If you’re searching for something crisp, juicy, and utterly refreshing, let me introduce you to my all-time favorite Cucumber and Tomato Salad Recipe. This vibrant dish is a celebration of summer’s best produce, marrying sweet, sun-ripened tomatoes with cool, crunchy cucumbers and a punch of onion. Toss it all with a tangy dressing that lets the natural flavors shine, and you have a simple yet irresistible salad that goes with just about anything. Whether you’re serving it at a picnic, a barbecue, or as a weekday lunch, this Cucumber and Tomato Salad Recipe will quickly become your go-to for effortless, healthy eating.

Cucumber and Tomato Salad Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this salad is in its simplicity, and every ingredient brings something essential—crispness from the cucumbers, lush juiciness from tomatoes, and zing from the vinaigrette. Choosing fresh, quality produce and a good olive oil or sunflower oil makes the Cucumber and Tomato Salad Recipe truly sing.

Tomatoes: Choose medium, ripe tomatoes for their full-bodied sweetness and juicy bite.
Cucumbers: Small cucumbers or English cucumber add crunch and mild flavor; peel only if the skin is tough.
Onion: A small onion, thinly sliced, gives warmth and sharpness—the perfect flavor balance.
Sunflower or Olive Oil: Use high quality for a smooth, subtle richness that ties the salad together.
Distilled White Vinegar: Adds a surprising tang that wakes up every other flavor in the bowl.
Fine Sea Salt: Essential for drawing out vegetable juices and seasoning every bite just right.
Freshly Ground Black Pepper: For a hint of spice and aromatic lift.
Green Onions (optional): A sprinkle on top brings color and a fresh, gentle bite for garnish.

How to Make Cucumber and Tomato Salad Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables

Begin by washing your tomatoes and cucumbers thoroughly. Slice the tomatoes into wedges or rounds, depending on your preference. Cut the cucumbers into thin rounds, leaving the skin for color and crunch unless it’s very thick. Thinly slice your onion so it mingles easily through the salad. Toss all the veggies into a generous mixing bowl—you want room to toss without bruising the produce.

Step 2: Make the Dressing

In a small ramekin or bowl, whisk together your oil, vinegar, sea salt, and black pepper. The ratio in this Cucumber and Tomato Salad Recipe ensures the vinaigrette stays lively but never overpowers the vegetables. Stir vigorously until the dressing looks unified and glossy.

Step 3: Dress the Salad

This is the moment where everything comes together. Drizzle the dressing over your assembled vegetables, but hold off until just before serving—this keeps your salad crisp and juicy, not watery. Use clean hands or salad spoons to gently toss the salad until everything is glistening and evenly coated. Taste for seasoning and tweak salt or pepper as your palate demands.

Step 4: Garnish and Serve

Just before the salad heads to the table, shower it with green onions if you like a little dash of extra color and freshness. The salad is now ready to be enjoyed at its peak—just make sure you serve it right away to capture those lively flavors.

How to Serve Cucumber and Tomato Salad Recipe

Garnishes

A sprinkle of thinly sliced green onions adds a burst of color and a fresh, subtle onion flavor. For extra flair, try a dusting of flaky sea salt or a few leaves of fresh basil or dill. These garnishes make this Cucumber and Tomato Salad Recipe as lovely to look at as it is to eat.

Side Dishes

This salad absolutely shines next to grilled meats, roasted chicken, or your favorite seafood. I love serving it with a hunk of rustic bread to mop up the juices. For a vegetarian spread, pair it with feta cheese, hummus, or a grain salad for a vibrant, satisfying meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Think beyond the bowl! Layer the ingredients artfully on a platter for a wow-worthy presentation, or serve individual portions in glass jars for picnics or parties. You can also stuff the salad into pita pockets or serve atop leafy greens to add color and crunch to your lunch routine.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Have extra salad on hand? Place leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to two days. The veggies will soften slightly but remain delicious, and the flavors meld beautifully. If you anticipate leftovers, you can store the dressing separately and toss right before eating for max crispness.

Freezing

This recipe is all about fresh vegetables, so freezing isn’t recommended. Tomatoes and cucumbers lose their wonderful texture once frozen, and the finished salad simply won’t have the same vibrant bite as when it’s made fresh.

Reheating

No need to reheat! The Cucumber and Tomato Salad Recipe is at its very best when served cold or at room temperature. If you’ve chilled it, simply let it sit on the counter for a few minutes before serving to take the edge off the chill.

FAQs

What kind of tomatoes work best for this salad?

For the Cucumber and Tomato Salad Recipe, ripe, medium-sized tomatoes like beefsteak, Roma, or heirloom varieties all work beautifully. Choose whatever’s freshest and at peak flavor in your market.

Can I use a different type of vinegar?

Absolutely! While distilled white vinegar gives a classic tang, feel free to swap in red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar for a subtle twist. The key is to keep the balance so the flavors remain lively and refreshing.

Is there a way to make this salad ahead?

You can slice all your vegetables and keep them in the fridge, then mix up the dressing separately. Just combine and toss everything right before serving for the freshest results—the Cucumber and Tomato Salad Recipe is best when the vinaigrette is added at the last minute.

How can I make this recipe even more flavorful?

For extra punch, add a pinch of crushed garlic, a sprinkle of fresh herbs like dill or parsley, or even some crumbled feta. These simple upgrades can elevate the Cucumber and Tomato Salad Recipe to another level.

Is this salad gluten-free and vegan?

Yes! By design, this Cucumber and Tomato Salad Recipe is naturally gluten-free and vegan, making it perfect for sharing with a crowd, no matter their dietary needs.

Final Thoughts

If you crave something vibrant, fresh, and truly effortless, you have to give the Cucumber and Tomato Salad Recipe a whirl. It’s a dish that brings people together and never fails to brighten any meal. I hope it becomes as beloved in your kitchen as it is in mine!