Cucumber Tomato Salad Recipe - Kristine's Kitchen (2024)

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This Cucumber Tomato Salad has crisp cucumber, juicy tomatoes and red onion, all tossed in a tangy dressing. It’s the ultimate refreshing summer salad recipe!

Cucumber Tomato Salad Recipe - Kristine's Kitchen (1)

Looking to liven up your salad routine? This refreshing cucumber tomato salad is sure to become a fast favorite! This is the salad that I’ve been making all summer long. I serve it every chance I get, and it’s become my go-to side salad to serve when we’re having dinner guests over for a summer BBQ.

It’s often the simplest combinations of fresh ingredients that turn out to be the best, and that is definitely the case with this cucumber tomato salad. Juicy, sweet tomatoes and crisp cucumber are a delightful pair. Add in sweet-spicy red onions and a tangy vinegar-based dressing and you have a swoon-worthy salad. A sprinkle of fresh herbs is the perfect finishing touch!

Cucumber Tomato Salad Recipe Ingredients

This fresh cucumber tomato salad is a variation on this classic Cucumber Salad, taken up a few notches!Beyond the cucumber and tomatoes, you’ll need just a few ingredients for this scrumptious salad. The vinegar-based dressing is light and tangy and the perfect complement to the crisp, fresh flavors in the salad. I always finish this salad with some fresh herbs to bring another dimension of flavor. It’s what keeps everyone going back for more!

Cucumber Tomato Salad Recipe - Kristine's Kitchen (2)
  • English Cucumber: Sweeter and less bitter than regular cucumbers, English cucumbers are the type typically sold wrapped in plastic wrap at the grocery store.
  • Grape or Cherry Tomatoes: Cut them in half before adding them to the salad. You can also use whole ripe tomatoes (such as Roma tomatoes) and coarsely chop them.
  • Red Onion: Slice it thinly so that its flavor doesn’t overpower the other ingredients.
  • Salad Dressing: The salad dressing is a variation on my Greek Salad Dressing, and it’s a simple mixture of olive oil, red wine vinegar, honey, salt and pepper.
  • Fresh Herbs: Finally, a sprinkle of chopped fresh dill, parsley, and/or basil elevates the flavors in the salad and adds a pretty pop of color.

English Cucumber vs. Regular Cucumbers

While you can use a regular cucumber in this recipe, I much prefer the flavor and texture of English cucumbers in this salad. Here’s a look at how they differ:

  • English Cucumber: Longer and thinner than regular cucumbers, English cucumbers come wrapped in plastic wrap at the grocery store. Their thin skin does not require peeling. English cucumbers also have smaller seeds than regular cucumbers and a sweeter, less bitter flavor.
  • Regular Cucumber: This is the type of cucumber that we always added to our Green Salads growing up. The skin is thicker, the seeds are larger, and regular slicing cucumbers are generally more watery in the center. Their flavor is less sweet and more bitter. If using this type of cucumber, I recommend peeling off the skin before slicing.

How to Make Cucumber Tomato Salad

This zippy salad couldn’t be easier to make! Here’s an overview of the recipe steps.

  1. Chop the cucumber by first trimming off the ends and slicing it in half lengthwise. Then, cut it into 1/4-inch thick half rounds.
  2. Combine the cucumber, tomatoes and onion in a medium salad bowl. Cucumber Tomato Salad Recipe - Kristine's Kitchen (3)
  3. Whisk together the dressing ingredients. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to mix. Cucumber Tomato Salad Recipe - Kristine's Kitchen (4)
  4. Gently stir in the fresh herbs. You can either serve the salad right away, or let it marinate in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to an hour to let the flavors meld together.
Cucumber Tomato Salad Recipe - Kristine's Kitchen (5)

Recipe Variations

Honestly, I think this salad is pretty perfect as is. If you want to doctor it up, though, try one of these simple recipe variations:

  • Add feta cheese crumbles or cubes cut from a block of feta, like in this Greek Salad.
  • Add chopped avocado.
  • Add chopped bell pepper. I think green bell pepper would be especially wonderful, but you could use any color.
  • Toss some fresh sliced peaches into the mix for added sweetness.
  • Swap in a different salad dressing, such as Italian Dressing or even Balsamic Vinaigrette.

