This Cucumber Tomato Salad is a simple, yet flavor-packed dish that embodies everything we love about summer eating. With fresh, juicy cherry tomatoes and cool, crisp cucumbers tossed in a zesty vinaigrette, it delivers the perfect balance of tanginess, sweetness, and crunch. Red onions add a touch of sharpness, while optional basil brings a herbal brightness that elevates the whole dish. Best of all, it takes less than 10 minutes to prepare, making it an ideal choice for busy weekdays, impromptu picnics, or as a cooling complement to grilled mains. Whether you serve it as a side, a light appetizer, or even topped with protein for a main dish salad, it’s a vibrant, healthy choice that never fails to impress.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
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2 cups ripe cherry tomatoes, halved
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1 large cucumber, thinly sliced
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1/2 red onion, finely sliced
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1/4 cup red wine vinegar
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2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
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1 teaspoon sugar
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Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
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Fresh basil leaves, chopped (optional)
Directions:
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In a large bowl, combine the cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, and red onion.
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In a small bowl, whisk together the red wine vinegar, olive oil, sugar, salt, and pepper until well combined.
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Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly.
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Let the salad sit for at least 10–15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
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Garnish with fresh basil just before serving, if using. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 0 minutes | Total Time: 10 minutes
Kcal: 90 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
Garden-Fresh Cucumber Tomato Salad: A Summer Classic Reimagined
The Cucumber Tomato Salad is a vibrant, refreshing, and easy-to-make dish that celebrates the peak-season bounty of summer produce. It’s one of those recipes that perfectly embodies simplicity without compromising flavor or visual appeal. With crisp cucumbers, juicy cherry tomatoes, slivers of red onion, and a bright, tangy vinaigrette, this salad adds a light and invigorating touch to any meal. It’s no surprise that this timeless favorite has become a staple at barbecues, picnics, potlucks, and weeknight dinners alike.
This dish isn’t just about tossing a few vegetables together it’s about highlighting the natural beauty and flavor of each ingredient. Whether you’re serving it as a side to grilled meats, packing it for a lunch on-the-go, or enjoying it as a light dinner, cucumber tomato salad is as versatile as it is delicious. Its appeal lies in its freshness, ease of preparation, and the delightful interplay of textures and tastes.
The Origins and Popularity of Cucumber Tomato Salad
Cucumber tomato salads are found in many culinary traditions around the world, from Mediterranean mezze platters to Eastern European summer lunches and Southern American cookouts. The ingredients are universally loved and widely available, making this salad a cultural chameleon that adapts to different flavor profiles and regional twists.
What’s most remarkable is how such a humble combination of ingredients can evoke nostalgia and familiarity. Many home cooks grew up eating a version of this salad prepared by a grandmother or mother, often with produce straight from the garden. That connection to home, seasonality, and tradition is a big part of what keeps this salad relevant across generations.
Health Benefits and Nutritional Value
One of the key reasons cucumber tomato salad is beloved by health-conscious individuals is its nutritional profile. Both cucumbers and tomatoes are low in calories and high in water content, making this salad hydrating and ideal for hot weather. Cucumbers offer vitamin K, potassium, and antioxidants, while tomatoes are an excellent source of vitamin C, lycopene, and folate.
The addition of red onions introduces beneficial sulfur compounds that support heart health and have anti-inflammatory properties. Meanwhile, a vinaigrette made with olive oil and vinegar adds healthy fats and digestive benefits, especially when combined with a bit of sugar to balance the acidity.
Overall, this salad supports hydration, digestion, cardiovascular health, and weight management, making it a smart addition to a balanced diet. It’s also naturally vegan, gluten-free, and low-carb, catering to a wide range of dietary preferences.
Customization and Flavor Variations
One of the beauties of this dish is how easily it can be customized to suit your taste or dietary needs. Here are a few ways to elevate or tweak the traditional version:
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Add cheese: Crumbled feta, mozzarella pearls, or shaved Parmesan can add creaminess and a salty contrast.
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Include herbs: Fresh dill, mint, or cilantro can each bring a new flavor dimension.
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Spice it up: A dash of chili flakes or chopped jalapeño can offer a subtle kick.
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Make it a meal: Add protein like grilled chicken, chickpeas, or hard-boiled eggs to turn it into a hearty main dish.
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Switch the dressing: Try a yogurt-based tzatziki-style dressing or a lemon tahini drizzle for a richer flavor.
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Add grains: Incorporating quinoa, couscous, or farro makes this salad more filling and nutrient-dense.
By being adaptable, this dish encourages creativity while retaining its essential character light, fresh, and satisfying.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
This salad is a perfect accompaniment to grilled or roasted meats such as chicken, steak, or fish. It also pairs beautifully with Mediterranean dishes like hummus, falafel, and pita bread. In a more casual setting, serve it alongside burgers or sandwiches for a burst of freshness.
For a vegetarian or vegan meal, pair it with a hearty lentil soup or stuffed bell peppers. It also makes a refreshing addition to a mezze board or charcuterie spread, providing a palate-cleansing contrast to richer, saltier components like cheeses and cured meats.
If serving as a main course, consider placing the salad on a bed of greens and topping it with a protein of choice. Drizzle with a more robust vinaigrette or a creamy avocado dressing to elevate it further.
Storage and Meal Prep Tips
Cucumber tomato salad is best enjoyed fresh, but it can be made a few hours in advance and stored in the refrigerator. In fact, letting it sit for 30 minutes to an hour allows the flavors to meld more deeply.
However, cucumbers tend to release water over time, so for longer storage, keep the dressing separate and toss it in just before serving. If preparing for meal prep, store components in separate containers to preserve texture and freshness.
Leftovers can be revived the next day with a squeeze of lemon juice, a sprinkle of salt, or the addition of another handful of fresh herbs.
Cultural and Seasonal Significance
This dish shines brightest in the summer months when tomatoes and cucumbers are at their juiciest and most flavorful. Whether picked fresh from your garden or sourced from a local farmers’ market, in-season produce dramatically enhances the taste and texture of the salad.
In many cultures, this salad is synonymous with summer. It represents abundance, sunshine, and simplicity. Its ingredients evoke feelings of warmth, nostalgia, and the pleasure of eating close to nature.
Whether you’re crafting a Mediterranean-inspired menu or simply looking to beat the heat with a cool side dish, cucumber tomato salad encapsulates everything wonderful about seasonal, garden-to-table eating.
Conclusion:
The Garden-Fresh Cucumber Tomato Salad is more than just a side dish it’s a celebration of fresh produce, effortless preparation, and healthful eating. Its balance of tangy, sweet, crisp, and juicy flavors makes it a go-to for countless occasions, from quick weekday dinners to elegant outdoor gatherings.
Because it’s so easy to personalize, it never gets boring. Whether you stick to the traditional vinaigrette or experiment with bold global flavors, the core ingredients remain a canvas for creativity. And in a world of over-complicated dishes, the straightforward charm of this salad reminds us that sometimes the best recipes are the simplest ones.