If you’re searching for a side dish that’s light, refreshing, and bursting with natural flavor, look no further than the classic cucumber tomato salad. It’s a staple in many cuisines around the world, from Mediterranean mezze to American summer cookouts. What makes this salad a favorite is its simplicity—just a few humble ingredients that come together to create something crisp, juicy, and satisfying.
Why You’ll Love This Cucumber Tomato Salad
Simple and Quick – Ready in under 15 minutes with just a few ingredients.
Naturally Healthy – Low-calorie, hydrating, and packed with nutrients.
Versatile – Goes with nearly any main dish, hot or cold.
Budget-Friendly – Uses fresh, seasonal, and affordable ingredients.
Customizable – Easy to adapt with herbs, cheese, beans, or dressings.
Ingredients List
The beauty of this salad is its simplicity. Here’s the basic ingredient list:
2 cups cucumber, thinly sliced (English or Persian preferred)
2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved or diced Roma tomatoes
½ small red onion, thinly sliced
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon red wine vinegar or lemon juice
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh herbs (parsley, dill, or basil)
Optional add-ins:
Crumbled feta cheese
Sliced olives
Garlic
Avocado
Chickpeas or white beans
Timing and Servings
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Marinate Time (optional): 15–30 minutes
Total Time: 10–40 minutes
Servings: 4 as a side dish
How to Make Cucumber Tomato Salad
Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables
Wash and slice the cucumbers (no need to peel if they’re thin-skinned).
Halve cherry tomatoes or dice larger ones.
Thinly slice the red onion.
Step 2: Mix the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, vinegar or lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
Add a pinch of sugar or garlic for extra flavor, if desired.
Step 3: Combine and Toss
In a large bowl, combine all the vegetables.
Pour the dressing over and toss gently to coat.
Step 4: Add Herbs and Chill
Sprinkle with chopped herbs.
Let sit for 15–30 minutes in the fridge to allow flavors to blend. Serve cold.
Choosing the Best Ingredients
Cucumbers
English cucumbers – Thin skin and fewer seeds, ideal for salads.
Persian cucumbers – Crunchy and slightly sweet.
Garden cucumbers – Peel and deseed if large or bitter.
Tomatoes
Cherry or grape tomatoes – Sweet and firm.
Roma (plum) tomatoes – Less juicy, more meaty.
Heirloom tomatoes – Beautiful color and flavor, but may release more water.
Onions
Red onions – Mild, slightly sweet, and colorful.
Shallots – Subtler in flavor, great for sensitive palates.
Soak onions in cold water for 10 minutes to reduce sharpness.
Cucumber Tomato Salad Variations
1. Mediterranean Style
Add crumbled feta cheese, kalamata olives, oregano, and a lemon vinaigrette.
2. Creamy Cucumber Tomato Salad
Mix with sour cream or Greek yogurt, dill, and a touch of garlic.
3. Indian-Inspired Kachumber
Add chopped green chilies, cumin powder, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime.
4. Avocado Cucumber Tomato Salad
Add ripe avocado chunks and toss with lime juice for a creamy twist.
5. Middle Eastern Style
Toss with sumac, mint, parsley, and drizzle of pomegranate molasses.
Pairing Ideas: What to Serve with Cucumber Tomato Salad
This salad pairs beautifully with:
Grilled meats – Chicken, steak, lamb chops
Seafood – Baked salmon, shrimp skewers
Sandwiches or wraps – Falafel, hummus wraps, gyros
Barbecue dishes – Burgers, hot dogs, ribs
Grain bowls – Serve over quinoa, couscous, or bulgur
How to Keep Cucumber Tomato Salad from Getting Watery
Tips:
Use firm tomatoes – Cherry or grape tomatoes release less water.
Salt the cucumbers first – Let sit for 10–15 minutes, then drain excess water.
Add dressing just before serving – This prevents the salad from breaking down.
Use less juicy vegetables – Roma tomatoes and Persian cucumbers work well.
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
Make-ahead: Prepare vegetables and dressing separately. Combine just before serving.
Storage: Keeps for 1–2 days in the fridge. Best enjoyed the same day.
Don’t freeze – The texture of raw vegetables will become mushy.
Nutritional Benefits of Cucumber Tomato Salad
This salad is a powerhouse of health benefits:
Hydration – Cucumbers and tomatoes are over 90% water.
Low in calories – Great for weight loss or light meals.
Rich in antioxidants – Especially lycopene from tomatoes.
Supports heart health – Olive oil and vegetables are heart-healthy.
Aids digestion – High fiber content promotes gut health.
Approximate Nutrition per Serving (without cheese):
Calories: 90
Protein: 2g
Carbs: 8g
Fat: 6g
Fiber: 2g
Tips for Making the Best Cucumber Tomato Salad
Use room-temperature tomatoes for better flavor.
Chop evenly for consistent texture and appearance.
Don’t overdress – Too much oil or vinegar can drown the veggies.
Use fresh herbs – They elevate the salad instantly.
Add protein – Beans, feta, or grilled chicken turn it into a meal.
FAQs
Q1: Can I make cucumber tomato salad without onions?
Yes, you can skip onions or replace with shallots or green onions for a milder flavor.
Q2: What’s the best vinegar to use?
Red wine vinegar, apple cider vinegar, or lemon juice are great. Balsamic works too but may overpower the flavor.
Q3: How do I keep cucumbers crisp in salad?
Use English or Persian cucumbers, and avoid soaking them in dressing for too long.
Q4: Is cucumber tomato salad keto-friendly?
Yes, it’s low in carbs—especially if you avoid sweetened dressings.
Q5: Can I add lettuce or other greens?
Yes, adding arugula, spinach, or romaine can make it more of a leafy salad.
Conclusion
Cucumber tomato salad is one of those simple yet deeply satisfying dishes that never goes out of style. It’s quick to make, easy to customize, and the perfect accompaniment to almost any meal. Whether you enjoy it plain with a drizzle of olive oil or jazz it up with feta, avocado, and herbs, it’s always crisp, refreshing, and delicious.
Try out different variations, mix in your favorite ingredients, and make it your own. Once you master the basics, you’ll find yourself turning to this salad over and over again—for weeknight dinners, picnics, potlucks, or anytime you crave something light and fresh.