Name: Cucumber Tomato Salad Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 2 h 15 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 1 English cucumber, sliced into rounds then quartered; 2 cups grape tomatoes, sliced in half; 1/2 cup red onion, sliced into thin strips; 2 Tbsp chopped parsley; 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil; 3 Tbsp red wine vinegar; 1 Tbsp granulated sugar (or honey); 1 tsp dried basil; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/4 tsp ground black pepper

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If you are searching for a delightfully fresh and vibrant side dish that practically sings with flavor, this Cucumber Tomato Salad is exactly what you need. It’s a true celebration of crisp cucumbers and juicy grape tomatoes, tossed with a simple yet zingy dressing that balances tang and sweetness perfectly. Whether you’re pairing it with grilled meats, serving it at a picnic, or simply craving a light, colorful salad, this recipe is an all-time favorite that never disappoints. Trust me, once you try this Cucumber Tomato Salad, it will quickly become a staple in your kitchen rotation.

Cucumber Tomato Salad Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe uses simple, fresh ingredients that marry together beautifully to provide a medley of flavors and textures. Each component is essential: the cucumber adds a refreshing crunch, while the tomatoes bring juicy sweetness and brightness, and the dressing ties everything together with herbs and acidity.

1 English cucumber: Sliced into rounds and quartered for the perfect bite-sized crunch that refreshes the palate.
2 cups grape tomatoes: Halved to release their juicy, sweet burst with every forkful.
1/2 cup red onion: Thinly sliced to add a subtle sharpness and beautiful color contrast.
2 Tbsp chopped parsley: Fresh and herbaceous to brighten the overall flavor profile.
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil: Provides richness and helps meld the dressing ingredients smoothly.
3 Tbsp red wine vinegar: The tangy backbone that gives the salad its lively kick.
1 Tbsp granulated sugar or honey: Balances acidity with a touch of sweetness for harmony.
1 tsp dried basil: Adds a warm, aromatic herbal note that complements the veggies perfectly.
1/2 tsp salt: Enhances all the natural flavors and draws out the freshness of the vegetables.
1/4 tsp ground black pepper: Just a hint of spice to round out the dressing.

How to Make Cucumber Tomato Salad

Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables

Start by washing your English cucumber carefully. Slice it into rounds about a quarter-inch thick, then quarter each slice to create manageable, bite-size pieces. Next, take your grape tomatoes and slice each one in half, exposing their juicy seeds and flesh. Thinly slice the red onion into slender strips to ensure the onion flavor is just right—noticeable but not overpowering.

Step 2: Chop the Parsley

Fresh parsley adds more than just a pop of green; it gives the salad a fresh herbal fragrance. Chop about two tablespoons finely so it can sprinkle evenly through the salad without clumping together in one bite.

Step 3: Whisk Together the Dressing

In a small bowl, combine your extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, and either granulated sugar or honey for natural sweetness. Add the dried basil, salt, and black pepper. Whisk everything together vigorously until the dressing becomes slightly emulsified, with a beautiful sheen and balanced flavor that will bind the salad ingredients unitedly.

Step 4: Combine and Toss

In a large bowl, add the chopped cucumber, halved grape tomatoes, sliced red onion, and chopped parsley. Pour the dressing over these fresh veggies and toss gently but thoroughly, ensuring every piece gets some of that vibrant dressing coating it. The result is a colorful, glistening mixture that tempts the eye and the appetite.

Step 5: Chill and Marinate

Cover your bowl tightly with a lid or plastic wrap and refrigerate it for about two hours. This resting time invites all those bright flavors to meld together and allows the cucumbers and tomatoes to slightly soften, letting the dressing soak in deeply for an extra-delicious salad experience.

Step 6: Final Toss Before Serving

Give the salad a final stir just before serving to redistribute any dressing that may have settled. This quick toss refreshes the salad’s vibrant look and ensures each bite is as flavorful as the first.

How to Serve Cucumber Tomato Salad

Garnishes

Serve your Cucumber Tomato Salad with a sprinkle of freshly chopped herbs like basil or mint to enhance its flavor and visual appeal. A few crumbled feta or small mozzarella balls can also add an indulgent creaminess that complements the crisp vegetables beautifully.

