The Cucumber Tomato Salad is a timeless classic that brings garden-fresh flavors to your plate in minutes. The juicy sweetness of cherry tomatoes balances perfectly with the cool crunch of cucumbers, while red onion and parsley elevate the salad with bite and brightness. Drizzled in a simple olive oil and red wine vinegar dressing, this salad is light, zesty, and beautifully vibrant. It’s perfect as a side dish for grilled meals, potlucks, or a healthy midday snack. Quick to prepare and packed with nutrients, it’s a warm-weather favorite that never fails to please.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
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2 cups chopped cucumber (about 2 medium cucumbers)
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1½ cups cherry tomatoes, halved
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¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced
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2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
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2 tablespoons olive oil
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1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
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1 teaspoon dried oregano
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½ teaspoon salt
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¼ teaspoon black pepper
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Optional: crumbled feta cheese for garnish
Directions:
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In a large bowl, add chopped cucumber, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and parsley.
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In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, oregano, salt, and black pepper.
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Pour dressing over the salad ingredients and toss until evenly coated.
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Let the salad sit for 10 minutes to enhance the flavor.
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Garnish with feta cheese if desired and serve immediately or chilled.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 0 minutes | Total Time: 10 minutes
Kcal: 110 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
A Refreshing Classic: Cucumber Tomato Salad
When it comes to warm-weather meals, there’s one dish that consistently makes its way to every picnic blanket, potluck table, and summer dinner plate the cucumber tomato salad. This refreshing medley of crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, aromatic herbs, and light dressing is as simple as it is satisfying.
But what makes this salad such a beloved classic across so many cultures and cuisines? Let’s dive into the history, nutritional benefits, pairing ideas, customization options, and tips for making it a true standout.
A Dish with Global Roots
While cucumber tomato salad is a favorite in North American households, its origins can be traced to several culinary traditions around the world. Variations of this salad appear in Mediterranean diets, Middle Eastern mezze platters, and Eastern European tables.
In Greek cuisine, similar combinations form the basis of horiatiki (Greek village salad), usually paired with olives and feta. In Turkish cooking, çoban salatası (shepherd’s salad) includes diced cucumbers and tomatoes with lemon juice and olive oil. Meanwhile, Indian kitchens often prepare kachumber, a salad that includes cucumbers, tomatoes, onions, and sometimes chili for extra heat.
The common thread across these cultural takes is freshness these are dishes made from raw, seasonal ingredients, often grown in backyard gardens or local farms, and dressed simply to highlight their natural flavors.
Why This Salad Works
The genius of cucumber tomato salad lies in its contrast of textures and flavors. Cucumbers provide a cool, satisfying crunch. Tomatoes, especially when using cherry or vine-ripened varieties, add a burst of juicy sweetness. When sliced red onions are introduced into the mix, they bring a zesty sharpness that cuts through the mellow veggies beautifully. Fresh herbs like parsley or basil add aroma and depth, while a splash of vinegar and olive oil ties everything together with a light acidity and silkiness.
This is a salad that relies on balance each element complements the other without overpowering. It’s what makes the dish feel both clean and flavorful, making it a staple in healthy eating habits.
Nutritional Benefits
Beyond taste, cucumber tomato salad delivers a range of health benefits. It’s naturally low in calories, gluten-free, and vegetarian (or vegan if no cheese is added). Here are a few nutritional highlights:
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Cucumbers are hydrating, composed of over 95% water, and offer a good source of vitamin K, potassium, and antioxidants.
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Tomatoes provide lycopene, a powerful antioxidant linked to heart health, as well as vitamins C and A.
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Red onions contain flavonoids like quercetin that have anti-inflammatory and heart-protective properties.
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Olive oil, used in the dressing, contributes healthy monounsaturated fats that support cardiovascular health.
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Vinegar or lemon juice adds a touch of acidity that may aid in digestion and blood sugar control.
Because it’s light and easy to digest, this salad is a great option for anyone following a plant-based, low-carb, or clean-eating lifestyle.
Perfect Pairings
Cucumber tomato salad is one of the most versatile dishes you can serve. It pairs effortlessly with a variety of mains, from grilled meats to roasted vegetables, seafood, or grain bowls. Some delicious pairing ideas include:
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Grilled chicken or fish: The acidity and crunch of the salad cut through the richness of grilled proteins beautifully.
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Mediterranean platters: Serve it alongside hummus, tzatziki, warm pita bread, and olives for a mezze-inspired spread.
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BBQ meals: It’s a refreshing side that balances smoky ribs, burgers, or sausages at summer cookouts.
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Vegetarian mains: Pair it with quinoa, couscous, or lentil-based dishes for a complete meatless meal.
And because it doesn’t wilt quickly, it also holds up well for potlucks, meal prep, and lunchboxes.
Customization Ideas
One of the best things about cucumber tomato salad is its adaptability. Depending on what you have on hand or your personal taste preferences, you can easily customize the recipe:
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Add cheese: Crumbled feta or goat cheese adds a creamy, tangy contrast.
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Mix in other veggies: Bell peppers, radishes, avocados, or even corn kernels add color and texture.
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Boost protein: Add chickpeas or grilled tofu for a heartier salad.
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Try different herbs: Swap parsley for dill, cilantro, or mint for a new flavor profile.
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Change the dressing: Use balsamic vinegar for sweetness, lemon juice for brightness, or add a bit of Dijon mustard for extra kick.
You can even give it a more robust Mediterranean feel with kalamata olives and capers or make it spicy with sliced jalapeños or a pinch of chili flakes.
Tips for the Best Cucumber Tomato Salad
To make the most flavorful version of this salad, consider these expert tips:
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Use fresh, ripe produce: The flavor of this salad depends on the quality of your ingredients. Use ripe tomatoes and firm, unblemished cucumbers for best results.
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Salt wisely: Salting too early can draw out moisture and make the salad watery. Dress just before serving for the best texture.
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Slice thinly: Uniform, bite-sized pieces allow the flavors to meld more evenly.
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Chill before serving: Letting the salad sit for 10–15 minutes in the fridge allows the dressing to soak in and the flavors to blend beautifully.
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Serve fresh: This salad is best eaten the same day it’s made, although it can be kept refrigerated for up to 2 days.
Why You’ll Keep Coming Back to This Salad
There’s something incredibly satisfying about a dish that can be thrown together in minutes and still taste like a thoughtful, complete part of your meal. The cucumber tomato salad isn’t trying to be fancy it thrives in its simplicity.
Whether you’re looking for a last-minute side dish, something light to enjoy during the heat of summer, or just a way to use up your garden harvest, this salad always delivers. Its bright flavors and beautiful colors make it a visual and culinary win every time.
Conclusion:
Cucumber tomato salad may be humble in ingredients, but it’s a powerhouse in flavor, nutrition, and versatility. It’s the kind of recipe you’ll turn to time and time again when you’re short on time, when you’re eating clean, or when you just want something that tastes like sunshine on a plate.
Whether you enjoy it as part of a larger feast or as a standalone snack, this dish has a way of refreshing the palate and bringing a sense of calm and clarity to your table. Simple, vibrant, and endlessly adaptable, it truly embodies what good food is all about.