Fresh & Zingy Cucumber Tomato Salad Recipe for Summer Joy

Cool summer days call for a refreshing cucumber tomato salad that brings vibrant colors and crisp textures to your plate.

Mediterranean kitchens have long celebrated this simple combination of fresh ingredients.

Ripe tomatoes and crunchy cucumbers create a delightful harmony of flavors that dance across your taste buds.

Garden-fresh produce transforms an ordinary side dish into something extraordinary.

Chopped herbs and a light vinaigrette add zesty notes that complement the vegetables’ natural sweetness.

Salt and a drizzle of olive oil complete this classic dish that feels like sunshine on a plate.

You will want to make this salad again and again.

Cucumber Tomato Salad That’s Refreshing

• Breeze Through Preparation: Whip up this salad in minutes with minimal chopping and no cooking required, making it perfect for busy home cooks.
• Refresh Your Palate: Packed with crisp vegetables and vibrant herbs, this salad delivers a burst of fresh flavors that wake up your taste buds with every bite.
• Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients or adjust seasonings to match your preferences, making it a versatile dish that adapts to your mood and pantry.
• Crowd-Pleasing Simplicity: Works wonderfully as a side dish for summer barbecues, potlucks, or casual family dinners, appealing to both kids and adults with its light and zesty profile.

Ingredients for Cucumber Tomato Salad

• Cucumber: Crisp and refreshing base for the salad.
• Tomatoes: Juicy and vibrant ingredient that adds color and flavor.
• Red Onion: Sharp and tangy component that provides a zesty kick.

• Fresh Basil, Fresh Parsley: Aromatic herbs that enhance the salad's freshness and add a bright flavor profile.

• Olive Oil, Red Wine Vinegar: Smooth and tangy base for the salad dressing.
• Lemon Juice: Adds a citrusy brightness and helps balance the flavors.

• Sugar, Salt, Black Pepper, Dried Oregano: Essential seasonings that create a well-rounded and balanced taste for the salad.

How to Prepare Cucumber Tomato Salad Perfectly

Step 1: Chop and Slice Fresh Vegetables

Grab your cutting board and sharp knife.

Slice cucumbers into thin, half-moon shapes.

Dice tomatoes into bite-sized chunks.

Thinly slice red onion into delicate rings.

Place all chopped vegetables into a spacious mixing bowl.

Step 2: Add Fragrant Herbs

Finely chop fresh basil and parsley.

Sprinkle these vibrant green herbs directly over the vegetables in the bowl.

Step 3: Whip Up Zesty Dressing

• Olive oil
• Red wine vinegar
• Fresh lemon juice
• Sugar
• Salt
• Freshly ground black pepper
• Dried oregano

Whisk these ingredients together until they create a smooth, well-blended dressing.

Step 4: Dress and Toss Salad

Pour the prepared dressing over the vegetable and herb mixture.

Gently toss everything together, ensuring each piece gets a beautiful coating of the tangy dressing.

Step 5: Chill and Marinate

Cover the bowl and slide it into the refrigerator.

Let the salad rest for at least 30 minutes.

This resting time allows the flavors to dance and mingle, creating a more delicious experience.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Remove the salad from the refrigerator.

Serve chilled or let it sit at room temperature.

Enjoy this refreshing and light summer salad as a perfect side dish or light lunch.

Pro Tips for Crisp and Delicious Cucumber Tomato Salad

• Marinate the salad for up to 2 hours before serving to intensify the taste and allow ingredients to absorb the dressing completely.
• Select ripe, firm tomatoes and crisp cucumbers for the best texture and most vibrant flavor in your salad.
• If the dressing feels too thick, add a splash of water or extra olive oil to thin it out and create a more balanced coating.
• Replace basil and parsley with dill or mint for a different flavor profile that complements the fresh vegetables.
• Keep the salad refrigerated and consume within 1-2 days for optimal freshness and crunch.

