Name: Cucumber Tomato Salad Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 2 h 15 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 1 English cucumber, sliced into rounds then quartered; 2 cups grape tomatoes, sliced in half; 1/2 cup red onion, sliced into thin strips; 2 Tbsp chopped parsley; 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil; 3 Tbsp red wine vinegar; 1 Tbsp granulated sugar or honey; 1 tsp dried basil; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/4 tsp ground black pepper

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If you’re craving a fresh, vibrant, and truly refreshing salad that brightens any meal, this Cucumber Tomato Salad is exactly what you need. Combining crisp English cucumber, sweet grape tomatoes, zesty red onion, and fragrant herbs all tossed in a tangy, slightly sweet dressing, this salad bursts with color, texture, and flavor in every bite. It’s effortless to prepare yet incredibly satisfying, making Cucumber Tomato Salad a perfect go-to recipe for warm days, quick lunches, or as a side that elevates your dinners with just a few simple ingredients.

Cucumber Tomato Salad Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient plays a unique role here, providing crunch, juiciness, or aromatic depth. Together, they create a salad that’s light but packed with flavor, refreshing but hearty enough to enjoy any time.

English cucumber: Offers a crisp, cool base with minimal seeds to keep the salad light and refreshing.
Grape tomatoes: Their sweetness and juiciness add a burst of vibrant color and flavor contrast.
Red onion: Thinly sliced to add a zesty bite without overpowering the other flavors.
Parsley: Bright, herbaceous notes that lift the overall freshness of the salad.
Extra virgin olive oil: Provides a silky richness that brings the ingredients together beautifully.
Red wine vinegar: Adds just the right punch of acidity to balance the sweetness.
Granulated sugar or honey: A touch of sweetness to soften the vinegar’s tang.
Dried basil: Infuses a subtle, aromatic herb flavor enhancing the Mediterranean vibe.
Salt: Essential for seasoning and awakening all the flavors.
Ground black pepper: Adds a gentle heat and depth without overwhelming the salad.

How to Make Cucumber Tomato Salad

Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables

Begin by washing the English cucumber thoroughly. Slice it into rounds about a quarter-inch thick, and then quarter each round for bite-sized pieces that’ll be easy to enjoy. Next, halve the grape tomatoes to release their juices, and slice the red onion into thin strips so their sharpness integrates smoothly without dominating the salad.

Step 2: Chop the Parsley

Finely chop fresh parsley leaves to sprinkle throughout the salad. This herb brings a bright, slightly peppery freshness that complements the veggies perfectly and adds a lovely green pop to the dish.

Step 3: Whisk the Dressing

In a small bowl, combine extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, granulated sugar or honey, dried basil, salt, and ground black pepper. Whisk these ingredients together until the sugar dissolves and the dressing becomes emulsified and glossy. This dressing is the heart of your Cucumber Tomato Salad, providing the perfect tangy-sweet harmony.

Step 4: Toss the Salad

Place the chopped cucumbers, tomatoes, onions, and parsley in a large salad bowl. Drizzle your freshly whisked dressing over the top, then toss gently but thoroughly to coat every piece well. Tossing is key to ensure that each bite delivers a balanced flavor.

Step 5: Chill and Serve

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate your salad for at least 2 hours before serving. This resting time allows the flavors to meld beautifully, the vegetables to soak in the dressing, and the salad to cool to a perfect refreshing temperature. Just remember to give it a quick stir before serving to redistribute any settled dressing.

How to Serve Cucumber Tomato Salad

Garnishes

Consider topping your Cucumber Tomato Salad with crumbled feta cheese, a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts, or fresh basil leaves for extra texture and flavor. These simple garnishes elevate the salad’s presentation and offer delightful contrasts without overshadowing its natural freshness.

