Cucumber tomato salad is the kind of fresh summer side dish that works almost anywhere: BBQs, potlucks, picnics, light lunches, weeknight dinners, and make-ahead meals. It is crisp, juicy, colorful, and easy to adjust with whatever dressing, herbs, or add-ins you have on hand.
This version keeps the base simple: cucumbers, tomatoes, red onion, fresh herbs, and a tangy dressing. You can make it with a light vinaigrette, turn it creamy with Greek yogurt or mayo, add feta for a Greek-style twist, or keep it low-carb and extra refreshing for hot days.
Quick Answer
Cucumber tomato salad is a crisp, refreshing summer side dish made with sliced cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, red onion, herbs, and a simple vinegar or creamy dressing. It is best served cold or slightly chilled and works well with grilled chicken, sandwiches, pasta salads, cookout mains, and easy summer dinners.
For the best texture, salt the cucumbers briefly, pat them dry, and add the dressing close to serving time. This keeps the salad fresh instead of watery. If you want more cold side ideas, browse these summer salad recipes.
Cucumber Tomato Salad at a Glance
| Recipe | Cucumber Tomato Salad |
|---|---|
| Best for | BBQs, picnics, potlucks, light lunches, and summer dinners |
| Prep time | 15 minutes |
| Cook time | 0 minutes |
| Total time | 15 minutes |
| Servings | 4 servings |
| Main ingredients | Cucumbers, tomatoes, red onion, dill, vinegar, olive oil, and creamy dressing ingredients |
| Best cucumbers | English cucumbers, Persian cucumbers, or peeled regular cucumbers |
| Best tomatoes | Roma tomatoes, grape tomatoes, cherry tomatoes, or firm garden tomatoes |
| Make-ahead | Yes, but store the dressing separately for the crispest texture |
Why You’ll Love This Cucumber Tomato Salad
This cucumber tomato salad works because it balances crunch, juiciness, acidity, and freshness. The cucumbers stay crisp, the tomatoes add sweetness, the onion brings a little bite, and the dressing ties everything together without making the salad heavy.
- It is quick. You can prep the vegetables and dressing in about 15 minutes.
- It is flexible. Make it creamy, Greek-style, keto-friendly, dairy-free, or vinaigrette-based.
- It is summer-friendly. It tastes cold, fresh, and light on hot days.
- It works with many meals. Serve it with grilled chicken, steak, shrimp, sandwiches, pasta salad, or cookout sides.
- It is easy to scale. Double or triple it for a BBQ, picnic, or potluck.
Ingredients for Cucumber Tomato Salad
The best cucumber tomato salad starts with fresh, firm vegetables and a dressing that adds flavor without drowning the salad. You do not need complicated ingredients, but each one should bring something useful to the bowl.
Cucumbers
English cucumbers are ideal because they have thin skin, fewer seeds, and a crisp texture. Persian cucumbers also work well. If you use regular cucumbers, peel them if the skin is tough and scoop out large seeds if needed.
Tomatoes
Roma tomatoes, grape tomatoes, and cherry tomatoes hold their shape well and release less juice than very soft tomatoes. If you use large garden tomatoes, choose firm ones and remove extra watery seeds if needed.
Red onion
Thinly sliced red onion adds sharpness and color. If you want a milder flavor, soak the sliced onion in cold water for 10 minutes, then drain well before adding it to the salad.
Fresh herbs
Dill is classic with cucumbers, but parsley, basil, mint, or chives can also work. Add delicate herbs near the end so they stay fresh and bright.
Dressing
You can use a light vinegar dressing or a creamy dressing. The creamy version in the recipe card uses mayo, sour cream, vinegar, olive oil, salt, pepper, and a small amount of sugar for balance. For a lighter option, use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream or mayo.
If you prefer a vinaigrette-style salad, this white balsamic vinaigrette recipe is a good option because it adds mellow sweetness without overpowering the cucumbers and tomatoes.
How to Make Cucumber Tomato Salad
This salad is simple, but the order matters. The main goal is to keep the vegetables crisp and prevent the dressing from becoming watery.
Step 1: Slice the cucumbers
Slice the cucumbers thinly or into half-moons. For extra crispness, sprinkle them lightly with salt and let them sit for 10 minutes. Pat them dry with paper towels before mixing the salad.
Step 2: Prepare the tomatoes and onion
Dice Roma tomatoes or halve cherry tomatoes. Thinly slice the red onion. If the onion tastes too sharp, soak it in cold water for 10 minutes, then drain it well.
Step 3: Mix the dressing
For a creamy dressing, whisk together mayo, sour cream or Greek yogurt, vinegar, olive oil, salt, pepper, and a small pinch of sugar if you want a softer flavor. For a vinaigrette, use olive oil, vinegar, lemon juice, salt, pepper, and herbs.
