The Cucumber Tomato Salad is a celebration of fresh, crunchy, and vibrant produce that comes together effortlessly in just minutes. Juicy cherry tomatoes and cool cucumbers are balanced with a touch of red onion and tossed in a tangy vinaigrette that brightens every bite.
Perfect for summer picnics, barbecues, or as a quick side dish, this salad is both simple and satisfying. It’s naturally gluten-free and vegan, making it a universally loved addition to your table. Serve chilled for maximum flavor and enjoy the refreshing crunch in every bite.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
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2 cups cucumbers, thinly sliced
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1 ½ cups cherry tomatoes, halved
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¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced
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2 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
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2 tbsp olive oil
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1 tbsp red wine vinegar
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1 tsp Dijon mustard
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Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
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In a large bowl, combine the sliced cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, and red onion.
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In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper.
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Pour the dressing over the vegetables and toss until everything is evenly coated.
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Sprinkle with fresh chopped dill and gently mix again.
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Chill in the fridge for 15–30 minutes before serving for the best flavor.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 0 minutes | Total Time: 10 minutes
Kcal: 120 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
A Fresh Take on the Classic Cucumber Tomato Salad
There’s something incredibly comforting about simple, fresh food. The kind of dish that doesn’t need a long list of ingredients or complicated techniques to shine. Enter the Cucumber Tomato Salad, a classic combination of crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, and just the right touch of acidity and herbs. Whether it’s part of a backyard barbecue, a picnic in the park, or a refreshing side on a hot day, this salad has earned its place on the table across cultures and cuisines.
A Global Staple with Local Flavors
Though it might feel like a humble side, this salad has deep roots in various culinary traditions around the world. In Mediterranean cuisine, cucumber and tomato salads are often paired with feta cheese and olives. In Eastern Europe, they may be tossed with sour cream or sunflower oil. Middle Eastern variations like Israeli salad are finely chopped and brightened with lemon juice and parsley. The appeal is universal: seasonal vegetables at their best, simply prepared.
This particular recipe highlights clean, garden-fresh flavors with just the essentials. It’s lightly dressed with olive oil, red wine vinegar, and a touch of mustard to give it body and depth without overpowering the vegetables. A sprinkle of dill adds aromatic brightness and a summery note that keeps you coming back for more.
Why Cucumber and Tomato?
Cucumbers and tomatoes are two of the most accessible and affordable vegetables available, yet they offer a powerhouse of health benefits and culinary potential.
Cucumbers are over 95% water, making them a naturally hydrating ingredient. They’re also low in calories and high in important nutrients like vitamin K and antioxidants. Their crunchy texture adds a refreshing element to any dish, particularly cold salads.
Tomatoes, on the other hand, are nutrient-dense and rich in lycopene, a plant compound with powerful antioxidant properties. They bring a sweet acidity that balances the more neutral, watery crunch of the cucumber. Plus, their vibrant color adds visual appeal, which is always a bonus when plating.
Ingredient Breakdown and Substitutions
What makes this cucumber tomato salad so versatile is that it can easily be modified based on your taste preferences or what’s in your fridge. Here’s a deeper look at each component and how you can customize it:
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Cucumbers: English cucumbers or Persian cucumbers are ideal because of their thin skins and minimal seeds. If using regular garden cucumbers, consider peeling them and removing the seeds for the best texture.
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Tomatoes: Cherry or grape tomatoes offer a sweet burst of flavor, but any ripe, juicy tomatoes will do—Roma, heirloom, or beefsteak tomatoes can be chopped into bite-sized pieces.
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Red Onion: Adds a sharp bite that contrasts beautifully with the mildness of the cucumbers and tomatoes. Soaking sliced onions in cold water for 10 minutes before using can mellow their intensity.
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Fresh Dill: This herb brings a signature flavor that pairs exceptionally well with cucumbers. You can substitute with parsley, mint, or basil depending on your flavor preferences.
