This refreshing cucumber tomato salad is crisp, juicy, colorful, and full of fresh flavor. Made with crunchy cucumbers, ripe tomatoes, thinly sliced red onion, and a simple herb dressing, it is an easy side dish for summer lunches, family dinners, barbecues, and Mediterranean-inspired meals.
Prep time
15 minutes
Cook time
0 minutes
Servings
4 people
Style
Vegetarian
Ingredients
For the salad
2 medium cucumbers, sliced into half-moons
3 medium ripe tomatoes, cut into bite-sized wedges
½ medium red onion, thinly sliced
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
½ teaspoon dried oregano
¼ teaspoon salt, or to taste
For the homemade dressing
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1½ tablespoons red wine vinegar or fresh lemon juice
1 small garlic clove, minced (optional)
½ teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon honey (optional, for a slightly balanced flavor)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the cucumbers
Wash the cucumbers thoroughly and pat them dry. Slice them into rounds or half-moons, depending on your preference. Keep the peel on for extra color, texture, and fiber.
Step 2: Cut the tomatoes
Wash the tomatoes and cut them into bite-sized wedges. If they are especially juicy, remove some excess seeds to prevent the salad from becoming too watery.
Step 3: Slice the onion
Peel the red onion and slice it thinly. If you prefer a milder onion flavor, soak the slices in cold water for 5–10 minutes, then drain well.
Step 4: Make the dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar or lemon juice, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, oregano, and optional honey. Add the salt and black pepper, then whisk until combined.
Step 5: Combine the vegetables
Place the cucumbers, tomatoes, and red onion in a large serving bowl. Add the chopped parsley, if using.
Step 6: Add the dressing
Pour the dressing over the vegetables. Toss gently with two large spoons until all the vegetables are lightly coated. Avoid mixing too vigorously, as ripe tomatoes can break apart.
Step 7: Let the flavors develop
Allow the salad to rest for 5–10 minutes before serving. This gives the vegetables time to absorb the dressing and herbs. Taste and adjust the salt, pepper, or lemon juice as needed.
Step 8: Serve fresh
Serve immediately or slightly chilled. For the best texture, avoid leaving the dressed salad in the refrigerator for too long because the tomatoes and cucumbers naturally release water.
Tips for the Best Cucumber Tomato Salad
Choose ripe but firm tomatoes: They provide sweetness without becoming mushy.
Use fresh cucumbers: Firm cucumbers give the salad its signature crunch.
Slice evenly: Similar-sized pieces make the salad easier to eat and help distribute the dressing.
Dress just before serving: This keeps the vegetables fresher and crunchier.
Adjust the acidity: Add extra lemon juice or vinegar if you enjoy a tangier salad.
Chill the vegetables first: Cold ingredients make this salad especially refreshing on hot days.
Add feta if desired: Crumbled feta cheese gives it a more Greek-inspired flavor.
Serving Suggestions
With grilled chicken
A fresh, balanced lunch or dinner.
With grilled fish
Light, bright, and flavorful.
With pita and hummus
A simple Mediterranean-style meal.
With barbecue dishes
A colorful side for gatherings.
Nutritional Information
Estimated nutrition per serving, based on 4 servings and the ingredients listed above, including the olive oil dressing. Actual values vary by ingredient size and quantity.
Nutrient
Approximate amount
Calories
145 kcal
Protein
2 g
Total carbohydrates
9 g
Dietary fiber
2 g
Total sugars
5 g
Total fat
12 g
Saturated fat
2 g
Sodium
160–200 mg
Nutrition highlights:
Cucumbers provide hydration and a small amount of fiber.
Tomatoes provide vitamin C, potassium, and lycopene.
Olive oil supplies predominantly monounsaturated fats.
Red onions add flavor and plant compounds.
This salad is naturally vegetarian, dairy-free, and gluten-free when prepared as written. It can fit into many balanced eating patterns.
Frequently Asked Questions (Q&A)
Q1: Can I make cucumber tomato salad ahead of time?
Yes. Chop the vegetables and refrigerate them separately from the dressing for up to a day. Toss everything together shortly before serving for the freshest texture.
Q2: How long does this salad last in the refrigerator?
For the best quality, eat it the same day. Leftovers can generally be refrigerated in an airtight container and eaten within 1–2 days, although the vegetables may become softer and release liquid.
Q3: Can I use apple cider vinegar instead of red wine vinegar?
Yes. Apple cider vinegar works well and provides a slightly fruity tang. Fresh lemon juice is another excellent option.
Q4: Can I add cheese?
Absolutely. Crumbled feta, fresh mozzarella, or small cubes of white cheese complement the vegetables beautifully. Adding cheese will change the nutritional values.
Q5: How can I make this salad more filling?
Add chickpeas, white beans, grilled chicken, tuna, or boiled eggs. These ingredients increase the protein content and can turn the salad into a more substantial meal.
Q6: Is this salad suitable for weight-conscious eating?
It can be a good option because it includes vegetables and fiber. The olive oil dressing contributes much of the salad’s calories, so adjust the amount to suit your needs.
Q7: Why does my cucumber tomato salad become watery?
Cucumbers and tomatoes contain a lot of water. Salt draws out additional moisture over time. Add the dressing shortly before serving, and drain excess liquid if necessary.
Q8: Can I make it without onion?
Yes. Leave out the onion or replace it with sliced green onions for a milder taste.
Q9: Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh herbs?
Yes. Dried oregano and Italian seasoning work especially well in the dressing. If using dried herbs, allow the dressing to sit for a few minutes before mixing it with the vegetables.
Q10: What makes this salad Mediterranean-style?
The combination of fresh vegetables, olive oil, herbs, and a simple vinegar or lemon dressing reflects common Mediterranean-inspired cooking ingredients and flavors.
Recipe Summary
Fresh Cucumber Tomato Salad is an easy, colorful, no-cook recipe made with crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, red onion, and a homemade olive oil herb dressing. It takes just 15 minutes to prepare and pairs beautifully with grilled meats, fish, pita bread, or other vegetarian dishes.
Recipe tip: For the freshest, most flavorful result, use ripe tomatoes, crunchy cucumbers, good-quality olive oil, and freshly squeezed lemon juice.