Variations to Try on Cucumber Tomato Salad

• Low-Carb Greek Version: Replace sugar with stevia, add crumbled feta cheese, and sprinkle with dried dill for a Mediterranean-inspired light salad.
• Protein-Packed Option: Mix in diced grilled chicken or canned chickpeas to transform the salad into a more substantial meal with added protein.
• Vegan Mediterranean Blend: Substitute olive oil with avocado oil, add kalamata olives, and replace feta with diced tofu for a plant-based alternative.
• Spicy Southwest Remix: Include diced jalapeños, swap red wine vinegar with lime juice, and add chopped cilantro for a zesty, southwestern-style salad with a kick.

Serving Suggestions for Cucumber Tomato Salad

• Fresh Garden Delight Plate: Arrange the salad on a rustic wooden board with extra herbs sprinkled on top for a stunning presentation.
• Mediterranean Companion: Serve alongside grilled chicken, feta cheese, and warm pita bread to create a complete Mediterranean-inspired meal.
• Summer Picnic Star: Pack this refreshing salad in mason jars for outdoor gatherings, beach trips, or backyard barbecues as a cool and light side dish.
• Protein Power-Up: Top the salad with grilled shrimp, cubed mozzarella, or sliced hard-boiled eggs to transform it into a more substantial lunch option.

How to Store Cucumber Tomato Salad Fresh

• Store in an airtight container for up to 2-3 days. Keep the salad chilled to maintain freshness and prevent ingredients from becoming soggy.
• Before storing, use a slotted spoon to transfer salad, leaving behind accumulated juices to prevent wilting.
• Do not freeze this salad, as cucumbers and tomatoes will lose texture and become watery when thawed.
• If salad seems limp, gently toss with fresh herbs and a splash of vinegar before serving to revive flavors and crispness.

FAQs

• Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare this salad up to 24 hours in advance. Keep it refrigerated and toss gently before serving to redistribute the dressing.

• Is there a way to prevent the salad from becoming watery?

To reduce excess liquid, salt the cucumbers for 10 minutes before adding other ingredients, then pat them dry with paper towels. This helps draw out moisture and keeps the salad crisp.

• What are some protein options I can add to make this a complete meal?

Crumbled feta cheese, grilled chicken, chickpeas, or canned tuna work great to transform this salad into a more substantial dish.

Cucumber Tomato Salad Recipe

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4.6 from 23 reviews

• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Mediterranean cucumber tomato salad celebrates fresh Mediterranean ingredients with crisp vegetables and zesty herbs. Refreshing herbs and tangy dressing make this quick summer side perfect for gatherings.

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Ingredients

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Vegetables:

• 2 large cucumbers
• 3 large tomatoes
• 1/4 cup red onion

Herbs:

• 1/4 cup fresh basil
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano

Dressing:

• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

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Instructions

1. Slice crisp cucumbers, dice ripe tomatoes, and delicately shred red onion into a spacious mixing vessel.
2. Sprinkle freshly chopped basil and parsley leaves over the vegetable medley, creating a vibrant herb layer.
3. Craft a zesty vinaigrette by whisking olive oil, red wine vinegar, tangy lemon juice, hint of sugar, savory salt, cracked black pepper, and aromatic dried oregano until thoroughly integrated.
4. Cascade the dressing across the vegetable ensemble, gently tossing to ensure each ingredient is elegantly coated with the fragrant mixture.
5. Refrigerate the salad for approximately 30 minutes, allowing the herbs and dressing to harmonize and intensify the overall flavor profile.
6. Present the salad either refreshingly chilled or at ambient temperature, offering a versatile and vibrant side dish perfect for summer gatherings.

Notes

• Slice vegetables thinly and uniformly to ensure even flavor distribution and attractive presentation.
• Drain excess liquid from cucumbers and tomatoes to prevent watery salad by patting them with paper towels before mixing.
• Use fresh herbs at peak ripeness for maximum flavor intensity and vibrant color.
• Adjust sweetness and acidity by gradually adding sugar and vinegar, tasting as you go to balance the dressing perfectly.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Mixing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 103 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 292 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 1.4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8.6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 5 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 1 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg