Crisp, refreshing, and bursting with flavor, a Cucumber Tomato Salad is like a mini-vacation on your plate. Picture juicy tomatoes mingling with crunchy cucumbers while a zesty dressing dances around them, creating a symphony of freshness that makes your taste buds sing. For more inspiration, check out this lunch recipes recipe.

Jump to:
- <strong>Essential Ingredients</strong>
- <strong>How to Make Cucumber Tomato Salad</strong>
- <strong>Perfecting the Cooking Process</strong>
- <strong>Add Your Touch</strong>
- <strong>Storing & Reheating</strong>
- <strong>FAQ</strong>
- What type of cucumbers are best for Cucumber Tomato Salad?
- Can I add protein to my Cucumber Tomato Salad?
- How do I prevent my cucumbers from getting soggy?
- 📖 Recipe Card
This salad isn’t just food; it’s an experience that takes you back to sunny picnics and family barbecues. The vibrant colors and tantalizing aromas will make you feel like a culinary superstar, even if you’re just wearing pajamas in your kitchen. Serve it at gatherings or enjoy it solo—it’s the perfect companion for any occasion.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Cucumber Tomato Salad is incredibly easy to prepare, making it a go-to dish for busy weeknights
- The flavor profile is refreshingly vibrant, with a balance of tangy and sweet notes
- Its visual appeal brightens up any table setting with its colorful ingredients
- Plus, this salad is versatile enough to be served as a side dish or a light main course
I remember the first time I made this Cucumber Tomato Salad for my friends; they devoured it in minutes and declared me the “Salad Queen.” The energy was electric as we laughed and reminisced over each bite.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Fresh Cucumbers: Look for firm cucumbers with smooth skin; they add the perfect crunch to the salad.
Ripe Tomatoes: Choose juicy tomatoes that are slightly soft; their sweetness enhances the entire dish.
Red Onion: A small amount adds sharpness; soak in water briefly to mellow its flavor if desired.
Fresh Basil: Use fragrant leaves for an aromatic touch; they elevate the salad to gourmet levels.
Olive Oil: Quality matters here—use extra virgin olive oil for rich flavor.
Balsamic Vinegar: Adds sweetness and acidity; choose aged balsamic for depth.
Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings bring out all the flavors; adjust to taste.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Cucumber Tomato Salad
Prepare Your Ingredients: Start by washing your cucumbers and tomatoes under cold water. Dice the cucumbers into bite-sized pieces and slice the tomatoes into wedges. Don’t forget to chop up some red onion finely; it adds great texture.
Mingle Those Veggies!: In a large mixing bowl, combine your diced cucumbers, tomato wedges, and chopped red onion. Toss them gently together until they’re well-combined—this step is crucial for that explosion of flavors!
Add Fresh Herbs and Dressing: Tear fresh basil leaves by hand—no chopping! It releases more oils. Drizzle olive oil and balsamic vinegar over the veggies, sprinkle salt and pepper generously, then toss everything together again until coated evenly.
Let It Marinate (Optional but Recommended): For best results, let your salad sit for about 10-15 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully while you dance around waiting for that first bite.
Serve It Up!: Finally, scoop your vibrant salad into a beautiful serving bowl or individual plates. Garnish with more basil if you’re feeling fancy—go ahead and impress your friends!
Enjoy every crunchy bite of this refreshing Cucumber Tomato Salad while basking in compliments from family and friends!
You Must Know
- Cucumber Tomato Salad is the ultimate summer dish; it’s refreshing, easy to make, and perfect for any occasion
- The crunchiness of fresh cucumbers paired with juicy tomatoes creates a delightful medley that’s hard to resist
- Plus, you can whip it up in minutes!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
To create an outstanding Cucumber Tomato Salad, start by chopping your vegetables first. Then, mix the dressing while they chill in the fridge for a crisp, flavorful dish.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to customize your salad by adding ingredients like feta cheese, olives, or even bell peppers for extra flavor and texture. Experimentation is key to making this dish your own.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Refrain from reheating; enjoy this salad cold for the best taste and texture.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- When preparing Cucumbers, consider peeling them for a smoother bite or leaving the skin on for added crunch
- Taste test your dressing before mixing; adjust seasoning as needed
- Lastly, let the salad sit briefly to meld flavors beautifully
The first time I made Cucumber Tomato Salad was at a picnic—everyone raved about it! They insisted I share my secret recipe, which made me feel like a culinary rock star.
FAQ
What type of cucumbers are best for Cucumber Tomato Salad?
English cucumbers are ideal due to their thin skin and fewer seeds.
Can I add protein to my Cucumber Tomato Salad?
Absolutely! Grilled chicken or chickpeas make great additions for a heartier dish.
How do I prevent my cucumbers from getting soggy?
Sprinkle salt on sliced cucumbers and let them drain before mixing with other ingredients.
Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.
📖 Recipe Card
Print
Cucumber Tomato Salad
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Crisp, refreshing, and vibrant, Cucumber Tomato Salad is the ultimate summer dish that encapsulates the flavors of sun-soaked gardens. Juicy tomatoes and crunchy cucumbers come together in this easy-to-make salad, enhanced with fresh basil and a zesty dressing. Perfect for picnics, barbecues, or a light lunch at home, this salad will elevate any meal with its delightful crunch and tangy sweetness.
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh cucumbers, diced
- 2 cups ripe tomatoes, wedged
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, torn
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Wash and prepare the cucumbers and tomatoes by dicing cucumbers into bite-sized pieces and slicing tomatoes into wedges. Finely chop the red onion.
- In a large bowl, combine the diced cucumbers, tomato wedges, and chopped red onion. Toss gently to mix.
- Add torn basil leaves to the bowl. Drizzle olive oil and balsamic vinegar over the vegetables; season with salt and pepper. Toss again until everything is well-coated.
- For enhanced flavor, let the salad marinate for 10-15 minutes before serving.
- Serve in a beautiful bowl or individual plates with additional basil for garnish.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Side dish
- Method: No cooking required
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (200g)
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg