There are few dishes more refreshing and universally loved than Cucumber Tomato Salad. Crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, and a zesty vinaigrette come together in minutes to create a salad that is simple, healthy, and flavorful. Whether you’re hosting a summer cookout, prepping weekday lunches, or looking for a light side dish, this salad fits the bill.

In this complete guide, we’ll explore everything about this salad: the best ingredients, cutting techniques, dressings, add-ins, storage tips, and much more.

Why Cucumber Tomato Salad Is a Must-Have
Health Benefits of Cucumbers and Tomatoes
Choosing the Best Ingredients
Ideal Dressings: Vinegar vs. Creamy
Ingredient List
Step-by-Step Instructions
Cutting and Preparation Tips
Add-Ins to Customize the Flavor
Serving Suggestions
Storage and Meal Prep Advice
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Conclusion

1. Why Cucumber Tomato Salad Is a Must-Have

Quick and easy: Ready in 10 minutes or less
Healthy and hydrating: High water content and low in calories
Versatile: Goes with anything from grilled meats to pasta
Customizable: Adjust the flavor to suit any cuisine or taste
Make-ahead friendly: Flavors improve as it sits

This salad is one of those “anytime, any place” recipes you’ll reach for again and again.

2. Health Benefits of Cucumbers and Tomatoes

Cucumbers:

95% water – great for hydration
Low in calories but high in fiber
Rich in vitamin K, magnesium, and potassium

Tomatoes:

Excellent source of vitamin C and lycopene
Antioxidant properties
May help support heart health and skin quality

Combined, they offer a light, satisfying, and nourishing base for your salad.

3. Choosing the Best Ingredients

Cucumbers:

English cucumbers are ideal—thin skin, fewer seeds
Persian cucumbers also work well—small and crunchy
Regular cucumbers should be peeled and seeded

Tomatoes:

Cherry or grape tomatoes are sweet and easy to halve
Roma/plum tomatoes are less watery
Heirloom tomatoes add visual interest and flavor depth

Always choose firm, ripe, and flavorful vegetables for the best results.

4. Ideal Dressings: Vinegar vs. Creamy

Vinaigrette Style (Classic):

Light, tangy, fresh
Uses olive oil, vinegar, lemon, herbs
Best for warm weather and outdoor meals

Creamy Style:

Includes sour cream, yogurt, or mayo
Richer, slightly tangy
Great with grilled proteins or spicy foods

Vinaigrette is the most popular and traditional choice, especially for light, everyday meals.

5. Ingredients:

For the Salad:

2 large cucumbers (English or Persian), sliced
2 cups cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
½ small red onion, thinly sliced
2 tbsp fresh parsley or dill, chopped
Salt and black pepper, to taste

For the Dressing:

3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
2 tbsp red wine vinegar or lemon juice
1 tsp Dijon mustard (optional for tang)
1 garlic clove, minced
½ tsp sugar (optional)
Salt and pepper, to taste

6. Steps:

Slice the Cucumbers:
Use a sharp knife or mandoline to thinly slice cucumbers into even rounds or half-moons.
Cut the Tomatoes:
Halve cherry tomatoes or dice larger tomatoes into chunks.
Slice the Onion:
Use a mandoline or very sharp knife to get paper-thin onion slices.
Make the Dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, vinegar, mustard, garlic, sugar, salt, and pepper.
Combine the Ingredients:
Add cucumbers, tomatoes, onion, and herbs to a large bowl. Pour dressing over and toss gently.
Season and Serve:
Taste and adjust seasoning. Let rest for 10 minutes before serving for best flavor.

7. Cutting and Preparation Tips

Salt cucumbers ahead of time if you want to reduce wateriness
Use a mandoline for uniform slicing
Soak onions in cold water for 10 minutes to mellow their bite
Always dress right before serving for the crunchiest results

8. Add-Ins to Customize the Flavor

Cheese: Feta, mozzarella balls, Parmesan shavings
Beans: Chickpeas, black beans for protein
Grains: Farro, quinoa, or couscous for a complete meal
Olives: Kalamata or green for briny contrast
Avocado: Adds creaminess
Peppers: Red or yellow bell peppers for crunch and color
Spices: Cracked pepper, chili flakes, za’atar, or sumac

9. Serving Suggestions

With grilled chicken, steak, or salmon
Alongside kebabs, pita, and hummus
As a picnic side dish or BBQ companion
Tucked into wraps or sandwiches
Served over greens with a scoop of hummus or tzatziki

This salad works across seasons, meals, and cuisines.

10. Storage and Meal Prep Advice

Store in the fridge for up to 2 days
Do not freeze—cucumbers will go mushy
Store dressing separately for longer storage
Great for meal prep if assembled without dressing

If making in advance, layer veggies with a paper towel to absorb moisture.

11. Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overdressing—leads to soggy cucumbers
Cutting cucumbers too thick—they won’t absorb flavor
Using watery tomatoes—can dilute dressing
Skipping salt—it enhances all the fresh flavors
Serving too cold—let it sit a few minutes at room temp for best flavor

12. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I use bottled dressing?
Yes, but homemade dressing offers the freshest flavor and better control over salt and sugar.

Q: Is this salad vegan?
Yes, the base recipe is vegan and dairy-free.

Q: How do I make it creamier?
Add a spoonful of sour cream, Greek yogurt, or mayo to the dressing.

Q: Can I make it spicy?
Absolutely—add sliced jalapeños or a pinch of red pepper flakes.

Q: What’s the best vinegar to use?
Red wine vinegar is classic. You can also try apple cider vinegar or balsamic for different twists.

Q: Can I add protein?
Yes—grilled chicken, shrimp, tuna, or even chickpeas work beautifully.

13. Conclusion

Cucumber Tomato Salad is the kind of timeless dish you can make a hundred different ways, yet it never gets old. Its crisp texture, refreshing taste, and simple prep make it a favorite across cultures, seasons, and occasions. Whether you stick with the classic or jazz it up with feta and olives, this salad belongs on your regular rotation.

It’s not just a side—it’s a showcase of summer’s best produce and the power of simple, honest ingredients. Try it once, and you’ll see why it’s a staple on tables everywhere.