Cucumber Tomato Salad Fresh and Easy Recipe for Summer

This fresh cucumber tomato salad is the perfect side dish for summer picnics, backyard BBQs, church potlucks, and easy family dinners. Made with simple ingredients and a light homemade dressing.

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If you’re looking for a fresh, simple salad that’s full of flavor, this cucumber tomato salad is always a favorite.

Made with crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, fresh herbs, and a light homemade dressing, this easy side dish is perfect for BBQs, picnics, potlucks, and everyday meals.

The combination of cool cucumbers and sweet tomatoes creates a refreshing salad that pairs perfectly with grilled chicken, burgers, steak, sandwiches, and summer dinners.

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It’s one of those classic recipes that comes together in minutes with simple ingredients you probably already have on hand.

Whether you need a quick healthy lunch, an easy side dish, or a fresh summer salad for entertaining, this cucumber tomato salad is a delicious choice.

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Looking for more easy salad recipes? Be sure to visit my Best Summer Salad Recipes collection for pasta salads, fruit salads, and picnic side dishes.

How to Make Cucumber Tomato Salad

This fresh salad only takes a few minutes to prepare and tastes even better after chilling for a short time before serving.

Ingredients for Cucumber Tomato Salad

  • 2 medium cucumbers, sliced
  • 3 medium tomatoes, chopped
  • 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley or basil, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar or lemon juice
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled (optional)

Instructions

In a large bowl, combine the sliced cucumbers, chopped tomatoes, red onion, and fresh herbs.

In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, vinegar or lemon juice, salt, and pepper.

Pour the dressing over the vegetables and toss gently to combine.

Sprinkle with feta cheese if desired.

Refrigerate for 10–15 minutes before serving for the best flavor.

Tips for the Best Cucumber Tomato Salad

Use fresh, ripe tomatoes for the best flavor and texture.

English cucumbers or garden cucumbers both work well in this recipe. If using large cucumbers with lots of seeds, you may want to scoop out some of the center before slicing.

Chilling the salad before serving helps the flavors blend together and makes it extra refreshing on warm days.

Easy Flavor Variations

This simple salad is easy to customize with different herbs, vegetables, and toppings.

Try adding:

  • avocado
  • bell peppers
  • olives
  • mozzarella pearls
  • chickpeas
  • fresh dill
  • mint
  • balsamic glaze

For a creamier version, stir in a spoonful of plain Greek yogurt or extra feta cheese.

Best Dressings for Cucumber Tomato Salad

A light vinaigrette works best with the fresh vegetables in this salad.

Some great options include:

  • olive oil and lemon juice
  • red wine vinaigrette
  • balsamic vinaigrette
  • Greek dressing
  • creamy dill dressing

Avoid heavy dressings that overpower the fresh flavor of the cucumbers and tomatoes.

Serving Ideas

This cucumber tomato salad pairs perfectly with:

  • grilled chicken
  • burgers
  • steak
  • BBQ ribs
  • sandwiches
  • grilled fish

It’s also a great side dish for summer holidays, backyard cookouts, church potlucks, picnics, and family gatherings.

Storage Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Because cucumbers release water as they sit, you may need to drain excess liquid before serving leftovers.

For the freshest texture, add the dressing shortly before serving whenever possible.

Cucumber Tomato Salad
Prep Time
15 mins
Chill Time
15 mins
 

This fresh cucumber tomato salad is light, refreshing, and full of simple garden-fresh flavor. Made with crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, fresh herbs, and a light homemade dressing, this easy side dish is perfect for BBQs, picnics, potlucks, and summer dinners.

Course: Salad
Cuisine: American
Keyword: barbecue, cucumber, picnic, tomato
Servings: 6
Ingredients
  • 2 medium cucumbers sliced
  • 3 medium tomatoes chopped
  • 1/4 red onion thinly sliced
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley or basil chopped
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar or lemon juice
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1/4 cup feta cheese crumbled (optional)
Instructions
  1. In a large bowl, combine the cucumbers, tomatoes, red onion, and fresh herbs.
  2. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, vinegar or lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
  3. Pour the dressing over the vegetables and toss gently until combined.
  4. Sprinkle with feta cheese if desired.
  5. Refrigerate for 10–15 minutes before serving for the best flavor.
Recipe Notes

English cucumbers work especially well because they have fewer seeds.
Chill the salad before serving for a more refreshing flavor.
Add avocado, olives, or chickpeas for extra texture and flavor.
For best results, serve shortly after adding the dressing.

More Easy Summer Salad Recipes

Follow my summer salads recipe board on Pinterest.

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