Tomato Cucumber Salad

Fresh, fast, and incredibly flavorful, this Tomato Cucumber Salad is the ideal companion for warm weather meals. It’s made with crisp cucumbers, juicy cherry tomatoes, and tangy red onion, tossed in a zesty lemon-olive oil dressing. With just a handful of ingredients and no cooking required, this dish is a dream for busy weekdays or breezy backyard gatherings.

You can easily customize this salad with your favorite herbs or a sprinkle of feta for added creaminess. It’s naturally gluten-free, low-carb, and plant-based, making it suitable for a wide range of dietary preferences. Whether you’re prepping lunch for one or bringing a side dish to a cookout, this fresh and colorful salad is sure to steal the spotlight.

Full Recipe

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved

• 1 large cucumber, sliced

• 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced

• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

• 1/2 teaspoon sea salt

• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

• Optional: 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese

Directions:

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, and red onion.

2. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, salt, pepper, and garlic powder until emulsified.

3. Pour the dressing over the vegetables and toss gently to coat.

4. Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley and feta (if using), and toss again.

5. Refrigerate for 10–15 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 0 minutes | Total Time: 10 minutes

Kcal: 120 kcal | Servings: 4 servings

The Simplicity of Fresh Tomato Cucumber Salad

Few dishes embody the essence of summer as perfectly as a simple tomato cucumber salad. This light and refreshing dish is a staple in many cultures and cuisines due to its minimal ingredients, fast preparation, and vibrant flavors. It’s the kind of recipe that brings back memories of garden lunches, backyard barbecues, and warm evenings spent outside. With the right balance of crunch from the cucumber, juiciness from the tomato, and tang from the lemon dressing, this salad makes a great companion for nearly any main course—or shines beautifully on its own.

A Timeless Classic with Global Roots

Tomato and cucumber salads are enjoyed worldwide, with slight variations tailored to regional preferences. In the Mediterranean, it’s often paired with feta, olives, and oregano. In the Middle East, you might find it as part of a mezze spread, finely chopped and spiced with sumac or mint. Eastern European versions often include sour cream or dill, while in India, it’s commonly seasoned with chaat masala for a zesty kick. No matter where you go, the foundation remains the same: fresh vegetables, a light dressing, and minimal fuss.

Perfect for Any Occasion

What makes this salad stand out is its versatility. It’s equally at home on a picnic blanket as it is next to grilled meats or sandwiches at a summer party. Hosting a brunch? Add it to your table. Planning a potluck? It’s easy to make in bulk. Need a last-minute side dish for dinner? It takes just ten minutes to prepare. Because it’s not weighed down by heavy ingredients or creamy dressings, it remains light and refreshing—even when made ahead and chilled in the fridge.

Health Benefits of Tomato and Cucumber Salad

This dish isn’t just delicious; it’s also packed with health benefits. Tomatoes are a great source of vitamin C, potassium, folate, and lycopene—a powerful antioxidant known for its heart health and anti-cancer properties. Cucumbers, on the other hand, are high in water content, making them incredibly hydrating and great for digestion. They also provide fiber, vitamin K, and antioxidants. When paired with a dressing made from olive oil and lemon juice, the salad delivers a dose of healthy fats and vitamin C, creating a wholesome, nutrient-rich option that supports a balanced diet.

Great for Special Diets

One of the most appealing features of this salad is how naturally inclusive it is. It’s gluten-free, dairy-free (if you omit the optional feta), vegan, and low in carbohydrates. Those following Mediterranean, Whole30, or clean-eating lifestyles will find it fits in seamlessly. It’s also an excellent choice for people with dietary restrictions or food sensitivities, as it’s made with whole, natural ingredients and doesn’t require any processed additives.

Tips for Choosing the Best Ingredients

Because this recipe relies heavily on raw vegetables, ingredient quality is key. Choose ripe, sweet cherry tomatoes or vine-ripened varieties for the best flavor. For cucumbers, English or Persian cucumbers are preferred because they have thin skins and fewer seeds, which contributes to a crisper bite. Red onion adds a mild zing and color contrast, but if you find raw onion too strong, soaking it in cold water for 10 minutes can mellow the flavor. Extra virgin olive oil offers a rich, fruity base for the dressing, while freshly squeezed lemon juice adds brightness and tang.

How to Customize Your Salad

The simplicity of this tomato cucumber salad is also what makes it so customizable. You can easily transform the flavor profile to suit your tastes or complement your meal. Add feta cheese for a salty, creamy touch, or toss in fresh herbs like basil, dill, or mint for an aromatic boost. Kalamata olives or sliced avocado can increase the richness, while a sprinkle of za’atar or chili flakes adds complexity. Want more protein? Add chickpeas, grilled chicken, or even quinoa to make it a more substantial meal. The possibilities are nearly endless.

Storing and Serving Suggestions

This salad is best enjoyed fresh, but it also stores well in the fridge for up to 2 days. To maintain the best texture, consider keeping the dressing separate until you’re ready to serve. If you’ve already tossed everything together, just give it a gentle mix before serving to redistribute the dressing. Serve it chilled for peak freshness, especially on a hot day. It pairs well with grilled meats, fish, roasted vegetables, or as a topping for whole grains like couscous or bulgur.

Why This Salad Works All Year Round

While it’s commonly associated with summer, this salad can be enjoyed year-round. In cooler months, swap in grape tomatoes, which tend to be sweeter in the off-season, and add robust herbs like thyme or parsley for an earthier flavor. Pair it with heartier dishes like roasted chicken or lentil soup to bring brightness to a fall or winter table. The ingredients are often available year-round at most grocery stores, meaning this dish never has to go out of season.

The Appeal of No-Cook Recipes

In today’s fast-paced world, having a few go-to no-cook recipes in your rotation is a game-changer. Not only does this tomato cucumber salad save time, but it also minimizes cleanup—no pots, no pans, no cooking required. Whether you’re a beginner in the kitchen or an experienced cook who just wants something quick and satisfying, this dish is a stress-free way to nourish yourself or impress guests.

Conclusion: A Fresh Staple You’ll Make Again and Again

Tomato Cucumber Salad proves that you don’t need elaborate ingredients or cooking skills to create something beautiful and delicious. It celebrates the power of freshness and reminds us that sometimes, the best meals come from the simplest combinations. With its crisp texture, vibrant colors, and zesty flavors, this salad earns its place on any table—weekday or weekend, summer or winter. Whether you’re looking to eat lighter, embrace more plant-based meals, or simply want a quick side dish that always delivers, this is a recipe you’ll turn to time and time again.

It’s more than just a salad—it’s a vibrant bowl of flavor, health, and ease.