Cucumber Tomato Salad, including:
A description
Ingredients
Step-by-step instructions
Total time
Cucumber Tomato Salad Recipe
Description:
Cucumber Tomato Salad is a light, refreshing, and easy-to-make dish perfect for summer, barbecues, potlucks, or as a healthy side to any meal. Made with crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, red onions, and a zesty vinaigrette, it’s packed with flavor and takes just minutes to prepare.
Time:
Step Time
Prep Time 10 minutes
Marinate (optional) 15–30 minutes
Total Time 10–40 minutes
Ingredients (Serves 4):
Vegetables:
2 cups cucumbers (sliced thinly or halved if using baby cucumbers)
2 cups cherry or grape tomatoes (halved)
½ red onion (thinly sliced)
2 tbsp fresh parsley or dill (chopped – optional)
Dressing:
3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
2 tbsp red wine vinegar (or lemon juice)
1 clove garlic (minced)
½ tsp dried oregano (or Italian seasoning)
Salt & black pepper to taste
Optional: Pinch of sugar or honey to balance acidity
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables
Wash cucumbers and tomatoes thoroughly.
Slice cucumbers into thin rounds or half-moons.
Cut tomatoes in half (or dice if using large ones).
Thinly slice the red onion.
Step 2: Make the Dressing
In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, vinegar, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper.
Optional: Add a pinch of sugar or honey if the dressing is too tart.
Step 3: Combine and Toss
In a large bowl, combine cucumbers, tomatoes, onions, and herbs.
Pour the dressing over the salad and toss until evenly coated.
Step 4: Let It Marinate (Optional)
Let the salad sit for 15–30 minutes at room temperature for deeper flavor (optional but recommended).
Step 5: Serve
Serve chilled or at room temperature. Garnish with extra herbs if desired.
Storage:
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
The salad will release more liquid as it sits—drain slightly before serving if needed.
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
Q1: Can I make cucumber tomato salad ahead of time?
A: Yes! It’s best within a few hours of making, but you can prepare it up to a day ahead. Keep it refrigerated and toss again before serving.
Q2: Can I add cheese or other ingredients?
A: Absolutely. Popular add-ins:
Feta cheese
Avocado
Kalamata olives
Chickpeas
Fresh basil or mint
Q3: What type of cucumber is best?
A: Use seedless cucumbers like:
English cucumbers
Persian cucumbers
Regular cucumbers work too—just peel and deseed them.
Q4: What’s the best vinegar to use?
A: Red wine vinegar is classic, but you can substitute with:
Apple cider vinegar
White wine vinegar
Balsamic vinegar (adds sweetness)
Q5: How do I reduce the onion’s sharpness?
A: Soak the sliced onions in cold water for 10 minutes, then drain. This mellows the flavor.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve alongside grilled meats, kebabs, or fish
Add to wraps or pita poc
kets
Top with grilled tofu or chicken for a full meal