Recipe Tips

  • Don’t skip the fresh herbs! They really do make a difference in brightening up the flavors. Fresh dill is my favorite in this salad.
  • While some salads, like this Italian Pasta Salad, are ideal for making ahead, we prefer to serve this cucumber tomato salad when it’s freshly made. It’s best served within a few hours of preparation, but will still be delicious on the second day. Over time, the cucumbers will soften and the both the cucumbers and tomatoes will release some liquid, watering down the salad a bit.
  • You can double the recipe if you’re serving a crowd.

Cucumber Tomato Salad Serving Suggestions

This mouthwatering salad is a versatile healthy side dish! Since it’s so light and fresh, it’s perfect for serving alongside heavier entrees like grilled meats. Bring it to a summer BBQ or potluck, or enjoy it as an easy side with your favorite quick dinners. Try it alongside:

  • Pork: Pair with Grilled Pork Tenderloin or Baked Pork Chops.
  • Chicken: Such as Honey Mustard Chicken or Air Fryer Chicken Legs.
  • Steak: There’s nothing better than this flavorful cucumber tomato salad alongside a juicy Grilled Steak.
  • Salmon: Our go-to recipes include Air Fryer Salmon and this Baked Salmon.
  • Vegetarian: We love serving this salad with our favorite Black Bean Burger Recipe. It’s also delish with Veggie Fajitas!
Cucumber Tomato Salad Recipe - Kristine's Kitchen (6)

More Delicious Salad Recipes

If you love flavor-packed salads, give one of these easy salad recipes a try next:

  • Orzo Salad: With feta, cucumber, tomatoes and Kalamata olives, this flavorful pasta salad can’t be beat!
  • Arugula Salad: Peppery arugula is tossed with fresh pears, almonds and a lemon vinaigrette. It’s simple, and so good!
  • Kale Salad: A fall favorite, with apple, cranberries and goat cheese.
  • Farro Salad: Our go-to healthy main dish salad, it’s a must-make!

Cucumber Tomato Salad Recipe - Kristine's Kitchen (7)

5 from 10 ratings

Cucumber Tomato Salad

Servings: 4 servings

Prep Time: 15 minutes mins

Total Time: 15 minutes mins

This Cucumber Tomato Salad has crisp cucumber, juicy tomatoes and red onion, all tossed in a tangy dressing. Quick and easy to make, it's the ultimate refreshing summer salad recipe!

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Ingredients

  • 1 English cucumber, no need to peel
  • 10 ounces grape or cherry tomatoes*, halved
  • ½ small red onion, thinly sliced, about ½ cup
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon honey
  • ½ teaspoon Kosher salt or fine sea salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley, dill and/or basil, optional

Instructions

  • Trim off the two ends of the cucumber and then halve it lengthwise. Then slice it into ¼-inch thick half rounds.

  • Place the cucumber, halved tomatoes and sliced red onion in a medium bowl.

  • To make the dressing, in a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, honey, salt and pepper.

  • Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to mix.

  • Gently stir in the fresh herbs, if using. Serve immediately or chill in the refrigerator for an hour or two to let the flavors meld together and then serve.

Notes

  • You can also use whole ripe tomatoes and chop them.
  • The salad is best served within a few hours of preparation, but will still be delicious on the second day. Over time, the cucumbers will soften and the both the cucumbers and tomatoes will release some liquid, watering down the salad a bit.

