Crisp & Tangy Cucumber Tomato Salad Recipe for Summer Joy

Summers buzz with delightful cucumber tomato salad that brings crisp garden flavors to your plate.

Fresh produce transforms ordinary meals into something magical.

Mediterranean kitchens have long understood the power of simple ingredients dancing together.

Bright colors and vibrant textures make this dish irresistible for anyone seeking light, refreshing nutrition.

Chopped vegetables create a symphony of cool crunchiness that feels like sunshine on a plate.

Each bite promises a burst of natural sweetness and herbal notes.

Let’s make something that feels like a garden celebration right at your table.

Cucumber Tomato Salad With Refreshing Simplicity

• Breeze Through Prep: This cucumber tomato salad whips up in just 10 minutes, making it perfect for last-minute meal sides or quick appetizers.
• Nutrition Packed Delight: Loaded with fresh vegetables, the salad offers a low-calorie, high-nutrient option that supports healthy eating without sacrificing flavor.
• Summer Party Star: Ideal for outdoor gatherings, picnics, and barbecues, this vibrant salad brings color and freshness to any casual dining event.
• No-Cook Kitchen Magic: Requires zero cooking skills, making it an excellent recipe for beginners, kids learning to prepare meals, or anyone wanting a simple, delicious dish.

What You Mix Into Cucumber Tomato Salad

• Cucumber: Crisp base providing cool crunch and light hydration, English varieties preferred for fewer seeds and tender skin.
• Tomatoes: Juicy element adding sweet-tangy flavor, ripe and firm tomatoes work best.
• Red Onion: Sharp flavor enhancer with a slight bite, thinly sliced for better texture integration.

• Parsley, Basil, Dill: Optional aromatic boosters that add fresh, bright notes to the salad, mix and match based on personal preference.

• Olive Oil: Smooth binding agent that creates silky texture and carries flavor, extra virgin recommended for best taste.
• Red Wine Vinegar: Tangy liquid that provides acidic balance and helps blend ingredients, adds depth to overall flavor profile.
• Salt & Pepper: Essential seasoning that enhances and highlights the natural flavors of vegetables, adjust according to personal taste.

How To Build Cucumber Tomato Salad

Step 1: Prep Your Crisp Veggies

Grab a sharp knife and carefully slice the cucumber into thin, delicate rounds.

Dice the ripe tomatoes into bite-sized chunks.

Thinly slice the red onion to add a zesty crunch to your salad.

Step 2: Combine Fresh Ingredients

Toss the sliced cucumber, diced tomatoes, and red onion into a beautiful mixing bowl.

The colors will create a vibrant and appetizing display.

Step 3: Add Herbal Freshness

• Basil
• Parsley
• Dill

Each herb will bring a unique burst of flavor to your salad.

Step 4: Create Tangy Dressing

Pour a stream of extra virgin olive oil and a splash of red wine vinegar over the vegetable mixture.

The liquid will help blend the flavors and add a delightful sharpness.

Step 5: Season and Enhance

Sprinkle sea salt and freshly ground black pepper across the salad.

Adjust the seasoning to match your taste preferences.

Step 6: Toss and Serve

Gently mix all the ingredients with a light touch.

Ensure every piece is coated with the dressing.

Serve immediately while the vegetables are crisp and fresh.

Handy Tips for Cucumber Tomato Salad

• Refrigerate the salad for 15-20 minutes to enhance the flavors and create a refreshing, crisp texture.
• Experiment with fresh herbs like dill, parsley, or basil to add a vibrant and unique flavor profile to the salad.
• Use ripe, in-season tomatoes and crisp cucumbers for the best taste and texture.
• Modify the olive oil and red wine vinegar ratio to suit your personal preference for tanginess.
• Swap ingredients to make the salad vegan, gluten-free, or low-carb by adding protein or adjusting seasoning.

Cucumber Tomato Salad Leftovers? Store Them This Way

• Store leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The vegetables might release moisture, so drain excess liquid before serving.
• Avoid adding dressing if you plan to store the salad, as it can make vegetables soggy. Keep dressing separate and add just before eating.
• For best texture, consume within 24 hours. After that, the cucumber and tomatoes will start to lose their crunch.
• Gently drain any accumulated liquid, then quickly toss with fresh herbs and a splash of olive oil to refresh the flavors before serving again.