Side Dishes

This salad pairs wonderfully with a variety of dishes. It is perfect alongside grilled chicken or fish, adding a refreshing counterpoint. It also works well with hearty mains like roasted lamb or barbecued ribs, offering a bright, fresh balance to richer flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

For a festive touch, try serving the salad in hollowed-out cucumber halves or colorful mini bell peppers. Alternatively, layering it in clear glass jars can create an eye-catching presentation for picnics or potlucks, keeping the salad fresh and crisp until it’s time to enjoy.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, transfer the Cucumber Tomato Salad to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. The flavors will continue to meld, but the texture remains best within 1-2 days to keep the cucumbers crunchy and the tomatoes fresh.

Freezing

Freezing is not recommended for this salad. The high water content in cucumbers and tomatoes causes them to become mushy and lose their crispness after thawing, compromising the dish’s fresh appeal.

Reheating

This salad is always best served cold or at room temperature. Avoid reheating, as it will diminish the fresh, crisp qualities that make the Cucumber Tomato Salad so irresistible.

FAQs

Can I use other types of tomatoes in this salad?

Absolutely! While grape tomatoes are ideal for their size and sweetness, cherry tomatoes or even diced heirloom tomatoes work wonderfully and give a slightly different flavor and texture experience.

Is there a way to make the dressing less acidic?

Yes, if you prefer a milder tang, reduce the red wine vinegar slightly or add a bit more honey or sugar to balance the acidity to your liking.

Can I add other vegetables to this salad?

Definitely! You can mix in diced bell peppers, sliced radishes, or even some avocado for creaminess. Just keep in mind that adding vegetables with strong flavors might change the salad’s balance.

How long should I marinate the salad for best results?

At least two hours in the fridge is ideal to allow all the flavors to meld and the vegetables to soften slightly while maintaining their crunch.

Is this salad suitable for meal prep?

Yes, it’s a great choice for meal prep if you plan to eat it within a day or two. Just keep the dressing separate until ready to serve if you want to maintain maximum crispness.

Final Thoughts

This Cucumber Tomato Salad is truly one of those dishes that feels both refreshingly light and satisfyingly flavorful. Easy to prepare, bursting with color, and endlessly versatile, it’s a recipe you’ll find yourself returning to as the perfect companion to almost any meal. Give it a try, and I promise it’ll brighten your table and your taste buds every single time.

Cucumber Tomato Salad Recipe

★★★★★

5.1 from 26 reviews

Author: Lily
Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

A refreshing and vibrant Cucumber Tomato Salad combining crisp cucumbers, sweet grape tomatoes, and tangy red onions, tossed in a flavorful olive oil and red wine vinegar dressing with herbs and a touch of sweetness. Perfect as a light appetizer or side dish.

Instructions

Prepare the cucumber: Wash and chop the cucumber into rounds, then quarter each round for bite-sized pieces.
Slice the tomatoes and onions: Slice grape tomatoes in half and cut the red onion into thin strips to add a sharp, tangy flavor.
Chop the parsley: Finely chop the parsley to sprinkle fresh herbaceous notes throughout the salad.
Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, sugar (or honey), dried basil, salt, and ground black pepper until well combined and smooth.
Combine vegetables and herbs: Add the prepared cucumbers, tomatoes, red onion, and parsley into a large salad bowl.
Add the dressing: Drizzle the dressing evenly over the vegetables in the salad bowl.
Toss the salad: Toss everything gently but thoroughly to ensure the dressing coats all the ingredients.
Chill the salad: Cover the bowl with a lid or plastic wrap, and refrigerate the salad for 2 hours to allow flavors to meld.
Serve: Stir the salad again just before serving to redistribute the dressing evenly and enjoy a fresh, crunchy, and flavorful dish.

Notes

For a sweeter touch, substitute granulated sugar with honey.
The salad tastes even better after chilling as it allows flavors to develop fully.
Use fresh herbs if available for a more vibrant flavor.
This salad is best served fresh but can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 1 day.
Adjust salt and pepper to taste according to your preference.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Category: Salad
Method: No-cook, Tossing
Cuisine: Mediterranean