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GET IT NOWMy Cucumber Tomato Salad Is The Best Fresh Summer Side
I’m a big believer in healthy sides that are simple, and my refreshing cucumber tomato salad is the perfect one to make your mealtimes a little easier. This classic dish was a constant at our family table growing up — even if back then I wasn’t always convinced about vegetables. Nowadays, it’s my go-to side dish all summer long. Here’s why:
- Cool, crunchy, tangy, and refreshing – Just like my cucumber tomato avocado salad and Greek salad recipes, this one has all those summer vibes. Cucumbers add a fresh crunch, while tomatoes add sweet, juicy flavor. And you’ll love my bright, tangy dressing!
- Common ingredients – Tomatoes, cucumbers, fresh herbs, and a few pantry staples.
- Super easy to make – You can whip up this cucumber tomato salad in around 15 minutes. And since I often have ingredients on hand (you probably do, too?), it’s a good option on busy days when you didn’t plan ahead.
- Perfect for any occasion – Potlucks! Cookouts! Weeknight dinners! My tomato cucumber salad goes with anything. I make it year round, but love it most in the summer when I can get veggies from the farmers market.
I’ve tweaked my cucumber and tomato salad recipe over the years to make it even more delicious than I remember. Make it with me!
Ingredients & Substitutions
Here I explain the best ingredients for my cucumber tomato onion salad, what each one does in my recipe, and substitution options. For measurements, see the recipe card.
- Tomatoes – I opted for chopped Roma tomatoes (a.k.a. plum tomatoes). Any kind you’ve got will work. My kids love when I use halved cherry tomatoes or grape tomatoes, because they’re sweeter.
- Cucumber – When I can’t get them from the farmers market (the best!), I like Persian cucumbers (sometimes labeled mini cucumbers). They’re sweeter than larger ones, don’t have too many seeds, and save on chopping time. English cucumbers (also my go-to for cucumber soup) are good, too. I don’t recommend American cucumbers, which have a thicker skin and don’t taste like much of anything.
- Onion – I used a red onion for a bit more bite. Sweet, white, or yellow onion also works.
- Fresh Herbs – Fresh dill and parsley are my go-to summer combo, but fresh basil or chives are great, too. I don’t recommend dried herbs, but if it’s all you have, use 2 teaspoons of dried in place of 2 tablespoons fresh.
- Olive Oil – I always get quality extra virgin olive oil for this cucumber tomato salad. Use regular olive oil or avocado oil if you prefer a more neutral flavor.
- Red Wine Vinegar – I like this brand. It adds a zesty kick and emulsifies the dressing. You can get the same effect with other acidic ingredients, like lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, white wine vinegar, or balsamic vinegar. I’ve tried and love them all.
- Sea Salt & Black Pepper
How To Make Cucumber Tomato Salad
I have step-by-step photos here to help you visualize the recipe. For full instructions with amounts and temperatures, see the recipe card.
- Chop the veggies. In a large bowl, combine chopped tomatoes and cucumbers, sliced red onions, and fresh herbs.
- Make the dressing. Whisk together the olive oil, vinegar, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
- Toss together. Pour the dressing over the tomato cucumber salad. Mix to coat.
My Recipe Tips
- If your cucumbers have tough skin, peel them. I prefer to get the nutrients in the skin and leave it on, but you can peel if it’s too tough to enjoy.
- Cut the tomatoes and cucumbers to similar sizes. This makes the cucumber tomato salad easier to eat.
- Slice the onions extra thin. I find this prevents them from overpowering the dish.
- Want to save on dishes? Use just one bowl. For this shortcut, I whisk the dressing directly in my serving bowl first, then add the chopped veggies directly from my cutting board and toss.
- For a creamy element, add cheese. Sometimes I throw in fresh mozzarella balls or crumbled feta cheese. So good!
Cucumber Tomato Salad (Quick & Easy)
Make my refreshing cucumber tomato salad recipe in just 15 minutes, with crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, zesty onion and simple vinaigrette.
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Instructions
Tap on the times in the instructions to start a kitchen timer.
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In a large bowl, combine the chopped tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, and fresh herbs. Set aside.
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In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, vinegar, salt, and pepper.
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Pour the dressing over the cucumber tomato salad. Mix to coat.
LAST STEP: Leave a rating to help other readers, or tag me @wholesomeyum on Instagram. I’d love to hear from you!