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Dressing: A simple vinaigrette made with olive oil, red wine vinegar, and a hint of Dijon mustard provides just enough richness and tang to tie everything together. Lemon juice or balsamic vinegar can also be used for variation.
Health Benefits of Cucumber Tomato Salad
This salad isn’t just tasty, it’s incredibly good for you too. It’s naturally low in calories, gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegan, making it suitable for almost every diet.
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Hydration: Both cucumbers and tomatoes have a high water content, helping you stay hydrated, especially in warmer months.
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Digestive Health: The fiber in cucumbers and tomatoes supports healthy digestion and regularity.
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Heart Health: Olive oil, a core component of the dressing, is rich in heart-healthy monounsaturated fats.
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Antioxidant Boost: Lycopene in tomatoes and flavonoids in cucumbers contribute to overall cellular health and help reduce inflammation.
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Weight Management: This salad is filling but low in calories, making it an ideal choice for those watching their weight.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
The beauty of this salad is its versatility. You can serve it:
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As a side dish for grilled meats, fish, or tofu
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As a light lunch with a slice of crusty bread or added chickpeas for protein
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Topped with crumbled feta, olives, and a sprinkle of za’atar for a Mediterranean twist
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Layered on toasted pita or flatbread for a satisfying snack or appetizer
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Alongside hummus, baba ganoush, or other dips on a mezze platter
You can also make it a main dish by adding a grain like quinoa, bulgur, or couscous. It complements everything from burgers to kebabs and is equally welcome on a holiday table or a casual weekday dinner.
Storage and Meal Prep Tips
One of the best parts of this salad is how easy it is to prepare ahead of time. While it’s best enjoyed fresh, it can hold up in the fridge for a few hours without losing too much texture. Here are a few tips:
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Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
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If you plan to store it, consider keeping the dressing separate until just before serving to prevent the vegetables from becoming soggy.
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To revive the flavor after chilling, give the salad a quick toss and maybe a splash more vinegar or fresh herbs.
This salad also travels well, making it a favorite for picnics, potlucks, and even lunchboxes. Just pack it in a container with a tight lid, and you’re good to go.
Seasonal and Local Considerations
While cucumbers and tomatoes are available year-round, there’s nothing like making this salad during peak summer harvest. When made with locally grown, in-season produce, the flavor is noticeably more vibrant. Try visiting your local farmers’ market for freshly picked vegetables and herbs, it’ll take this simple salad to the next level.
If you’re into gardening, cucumbers and tomatoes are relatively easy to grow and extremely rewarding. There’s a special kind of satisfaction that comes with making a salad from ingredients you harvested yourself.
Cultural Variations to Explore
This dish has countless international cousins worth exploring or integrating into your own kitchen:
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Shirazi Salad (Iran): Finely chopped cucumbers, tomatoes, and onions with lemon juice and dried mint.
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Kachumber (India): A mix of chopped raw veggies including cucumber, tomato, and onion, spiced with cumin and chili.
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Israeli Salad: Typically includes finely chopped cucumbers and tomatoes, often with parsley and lemon juice.
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Greek Salad: Adds olives and feta, and usually uses larger tomato chunks and Kalamata olives.
Exploring these variations not only brings diversity to your meals but also connects you to culinary traditions from around the world.
Conclusion
The Cucumber Tomato Salad is more than just a side dish, it’s a celebration of freshness, simplicity, and versatility. With only a few ingredients, it showcases how the quality of your produce and a well-balanced dressing can make a dish unforgettable. It’s a canvas for creativity, adaptable to almost any cuisine or occasion, and beloved by anyone seeking something light, nutritious, and bursting with flavor.
Whether you enjoy it as a quick weekday side, a potluck staple, or a health-conscious lunch, this salad delivers every time. Don’t underestimate the power of this humble classic, it’s a timeless recipe that belongs in every home cook’s repertoire.