Best Cucumber Tomato Salad Recipe for a Fresh and Flavorful Side Dish

On a warm afternoon or when you want something light and refreshing to serve alongside dinner, few dishes hit the spot like a crisp cucumber tomato salad. It’s quick, easy, and made with ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen. This salad isn’t just colorful—it’s packed with flavor, offering a perfect balance of juicy tomatoes, crunchy cucumbers, and the sharp zing of red onion, all tossed in a tangy, herb-infused dressing.

Whether you’re meal prepping for the week, throwing together a potluck dish, or simply craving a healthy side, this cucumber tomato salad recipe delivers every time. It’s also incredibly versatile, letting you play around with fresh herbs, seasonal vegetables, or even a sprinkle of feta. And the best part? You can make it ahead of time, allowing the vegetables to soak up all that delicious dressing.

Ready to try your hand at a homemade cucumber tomato onion salad? Let’s dive in.

Why You’ll Love This Cucumber Tomato Salad Recipe

When it comes to simple recipes, this one is a true winner. You only need a few fresh ingredients and a quick homemade vinaigrette to bring it all together. Here’s why you’ll find yourself making this salad on repeat:

• Super fresh and flavorful – Crisp cucumbers and sweet tomatoes offer a refreshing bite.
• Minimal ingredients – No fancy ingredients or complicated steps required.
• Make-ahead friendly – The longer it chills, the better it tastes.
• Versatile – Easily customize it with other veggies or herbs.
• Healthy – It’s naturally gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegetarian.
• Perfect for any meal – Enjoy it with grilled meats, sandwiches, wraps, or as part of a summer picnic.

Whether you call it a cucumber and tomato salad or a tomato cucumber onion salad, the result is the same: a vibrant, crowd-pleasing side you’ll turn to again and again.

Best Cucumber Tomato Salad Recipe for a Fresh and Flavorful Side Dish

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This cucumber tomato salad is crisp, colorful, and bursting with fresh flavor. Made with simple ingredients and a tangy homemade dressing, it’s the perfect make-ahead side dish for any meal.

• Author: Chef Rina
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cooling: 2 hours
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x
• Category: Salad

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Salad:

• 1 English cucumber, sliced into rounds and quartered

• 2 cups grape tomatoes, halved

• ½ cup red onion, thinly sliced

• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

For the Dressing:

• ¼ cup olive oil

• 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar

• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar (or honey)

• 1 teaspoon dried basil

• ½ teaspoon salt

• ¼ teaspoon ground black peppe

Instructions

 

• Prepare the vegetables:
  Wash the cucumber, tomatoes, and red onion. Slice the cucumber into rounds, then quarter each piece. Halve the grape tomatoes, and thinly slice the red onion. Chop the parsley.

• Make the dressing:
  In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, sugar, dried basil, salt, and pepper until well combined.

• Combine:
  Place the cucumbers, tomatoes, onion, and parsley in a large mixing bowl. Drizzle the dressing over the vegetables and toss gently to coat everything evenly.

• Chill:
  Cover the bowl with a lid or plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to blend.

• Serve:
  Give the salad a good stir before serving. Enjoy it cold as a side dish to your favorite summer meals.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 167
• Sugar: 7g
• Sodium: 299mg
• Fat: 14g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2g
• Carbohydrates: 11g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 1g

Ingredients You’ll Need

You don’t need much to make this classic tomato and cucumber salad. Keep your produce fresh, and your dressing simple, and the flavors will shine. Here’s a breakdown of everything you’ll need:

Ingredient Table

Each ingredient plays a role. The cucumbers give the salad a cool crunch, the tomatoes provide juiciness and color, and the red onion adds depth and tang. The homemade dressing ties everything together with its balance of acidity and subtle sweetness.

How to Make Cucumber Tomato Salad Step-by-Step

Making this cucumber tomato salad is fast and fuss-free. No need to fire up the stove or oven—just chop, mix, and chill.

1. Prepare Your Vegetables

Start by washing your vegetables well. Even if your cucumber is labeled “ready to eat,” giving it a quick rinse helps remove any residue.

• Cucumber: Slice into thin rounds, then quarter each piece. This keeps them bite-sized and easy to eat.
• Tomatoes: Halve your grape or cherry tomatoes. If you’re using larger tomatoes, cut them into evenly sized chunks.
• Red Onion: Slice as thin as possible. The thinner the strips, the more evenly they’ll mix into the salad without overpowering each bite.
• Parsley: Roughly chop your fresh parsley, or substitute with fresh dill or cilantro if preferred.

