If you’re searching for a dish that bursts with freshness, color, and flavor, Tomato and Cucumber Salad is truly the answer to your summer cravings. Every bite is a juicy combination of crisp cucumbers, ripe tomatoes, zesty onions, and a tangy homemade vinaigrette, all tied together with a fragrant hit of parsley. This salad is perfect for picnics, potlucks, or a simple family meal, offering a naturally vibrant dish that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. Trust me, once you try this Tomato and Cucumber Salad, it will quickly become a staple at your table!

Tomato and Cucumber Salad Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the magical things about this Tomato and Cucumber Salad is its simplicity—deceptively humble ingredients come together for something extraordinary. Each element brings a unique personality to the salad, delivering just the right crunch, tang, or burst of color.

Tomatoes: Choose ripe, juicy tomatoes—heirloom or vine-ripened add even more flavor and color to your bowl.
Cucumbers: The ultimate refreshers; peel them for an extra tender bite, and slice to your favorite thickness for added crunch.
Onions: Sliced into rings, they give a gentle sharpness and irresistible contrast to the sweet veggies.
Vinegar: This provides the essential tang; apple cider or white vinegar works well, but feel free to experiment!
Olive Oil: Rich, fruity olive oil melds the flavors and adds that smooth finish.
Sugar: Just enough to balance the acidity with a hint of sweetness—don’t skip it!
Salt: Essential for drawing out the veggies’ flavors and juices—taste as you go.
Black Pepper: Freshly ground gives a lovely warmth and gentle bite.
Fresh Parsley: Bright green, chopped parsley brings a fragrant, fresh finish and loads of color.

How to Make Tomato and Cucumber Salad

Step 1: Prep Your Veggies

Start by washing the tomatoes and cucumbers thoroughly. Dice or slice the tomatoes to your liking—chunky for hearty texture, thinner for elegant presentation. Peel the cucumbers for a silky texture, then slice them into rounds or half-moons. Slice the onions into thin rings and separate them, giving the salad its signature crunch and tang.

Step 2: Make the Dressing

Grab a mixing bowl or a mason jar and pour in the vinegar, olive oil, sugar, salt, and black pepper. Whisk or shake it like you mean it—this is where the magic happens as the sugar dissolves and the vinaigrette emulsifies. The dressing should taste balanced—tangy, sweet, and just a little peppery.

Step 3: Combine Everything

Add your prepped veggies into a large bowl, then drizzle the homemade dressing right over the top. Toss gently but thoroughly to make sure every piece is coated with that irresistible vinaigrette. The bright reds, greens, and purples will instantly make your bowl look like a party!

Step 4: Marinate for Maximum Flavor

Here’s your secret weapon—cover the bowl and let the salad marinate in the fridge for about 2 hours. This gives time for all those fresh flavors to mingle and deepen, and the onions lose some of their bite, becoming delightfully sweet and mellow.

How to Serve Tomato and Cucumber Salad

Garnishes

A sprinkling of fresh chopped parsley makes all the difference—it’s not just a pretty touch, but a burst of herbal freshness right at the finish. For even more color and flavor, try mint, dill, or even a shaving of lemon zest!

Side Dishes

Tomato and Cucumber Salad is fantastically versatile and shines alongside so many main courses. It’s the ultimate partner for grilled meats, flaky fish, or alongside Mediterranean favorites like hummus and warm pita. Even on its own, with some crusty bread, it makes a light and refreshing lunch.

Creative Ways to Present

Let your imagination run wild: pile the Tomato and Cucumber Salad high in a rustic wooden bowl for a family barbecue, or portion it into mason jars for a cute picnic option. Layering it in a trifle dish or arranging the veggies in alternating rings brings a wow factor to your table every single time.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If there are any leftovers (which is rare in my house!), Tomato and Cucumber Salad can be covered and stored in the fridge for up to two days. The veggies will soften slightly in the dressing, making it even more juicy and satisfying the next day.

Freezing

Because of the high water content in tomatoes and cucumbers, freezing is not recommended for this salad. The veggies lose their crisp texture and become mushy when thawed, so it’s best enjoyed fresh or within a day or two.

Reheating

This salad is always served cold or at room temperature, so no reheating is necessary. If it’s been in the fridge, give it a quick toss to redistribute the dressing and flavors before serving.

FAQs

Can I use different herbs besides parsley in Tomato and Cucumber Salad?

Absolutely! Fresh dill, basil, or mint all pair beautifully with the crisp, juicy vegetables. Each herb brings its own unique aroma and flavor, so feel free to mix it up to match your meal or mood.

Is there a way to reduce the onion’s sharpness?

If raw onions are too pungent for your taste, soak the slices in ice water for about 10 minutes before adding them to your Tomato and Cucumber Salad. This simple trick makes them milder and more pleasant.

What type of tomatoes work best?

Ripe vine tomatoes are a classic choice, but cherry or grape tomatoes work wonderfully too (just cut them in halves or quarters). Go for whatever is freshest and available—it’s almost impossible to go wrong!

Can I make Tomato and Cucumber Salad ahead of time?

This salad loves to sit and marinate, so making it a couple of hours in advance is ideal. For best texture, keep the veggies and dressing separate if prepping more than a day ahead, then combine before serving.

Is Tomato and Cucumber Salad suitable for special diets?

Yes! This recipe is vegan, dairy-free, and gluten-free. The simple dressing contains no tricky additives, making it perfect for almost everyone at your table.

Final Thoughts

There’s a certain joy in dishes that are both easy and unforgettable, and Tomato and Cucumber Salad truly delivers on both counts. If you’re in the mood for crisp, bright flavors and effortless prep, I can’t recommend making this enough. Give it a try, and don’t be surprised if it becomes your new go-to for every occasion!

Tomato and Cucumber Salad Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 6 reviews

Author: anna
Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

This refreshing Tomato and Cucumber Salad is a perfect side dish for any meal. The combination of fresh tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, and tangy dressing creates a light and flavorful salad that is sure to please.

Ingredients

Scale

Tomato Salad:

4 medium tomatoes, diced or sliced
2 Tbsp. minced fresh parsley

Cucumber Salad:

2 medium cucumbers, peeled & sliced

Onion Salad:

2 onions, sliced and separated into rings

Dressing:

2 Tbsp. Vinegar
¼ c. Olive Oil
2 Tbsp. Sugar
1 tsp. salt
½ tsp. black pepper

Instructions

Cut and Prepare Ingredients: Dice or slice tomatoes, peel and slice cucumbers, and slice onions as desired.
Prepare Dressing: In a bowl or mason jar, combine vinegar, olive oil, sugar, salt, pepper, and minced parsley. Mix or shake well.
Combine Ingredients: Add the prepared vegetables to the dressing. Mix or shake until well coated.
Marinate: Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Category: Salad
Method: Mixing
Cuisine: International