Cucumber Tomato Salad

When you need a side dish that is cool, crisp, and full of simple fresh flavor, Cucumber Tomato Salad is always a good choice. It is one of those classic recipes that comes together in minutes but tastes even better after a little time in the refrigerator. With sliced cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, a touch of vinegar, a little sugar, and simple seasoning, it is the kind of salad that fits just about any meal.

This recipe is especially perfect for warm weather, cookouts, weeknight dinners, potlucks, or anytime you want something light to balance a richer main dish. The cucumbers stay crisp, the tomatoes soak up the dressing, and the little bit of sweetness mixed with vinegar creates that old-fashioned marinated flavor so many people love.

It is easy, refreshing, and exactly the kind of simple side dish that never really goes out of style.

Why I Love This Recipe

What I love most about this cucumber tomato salad is how uncomplicated it is. There is no long prep, no special equipment, and no hard-to-find ingredients. You just slice, mix, chill, and serve.

I also love how the flavor changes as it sits. At first it tastes fresh and crisp, but after a couple of hours in the refrigerator, the vegetables absorb the sweet-tangy dressing and everything becomes even more flavorful.

Another reason this recipe is such a favorite is that it goes with almost anything. Grilled meats, sandwiches, barbecue, casseroles, and even simple lunches all pair beautifully with a cold marinated salad like this.

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup vegetable oil
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
• 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, or to taste
• 3 cucumbers, peeled and sliced 1/4-inch thick
• 3 tomatoes, cut into wedges
• Splash of vinegar
• Dash of crushed red pepper
• Optional: 1/2 onion, cut or sliced

Swaps and Notes

Peeling the cucumbers gives the salad a softer, classic texture, but you can leave some or all of the peel on if you like a little extra color and crunch.

Tomatoes should be ripe but still firm enough to hold their shape after chilling. Wedge-cut tomatoes work especially well because they stay hearty in the dressing.

The splash of vinegar can be adjusted depending on how tangy you like your salad. Start light, then add a little more if needed after tasting.

The onion is optional, but it adds a nice bite and makes the salad feel even more traditional. Thin slices work especially well if you want the onion flavor without big chunks.

How to Make Cucumber Tomato Salad

1. Prepare the vegetables

Peel the cucumbers and slice them about 1/4 inch thick. Cut the tomatoes into wedges. If using onion, slice or cut it and set it aside with the vegetables.

2. Mix the dressing

In a bowl, combine the vegetable oil, sugar, salt, black pepper, a splash of vinegar, and a dash of crushed red pepper.

3. Combine everything

Add the cucumbers, tomatoes, and onion if using. Toss everything together until the vegetables are well coated.

4. Chill

Refrigerate the salad for about 2 hours so the flavors can come together and the vegetables can marinate.

5. Serve

Serve cold and give it a quick stir before bringing it to the table.

Tips for Success

Use fresh, firm cucumbers and tomatoes for the best texture. Since the salad marinates, starting with good produce really matters.

Do not skip the chilling time. That short rest in the refrigerator helps the dressing soak into the vegetables and gives the salad its best flavor.

Taste the dressing before chilling and adjust as needed. Some people like it a little sweeter, while others prefer more vinegar or more pepper.

If your tomatoes are very juicy, be aware that the salad may release more liquid as it sits. That is normal, and it becomes part of the flavorful marinade.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

This salad is a great match for grilled chicken, burgers, barbecue, sandwiches, or any rich comfort-food dinner that needs something cool and fresh on the side.

If you enjoy fresh, lighter dishes, A Light, Tangy Chicken Salad I Actually Crave and There’s No Mayo in Sight brings the same refreshing energy to the table.

For a savory dish that also celebrates tomatoes, This Tomato Skillet with Okra and Sausage Is My Favorite Quick Dinner Packed with Southern Flavor is another great recipe to save.

If you are serving this salad at a casual gathering, These Sheet Pan Quesadillas Are My Favorite Way to Feed a Crowd Fast make an easy and crowd-friendly main.

And for a refreshing drink pairing, This Blueberry Lemonade Is My Favorite Refreshing Drink for Sunny Days fits perfectly with the cool, summery feel of this salad.

Nutritional Information Per Serving

Estimated per serving, based on 6 servings:

• Calories: 110
• Carbohydrates: 8g
• Protein: 1g
• Fat: 8g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Sodium: 390mg
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 6g

Nutritional values are approximate and may vary depending on the amount of oil, sugar, and vinegar used.

Storage and Leftover Tips

Store leftover cucumber tomato salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. It is best enjoyed fairly fresh, while the cucumbers still have some crunch.

As it sits, the vegetables will continue releasing liquid, so give it a stir before serving leftovers.

This is a great make-ahead side for the same day, but for the best texture, it is ideal to enjoy it within the first day or two.

More Recipes You Will Love

If you enjoyed this Cucumber Tomato Salad, here are a few more recipes to try:

• A Light, Tangy Chicken Salad I Actually Crave and There’s No Mayo in Sight
• This Blueberry Lemonade Is My Favorite Refreshing Drink for Sunny Days
• This Tomato Skillet with Okra and Sausage Is My Favorite Quick Dinner Packed with Southern Flavor
• This Baked Brie Appetizer Is My Favorite Effortless Way to Impress Guests
• These Sheet Pan Quesadillas Are My Favorite Way to Feed a Crowd Fast

Final Thoughts

Cucumber Tomato Salad is one of those simple recipes that proves fresh ingredients do not need much to shine. It is crisp, cool, lightly sweet, a little tangy, and perfect for balancing out all kinds of meals.

Whether you make it for a cookout, a weeknight dinner, or just because you have fresh cucumbers and tomatoes on hand, it is a side dish that is easy to come back to again and again.