Complement Cucumber Tomato Salad With

• Refresh with White Wine: Crisp Sauvignon Blanc perfectly complements the light, tangy salad with its zesty citrus notes and clean finish.
• Enhance Mediterranean Flavors: Pair with grilled chicken or feta cheese to elevate the salad's herbal and fresh vegetable profile.
• Balance with Crusty Bread: Serve alongside rustic sourdough or ciabatta to soak up the delicious olive oil and vinegar dressing.
• Amplify with Greek Tzatziki: Add a creamy, cool yogurt-based side dish that mirrors the salad's fresh cucumber and herb elements.

Cucumber Tomato Salad Recipe Ingredient Tweaks for Variety

• Mediterranean Herb Boost: Replace basic herbs with a blend of oregano, basil, and mint for an authentic Greek-style flavor profile.
• Low-Carb Keto Option: Swap red wine vinegar for apple cider vinegar and add crumbled feta cheese to increase fat content and reduce carbohydrates.
• Protein-Packed Version: Mix in diced grilled chicken or chickpeas to transform the salad into a complete meal with added protein.
• Vegan Friendly Alternative: Substitute olive oil with a light avocado oil and add toasted sunflower seeds for extra crunch and nutritional value.

FAQs

• What makes this salad fresh and healthy?

This cucumber tomato salad is packed with raw, nutrient-rich vegetables that provide vitamins, minerals, and hydration. It’s low in calories and offers a light, refreshing eating experience.

• Can I prepare this salad in advance?

While best served immediately, you can chop the vegetables and store them separately in the refrigerator for a few hours. Add the dressing just before serving to keep the salad crisp and prevent wilting.

• Is this salad good for weight loss?

Yes, this salad is an excellent choice for weight management. It’s low in calories, high in water content, and provides essential nutrients without added fats, making it perfect for those watching their weight.

• How can I make this salad more protein-rich?

Add protein sources like crumbled feta cheese, chickpeas, diced grilled chicken, or sliced hard-boiled eggs to transform this light salad into a more substantial meal.

Cucumber Tomato Salad Recipe

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4.7 from 36 reviews

• Total Time: 10 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Mediterranean cucumber tomato salad brings fresh summer flavors to your table with crisp vegetables and zesty herbs. Tangy dressing and quick preparation make this simple dish a perfect light side that delights diners seeking cool, refreshing tastes.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 long English cucumber, sliced
• 2–3 large tomatoes, diced
• 0.5 red onion, sliced

Herbs and Optional Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon fresh herbs (parsley, basil, and/or dill), optional

Dressing Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) olive oil
• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) red wine vinegar
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Prepare vegetables by thinly slicing cucumber and red onion into delicate half-moons, then chop tomatoes into bite-sized cubes for optimal texture and visual appeal.
2. Transfer sliced and chopped vegetables into a spacious mixing bowl, ensuring even distribution and room for gentle mixing.
3. Finely chop fragrant fresh herbs like basil or parsley, sprinkling them over the vegetable medley to enhance aromatic complexity.
4. Create a light dressing by drizzling extra virgin olive oil and tangy red wine vinegar across the salad, allowing the liquid to cascade evenly.
5. Carefully season the vegetable mixture with kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper, adjusting quantities to personal taste preferences.
6. Using a soft spatula or salad servers, gently fold and toss ingredients together, ensuring herbs and dressing coat every vegetable piece without bruising delicate components.
7. Serve immediately to preserve crisp textures and vibrant flavors, presenting the salad as a refreshing side dish or light summer accompaniment.

Notes

• Slice vegetables thinly for the most elegant and uniform texture in every bite.
• Choose ripe, firm tomatoes and crisp cucumbers to ensure maximum flavor and crunch.
• Marinate the salad for 10-15 minutes before serving to let herbs and vinaigrette deeply infuse the vegetables.
• For a protein boost, add crumbled feta cheese or diced grilled chicken to transform this light salad into a complete meal.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Mixing
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 100
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 150mg
• Fat: 8g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 10g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 1g
• Cholesterol: 0mg