🥒🍅 Cucumber and Tomato Salad Recipe
The Fresh Family Salad That Tastes Like Summer in Every Bite
Some recipes don’t need fancy ingredients to be unforgettable, and this Cucumber and Tomato Salad is one of those timeless favorites. It’s crisp, juicy, colorful, and tossed in a light, zesty dressing that brings out the natural sweetness of the vegetables. Every time I make it, I’m reminded that the simplest meals are often the most satisfying.
I first learned this recipe from my grandmother, who always had a garden overflowing with cucumbers, tomatoes, and fresh herbs during the summer. Whenever we visited, she’d disappear into the garden with a basket and return just a few minutes later with everything needed for this salad. She believed that when vegetables were fresh, they didn’t need much—just a little olive oil, vinegar, herbs, and love.
Last weekend, I made this salad for a backyard barbecue with my family. While the chicken was grilling, I chopped crisp cucumbers, ripe tomatoes, and thin slices of red onion. As soon as I poured the simple homemade dressing over everything and tossed it together, the fresh aroma of herbs and vinegar filled the kitchen.
When dinner was served, this salad disappeared almost as quickly as the grilled food. My husband kept going back for another spoonful, the kids loved the sweet tomatoes, and even my neighbor asked if I could write down the recipe before she left. Those are always the recipes worth keeping.
Now it’s one of my favorite side dishes because it’s quick, healthy, and goes with almost anything. Whether we’re enjoying a casual weeknight dinner or hosting friends on the patio, this salad always finds a place on the table.
If you’re looking for an easy, refreshing recipe that celebrates fresh vegetables, this Cucumber and Tomato Salad is sure to become one of your favorites too.
❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Fresh and refreshing
Ready in just 15 minutes
Healthy and naturally gluten-free
Light yet flavorful
Perfect for summer
Budget-friendly ingredients
Great for meal prep
Easy to customize
Family-friendly
Pairs with almost any main course
đź“‹ Recipe Information
Course: Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine: American / Mediterranean-Inspired
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 6
đź›’ Ingredients
Salad
2 large cucumbers, sliced
4 ripe Roma tomatoes, chopped
½ red onion, thinly sliced
ÂĽ cup chopped fresh parsley
2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill (optional)
Dressing
3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon honey (optional)
1 teaspoon dried oregano
½ teaspoon sea salt
ÂĽ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Optional Add-Ins
½ cup crumbled feta cheese
ÂĽ cup Kalamata olives
Sliced avocado
Fresh basil leaves
Toasted sunflower seeds
🍳 Equipment Needed
Large mixing bowl
Small bowl or mason jar
Whisk
Cutting board
Sharp knife
👩‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1 – Prepare the Vegetables
Wash the cucumbers and tomatoes thoroughly.
Slice the cucumbers into rounds or half-moons.
Chop the tomatoes into bite-sized pieces.
Thinly slice the red onion.
Place everything into a large mixing bowl.
Step 2 – Make the Dressing
In a small bowl or jar, combine:
Olive oil
Red wine vinegar
Lemon juice
Dijon mustard
Honey (if using)
Oregano
Salt
Black pepper
Whisk or shake until well blended.
Step 3 – Assemble the Salad
Pour the dressing over the vegetables.
Add the chopped parsley and dill.
Gently toss until everything is evenly coated.
Step 4 – Chill
For the best flavor, refrigerate the salad for 15–30 minutes before serving.
This allows the vegetables to absorb the dressing while staying crisp.
Step 5 – Serve
Top with feta cheese, olives, or fresh basil if desired.
Serve chilled.
đź’ˇ My Best Tips
Use Fresh Garden Vegetables
The fresher the cucumbers and tomatoes, the more flavorful the salad will be.
Slice Evenly
Uniform slices make the salad easier to eat and create a beautiful presentation.
Chill Before Serving
A short rest in the refrigerator helps the flavors blend without making the vegetables soggy.
Add Herbs at the End
Fresh herbs stay brighter and more fragrant when mixed in just before serving.
🌟 Delicious Variations
Mediterranean Version
Add feta cheese, Kalamata olives, and a sprinkle of oregano.
Creamy Cucumber Salad
Mix a few tablespoons of Greek yogurt into the dressing for a creamy twist.
Italian Style
Add mozzarella pearls and fresh basil with a drizzle of balsamic glaze.
Protein-Packed Salad
Top with grilled chicken, shrimp, tuna, or chickpeas to turn it into a complete meal.
🍽️ What to Serve With It
This fresh salad pairs beautifully with:
Grilled chicken
Baked salmon
Steak
Burgers
Barbecue ribs
Roasted potatoes
Garlic bread
Mediterranean pasta
Grilled shrimp
Roast turkey
🥡 Storage Instructions
Refrigerator
Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
The vegetables release natural juices over time, so stir well before serving.
Freezer
Freezing is not recommended, as cucumbers and tomatoes lose their crisp texture after thawing.
đź“Š Nutrition Information (Approximate Per Serving)
Calories: 110
Protein: 2g
Carbohydrates: 8g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 5g
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 0mg
Sodium: 220mg
Nutrition values are approximate and may vary depending on the ingredients used.
âť“ Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes. Prepare it up to a few hours ahead and refrigerate it. For the freshest texture, add the dressing about 15–30 minutes before serving.
Which cucumbers work best?
English cucumbers, Persian cucumbers, or garden cucumbers all work wonderfully. If using large garden cucumbers with tough skins or large seeds, peel and seed them first.
Can I use cherry tomatoes?
Absolutely! Halved cherry or grape tomatoes add a burst of sweetness and look beautiful in the salad.
Is this salad vegan?
Yes, simply omit the honey or replace it with maple syrup or another vegan-friendly sweetener.
How can I make it more filling?
Add grilled chicken, tuna, chickpeas, quinoa, or feta cheese to turn it into a satisfying main-course salad.
❤️ Final Thoughts
This Cucumber and Tomato Salad is one of those classic recipes that never goes out of style. Crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, fresh herbs, and a simple homemade dressing come together to create a side dish that’s light, refreshing, and full of natural flavor.
Whether you’re serving it at a summer barbecue, alongside grilled chicken, or as part of a Mediterranean-inspired dinner, this salad is always a welcome addition to the table. In our home, it’s the kind of recipe that reminds us how delicious simple, fresh ingredients can be—and it’s one we happily make again and again.