Maya’s Recipe Notes
Serving size: 1 cup
- Tips: Check out my recipe tips above to help you get the best texture in your salad, my shortcut to save on dishes, and my favorite cheeses to add if you’re into it.
- Storage: This tomato and cucumber salad tastes best fresh, but if you have leftovers, you can keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1-2 days.
- Meal prep: Cut the veggies, make the dressing (I like to shake mine up in a mason jar), and store separately in the refrigerator. The tomatoes and cucumbers can last a day or two, but the dressing is good for at least a week. Just toss together right before serving.
I provide nutrition facts as a courtesy. Have questions about calculations or why you got a different result? Please see my nutrition policy.
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Cucumber Tomato Salad
Serving Ideas
My tomato cucumber salad is the perfect match for all your summer favorites. Here are some super easy pairings to try:
- Burgers – This salad is amazing with my juicy hamburger recipe! For a lighter option, make my turkey burgers.
- Chicken – I love it with grilled chicken kabobs, because I can repurpose some of the same inredients. Or try bruschetta chicken or grilled chicken legs with summery vibes. It also makes a super easy side for my Instant Pot chicken and rice.
- Pork – When you’re making a richer dish like air fryer pork chops or pork steak, my cucumber tomato salad recipe adds a pop of freshness.
- Fish & Seafood – Plate this dish with grilled shrimp skewers or flaky baked salmon for a fast meal.
- Comforting Mains – This healthy salad also goes great with heartier dishes, like stuffed cabbage rolls or a cheesy zucchini lasagna. It’s the perfect fresh side to balance out those rich flavors!
More Tomato Cucumber Salad Recipes
Tomatoes and cucumbers are staples in my kitchen all summer! Try some of my other recipes with these fresh veggies:
42 Comments
Dorothy Beckner
1I have made this salad several times. It is very good, easy to assemble. This time I added a little romaine lettuce. Wonderful!!
Maya | Wholesome Yum
0I’m happy to hear that, Dorothy! Romaine makes a great addition, too.
deann.sewell
1Today was grocery day so I pulled out all my prepared unused veggies and decided this would be a good time to try the Cucumber Tomato salad. This salad is bright and colorful and looks delicious. I was out of parsley so I used cilantro and dill. I used American cucumbers and I agree with Maya, they have no flavor. I felt there was not enough dressing so next time I will make more to go over the salad. It did give me a sense of summer on a cold February Day. Thank you Maya!
Maya | Wholesome Yum
1I’m glad you liked it, Deann! Yes, I think it’s wonderful with almost any kind of fresh herbs. Feel free to adjust the amount of dressing to your liking, but yes, I recommend Persian cucumbers over American ones. 🙂 Stay warm!
Brian - Key West FL
1OMG Maya!
This was perfect and enjoyable. Had some friends over for eggs Benedict, used this as a side in a small bowl. Everyone loved it and asked for the recipe. I used what I had which meant grape tomatoes quartered and thinly sliced shallots. Everything else as per recipe. Dicing the cukes was great visually and for texture. Truly a winner.
Thank you,
……… Brian
Maya | Wholesome Yum
0Thank you, Brian! What a delicious combination to enjoy this cucumber tomato salad with. I’m so glad everyone loved it.
Jean Ann
1The combination of fresh dill and parsley with the olive oil and vinegar dressing is so refreshing. I made it for a family picnic, and everyone loved it. The simplicity of slicing the veggies into wedges and half moons makes it quick and easy to prepare. I also made extra dressing and stored it in a mason jar for later.
Will
1Is it ok to use the dried parsley and dill? I never have fresh kicking around. Thanks.
Maya | Wholesome Yum
1Hi Will, Yes, you can use dried, it just tastes better with fresh. You’ll need 1/3 the amount if using dried.
Michelle
1This was a light salad that went down great at my bbq!
Monika
0I am so glad I checked my Email today. I had some produce I needed to eat and making this salad was perfect. It is cool and refreshing and oh so delicious. Thank you for this wonderful recipe.
Maya | Wholesome Yum
0Great timing, Monika! I’m so happy you enjoyed this salad.
Dale Faulkner
0A crisp and easy summer salad. I had some cherry and grape tomatoes from the garden so used those (cut in half), absorbed the flavours wonderfully. Would definitely recommend.
Wholesome Yum D
0I’m so glad you liked it, Dale! Garden tomatoes sound like the perfect touch, love that you used what you had on hand!
Khristina
0This was delicious and oooohhh so good with fresh tomatoes from my garden!! Still waiting on fresh cukes but it was delish!!!
