Cucumber Tomato Salad Delight

The Best Cucumber Tomato Salad Recipe

Looking for the perfect side dish to complement your summer grilling? This
Cucumber Tomato Salad is a fantastic choice! It’s quick to make, incredibly
refreshing, and pairs well with everything from grilled chicken thighs to
burgers. This salad is a go-to for easy, make-ahead meals.

This recipe keeps things simple because fresh, seasonal ingredients shine on
their own. We’re talking juicy, vine-ripened tomatoes, crisp cucumber, and
tangy red onion, all tossed in a zesty red wine vinaigrette with fresh herbs.
The flavors are light, bright, and perfect alongside various main courses,
including honey garlic pork chops or air fryer salmon.

Why You’ll Love This Cucumber Tomato Salad

Quick and Easy: This salad comes together in minutes, perfect for those
busy summer days. You can also make it ahead of time, as it tastes even
better after marinating for at least half an hour.

Fresh, Seasonal Ingredients: This salad is a celebration of peak-season
produce. It’s a great way to showcase the superior flavor of ripe, in-season
tomatoes. If you can find colorful heirloom tomatoes, even better!

Light and Hydrating: With cucumbers and tomatoes as its stars, this
Mediterranean-style salad is incredibly refreshing and hydrating. It’s light,
crisp, and won’t weigh you down like heavier sides.

Ingredient Notes

• Olive Oil and Red Wine Vinegar: These form the base of the vinaigrette.
  While you can substitute another vinegar, red wine vinegar is highly
  recommended, especially with fresh herbs. White wine vinegar or white
  balsamic vinegar would be good alternatives.
• Salt and Black Pepper: Use kosher salt and freshly ground black
  pepper for the best flavor.
• Tomatoes: If using larger tomatoes, remove the pulpy seeds to prevent
  the salad from becoming too watery.
• English Cucumber: Any tender-skinned cucumber works well, and peeling
  isn’t necessary. If using regular garden cucumbers, peel them, slice
  lengthwise, and scoop out the seeds.
• Red Onion: Red onion adds a zesty bite to balance the salad’s flavors.
  Marinating it in the vinaigrette tempers its strong flavor.
• Fresh Parsley and Dill: These fresh herbs are essential to the salad
  and shouldn’t be skipped.

How to Make Cucumber Tomato Salad

Make the Dressing: In a medium bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine
vinegar, salt, and pepper.

Add Onions: Stir in the sliced red onions. Set the bowl aside to let the
onions marinate while you prep the rest of the salad. This step mellows the
onion’s bite and infuses the dressing with flavor.

Prep the Remaining Ingredients: Wash and trim the tomatoes, cucumbers, and
fresh herbs. Chop the tomatoes and cucumbers into similarly sized pieces. Add
the chopped tomatoes, cucumbers, and herbs to the bowl with the dressing.
Gently toss to combine. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.

Marinate: Cover the bowl and let the salad sit at room temperature for
10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. You can also refrigerate it for
up to a day before serving. If chilled, take the salad out of the fridge
about 15 minutes before serving to let it warm up slightly.

Cucumber Tomato Salad Recipe Variations

• Add More Veggies: Sliced bell peppers and radishes will add extra
  texture and flavor. If adding a lot of extra vegetables, increase the
  vinaigrette amount. (For a similar salad without tomatoes, try my cucumber
  salad.)
• Sweeten It: If your tomatoes are tart, whisk a pinch of sugar or honey
  into the vinaigrette to balance the flavors.
• Add Cheese: Feta cheese adds a delicious tangy element and a Greek
  salad vibe. Fresh mozzarella or cubes of your favorite aged cheese are also
  excellent choices.
• Give It an Asian Twist: Swap red wine vinegar for rice vinegar and
  add basil, mint, or cilantro.

Serving Suggestions for Cucumber Tomato Salad

• Grains: Serve the salad on top of or alongside quinoa, Israeli
  couscous, farro, or brown rice for a complete grain salad.
• Grilled Foods: Pair this salad with grilled halloumi kebabs or grilled
  chicken shawarma drumsticks.
• Mediterranean Foods: Add it to a mezze platter with olives, pita, and
  hummus. Tabbouleh salad is another great addition. Try it with garlic butter
  sheet pan gnocchi or lamb burgers with feta yogurt sauce.
• Picnics and Backyard Gatherings: Serve this salad with other favorites
  like dill potato salad and summer pasta salad.

Leftover Love

Got leftovers? Add this salad to meal bowls, wraps, or pita pockets. Combine
it with deli meat and a scoop of avocado chicken salad.

Storage

Store leftover Cucumber Tomato Salad in an airtight container in the
refrigerator for up to 3 days. While the cucumbers might lose their fresh
crispness over time, the salad will still be delicious. Stir well before
serving.