Step 4: Toss gently
Add the cucumbers, tomatoes, onion, herbs, and optional avocado to a large bowl. Pour over just enough dressing to coat everything. Toss gently so the tomatoes and avocado do not break down.
Step 5: Chill and serve
Chill the salad for 15 minutes if you want the flavors to blend. Stir gently before serving and taste again for salt, pepper, vinegar, or herbs.
Tips to Keep Cucumber Tomato Salad Crisp
Cucumber tomato salad can turn watery if the vegetables release too much liquid after mixing. These small steps help keep the texture crisp and fresh.
- Salt the cucumbers briefly. Let them sit for about 10 minutes, then pat them dry.
- Use firm tomatoes. Roma, grape, and cherry tomatoes hold their shape better than very ripe slicing tomatoes.
- Dress close to serving time. Add the dressing 15 to 30 minutes before serving for the best texture.
- Drain watery add-ins. If using olives, canned chickpeas, or jarred vegetables, drain them well first.
- Add herbs last. Fresh dill, basil, parsley, and mint taste best when added near the end.
What to Serve With Cucumber Tomato Salad
Cucumber tomato salad works best with simple summer meals because it adds crunch, acidity, and freshness to the plate. Serve it with grilled chicken, beef hot dogs, steak, shrimp, grilled vegetables, sandwiches, or chilled pasta salads.
- For a BBQ plate: pair it with grilled chicken, corn, watermelon, and other cookout side dishes.
- For a cold lunch: serve it beside Cucumber Tomato Pasta Salad for a fresh, make-ahead meal.
- For a light summer dinner: add grilled vegetables, feta, chickpeas, or chicken and browse more summer dinner ideas.
Dressing Variations for Cucumber Tomato Salad
The easiest way to change this salad is to change the dressing. Keep the same cucumber and tomato base, then choose the flavor that fits your meal.
Classic vinegar dressing
Use olive oil, red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar, salt, pepper, and fresh dill. This version is bright, clean, and great for BBQs or picnics.
Creamy dill dressing
Use mayo, sour cream, or Greek yogurt with vinegar, dill, salt, pepper, and a little sugar if needed. This version is richer and works well with grilled chicken or sandwiches.
Greek-style cucumber tomato salad
Add feta, olives, oregano, parsley, and lemon juice. Keep the dressing light with olive oil and vinegar so the vegetables stay crisp.
Keto-friendly version
Keep the base low-carb with cucumbers, tomatoes, onion, herbs, olive oil, vinegar, avocado, feta, or grilled chicken. Skip added sugar or use only a tiny amount if needed for balance.
Dairy-free creamy option
Use dairy-free yogurt, cashew cream, or mashed avocado with lemon juice and vinegar. Add extra herbs to keep the flavor bright.
Best Add-Ins for Cucumber Tomato Salad
Use add-ins to change the texture, flavor, or purpose of the salad. Keep the base fresh and add only one or two extras at a time so the salad does not become heavy.
- Avocado chunks for creaminess
- Crumbled feta or mozzarella pearls for a salty bite
- Shredded carrot or sliced radish for extra crunch
- Chickpeas for a more filling vegetarian salad
- Cooked quinoa for a light lunch bowl
- Fresh basil, parsley, mint, chives, or dill for more herb flavor
- Crunchy chickpeas, toasted sunflower seeds, or extra diced cucumber for a pork-free texture boost
Can You Turn Cucumber Tomato Salad Into a Full Meal?
Yes. To turn cucumber tomato salad into a full meal, add chickpeas, grilled chicken, cooked quinoa, or a small pasta shape like orzo. For a colder make-ahead option, serve it with Cucumber Tomato Pasta Salad. For a bigger summer menu, pair it with grilled vegetables, fresh fruit, and simple cookout side dishes.
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
Cucumber tomato salad tastes best fresh, but you can prep parts of it ahead. The key is to keep the vegetables and dressing separate until shortly before serving.
Can you make cucumber tomato salad ahead?
Yes. Slice the cucumbers, tomatoes, and onion up to 24 hours ahead and store them in separate airtight containers. Mix the dressing separately. Toss everything together 15 to 30 minutes before serving.
How long does cucumber tomato salad last?
For the best texture, eat cucumber tomato salad within 1 to 2 days. Creamy versions soften faster than vinaigrette versions, especially after the cucumbers and tomatoes release liquid.
How do you keep it from getting watery?
Salt the cucumbers for 10 minutes, pat them dry, use firm tomatoes, and add the dressing close to serving time. If the salad releases liquid after chilling, stir it gently and drain a little excess liquid before serving.
Cucumber Tomato Salad Calories and Nutrition
Cucumber tomato salad can be a light, hydrating side dish because it is built around fresh vegetables, herbs, and a simple dressing. The final nutrition depends on the dressing and add-ins. A vinaigrette version is usually lighter, while creamy versions with mayo, sour cream, cheese, or avocado will be richer.
