When the weather warms up, there’s nothing more refreshing than a bowl of crisp, juicy cucumber tomato salad.

Bursting with the vibrant colors of summer and tossed in a tangy homemade vinaigrette, this simple side dish is always a crowd-pleaser.

Perfect for barbecues, picnics, or just to enjoy with a grilled main dish, this salad is fresh, fast, and full of flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Cucumber Tomato Salad

Quick and easy – ready in under 15 minutes

Naturally gluten-free & vegan

Pairs well with almost any dish

Light, crisp, and hydrating

Make-ahead friendly – gets better as it sits

Customizable – add avocado, feta, or red onion

What You’ll Need (Ingredient Highlights)

English cucumbers – thin-skinned and crisp

Cherry or grape tomatoes – sweet and juicy

Red onion – adds a sharp, tangy bite

Red wine vinegar – the base of the vinaigrette

Dried oregano – earthy, Mediterranean flavor

Salt, pepper, and sugar – to balance the dressing

Pro Tips Before You Start

Use English cucumbers to avoid seeding

Slice vegetables evenly for best texture and presentation

Let the salad sit for 15–30 minutes before serving for maximum flavor

Add fresh herbs last to preserve their color

Serve chilled for ultimate refreshment

How to Make Cucumber Tomato Salad

Prep the vegetables
Slice cucumbers into thin rounds. Halve cherry tomatoes.

Thinly slice red onion. Chop parsley if using.

Make the dressing
In a small bowl or jar, whisk together red wine vinegar, olive oil, sugar, oregano, salt, and black pepper until well combined.

Toss everything together
In a large mixing bowl, combine all veggies.

Drizzle the vinaigrette over the top and toss gently until evenly coated.

Let it marinate
Cover and refrigerate for 15–30 minutes to let the flavors meld.

Stir again before serving.

Serve and enjoy
Garnish with extra herbs if desired. Serve chilled as a side dish or light appetizer.

What to Serve It With

Grilled chicken, steak, or fish

Burgers and hot dogs

Kabobs or BBQ ribs

Pasta dishes or rice pilaf

Falafel or pita wraps

Variations / Substitutions

Add feta cheese for a Greek twist

Use basil instead of parsley for extra fragrance

Add avocado or bell peppers for more texture

Swap vinegar – try apple cider or lemon juice

Include chickpeas to make it more filling

Storage & Leftovers

Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days

Do not freeze – cucumbers will become mushy

Best served fresh – but flavor improves after marinating

Drain excess liquid if storing longer than a day

FAQs

Can I make cucumber tomato salad ahead of time?
Yes! It actually tastes better after marinating in the fridge for 30–60 minutes.

Should I peel the cucumbers?
If using English cucumbers, no need.

If using regular ones, peeling is recommended.

What type of vinegar is best?
Red wine vinegar gives a nice tang, but apple cider or white wine vinegar also work.

Can I add protein to this salad?
Yes – grilled shrimp, chicken, or even chickpeas are great add-ins.

Is this salad keto-friendly?
Yes, just reduce or omit the sugar in the dressing.

Can I use bottled dressing instead?
Of course! A light Italian or Greek dressing pairs well here.

What other herbs go well with this?
Fresh dill, basil, or mint can all add interesting flavor variations.

Final Thoughts

This cucumber tomato salad is one of those go-to side dishes that you’ll find yourself making again and again.

It’s simple, healthy, and filled with vibrant flavor.

Whether you’re throwing together a quick lunch or planning a big family BBQ, this salad fits right in.