Calories: 99kcal, Carbohydrates: 8g, Protein: 1g, Fat: 7g, Saturated Fat: 1g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g, Monounsaturated Fat: 5g, Sodium: 302mg, Potassium: 296mg, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 5g, Vitamin A: 511IU, Vitamin C: 21mg, Calcium: 26mg, Iron: 1mg

Nutrition information is an estimate.

Cuisine: American

Course: Salad, Side Dish

Tried this recipe?Mention @kristines_kitchen on Instagram or tag #kristineskitchenblog.

This site contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, I may receive a small commission, at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting Kristine's Kitchen!

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posted by Kristine Rosenblatt on Jul 16, 2022 (last updated Mar 9, 2023)

17 comments Leave a comment »

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17 comments on “Cucumber Tomato Salad”

  1. Edna Reply

    This salad was delicious. Thank you.

  2. Genet Reply

    Just bought ingredients….going to make it this week….sounds refreshing ?

  3. Mary C Greene Reply

    Great recipe! My husband loves the flavors.

  4. Miller Reply

    Soooo good Just love this

    • Jess Reply

      Really good!!! I didn’t have red wine vinegar and substituted it with balsamic and it was great!

  5. Valerie Higgins Reply

    This salad was refreshing and quite delicious. I definitely will be making this again. I added avocado and mini sweet bell peppers as a colorful and tasteful addition.

  6. Bob Carpio Reply

    Great salad! A real hit!

  7. Lori Lewis Reply

    Love it 😀

  8. Leslie Reply

    A friend of mine gave me homegrown tomatoes and cucumbers, so I made this salad. So simple and just delicious. It was a big hit!

  9. Charlene Curran Reply

    Once a month my sister cousin and I get together for a long lunch this month she brought this salad we all loved it I made it again for myself This will be my summer salad when every thing is fresh from the garden

  10. Val Reply

    I love your recipe this is my second time making this.my 81 year old mom nearly ate it all by herself thank u for sharing

  11. Lana Pitts-Storck Reply

    This salad is really simple and delicious. I substituted 1 1/2 Tbls. of basalmic vinegar, as we like that better, and 1 1/2 teas. of sugar because I didn’t have any honey. I also used home grown cherry tomatoes. Everyone loved this salad. Thank you for sharing.

  12. Emily Reply

    Delicious and easy. Thanks!

  13. Susan Reply

    This recipe is excellent. Recently made this for a family barbecue. It was a hit. Everyone asked for the recipe. I didn’t have red onion, and I served it with feta on the side.

  14. Shawn Reply

    Very good! I added a little more honey for our taste but very refreshing!

  15. Frank Rozzelle Reply

    Thank you for this recipe. It’s a great side dish or salad. During summer (May to October) we grow the cherry tomatoes and English cucumbers.

    Our personalization is to sub shallots for the red onions and switch to balsamic vinegar and add garlic powder and cayenne.

  16. Dee Reply

    This was so freaking good! My husband said it’s like a Pico side salad dish. We both REALLY liked it, definitely going into rotation. So qick, easy and delicious! T hank you thank you!

Leave a comment »

Cucumber Tomato Salad Recipe - Kristine's Kitchen (2024)

FAQs

How do you keep cucumber salad from getting soggy? ›

These vegetables are usually cooked before eating, and salting helps prevent them from getting mushy and bland. According to America's Test Kitchen, "Salting these watery vegetables draws out extra water and flavor molecules.

Is tomato and cucumber a good combination? ›

Cucumber and tomato are both eaten together in salads. But this is not the right food combination in terms of health. Actually, the way these two are digested is completely different, so eating them together should be avoided.

Is tomato and cucumber salad good? ›

Cucumber Tomato Salad drizzled with Italian Vinaigrette is the perfect side dish to any summer meal! Quick, fresh, healthy, and delicious. Popping in with a PSA that the recipe for Cucumber Tomato Salad exists and you should be making it as often as possible from now until Labor Day.