For a lighter version, use less oil, skip added sugar, and add extra herbs or lemon juice for flavor. For a more filling version, add chickpeas, grilled chicken, feta, or quinoa.
| Version | Best for | Nutrition note |
|---|---|---|
| Vinaigrette cucumber tomato salad | Light side dishes, BBQs, picnics | Usually the lightest option |
| Creamy cucumber tomato salad | Potlucks, sandwiches, grilled chicken plates | Richer because of mayo, sour cream, or yogurt |
| Greek cucumber tomato salad | Mediterranean meals, grilled vegetables, lunch bowls | Feta and olives add flavor and saltiness |
| Meal-size cucumber tomato salad | Lunch, meal prep, light dinners | Chickpeas, chicken, quinoa, or pasta make it more filling |
Creamy Cucumber Tomato Salad with Vinegar and Dill
Use the recipe card below for the creamy version with vinegar and dill. It is crisp, tangy, lightly creamy, and easy to serve as a summer side dish.
Creamy Cucumber Tomato Salad with Vinegar & Dill
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Prep the veggies: Thinly slice cucumbers and red onion. Dice tomatoes and avocado (if using). Place all in a large mixing bowl.
- Soften onion flavor: Soak sliced onion in cold water for 10 minutes, then drain. This tones down the sharpness without losing its bite.
- Mix the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, vinegar, olive oil, sugar, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Combine & coat: Pour dressing over vegetables and gently toss to coat. Try not to crush the tomatoes or avocado.
- Chill & serve: Cover and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes to let the flavors meld. Stir gently before serving.
- Optional Garnish: Sprinkle with extra dill or crumbled feta for added flavor.
Notes
Nutrition Information (Per Serving):
SERVING: 210g | CALORIES: 143kcal | CARBOHYDRATES: 8g | PROTEIN: 2g | FAT: 12g | SATURATED FAT: 2g | CHOLESTEROL: 8mg | SODIUM: 204mg | POTASSIUM: 350mg | FIBER: 2g | SUGAR: 4g | VITAMIN A: 540IU | VITAMIN C: 9mg | CALCIUM: 31mg | IRON: 0.5mgRecipe Notes:
- Ingredient Swaps: Use cherry tomatoes for extra sweetness or add chopped parsley for a herby twist.
- Storage: Best eaten within 24 hours. Store in an airtight container in the fridge; stir gently before serving.
- Add Protein: Add grilled chicken, chickpeas, or cottage cheese to make it a full meal.
- Flavor Tip: For a tangy kick, swap the red wine vinegar for white balsamic or even pickle brine.
- Vegan Option: Replace mayo and sour cream with vegan alternatives or full-fat coconut yogurt.
- Diet: Low Carb, Gluten-Free, Vegetarian
Price of Recipe:
Total Cost: $6.80 for 4 servings- Cucumbers: $1.20
- Tomatoes: $1.50
- Onion & Dill: $0.80
- Avocado (optional): $1.00
- Dressing ingredients: $2.30
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Did you love this quick and affordable cucumber tomato salad recipe? Share it with your summer crew, pin it for later, and don’t forget to leave a comment with your twist!FAQs
Salt the cucumber slices for about 10 minutes, pat them dry, and add the dressing close to serving time. Firm tomatoes also help because they release less juice.
Yes, but it is best to store the chopped vegetables and dressing separately. Toss the salad 15 to 30 minutes before serving for the freshest texture.
Roma tomatoes, grape tomatoes, and cherry tomatoes work well because they hold their shape and release less juice than very soft slicing tomatoes.
A simple vinaigrette with olive oil, vinegar, salt, pepper, and herbs works well for a light salad. A creamy dill dressing with Greek yogurt, mayo, or sour cream works better for a richer potluck-style version.
It goes well with grilled chicken, steak, shrimp, grilled vegetables, sandwiches, pasta salads, and other summer side dishes.
Yes. Use dairy-free yogurt, cashew cream, or mashed avocado with lemon juice and vinegar instead of sour cream or Greek yogurt.
More Summer Recipes to Try
If you are building a fresh summer menu, start with this cucumber tomato salad and add one or two easy sides that can be served cold or at room temperature. For more ideas, browse these summer salad recipes.
For BBQs, potlucks, and cookouts, pair it with grilled chicken, corn, watermelon, pasta salad, or other cookout side dishes. If you want a heartier cold salad with pasta, try this Cucumber Tomato Pasta Salad.
Why This Cucumber Tomato Salad Works
This cucumber tomato salad works because it is simple, fresh, and easy to adjust. The cucumbers bring crunch, the tomatoes add juiciness, the onion gives bite, and the dressing ties everything together without making the salad heavy.
Serve it as a quick side dish, a BBQ salad, a picnic recipe, or a light lunch with extra protein. For more warm-weather recipe ideas, browse our full guide to summer dinner ideas.
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