I use regular cucumbers?
Yes. Peel them if the skin is thick and remove large seeds if necessary.
Is this salad vegan?
Yes. Simply omit the optional feta cheese.
How can I make it more filling?
Add grilled chicken, shrimp, chickpeas, quinoa, or tuna for a complete meal.
Can I use bottled lemon juice?
Fresh lemon juice is highly recommended for the brightest, freshest flavor.
💚 Final Thoughts
This Classic Cucumber, Tomato & Red Onion Salad is proof that simple ingredients can create an unforgettable dish. Crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, sweet red onions, and a bright lemon-herb dressing come together in a refreshing salad that’s perfect for any season.
Whether you’re serving it at a summer barbecue, packing it for lunch, or pairing it with grilled seafood or chicken, this colorful salad is sure to become one of your favorite go-to side dishes.
