Nothing captures the essence of summer quite like a perfectly crisp Cucumber Tomato Salad fresh from the garden. Last weekend at the farmers market, I grabbed the most beautiful english cucumber and juicy grape tomatoes, and this simple salad became the star of our backyard barbecue. The combination of cool, refreshing cucumbers with sweet, burst-in-your-mouth tomatoes dressed in tangy red wine vinegar creates the most refreshing side dish you'll ever taste.
My sister said it reminded her of the salads our grandmother used to make, where every bite transported you to her sunny garden. This recipe has become our family's go-to whenever we need something light, fresh, and absolutely delicious.
Why You'll Love This Cucumber Tomato Salad
This cucumber tomato salad delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort, making it perfect for busy summer days when you want something fresh and satisfying. The beauty of this tomato cucumber salad lies in its simplicity - just a few quality ingredients that let the natural flavors shine through. My husband, who usually skips vegetables, actually asks for seconds of this one! What makes this cucumber and tomato salad special is how the vegetables release their natural juices, creating a light, flavorful dressing that gets better as it sits.
It's naturally paleo gluten free, making it perfect for any dietary needs, and the red onion adds just the right amount of bite to balance the sweetness. Plus, it takes literally 10 minutes to throw together but tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen.
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What You'll Need
These fresh, simple ingredients come together to create the most refreshing salad that celebrates summer's bounty. The key is using the best quality vegetables you can find.
Main Ingredients
- 2 large english cucumber, sliced into rounds
- 2 cups grape tomatoes, halved
- ½ red onion, thinly sliced
- ¼ cup red wine vinegar
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
Optional Extras
Crumbled feta cheese for creaminess, sliced avocado for richness, or a handful of fresh mint for extra brightness. My daughter loves when I add a sprinkle of everything bagel seasoning on top!
This cucumber and tomato salad is super easy - full steps are in the recipe card.
How to Make Cucumber Tomato Salad
Prep Your Vegetables Right
Wash and slice english cucumber into ¼-inch rounds. Cut grape tomatoes in half and slice red onion paper-thin for the perfect bite.
Create the Perfect Dressing
Whisk together red wine vinegar, olive oil, sugar, salt, and pepper until the sugar completely dissolves and everything is well combined.
Layer for Maximum Flavor
In a large bowl, layer cucumber slices, halved tomatoes, and red onion slices. This creates beautiful presentation and even flavor distribution.
People Also Ask: Should you salt cucumbers before making salad? Salting cucumbers 15 minutes before dressing helps draw out excess water, preventing a watery salad and concentrating the cucumber flavor.
Dress and Toss Gently
Pour the dressing over the vegetables and toss gently to coat everything evenly without crushing the delicate tomatoes.
Add Fresh Herb Magic
Sprinkle chopped dill and parsley over the salad and give it one final gentle toss to distribute the herbs throughout.
Let the Flavors Marry
Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to let all the flavors meld together into something absolutely divine.
Aliana's Top Tip
The secret to the perfect tomato cucumber and onion salad is using the freshest vegetables possible and not overdressing it.
When I first started making this, I'd dump all the dressing on at once and end up with a soggy mess!
Add the dressing gradually and taste as you go - you want just enough to coat the vegetables and enhance their natural flavors.
Also, don't skip the resting time in the fridge.
Those 30 minutes allow the vegetables to release their juices and create this incredible light, fresh dressing that's pure summer in a bowl.
My mom always said the best salads are the ones that taste like sunshine, and this one absolutely delivers on that promise.
Ingredient Substitutions & Variations
Transform this into a spanish onion version by using sweet spanish onion instead of red onion for a milder flavor. Regular cucumbers work if you can't find english cucumber - just peel and seed them first. Cherry tomatoes work great instead of grape tomatoes, and you can use white wine vinegar or lemon juice instead of red wine vinegar. For extra richness, add crumbled feta or fresh mozzarella.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Store cucumber salad covered in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The salad actually improves after a few hours as the flavors develop, but it's best eaten within 24 hours for optimal crunch. Don't freeze this salad as the vegetables will become mushy. No reheating needed - this salad is meant to be served chilled and refreshing.
What to Serve With Cucumber Tomato Salad
This cucumber tomato salad pairs beautifully with grilled meats, barbecue chicken, or fish tacos for the perfect summer meal. It's incredible alongside burgers at your next cookout, or serve it with crusty bread and hummus for a light lunch. My family loves it with grilled salmon or as a side for our weekend farmers market picnics. It also makes a refreshing addition to any Mediterranean-style Dinner.
FAQs About Cucumber Tomato Salad
Can I add other vegetables?
Absolutely! Bell peppers, radishes, or even fresh corn kernels make delicious additions to this base recipe.
How do I keep the onion from being too strong?
Soak sliced red onion in cold water for 10 minutes before adding to mellow the sharp bite.
What's the best type of tomato to use?
Grape tomatoes or cherry tomatoes work best because they hold their shape and don't release too much liquid into the salad.
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, but add the dressing just before serving to prevent the vegetables from getting soggy and losing their crunch.
More Recipes You'll Love
If you're craving more fresh tomato salad recipes like this one, try my caprese salad with fresh basil, Greek village salad with olives, or my summer corn and avocado salad. Each one brings that same bright, fresh flavor that makes summer eating so special and uses simple ingredients that let the natural flavors shine.
Gave this recipe your own spin? Share it on Pinterest @AlianaRecipes - I can't wait to see your take on it!
Looking for more cucumber salad variations? Check out my fresh summer salads collection for light, refreshing recipes that celebrate the season's best produce.
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Pairing
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