This simple cucumber tomato salad made with juicy tomatoes, crisp cucumbers and red onion is the perfect summer side salad! It’s refreshing, delicious and easy to make.
Today I’m sharing one of my favorite summer side salads that recently got a photo upgrade… cucumber tomato salad.
The veggies I used were straight from Isaac’s parents’ garden. The tomatoes were plump, sweet and juicy while the cucumber was cool, crisp and refreshing. The two, paired together with red onion and a bit of seasoning = perfection.
I love serving this salad alongside a grilled chicken breast, grilled chicken skewers or a turkey burger for the perfect summer meal!
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Why You’ll Love This Salad
- Fresh – The combination of crisp sliced cucumber, ripe juicy tomatoes and crisp red onions delivers a burst of freshness.
- Quick and Easy – With minimal prep time and no cooking required, this salad comes together in minutes!
- Versatile – It’s the perfect summer salad to bring to cookouts or potlucks, but it also makes for a great mid-week side salad to serve next to a protein of choice.
Ingredients Needed
- cucumber – peeled, halved, and thinly sliced for a crisp, refreshing base. I used regular cucumbers, but English cucumbers will also work.
- tomatoes – use your favorite variety of tomato or whatever is in season. I typically use slicing tomatoes, but cherry tomatoes or grape tomatoes will also work.
- red onion – offering a sharp, colorful accent.
- garlic – for a punch of aromatic flavor.
- olive oil – drizzles over the salad for a smooth, fruity richness.
- red wine vinegar – adds a tangy brightness, enhancing the overall taste. Apple cider vinegar, white vinegar or lemon juice will all work as a substitute.
- Italian seasoning – a blend of dried herbs that brings warmth and depth.
- pinch of raw sugar – a subtle sweetness to balance the acidity of the tomatoes and vinegar.
Find the printable recipe with measurements below.
Recipe Variations
I love this recipe as is, but feel free to customize it with different mix-in’s. Here are some ideas:
- Add cheese: Add crumbled feta cheese or mozzarella balls.
- Add herbs: Beyond Italian seasoning, fresh herbs can add a burst of flavor. Consider basil, parsley, mint or fresh dill for a refreshing twist that complements the cucumbers and tomatoes beautifully.
- Add avocado: The creaminess that avocado would add to this salad would pair perfectly with the cucumbers and tomatoes.
- Use a different dressing: While I love the simplicity of this dressing, feel free to switch it up by using this red wine vinaigrette, balsamic vinaigrette or white balsamic vinaigrette.
- Add more veggies: Amplify the salad with additional veggies such as bell peppers, kalamata olives, or artichoke hearts.
How to Make This Salad
Step 1: Mix the cucumber, tomatoes, red onion and garlic in a large bowl.
Step 2: Drizzle olive oil and red wine vinegar over veggies. Add seasonings, and allow the salad to marinate for 15-30 minutes.
Recipe Tips!
- Allowing the salad to sit for at least 15-30 minutes before serving can significantly enhance the flavors. The vegetables soak up the dressing, becoming more flavorful and delicious.
- As the salad sits, liquid will accumulate. You can serve the salad with a slotted spoon to avoid the extra liquid.
- Having fresh veggies really makes a huge difference so if possible grab the ingredients for this salad from your local produce stand, farmers market or garden.
- Double the recipe if you’re bringing this to a summer potluck or BBQ!
Cucumber Tomato Salad Serving Suggestions
This refreshing cucumber tomato salad pairs wonderfully with a variety of dishes. It can be served at a summer potluck or BBQ or as a simple side salad alongside a protein for dinner. Serve it alongside:
Can I Make This Salad Ahead of Time?
I prefer to make this salad the day I’m serving it, but you can totally make it 1-2 days in advance and store it in the fridge in an airtight container.
The only thing, is that the cucumbers and tomatoes will release some liquid as it sits, so you might need to drain any excess juices before serving.
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