Khris J
Wholesome Yum D
0Khris, I’m so glad you liked it! Fresh garden tomatoes make everything better — hope those cucumbers ripen soon!
Rose Brown
0I really enjoyed the Cucumber salad recipe. I did make a couple changes. I added a little greek plain yogurt and I didn’t have dill so used a couple teaspoons of dill pickle juice. turned out Great! Thank you for the ideas!
Wholesome Yum D
0I’m so glad you liked the cucumber salad, Rose! The yogurt and dill pickle juice sound like fun twists—thanks for sharing how you made it your own!
Arlene Culpepper
0I made this tonight & added feta. It was amazing!!!!!
Wholesome Yum D
0I’m so glad you liked it, Arlene! Feta sounds like an amazing addition!
Elle
0So fresh and light, perfect for summer lunch when you come in from the pool! The cucumber adds a nice crunch
Maya | Wholesome Yum
0Thank you, Elle! You definitely painted that picture for me and now I want this salad after the pool, haha.
Pat Adderley
0Delicious salad, a nice change from the traditional lettuce ones! I made too much so refrigerated the rest. I forgot that olive oil congeals in the fridge so will adjust amounts for next time.
Wholesome Yum D
0Thanks, Pat! I love that it was a fun change for you. And yep, the olive oil gets me sometimes too!
Kathy Williams
0I have been making this recipe for decades! It is so good and one of our favorites!
Maya | Wholesome Yum
0Thanks, Kathy! Yes, it’s definitely a classic.
Dorothy
0This is a refreshing delightful recipe. I made it along with crispy air fryer chicken wings. So good on a hot summer day.
Dorothy Beckner
0I made this today. It is very good. I had fresh parsley and dill. Served it with pork chops.
Cheryle
0Great made it and shared with people in my apt. Building, they came back for more the next day. Loved it 5 stars.
Carla Ferong
0I love this salad especially on a hot day. It’s so easy to make with so few ingredients but a nice zing for flavor. Amd a large bowl keeps well in the refrigerator a few days. sometimes I just each this with Keto tomato toast.
Carol
0On a hot summer day, this salad was perfect because it’s light and refreshing. It’s quick and easy to put together. The olive oil and red wine vinegar dressing is so good. We grow our own tomatoes, so I’m always trying to find new ways to use them. I will definitely make this again. My husband commented on how good it was, too. Thanks for another winner!
Valerie Brown
0I made this for my 4th cookout last Saturday. OMG it was so good and so refreshing. Everyone must have agreed because there was non left over . Will definitely be making again and smaller versions for summer suppers. Love your recipes!
Kim
0Such a refreshing salad. It was a big hit at my picnic. This will be my go to salad on these hot days.
Cherry
0Summer walks and fresh salads are the best! Those lilies sound gorgeous. My family loves a good watermelon and feta salad. I also loved this cucumber salad! The fresh dill and parsley really brought it to life. So refreshing.
Gail Werner
0This salad is refreshing and packed with refined flavor. The prep time is spot on and the flavors marry together, as the red onion is muted by the parsley and red wine vinegar. I live in New Jersey and it is blueberry season here, so a handful of the little blue guys seemed appropriate with three slices of an avocado to garnish the dish. A wonderful addition to any meal!
joey blue
0Great salad. Lots of options. I have made the salad with all kinds of little extra herbs. Made it quite a few times and enjoy it every single time it’s just fresh and a great summer lunch or side with dinner. When I use this recipe as a side dish with fish, I’d like to add to the extra-virgin olive oil just a drop of soy sauce with the vinegar just makes it spectacular. Thank you so much for sharing your recipe. I really love it.
Asma
0I had opted out oil and onion in this recipe but still turned out great
Lynn McIntyre
0We really enjoyed this easy prep tasty salad. It has a great fresh flavour. This will be a go to recipe for my family. I didn’t have fresh dill and the dried dill worked just fine. Thank you for sharing this recipe!
Genevieve
0This was simple, delicious, and so fresh with the herbs in the recipe! My whole family loved it. Thank you!
Amanda
0I made this salad for a BBQ over the weekend, and it was a huge hit. It’s so quick and simple to make but bursting with fresh flavors. Definitely will make it again this summer!
Traci
0This was such a nice, light and refreshing summer recipe! Great flavor and wonderful taste! Thank you so much!!
Shelby
0Mm such a fresh salad and ALL I wanted when I was pregnant!