Tip: If your onion is particularly strong, you can soak the slices in cold water for 10 minutes to soften the sharpness before adding them to the salad.

2. Make the Dressing

This salad dressing is the secret weapon—it’s what makes this cucumber tomato salad recipe taste so vibrant.

In a small mixing bowl or jar, whisk together:

• ¼ cup olive oil
• 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 1 tablespoon sugar or honey
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

The olive oil offers richness, while the vinegar gives a tangy bite. The sugar helps mellow everything out and balances the acidity. Basil adds that subtle earthy note that pairs beautifully with both cucumber and tomato.

Pro tip: You can make this dressing a few days in advance and store it in the fridge. Just give it a good shake or stir before using.

3. Toss the Salad Together

In a large salad bowl:

• Add the chopped cucumbers, tomatoes, and red onion.
• Sprinkle the chopped parsley over the top.
• Drizzle the prepared dressing over the salad.
• Gently toss everything together until all the veggies are coated evenly.

Try not to over-mix, as tomatoes can break down easily. You want everything to remain vibrant and fresh.

4. Let It Chill

This step makes all the difference in flavor. Once mixed, cover the salad with a lid or plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours. During this time, the vegetables absorb the dressing, making every bite more flavorful.

You can even make this cucumber and tomato salad recipe the night before you plan to serve it. It will taste even better the next day.

5. Serve and Enjoy

Just before serving, give the salad a final stir. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. If you like, you can add an extra drizzle of olive oil or a touch more vinegar.

This cucumber tomato onion salad is best served cold, making it perfect for hot summer days or as a cooling side to spicy mains.

Tips for the Best Cucumber Tomato Onion Salad

You’ve already mastered the basics, but a few simple tricks can elevate your cucumber tomato salad recipe from good to unforgettable.

Choose the Right Produce

• Cucumbers: English cucumbers are ideal because they’re seedless, thin-skinned, and mild. If using regular cucumbers, peel them and scoop out the seeds to avoid excess moisture and bitterness.
• Tomatoes: Look for ripe, firm grape or cherry tomatoes. They hold their shape and offer a sweet, juicy pop. Heirloom tomatoes also work well for a more rustic look and deeper flavor.
• Onions: Red onions are best here. Their slight sweetness balances the acidity of the vinegar and the natural sharpness blends beautifully once marinated.

Chop Consistently

Uniform slicing helps with presentation and ensures that every bite has a little of everything—cucumber, tomato, onion, and dressing. Uneven pieces can also affect texture and flavor distribution.

Don’t Skip the Marinating Time

Letting the tomato and cucumber salad sit in the fridge for at least 2 hours is essential. This gives the dressing time to soak into the vegetables, softening the onions slightly and infusing the entire bowl with flavor. The result is a salad that tastes like it was made in a professional kitchen, not thrown together last minute.

Adjust to Your Taste

Feel free to tweak the dressing if you prefer a more tangy or sweeter salad. Add more vinegar for bite or increase the sugar (or honey) for balance. You can also bump up the herbs if you’re going for a more aromatic dish.

Easy Variations and Add-Ins

This cucumber and tomato salad recipe is wonderfully flexible. You can keep it simple or jazz it up to suit your mood or menu.

Add Cheese

• Crumbled feta adds a salty, creamy contrast.
• Fresh mozzarella balls give a Caprese-style twist.
• Shaved Parmesan offers a nutty finish.

Add Protein

• Grilled chicken turns it into a complete meal.
• Chickpeas add texture and make it more filling.
• Hard-boiled eggs work well for a picnic-style dish.

Toss in More Veggies

• Bell peppers for crunch and color.
• Avocado for creaminess (add just before serving).
• Corn kernels for a touch of sweetness.

Fresh Herbs Beyond Parsley

• Dill adds a fresh, grassy flavor.
• Mint gives the salad a cool edge.
• Basil makes it more Mediterranean-inspired.

Change the Vinegar

• Swap red wine vinegar for apple cider, white balsamic, or lemon juice for a citrusy finish.

Spice It Up

• Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes.
• Use thinly sliced jalapeños for a fresh heat.

