Fresh Cucumber Tomato Salad

This cucumber tomato salad transforms simple garden vegetables into a refreshing side dish that's perfect for hot summer days. The vibrant colors and crisp textures make it an instant crowd-pleaser, while the tangy dressing ties everything together beautifully.

I first created this salad for a backyard barbecue when temperatures hit triple digits. Everyone kept coming back for seconds, and now it's requested at every family gathering from spring through fall.

Ingredients

• English cucumber the thin skin and fewer seeds make this variety perfect without peeling
• Grape tomatoes these little gems hold their shape better than larger varieties and have concentrated sweetness
• Red onion adds a pleasant sharpness that balances the other vegetables
• Fresh parsley brings bright color and a clean herbaceous note
• Extra virgin olive oil use a good quality oil as it forms the base of your dressing
• Red wine vinegar provides the perfect tangy acidity
• Granulated sugar just enough to balance the vinegar without making it sweet
• Dried basil offers an aromatic Mediterranean note throughout the dressing
• Salt and pepper essential for bringing all the flavors to life

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the vegetables

Slice cucumber into rounds then quarter each piece for perfect bitesized pieces. Cut grape tomatoes in half to release their juicy goodness. Slice red onion thinly to ensure it doesn't overpower the other ingredients.

Make the dressing

Whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, sugar, dried basil, salt and pepper until completely combined. The sugar should fully dissolve for a smooth consistency.

Combine and marinate

Add all chopped vegetables to a large bowl and pour the dressing over everything. Toss thoroughly to ensure every piece gets coated with the flavorful dressing.

Chill

Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 2 hours. This resting time is crucial as it allows the vegetables to soak up the dressing while the flavors meld and develop.

Save This

This salad reminds me of summers at my grandmother's house, where she would harvest cucumbers and tomatoes straight from her garden. The simple combination of these vegetables with her special dressing would make even the hottest days feel refreshing and special.

Storage Tips

This cucumber tomato salad will keep beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The vegetables will release some liquid as they sit, which actually enhances the flavor further. Just give everything a good stir before serving again. I often make a double batch specifically to have leftovers for quick lunches throughout the week.

Variations To Try

Feel free to customize this salad to make it your own. Add crumbled feta cheese for a Greek twist, or diced avocado for creamy richness. Fresh dill works wonderfully in place of or alongside the parsley. For a protein boost, chickpeas or white beans make excellent additions. You can also substitute honey for the sugar if you prefer a more natural sweetener.

Serving Suggestions

This versatile salad pairs perfectly with grilled meats, especially chicken or fish. It makes an excellent side for sandwiches at picnics or alongside pasta dishes for a complete meal. For a lovely presentation, serve it in a glass bowl to showcase the colorful layers, and garnish with additional fresh herbs just before bringing it to the table.

Common Questions

→ How long can I store this cucumber tomato salad?

The salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The vegetables will continue to release moisture, so it's best enjoyed within 24-48 hours for optimal texture.

→ Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes! This salad actually benefits from being made ahead. The 2-hour marinating time allows the vegetables to absorb the dressing flavors. You can prepare it up to 24 hours in advance for best results.

→ What can I substitute for red wine vinegar?

If you don't have red wine vinegar, you can substitute apple cider vinegar, white wine vinegar, or even fresh lemon juice. Each will provide a slightly different flavor profile but will work well with the other ingredients.

→ Is this salad suitable for a vegan diet?

Yes, this salad is vegan if you use sugar instead of honey in the dressing. All other ingredients are plant-based, making it suitable for vegan diets.

→ What main dishes pair well with this cucumber tomato salad?

This refreshing salad pairs beautifully with grilled proteins like chicken, fish, or steak. It's also excellent alongside Mediterranean dishes, sandwiches, burgers, or as part of a mezze platter with hummus and pita.

→ Can I add cheese to this salad?

Absolutely! Feta cheese or fresh mozzarella pearls make excellent additions to this salad. The creamy, salty nature of these cheeses complements the crisp vegetables and tangy dressing wonderfully.