This cucumber tomato salad is super simple and refreshing! With crunchy cucumbers and juicy tomatoes, it’s perfect for warm days or as a side dish for any meal.
Honestly, I can’t get enough of this salad! It’s so quick to make, and I love tossing in some herbs for extra flavor. You could even add feta cheese if you’re feeling fancy! 🥗
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cucumbers: Use large English cucumbers for a crunchier bite. If you prefer, you can substitute with Persian cucumbers, which are smaller and sweeter. Just remember, the skin adds a lovely color and texture!
Tomatoes: Fresh, ripe tomatoes are best for this salad. If it’s not tomato season, you could use cherry or grape tomatoes for convenience. Just halve them before adding to the bowl.
Red Onion: The red onion gives a nice sharpness, but you can swap it out with sweet onions or green onions if you’re sensitive to the bite. Soaking sliced onions in cold water for 10 minutes can also make them milder!
Dill & Parsley: Fresh dill is fantastic in this salad, but if you don’t have it, dried dill works too. I sometimes skip the parsley or use cilantro for a fresh twist on flavor!
Olive Oil & Vinegar: Extra virgin olive oil is my go-to, but any light oil will do. For acidity, feel free to use apple cider vinegar instead of red wine vinegar for a different taste profile.
What’s the Best Way to Toss a Salad Without Making a Mess?
Tossing salad can be tricky, especially with fresh ingredients. Here’s a simple way to do it without spilling any!
- Start with the larger ingredients—cucumbers and tomatoes—on the bottom.
- Add the chopped herbs and onions next, so they mix evenly.
- Drizzle the olive oil and vinegar last. This helps coat everything more easily.
- Use two large spoons or salad tongs to gently lift and fold the mixture instead of stirring vigorously.
- Keep the motion soft; this prevents mushy tomatoes and cucumbers!
Easy Refreshing Cucumber Tomato Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Fresh Vegetables:
- 2 large cucumbers, peeled and chopped into chunks
- 4-5 ripe tomatoes, chopped into wedges
- 1/2 medium red onion, thinly sliced
Herbs & Seasonings:
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried dill)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Dressings:
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1-2 tablespoons red wine vinegar or lemon juice
How Much Time Will You Need?
This salad takes about 10 minutes to prepare. It’s super quick to chop everything up! If you want the flavors to meld, consider refrigerating it for an extra 15-30 minutes. So in total, you’re looking at about 30-40 minutes from start to enjoying!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Vegetables:
Start by peeling (if you prefer) and chopping the cucumbers into bite-sized chunks. Place these in a large salad bowl. Next, chop the tomatoes into wedges and add them to the bowl along with the cucumbers.
2. Slice the Onion:
Take your red onion and slice it thinly. Add the slices to the bowl with the cucumbers and tomatoes. The onion adds a nice crunch and flavor!
3. Add Herbs:
If you’re using fresh dill and/or parsley, chop them and sprinkle them over the vegetables in the bowl. These herbs really brighten up the dish!
4. Dress the Salad:
Now it’s time to make it tasty! Drizzle the olive oil and your choice of red wine vinegar or lemon juice over the salad. These will add great flavor and help bind everything together.
5. Seasoning:
Sprinkle some salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. This will enhance all the flavors you’ve added!
6. Toss it Together:
Gently toss all the ingredients together until everything is evenly coated with the dressing. Be careful not to break the tomatoes!
7. Serve or Chill:
You can serve the salad right away as it is refreshing and delicious. If you prefer, let it chill in the fridge for about 15-30 minutes. This also allows the flavors to blend beautifully.
Enjoy!
This simple cucumber tomato salad is crisp, light, and very refreshing—perfect as a quick side dish or a healthy snack!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Different Types of Tomatoes?
Absolutely! While ripe tomatoes are the best for this salad, cherry or grape tomatoes work wonderfully too. Just halve or quarter them before adding to the mix for an easy alternative.
How Should I Store Leftover Salad?
Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep in mind that the cucumbers may release water, making the salad a little soggy. It’s best to enjoy it fresh!
Can I Make This Salad Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can! You can prepare the vegetables and store them separately in the fridge. Just add the dressing right before serving to keep everything crisp and fresh!
What Can I Substitute for Red Wine Vinegar?
If you don’t have red wine vinegar, you can easily substitute it with apple cider vinegar or even lemon juice for a tangy flavor. Both options taste delicious in this salad!
