This Cucumber Tomato Salad is a refreshing side dish that’s quick and easy to prepare. Crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, red onion, fresh dill, and basil are tossed with a tangy and slightly sweet vinaigrette dressing that boasts fresh, vibrant flavors.
My family and I have enjoyed this delicious salad for several years. I love it because it’s simple, easy, and always a hit.
It’s a perfect side dish for spring and summer picnics and cookouts (although I love it year-round!). This salad is delicious served alongside just about any main course, especially beef, pork, and grilled chicken.
Why You’ll Love This Salad
- Quick and easy: This side dish comes together in 15 minutes and uses simple ingredients that are easy to find.
- Customizable: This recipe can be easily adapted to suit your personal taste.
- Healthy and nutritious: This salad is packed with wholesome ingredients!
- Light and refreshing: This salad is especially satisfying during hot summer months and is a side dish that won’t leave you feeling weighed down.
Ingredients Needed
- Cucumbers – I prefer to use English cucumbers in this recipe, but any type will work.
- Tomatoes – I typically use Roma tomatoes, but cherry tomatoes are also delicious.
- Red onion
- Fresh basil
- Fresh dill
- Olive oil
- Apple cider vinegar
- Red wine vinegar
- Granulated white sugar
- Salt and black pepper
How to Make It
- Combine the vegetables: Toss cucumbers, tomatoes, onion, dill, and basil in a large bowl.
- Prepare the vinaigrette: Whisk together the dressing ingredients in a small bowl or large measuring cup.
- Dress the salad: Drizzle the salad with the vinaigrette dressing and toss to coat.
Helpful Tips
- Choose fresh and ripe produce. Look for firm cucumbers without any soft spots or bruises and tomatoes that are plump and vibrant red in color.
- Slice the vegetables uniformly in size for an even distribution of flavors.
- Adjust seasonings to taste. Taste the vinaigrette before drizzling over the salad and adjust to your personal taste.
Flavor Variations
- Add avocado for a creamy texture and added richness.
- Add feta cheese. Crumble feta cheese over the salad for a salty and tangy flavor addition.
- Add pitted black or kalamata olives for a Mediterranean twist.
- Add chopped bell pepper for added sweetness and crunchy texture.
- Add heat by sprinkling with crushed red pepper flakes.
Common Questions
Yes, you can prepare cucumber tomato salad ahead of time, but it’s best to drizzle with the vinaigrette just before serving to prevent the veggies from becoming soggy.
Although it’s not necessary to peel the cucumbers, they can be peeled in this recipe.
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
More Cucumber Deliciousness
Cucumber Tomato Salad
Ingredients
For the salad:
- 3 cups sliced cucumbers 1 ½ to 2 English cucumbers (peeled or unpeeled)
- 3 Roma tomatoes chopped (about 2 ½ cups chopped)
- ½ cup thinly sliced red onion
- ¼ cup julienned or chopped fresh basil
- 2 teaspoons chopped fresh dill
For the dressing:
- ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
- ¾ cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt or to taste
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper or to taste
Instructions
- Place cucumbers, tomatoes, red onion, basil, and dill in a large bowl. Toss to combine.
- Whisk dressing ingredients in a large measuring cup or small bowl.Â
- Drizzle vinaigrette dressing over the salad and toss to coat as evenly as possible.
Video
Notes
- This recipe yields approximately 5 cups.
- This salad is best when served within a few hours of preparing, but can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Nutrition
If provided, nutritional info is a courtesy, is not guaranteed and should only be considered as a guideline.
Originally published March 2012. Updated with new photos, new text and recipe slightly revised March 2023.
Willie Adema
How far ahead can I make this salad? Looking to make it at noon for dinner. Thanks
Amy
Hi Willie, you should be fine making it at noon for dinner (cover and store in the fridge). It technically will last 2-3 days stored properly in the fridge, but I prefer it within a few hours of making it so that the cucumbers are crisp. I hope you and your family enjoy it!
Ashly
So easy and delicious, thank you!
Christina Dunbar
I wish I had drained the salad after it marinated in the dressing. Was really good fresh but sat in fridge and just got soggy the next day. I will make again but will remember to drain the dressing
Scott Gallagher
Simple, healthy, delicious…made me points with my girlfriend. Thank you!!
Amy
Hi Scott, thank you so much – I’m so glad you and your girlfriend enjoyed it!