Can you cut up cucumbers and tomatoes ahead of time? ›

I would recommend making this a few hours ahead to let the flavors marry and to let the veggies soak up that delicious dressing so that you can taste it in every bite. This chilled cucumber tomato salad stays good for at least 24 hours when refrigerated and testes great the next day.

How to stop cucumber from getting soggy? ›

One of the best ways to prevent spoilage is with proper storage. Ideally, store cucumbers in the crisper drawer in the fridge. They should be kept between 50°F to 54°F and about 90% to 95% humidity.

How do you make cucumbers taste better? ›

Salt: The secret to the best cucumber salad is to salt your cucumbers. The salt makes the cucumbers taste better and removes excess water, diluting the dressing. I use sea salt, but any salt will do. Vinegar: I love apple cider vinegar in this dressing, but distilled or white wine vinegar also works nicely.

What should not be mixed with tomatoes? ›

Tomatoes, which are considered acidic, do not mix well with starchy carbs such as pasta. This already-cumbersome combo turns into a recipe for digestive problems when you add dairy to it.

What if I eat cucumber every day? ›

Eating cucumbers may lead to many potential health benefits, including weight loss, balanced hydration, digestive regularity and lower blood sugar levels.

What does cucumber and tomato do to skin? ›

Leaving it overnight can allow active ingredients within the cucumber to treat your acne and tomato will shrink big/open pores, hydrate your skin, reduce dark spots and will add radiance to your face. Rinse off with cold water in the morning.

Should you peel a cucumber for a salad? ›

Should you peel your cucumbers for cucumber salad? Again, it depends on the variety and maturity of the cucumber. English or Persian cucumbers have thin skins which you do not need to peel. Regular market cucumbers may have thicker peels that can be tough and bitter, so it's best to peel those.

What is the best time to eat cucumber salad? ›

Cucumber in general are good to be eaten on an empty stomach. In fact it is best to eat Cucumber before meals as it works as an appetizer due to its high fibre content. Yes, Cucumber can be eaten on an empty stomach especially before lunch because it works as an appetizer.

Which tomato is better for salad? ›

Cherry tomatoes are small, round tomatoes that are perfect for snacking and salads. As their namesake suggests, they are about the same size and shape as a cherry. Most cherry tomatoes are red, but they do come in other colors like yellow and orange.

Do cucumbers last longer in the fridge or on the counter? ›

Even though cucumbers are prone to chilling injury, the fridge is still the best place to store them. At room temperature, cucumbers will only last for about two days. So, what's the solution? Store cucumbers in the warmest part of the fridge — towards the front, furthest from the cooling elements.

Should tomatoes and cucumbers be refrigerated? ›

Cucumbers – Cucumbers do best stored at room temperature rather than in the refrigerator. They are also highly sensitive to ethylene and should be kept away from bananas, melons, and tomatoes. Eggplant – Best stored at room temperature; refrigerating eggplant can make it spoil quickly.

Can dogs eat cucumbers? ›

Cucumbers are perfectly safe for dogs to eat, and offer a low-calorie, crunchy snack that many dogs love. Cucumbers only contain about 8 calories per one-half cup of slices, compared to the 40 calories in a single medium dog biscuit. Cucumbers are also very low in sodium and fat-free.

How to keep cucumbers crisp in a salad? ›

Salt – It draws moisture out of the cucumbers, giving them a crisp, pickle-like texture. It also makes the flavors in this salad pop!

How do you store cucumbers so they stay crunchy? ›

Dry the cucumbers thoroughly, as excess water on the surface can encourage spoilage. Once your cucumber is clean and dry, wrap it in a clean kitchen towel or paper towel. This will help to keep condensation and humidity at bay, preventing sogginess, mold, and overall deterioration.

How do you prep a salad so it doesn't get soggy? ›

Avoid soggy salads by assembling them the right way.

The fix: Try prepping salads in a mason jar. Put the wet ingredients on the bottom and the dryer ingredients on the top to keep them separated.

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