Cucumber Tomato Salad

Name: Cucumber Tomato Salad
Prep time: 10 min
Ingredients: 2 medium cucumbers, sliced; 3 medium tomatoes, chopped; ½ red onion, thinly sliced; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 tablespoon lemon juice or vinegar; 1 teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper; 2 tablespoons fresh parsley or dill, chopped; Optional: ¼ cup feta cheese, crumbled

Cucumber tomato salad is a fresh, light, and vibrant side dish that brightens any meal. People love it for its crisp textures, juicy tomatoes, and refreshing flavor. It works perfectly for busy evenings, family dinners, or even cold nights when you want a simple, healthy complement to a warm main. I usually prep the vegetables while the main dish cooks, so everything is ready at the same time. This salad is easy to make, requires minimal ingredients, and adds a cheerful, colorful touch to your table without any extra effort.

a high quality well lit image of cucumber tomato 1

Why You Will Love This Recipe

This salad is simple, flexible, and quick, making it ideal for everyday meals. The combination of crisp cucumber, juicy tomatoes, and a light dressing is refreshing and satisfying. It’s budget-friendly and can be customized with herbs, cheese, or other veggies. Leftovers hold up well in the fridge, making it great for meal prep or easy lunch additions. Cucumber tomato salad is crowd-pleasing, perfect for weeknight dinners, or casual gatherings. Its light, bright flavors complement heavier dishes, and it looks beautiful served in a bowl or on a plate, making it a Pinterest-worthy addition to any table.

a high quality well lit image of cucumber tomato

Ingredients

Tip: Use firm cucumbers and ripe, juicy tomatoes for the best texture and flavor.

2 medium cucumbers, sliced
3 medium tomatoes, chopped
½ red onion, thinly sliced
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon lemon juice or vinegar
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons fresh parsley or dill, chopped
Optional: ¼ cup feta cheese, crumbled

cucumber tomato salad recipe ingredients on a

Instructions

Step 1: Preparation

Wash and slice cucumbers and tomatoes into bite-sized pieces. Thinly slice the red onion and chop fresh herbs. Measure olive oil, lemon juice, and seasonings so everything is ready for quick assembly.

Step 2: Main Cooking Process

No cooking needed—this salad is raw and fresh. If desired, lightly toss cucumber and tomato slices with salt and let them sit for 5 minutes to release excess water, which keeps the salad crisp.

Step 3: Combining Ingredients

In a large bowl, mix cucumbers, tomatoes, red onion, and herbs. Drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice or vinegar. Gently toss to coat evenly without crushing the vegetables.

Step 4: Finishing & Final Simmer

Add optional feta cheese on top. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Let the salad sit for a few minutes to allow flavors to blend before serving fresh and chilled.

Why This Recipe Works for Busy Days

This salad is fast, requires no cooking, and comes together in under 10 minutes. You can prep vegetables in advance and assemble just before serving. It keeps well in the fridge for a day or two, making it ideal for quick lunches or last-minute dinners.

Tips & Tricks

Slice evenly
Cutting cucumber and tomato pieces uniformly ensures even texture and a polished presentation. Uneven sizes can make some bites watery or mushy.
Don’t overdress
Start with a small amount of olive oil and lemon juice. Too much dressing can make the salad soggy and dull its fresh flavor. Add more gradually to taste.
Use fresh herbs
Fresh parsley or dill adds brightness and color. Avoid dried herbs here, as they don’t provide the same visual appeal or fresh taste.
Drain excess water
Letting cucumbers rest after salting draws out water and prevents the salad from becoming watery. This keeps the dish crisp and visually appealing.

Variations

Meaty version
Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or turkey slices for a light, protein-packed meal. The fresh vegetables balance the meat, keeping it refreshing and satisfying.
Vegetarian option
Add chickpeas or black beans for extra protein. This keeps the salad filling while maintaining its light, bright, and colorful character.
Ingredient swap
Substitute cucumbers with zucchini ribbons or tomatoes with roasted red peppers. These swaps add variety while keeping the salad fresh and visually appealing.
Flavor or herb boost
Mix in fresh mint, basil, or a pinch of chili flakes. These small additions enhance flavor without changing the base ingredients or simplicity of the salad.

Serving Suggestions

Side for grilled dishes
Pair with grilled fish, chicken, or steak for a refreshing contrast that balances heavier flavors.
Casual family meal
Serve alongside sandwiches, wraps, or a pasta dish. Its crisp texture adds variety to the plate without extra effort.
Picnic or lunch box
Pack in individual containers for a light, refreshing addition to lunches or outdoor meals.
Elegant presentation
Arrange in a shallow bowl, garnish with herbs and feta, and serve as a centerpiece side for a visually appealing table.

Storage Instructions

Fridge storage
Keep in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Add dressing just before serving if storing longer to maintain freshness.
Reheating
This salad is served cold or at room temperature; no reheating needed.
Freezing
Not recommended, as cucumbers and tomatoes lose texture when frozen.
Make-ahead tips
Chop vegetables in advance and store separately. Toss with dressing and herbs just before serving to maintain crispness and vibrant color.

Recipe Timing

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: Not applicable
Rest Time: 5 minutes (optional)
Total Time: 15 minutes

Nutrition Information (Approximate)

Each serving has about 80–120 calories, 2–3 grams of protein, and is rich in vitamin C and fiber. Values vary depending on added ingredients like feta cheese. Fresh, colorful vegetables provide hydration and micronutrients, keeping the salad light and satisfying.

FAQs

Yes, chop vegetables in advance but add dressing just before serving.

Overdressing, which can make the salad watery.

Yes, zucchini, bell peppers, or roasted veggies work well.

Salt cucumbers lightly and drain excess water before mixing.

Up to 2 days refrigerated if stored properly.

Conclusion

Cucumber tomato salad is a bright, refreshing, and easy-to-make dish that adds color and flavor to any meal. Its simplicity allows for endless customization with herbs, cheeses, or proteins. Perfect for quick weeknight dinners, casual lunches, or family meals, it’s a light, satisfying, and visually appealing side that is both practical and inviting. Making it ahead is easy, and assembling right before serving keeps everything fresh and crisp, ensuring every bite feels vibrant and delicious.