If you’re looking for a fresh, vibrant, and incredibly satisfying side dish, this Cucumber Tomato Salad Recipe is an absolute winner. It’s a simple yet flavor-packed medley of crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, and a bright dressing that pulls it all together beautifully. Whether you need a quick salad for a warm day or something to complement a hearty meal, this salad bursts with color, texture, and zest that will keep you coming back for more.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are refreshingly simple but essential to create that perfect balance of crunch, sweetness, and tang in your Cucumber Tomato Salad Recipe. Each one plays a crucial role in making this salad irresistible whether it’s the creaminess of olive oil or the zing of red wine vinegar.
- English cucumber: Choose a firm, unpeeled cucumber for a crisp bite and wonderful freshness.
- Grape or cherry tomatoes: Halved to release sweet, juicy bursts of flavor with every mouthful.
- Red onion: Thinly sliced to add a subtle sharpness without overpowering the other ingredients.
- Olive oil: Extra virgin is best here to contribute a silky, fruity richness.
- Red wine vinegar: Provides a lively acidity that ties the salad together beautifully.
- Honey: Just a touch to mellow out the vinegar’s sharpness and deepen the flavor.
- Kosher salt or fine sea salt: Enhances all the flavors and keeps the seasoning balanced.
- Black pepper: Adds a gentle kick and warmth.
- Fresh herbs (parsley, dill, and/or basil): Optional but highly recommended for a fragrant, herbal note that elevates the salad.
How to Make Cucumber Tomato Salad Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Cucumber
Start by trimming off the ends of the cucumber. Then slice it lengthwise and cut into ¼-inch thick half rounds. Keeping the skin on not only adds vibrant green color but also a lovely crunch.
Step 2: Combine the Vegetables
In a medium bowl, mix the sliced cucumber, halved grape or cherry tomatoes, and the thinly sliced red onion. This combination creates a delightful balance between freshness, sweetness, and a bit of punch.
Step 3: Whisk the Dressing
In a smaller bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, honey, salt, and black pepper. This dressing is simple but magic in how it brightens and binds the vegetables together.
Step 4: Dress the Salad
Pour the dressing over the cucumber, tomato, and onion mixture. Gently toss everything so the dressing coats every bite without bruising the delicate veggies.
Step 5: Add Fresh Herbs
If you’ve decided to include fresh parsley, dill, or basil, gently stir them in now. The herbs bring an extra burst of flavor and make this Cucumber Tomato Salad Recipe feel downright gourmet.
Step 6: Chill or Serve Immediately
This salad is delicious right away, but if you have the time, let it chill in the refrigerator for about an hour. This allows the flavors to marinate and develop even deeper, making every forkful more vibrant.
How to Serve Cucumber Tomato Salad Recipe
Garnishes
To make your salad pop even more visually and flavor-wise, consider sprinkling on some crumbled feta cheese or toasted pine nuts. A few sprigs of fresh herbs on top always elevate presentation and taste.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs wonderfully with grilled meats like chicken or fish, making it the perfect light and refreshing side. It also complements heavier dishes, balancing out richer flavors with its crisp acidity.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve this salad in hollowed-out cucumbers or scoop it onto toasted baguette slices for an easy appetizer. Layering it over creamy hummus or alongside a grain bowl adds even more texture and color to your meal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover cucumber tomato salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. The veggies will stay fresh, though the salad is best enjoyed sooner rather than later to keep that crispness intact.
Freezing
Freezing this salad is not recommended because cucumbers and tomatoes have high water content, which can cause them to become soggy and lose their texture once thawed.
Reheating
This salad is meant to be served cold or at room temperature, so there’s no need to reheat it. Just give it a gentle stir if the dressing has settled before enjoying.
FAQs
Can I use regular cucumbers instead of English cucumbers?
Yes, but English cucumbers tend to be less bitter and have fewer seeds, making them ideal for salads. If you use regular cucumbers, consider peeling and seeding them to enhance the texture and flavor.
What herb combinations work best in this salad?
Parsley, dill, and basil each bring unique flavors—parsley adds earthiness, dill delivers a fresh tang, and basil offers a sweet, peppery note. Feel free to mix or match based on your preference.
Is this salad suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! You can prepare it a few hours in advance to let the flavors meld. Just keep it chilled, and add fresh herbs just before serving to keep them vibrant.
Can I substitute red wine vinegar with another type of vinegar?
Yes, white wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar are great alternatives. Just note that the flavor profile will change slightly, but it will still be delicious.
Can I add other vegetables to this salad?
Of course! Adding bell peppers, radishes, or even some avocado can bring fun variations. Just be mindful of how additional ingredients affect the overall balance of freshness and acidity.
Final Thoughts
This Cucumber Tomato Salad Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate. It’s effortless, fresh, and endlessly versatile, making it the perfect companion to so many meals. I can’t wait for you to try it—once you do, it’s bound to become a favorite in your recipe rotation, just like it is in mine!
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Cucumber Tomato Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A refreshing and vibrant Cucumber Tomato Salad featuring crisp cucumbers, juicy cherry tomatoes, and a tangy olive oil and red wine vinegar dressing, perfect for a light side dish or a healthy snack.
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 1 English cucumber, unpeeled
- 10 ounces grape or cherry tomatoes, halved
- ½ small red onion, thinly sliced
Dressing Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon honey
- ½ teaspoon Kosher salt or fine sea salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Optional Garnish
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley, dill, and/or basil
Instructions
- Prepare the cucumber: Trim the ends of the cucumber, halve it lengthwise, and slice into ¼-inch thick half rounds to ensure crisp, even pieces.
- Combine vegetables: In a medium bowl, mix the cucumber slices, halved tomatoes, and thinly sliced red onion until evenly distributed.
- Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, honey, salt, and black pepper until fully combined and emulsified.
- Dress the salad: Pour the prepared dressing over the cucumber and tomato mixture and gently toss to coat all ingredients evenly without bruising the vegetables.
- Add herbs (optional): If desired, gently stir in the chopped fresh parsley, dill, and/or basil to enhance flavor and add freshness to the salad.
- Serve or chill: Enjoy the salad immediately for a crisp texture or chill in the refrigerator for about an hour to let the flavors meld beautifully before serving.
Notes
- This salad is best served fresh but can be chilled for an hour to deepen flavors.
- Feel free to substitute herbs depending on your preference or availability.
- The salad is naturally gluten free and vegetarian.
- Use cherry tomatoes for a sweeter flavor or grape tomatoes for a slightly firmer texture.
- Adjust seasoning to taste, especially salt and honey, depending on tomato sweetness and personal preference.
