Cucumber Tomato Salad Recipe - Kristine's Kitchen (2024)

This Cucumber Tomato Salad has crisp cucumber, juicy tomatoes and red onion, all tossed in a tangy dressing. It’s the ultimate refreshing summer salad recipe!

Cucumber Tomato Salad Recipe - Kristine's Kitchen (1)

Looking to liven up your salad routine? This refreshing cucumber tomato salad is sure to become a fast favorite! This is the salad that I’ve been making all summer long. I serve it every chance I get, and it’s become my go-to side salad to serve when we’re having dinner guests over for a summer BBQ.

It’s often the simplest combinations of fresh ingredients that turn out to be the best, and that is definitely the case with this cucumber tomato salad. Juicy, sweet tomatoes and crisp cucumber are a delightful pair. Add in sweet-spicy red onions and a tangy vinegar-based dressing and you have a swoon-worthy salad. A sprinkle of fresh herbs is the perfect finishing touch!

Cucumber Tomato Salad Recipe Ingredients

This fresh cucumber tomato salad is a variation on this classic Cucumber Salad, taken up a few notches!Beyond the cucumber and tomatoes, you’ll need just a few ingredients for this scrumptious salad. The vinegar-based dressing is light and tangy and the perfect complement to the crisp, fresh flavors in the salad. I always finish this salad with some fresh herbs to bring another dimension of flavor. It’s what keeps everyone going back for more!

Cucumber Tomato Salad Recipe - Kristine's Kitchen (2)
  • English Cucumber: Sweeter and less bitter than regular cucumbers, English cucumbers are the type typically sold wrapped in plastic wrap at the grocery store.
  • Grape or Cherry Tomatoes: Cut them in half before adding them to the salad. You can also use whole ripe tomatoes (such as Roma tomatoes) and coarsely chop them.
  • Red Onion: Slice it thinly so that its flavor doesn’t overpower the other ingredients.
  • Salad Dressing: The salad dressing is a variation on my Greek Salad Dressing, and it’s a simple mixture of olive oil, red wine vinegar, honey, salt and pepper.
  • Fresh Herbs: Finally, a sprinkle of chopped fresh dill, parsley, and/or basil elevates the flavors in the salad and adds a pretty pop of color.

English Cucumber vs. Regular Cucumbers

While you can use a regular cucumber in this recipe, I much prefer the flavor and texture of English cucumbers in this salad. Here’s a look at how they differ:

  • English Cucumber: Longer and thinner than regular cucumbers, English cucumbers come wrapped in plastic wrap at the grocery store. Their thin skin does not require peeling. English cucumbers also have smaller seeds than regular cucumbers and a sweeter, less bitter flavor.
  • Regular Cucumber: This is the type of cucumber that we always added to our Green Salads growing up. The skin is thicker, the seeds are larger, and regular slicing cucumbers are generally more watery in the center. Their flavor is less sweet and more bitter. If using this type of cucumber, I recommend peeling off the skin before slicing.

How to Make Cucumber Tomato Salad

This zippy salad couldn’t be easier to make! Here’s an overview of the recipe steps.

  1. Chop the cucumber by first trimming off the ends and slicing it in half lengthwise. Then, cut it into 1/4-inch thick half rounds.
  2. Combine the cucumber, tomatoes and onion in a medium salad bowl. Cucumber Tomato Salad Recipe - Kristine's Kitchen (3)
  3. Whisk together the dressing ingredients. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to mix. Cucumber Tomato Salad Recipe - Kristine's Kitchen (4)
  4. Gently stir in the fresh herbs. You can either serve the salad right away, or let it marinate in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to an hour to let the flavors meld together.
Cucumber Tomato Salad Recipe - Kristine's Kitchen (5)

Recipe Variations

Honestly, I think this salad is pretty perfect as is. If you want to doctor it up, though, try one of these simple recipe variations:

  • Add feta cheese crumbles or cubes cut from a block of feta, like in this Greek Salad.
  • Add chopped avocado.
  • Add chopped bell pepper. I think green bell pepper would be especially wonderful, but you could use any color.
  • Toss some fresh sliced peaches into the mix for added sweetness.
  • Swap in a different salad dressing, such as Italian Dressing or even Balsamic Vinaigrette.