Side Dishes

This salad pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken, seared fish, or light pasta dishes, making it a versatile companion to many meals. The crispness and acidity in the Cucumber Tomato Salad act as the perfect foil to richer or smoky flavors, balancing your plate effortlessly.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve this salad in hollowed-out tomatoes or cucumbers as individual portions. You can also layer the ingredients in a glass jar for a visually stunning salad parfait. Presentation can turn this humble salad into a centerpiece your guests will love almost as much as the taste.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover Cucumber Tomato Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep in mind that the cucumbers may release additional water over time, which can make the salad a bit more watery, so give it a gentle stir before serving again.

Freezing

Because of its fresh vegetables and dressing, this salad is not ideal for freezing. Ice crystals formed during freezing can make the cucumbers and tomatoes mushy upon thawing, compromising both texture and flavor.

Reheating

Since Cucumber Tomato Salad is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature, reheating is not recommended. To refresh it after storage, simply stir well and let it come to room temperature for a few minutes before serving.

FAQs

Can I use other types of cucumbers for this salad?

Absolutely! While English cucumbers are preferred for their mild flavor and thin skins, you can use regular cucumbers if peeled and seeds removed to avoid excess bitterness or wateriness.

Is there a way to make this salad more filling?

Yes! Adding protein like grilled chicken, chickpeas, or mozzarella balls can turn this salad into a hearty meal without losing its fresh appeal.

Can I substitute the red wine vinegar with another type?

Red wine vinegar gives a nice balance of acidity and flavor, but you can substitute with apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar if needed. Just adjust the quantity to taste, as some vinegars can be stronger.

How far in advance can I prepare this salad?

You can prepare the salad a few hours ahead or the night before and keep it chilled. Just be mindful that the texture will soften slightly over time, but the flavors will deepen and meld beautifully.

What’s the best way to keep the salad from getting soggy?

Drain any excess liquid from the tomatoes before mixing, and don’t add dressing until just before serving if you want to keep it crisp for longer. Also, using firmer vegetables helps maintain texture.

Final Thoughts

This Cucumber Tomato Salad is a simple yet spectacular way to brighten up any meal or occasion. Its fresh ingredients, lively dressing, and easy preparation make it an instant favorite in my kitchen. I can’t wait for you to try it yourself and discover just how wonderfully this salad can refresh your taste buds and lift your spirits with every crunchy, juicy bite.

Cucumber Tomato Salad Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 27 reviews

Author: Zoe
Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

A refreshing and vibrant cucumber tomato salad featuring crisp cucumbers, sweet grape tomatoes, and red onions, all tossed in a tangy homemade dressing with red wine vinegar, olive oil, and herbs. Perfect as a light appetizer or side dish, this salad is easy to make and ideal for warm weather meals.

Instructions

Prepare Cucumbers: Wash and chop the cucumber into rounds, then quarter each round for bite-sized pieces.
Slice Tomatoes and Onions: Cut the grape tomatoes in half and slice the red onion into thin strips to balance flavor and texture.
Chop Parsley: Finely chop the parsley to add fresh herbaceous notes to the salad.
Make Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, sugar (or honey), dried basil, salt, and pepper until well combined to create a tangy and slightly sweet dressing.
Combine Ingredients: Add all the chopped vegetables and parsley to a large salad bowl, ensuring even distribution.
Add Dressing: Drizzle the prepared dressing over the vegetables in the salad bowl.
Toss Salad: Toss everything thoroughly until all components are well coated with the dressing.
Chill: Cover the bowl with a lid or plastic wrap and refrigerate for 2 hours to meld flavors and allow the salad to become crisp and refreshing.
Serve: Stir the salad gently just before serving to redistribute the dressing and enjoy the fresh, vibrant flavors.

Notes

This salad can be customized by substituting dried basil with fresh basil for a brighter herb flavor.
Honey can be used instead of granulated sugar as a natural sweetener.
For a more intense flavor, let the salad marinate overnight in the refrigerator.
Serve the salad chilled to enhance its refreshing qualities.
Great as a side dish for grilled meats or as a light lunch option.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Category: Salad
Method: No-cook, Mixing
Cuisine: Mediterranean