Cucumber Tomato Salad Recipe

If there’s one dish I find myself coming back to again and again when summer produce is at its peak, it’s the Cucumber Tomato Salad Recipe. With its crisp cucumber, juicy grape tomatoes, punchy red onion, and a tangy splash of homemade dressing, this salad is more than just a side—it’s that refreshing bite you crave when the weather heats up. Quick and vibrant enough for busy nights yet sophisticated for gatherings, every bowl is a celebration of simplicity and flavor. Trust me, after just one bite you’ll understand why this Cucumber Tomato Salad Recipe is a staple in my kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Cucumber Tomato Salad Recipe is all about letting each fresh ingredient shine. The lineup is short and sweet, but every component brings something crucial to the table—whether it’s crunch, color, or a pop of herbaceous brightness.

• English cucumber: Look for one that’s firm and deep green; quartered rounds offer the perfect bite and minimal seeds mean more crunch and less wateriness.
• Grape tomatoes: These little gems add a burst of sweetness and beautiful color contrast—slicing them in half lets their juices mingle with the dressing.
• Red onion: Thinly sliced strips deliver a little zip and a pretty purple hue, making each forkful lively and bold.
• Chopped parsley: A handful of fresh parsley offers a clean, herbaceous note and a vibrant finishing touch.
• Extra virgin olive oil: Rich and smooth, olive oil acts as the backbone of the dressing, tying all the flavors together.
• Red wine vinegar: Its tangy zing wakes up the salad—swap with apple cider or white wine vinegar for subtle twists.
• Granulated sugar (or honey): Just a bit balances the acidity, rounding out the dressing and making those veggies pop.
• Dried basil: This handy pantry favorite imparts an earthy, aromatic warmth that marries perfectly with summer produce.
• Salt: Don’t skip this! Even a small pinch enhances every flavor.
• Ground black pepper: Adds essential depth and a gentle hint of heat.

How to Make Cucumber Tomato Salad Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Veggies

Start by washing all your vegetables—this may seem simple, but clean produce guarantees the brightest flavors and best texture. Slice the cucumber into rounds and quarter each round for just-right pieces. Halve your grape tomatoes and thinly slice your red onion, aiming for strips rather than rings so the onion weaves gracefully through each bite. Finish by chopping your parsley and setting everything out, ready to go.

Step 2: Whisk the Dressing

In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, red wine vinegar, granulated sugar (or honey), dried basil, salt, and black pepper. Give it all a good whisk until the dressing looks unified and slightly emulsified. This simple dressing isn’t fussy, but it packs a zippy punch that brings all the flavors of the Cucumber Tomato Salad Recipe together in every forkful.

Step 3: Bring It All Together

Grab a large mixing bowl and add in your prepped cucumber, tomatoes, red onion, and parsley. Drizzle your freshly whisked dressing right over the top. The aroma is already irresistible—and you haven’t even tossed everything yet!

Step 4: Toss to Coat

Using tongs or a big spoon, gently toss the salad, making sure every vegetable is well coated in that luscious dressing. Take a moment to admire all the colors and the glisten of olive oil—this step transforms a pile of veggies into a unified, flavor-packed Cucumber Tomato Salad Recipe.

Step 5: Chill and Let the Flavors Mingle

Cover the bowl with a tight lid or stretch plastic wrap over the top. Pop it into the fridge for at least 2 hours—or even longer if you have time. Chilling allows the dressing to seep into the veggies, infusing everything with delicious flavor. Give it one last stir before serving so all the goodness is evenly distributed.

How to Serve Cucumber Tomato Salad Recipe

Garnishes

For a show-stopping finish, sprinkle a bit of extra chopped parsley over the top just before serving. Want to amp it up even more? Add crumbled feta cheese or sliced avocado for creaminess, or toasted seeds for a contrasting crunch. These extra touches bring your Cucumber Tomato Salad Recipe from everyday fresh to celebration-worthy.

Side Dishes

This salad plays so well with others! Serve it alongside grilled chicken, roasted salmon, or your favorite pita sandwiches for a seriously balanced meal. It’s also fantastic as part of a mezze spread with hummus, olives, and warm, crusty bread. The cool, tangy flavors of the Cucumber Tomato Salad Recipe refresh the palate between heartier bites.

Creative Ways to Present

Take things up a notch and serve the salad in individual mason jars or small cups for an easy picnic or party treat. Layer the salad over a bed of arugula or spinach for a heartier lunch option. For something different, stuff pita pockets or fold the salad into wraps for a portable, veggie-packed meal. The versatility of the Cucumber Tomato Salad Recipe makes it endlessly adaptable.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers (which is rare in my house), simply store the remaining Cucumber Tomato Salad Recipe in an airtight container in the fridge. It stays crisp and flavorful for up to a day—the marinade only makes everything tastier!

Freezing

I don’t recommend freezing this salad, as cucumbers and tomatoes tend to lose their wonderful crunch and fresh flavor after thawing. The salad’s magic is in its freshness, so enjoy it shortly after making!

Reheating

Good news: there’s no reheating required! The Cucumber Tomato Salad Recipe is meant to be enjoyed cold, making it perfect for quick lunches, picnics, or potlucks. Just stir any leftovers to redistribute the dressing and dive right in.

FAQs

Can I use regular cucumbers instead of English cucumbers?

Absolutely! Regular cucumbers work in this Cucumber Tomato Salad Recipe, although you may want to peel them and scoop out some of the seeds to keep the salad from becoming watery.

What protein can I add for a heartier version?

For a protein boost, try tossing in drained chickpeas, cubes of feta cheese, or even sliced grilled chicken. These additions make your Cucumber Tomato Salad Recipe more filling without overpowering the classic flavors.

How far ahead can I make the salad?

You can prepare the Cucumber Tomato Salad Recipe up to 24 hours in advance. In fact, it gets even more flavorful as the veggies soak up the dressing! Just wait to add extras like avocado or cheese until right before serving.

Can I substitute the vinegar?

Definitely! Red wine vinegar adds a traditional tang, but feel free to use white wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar depending on what you have on hand. Each will offer its own subtle twist to the Cucumber Tomato Salad Recipe.

How can I make the salad less sharp if my onions are strong?

If the red onions taste a bit strong, soak the slices in cold water for 10 minutes before adding them to the salad. This trick tames their bite so they offer just the right amount of flavor in your Cucumber Tomato Salad Recipe.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re hosting a backyard BBQ or just need a fresh pick-me-up for dinner, you truly can’t go wrong with this Cucumber Tomato Salad Recipe. Give it a try—it might just become your new go-to for simple, sensational flavor!

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