Recipe Tips

  • Don’t skip the fresh herbs! They really do make a difference in brightening up the flavors. Fresh dill is my favorite in this salad.
  • While some salads, like this Italian Pasta Salad, are ideal for making ahead, we prefer to serve this cucumber tomato salad when it’s freshly made. It’s best served within a few hours of preparation, but will still be delicious on the second day. Over time, the cucumbers will soften and the both the cucumbers and tomatoes will release some liquid, watering down the salad a bit.
  • You can double the recipe if you’re serving a crowd.

Cucumber Tomato Salad Serving Suggestions

This mouthwatering salad is a versatile healthy side dish! Since it’s so light and fresh, it’s perfect for serving alongside heavier entrees like grilled meats. Bring it to a summer BBQ or potluck, or enjoy it as an easy side with your favorite quick dinners. Try it alongside:

  • Pork: Pair with Grilled Pork Tenderloin or Baked Pork Chops.
  • Chicken: Such as Honey Mustard Chicken or Air Fryer Chicken Legs.
  • Steak: There’s nothing better than this flavorful cucumber tomato salad alongside a juicy Grilled Steak.
  • Salmon: Our go-to recipes include Air Fryer Salmon and this Baked Salmon.
  • Vegetarian: We love serving this salad with our favorite Black Bean Burger Recipe. It’s also delish with Veggie Fajitas!
Cucumber Tomato Salad Recipe - Kristine's Kitchen (6)

More Delicious Salad Recipes

If you love flavor-packed salads, give one of these easy salad recipes a try next:

  • Orzo Salad: With feta, cucumber, tomatoes and Kalamata olives, this flavorful pasta salad can’t be beat!
  • Arugula Salad: Peppery arugula is tossed with fresh pears, almonds and a lemon vinaigrette. It’s simple, and so good!
  • Kale Salad: A fall favorite, with apple, cranberries and goat cheese.
  • Farro Salad: Our go-to healthy main dish salad, it’s a must-make!

Cucumber Tomato Salad Recipe - Kristine's Kitchen (7)

5 from 10 ratings

Cucumber Tomato Salad

Servings: 4 servings

Prep Time: 15 minutes mins

Total Time: 15 minutes mins

This Cucumber Tomato Salad has crisp cucumber, juicy tomatoes and red onion, all tossed in a tangy dressing. Quick and easy to make, it's the ultimate refreshing summer salad recipe!

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Ingredients

  • 1 English cucumber, no need to peel
  • 10 ounces grape or cherry tomatoes*, halved
  • ½ small red onion, thinly sliced, about ½ cup
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon honey
  • ½ teaspoon Kosher salt or fine sea salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley, dill and/or basil, optional

Instructions

  • Trim off the two ends of the cucumber and then halve it lengthwise. Then slice it into ¼-inch thick half rounds.

  • Place the cucumber, halved tomatoes and sliced red onion in a medium bowl.

  • To make the dressing, in a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, honey, salt and pepper.

  • Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to mix.

  • Gently stir in the fresh herbs, if using. Serve immediately or chill in the refrigerator for an hour or two to let the flavors meld together and then serve.

Notes

  • You can also use whole ripe tomatoes and chop them.
  • The salad is best served within a few hours of preparation, but will still be delicious on the second day. Over time, the cucumbers will soften and the both the cucumbers and tomatoes will release some liquid, watering down the salad a bit.

