The beauty of this cucumber tomato salad lies in its simplicity. Using crisp cucumbers, ripe tomatoes, and fresh herbs, this dish delivers clean, cooling flavors perfect for warm-weather meals. The light olive oil and vinegar dressing lets the vegetables shine, while a touch of red onion adds just the right zing.
Ideal for picnics, barbecues, or healthy weeknight dinners, this salad can stand alone or accompany grilled meats and seafood. Add feta for a creamy twist or keep it dairy-free—either way, it’s a delicious reminder that the best dishes often come from the garden.
Full Recipe
Ingredients:
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2 large cucumbers, thinly sliced
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4 ripe tomatoes, chopped
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1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
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1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
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2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
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1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
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1/2 teaspoon sea salt
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1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
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1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
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Optional: 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
Directions:
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In a large mixing bowl, combine cucumbers, tomatoes, and red onion.
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Drizzle olive oil and red wine vinegar over the vegetables.
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Sprinkle with salt, black pepper, and oregano.
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Toss everything gently to combine.
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Fold in fresh parsley and feta (if using).
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Chill for 10-15 minutes before serving for enhanced flavor.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 0 minutes | Total Time: 10 minutes
Kcal: 110 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
Introduction to the Cucumber Tomato Salad
The Cucumber Tomato Salad is a staple in countless homes and cuisines around the world, celebrated for its simplicity, versatility, and refreshing flavor profile. Often seen gracing summer picnic tables, Mediterranean spreads, or healthy meal prep routines, this salad makes the most out of humble ingredients like cucumbers, tomatoes, onions, and herbs. With minimal preparation time and no cooking required, it’s an ideal choice for busy days, hot weather, or anytime you’re craving a clean and nourishing dish. This salad embodies the beauty of uncomplicated food done right.
The Nutritional Benefits
This salad isn’t just tasty—it’s incredibly healthy. Cucumbers are low in calories yet high in hydration, thanks to their 95% water content. They also contain beneficial nutrients like vitamin K, potassium, and antioxidants. Tomatoes, on the other hand, are rich in vitamin C, potassium, folate, and lycopene—a powerful antioxidant linked to numerous health benefits, including reduced risk of heart disease and cancer. Red onions add not only a zesty bite but also contain compounds with anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties.
Fresh herbs like parsley or dill enhance the nutrient profile further by adding vitamins A, C, and K, along with polyphenols that support overall health. When you dress this salad with extra-virgin olive oil, you’re also getting heart-healthy fats and an extra antioxidant boost, making this recipe a true powerhouse in terms of nutrition.
Why This Salad Is So Versatile
One of the greatest strengths of this cucumber tomato salad is its versatility. It’s the type of dish that can be customized endlessly without losing its core identity. You can substitute cherry tomatoes for chopped vine tomatoes, swap red onions for shallots or green onions, and use herbs like basil, cilantro, or mint depending on the flavor profile you’re aiming for.
Adding ingredients like crumbled feta, mozzarella pearls, chickpeas, or avocado can easily elevate it into a more filling meal. Want to give it a Mediterranean twist? Add kalamata olives and a splash of lemon juice. Craving something heartier? Toss in some cooked quinoa or couscous. The salad can also be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge, making it an excellent choice for meal prepping.
Cultural Significance Around the Globe
This salad has different cultural interpretations depending on the region. In Greek cuisine, it closely resembles the traditional horiatiki or Greek village salad, which includes tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, red onions, and feta. In Middle Eastern cultures, similar salads often include lemon juice and fresh mint. In Eastern European countries like Bulgaria and Serbia, a variant called shopska salad is quite popular and typically includes grated cheese on top.
These variations reflect local produce availability and culinary preferences, but the underlying theme remains the same: fresh, raw vegetables dressed lightly to enhance rather than mask their flavors.
Perfect Occasions to Serve This Salad
Because of its light and refreshing qualities, this cucumber tomato salad is especially popular during the warmer months. It’s perfect for barbecues, picnics, potlucks, and even holiday dinners as a bright, clean-tasting contrast to heavier dishes. It also pairs beautifully with grilled meats, seafood, or plant-based proteins like tofu and legumes.
If you’re planning a brunch spread, consider serving this salad alongside quiches, omelets, or artisan bread. For lunchboxes and meal prep, it’s a practical option that holds up well in the fridge for a day or two without losing its texture or flavor.
Tips for the Best Flavor
While the recipe is simple, a few smart techniques can bring out the best in this salad. First, always use ripe, in-season tomatoes for maximum flavor. If tomatoes are out of season or less sweet, a pinch of sugar can help balance their acidity. Choose firm, seedless cucumbers like English or Persian varieties to avoid excess moisture and bitterness.
Slicing the vegetables uniformly not only improves the visual appeal but also ensures that each bite delivers a consistent texture and flavor. Lightly salting the cucumbers and letting them sit for a few minutes before mixing can help draw out excess water, preventing the salad from becoming soggy.
As for the dressing, resist the urge to overcomplicate. A drizzle of high-quality extra-virgin olive oil, a splash of vinegar or lemon juice, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper are more than enough to let the produce shine. However, don’t skip the herbs—fresh parsley, basil, or dill are key to lifting the flavors and adding a layer of aromatic freshness.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
This salad is best enjoyed fresh, but it also holds up surprisingly well when made a few hours in advance. If preparing ahead of time, keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to serve to preserve the crunch of the cucumbers. If leftovers do become slightly watery, simply give them a quick toss and add a pinch of salt or fresh herbs to revive the flavors.
When stored properly in an airtight container in the refrigerator, the salad can last up to two days. It’s a great dish to batch for weekly lunches or dinners, offering flexibility and flavor with minimal effort.
Common Additions and Variations
The core ingredients form the foundation of this salad, but feel free to make it your own. Here are some favorite additions:
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Feta Cheese: Adds a salty, creamy bite that complements the crunch of the vegetables.
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Olives: Black or green olives bring in bold, briny flavor.
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Avocado: For a creamy, healthy fat boost.
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Grains: Add quinoa, couscous, or bulgur for a more substantial, fiber-rich salad.
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Legumes: Chickpeas or white beans turn this salad into a complete plant-based meal.
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Hot Peppers: For those who like a kick, a few thin slices of jalapeño or chili flakes do the trick.
These additions allow the salad to evolve depending on what you have on hand or what flavors you’re craving, making it not just a side dish but a complete meal when needed.
Conclusion
The Cucumber Tomato Salad is proof that great food doesn’t need to be complicated. With just a handful of fresh, wholesome ingredients, it delivers big on flavor, nutrition, and versatility. Whether you’re looking for a healthy side, a light lunch, or a crowd-pleasing potluck dish, this salad is a go-to option that never disappoints.
Its appeal lies in its adaptability and the fact that it’s suitable for nearly every dietary preference—vegan, gluten-free, low-carb, and more. With so many ways to customize and enjoy it, the Cucumber Tomato Salad deserves a regular place on your table. Once you try it, you’ll see why it remains a timeless classic in kitchens all over the world.