The possibilities are endless. That’s what makes this cucumber tomato salad a staple—you can adapt it to whatever you have in your kitchen or whatever season you’re in.

What to Serve with Cucumber Tomato Salad

This cucumber salad and tomato combo works with just about anything. Its crisp, tangy flavor makes it the perfect palate cleanser and a great contrast to rich or spicy foods.

Main Dishes

• Grilled meats: Chicken, steak, pork chops, or kebabs
• Baked fish: Salmon, cod, tilapia
• Mediterranean plates: Falafel, hummus, pita bread, dolmas
• Sandwiches and wraps: Especially gyros, turkey clubs, or grilled veggie wraps

Carby Sides

• Rice pilaf
• Couscous
• Quinoa
• Orzo pasta
• Crusty bread for dipping

You can even scoop this tomato cucumber onion salad into pita bread with hummus for a quick vegetarian lunch.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

Can You Make It in Advance?

Yes, and you should! This is one of those rare salads that actually gets better with time. Make it in the morning and serve it later in the day, or prep it the night before for an event.

Just remember:

• Add delicate ingredients like avocado or cheese right before serving.
• Stir well after chilling to redistribute the dressing.

How Long Will It Last in the Fridge?

This salad will stay fresh for about 2 to 3 days in an airtight container. After that, the cucumbers may start to soften too much, and the tomatoes could lose their structure.

Can You Freeze It?

Unfortunately, no. Fresh vegetables like cucumbers and tomatoes do not freeze well, and the texture will suffer. This salad is best enjoyed fresh or within a couple of days of preparation.

Nutrition Breakdown (Per Serving)

This recipe makes 4 servings. Here’s an estimate of the nutrition per serving:

• Calories: 167
• Total Fat: 14g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g
• Monounsaturated Fat: 10g
• Carbohydrates: 11g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugars: 7g
• Protein: 1g
• Sodium: 299mg
• Potassium: 340mg
• Vitamin A: 871 IU
• Vitamin C: 17mg
• Calcium: 34mg
• Iron: 1mg

Please note that these values are estimates and may vary based on the exact brands and portions used.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cucumber Tomato Salad

What’s the best type of cucumber for tomato cucumber onion salad?

English cucumbers are the top choice because they’re mild, thin-skinned, and seedless. If using garden cucumbers or another variety, peel them and remove the seeds to prevent excess moisture and bitterness.

Can I use other types of tomatoes in this cucumber tomato salad recipe?

Absolutely. Grape and cherry tomatoes hold up well, but you can also use Roma, heirloom, or beefsteak tomatoes. Just be sure to remove any watery cores and chop them evenly for best results.

Is this cucumber and tomato salad recipe healthy?

Yes. It’s low in calories, rich in vitamins A and C, and naturally gluten-free and dairy-free. It makes a nutritious addition to any balanced meal.

How can I make tomato and cucumber salad vegan?

This version is already vegan as written. Just be sure to use sugar or a plant-based sweetener instead of honey if needed.

Can I prepare the cucumber tomato salad recipe ahead of time?

Yes. Making it ahead allows the vegetables to marinate and develop deeper flavor. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge and stir before serving.

What can I use instead of red wine vinegar?

You can substitute apple cider vinegar, white balsamic, or even lemon juice for a slightly different flavor profile. Adjust the amount to taste, especially if using citrus.

What’s the difference between tomato cucumber salad and cucumber tomato onion salad?

They’re essentially the same! Both terms describe a salad made with cucumbers, tomatoes, and onions in a simple vinaigrette. Some versions include cheese or extra herbs, but the base remains the same.

Conclusion

When you’re looking for a no-fuss, flavor-packed side that comes together in minutes, this cucumber tomato salad is your answer. It’s crunchy, tangy, juicy, and just the right amount of refreshing. With the flexibility to customize, the ease of preparation, and the bold flavors that get better over time, it’s no wonder this cucumber tomato onion salad continues to be a staple in so many kitchens.

You now have everything you need to make the perfect cucumber and tomato salad recipe. From selecting the best produce to whipping up a simple dressing, from tips on add-ins to expert answers to common questions—you’re covered.

Now it’s your turn!
Did you make this salad? How did you customize it? Leave a comment below and share your twist. And if you loved this recipe, pass it along to a friend who could use a fresh side dish in their life.