Calories: 99kcal, Carbohydrates: 8g, Protein: 1g, Fat: 7g, Saturated Fat: 1g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g, Monounsaturated Fat: 5g, Sodium: 302mg, Potassium: 296mg, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 5g, Vitamin A: 511IU, Vitamin C: 21mg, Calcium: 26mg, Iron: 1mg

Nutrition information is an estimate.

Cuisine: American

Course: Salad, Side Dish

Tried this recipe?Mention @kristines_kitchen on Instagram or tag #kristineskitchenblog.

This site contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, I may receive a small commission, at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting Kristine's Kitchen!

Cucumber Tomato Salad Recipe - Kristine's Kitchen (2024)

FAQs

What does cucumber and tomato do to the body? ›

A combination of tomato and cucumber makes for a wholesome mix that can be a great way to boost weight loss. Tomatoes are also packed with antioxidants such as vitamin C, E and beta-carotene. These antioxidants help prevents free-radical activity and promotes immunity.

Is cucumber and tomato salad good for you? ›

Yes, it is generally considered healthy to eat tomatoes, cucumbers, and lettuce together as a salad. These vegetables are all low in calories and high in fiber, vitamins, and minerals.

Can I eat raw tomato and cucumber together? ›

"Cucumbers are loaded with minerals that aid in keeping you hydrated, but they also have a feature that interferes with the absorption of Vitamin C," says Tanya S. Kapoor, nutritionist, and dietitian, Wellness by Tanya. Therefore, most of the time, the combination of cucumber and tomato is advised to be avoided.

What happens to your body when you eat one cucumber a day for a week? ›

Eating cucumbers may lead to many potential health benefits, including weight loss, balanced hydration, digestive regularity and lower blood sugar levels.

What happens to your body when you eat tomatoes everyday? ›

Adding tomatoes to the diet has a positive effect on blood lipid levels and blood pressure thanks to its lycopene content. As a result, you will reduce your risk of atherosclerosis. In addition, the consumption of tomatoes can reduce the risk of other health problems such as high cholesterol, obesity, and cancer.

What should not be mixed with tomato? ›

Tomatoes, which are considered acidic, do not mix well with starchy carbs such as pasta. This already-cumbersome combo turns into a recipe for digestive problems when you add dairy to it.

What is the best time to eat cucumber salad? ›

Cucumber in general are good to be eaten on an empty stomach. In fact it is best to eat Cucumber before meals as it works as an appetizer due to its high fibre content. Yes, Cucumber can be eaten on an empty stomach especially before lunch because it works as an appetizer.

Can I eat cucumber salad everyday? ›

Cucumbers contain upto 96% water content, which can keep you hydrated and meet daily needs. Getting enough water through fruits and vegetables ensures that cells get proper nutrition, you fight off exhaustion and stay energized through the day. Hence, cucumbers make for a good snacking option as well. Yes!

Do tomatoes detox your body? ›

Used as a part of a healthy diet, tomatoes can help protect the body from cancer and assist in detoxifying the body. Detoxifying helps clear the system of the overload of waste products and toxins that build up in the liver, intestines and elsewhere.

What organ are cucumbers good for? ›

It also makes sure organs like your heart, lungs, and kidneys work the way they should. The lignans may help prevent osteoporosis, heart disease, and some cancers. Antioxidants such as beta carotene in cucumbers can help fight free radicals in your body, unpaired electrons that damage cells and can lead to disease.

Does cucumber remove toxins from body? ›

Known among researchers for their anti-diabetic, lipid-lowering and antioxidant activity, cucumbers have a detoxifying, cleansing effect on the body. They're also naturally “cooling” and a great way to prevent dehydration, constipation and overheating. And that's not all when it comes to cucumber nutrition.

Does cucumber fight belly fat? ›

Cucumbers are rich in nutrients that can help with weight loss. It is rich in antioxidants, essential vitamins, and other beneficial compounds that support a healthy lifestyle. So not only can cucumber help reduce belly fat, but it can also provide additional health benefits.

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