Tomato Cucumber Salad

There’s something undeniably refreshing about a simple Tomato Cucumber Salad. With just a few humble ingredients — ripe tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, fragrant herbs, and a drizzle of olive oil — you can create a salad that’s light, vibrant, and absolutely satisfying. It’s a dish that celebrates the beauty of fresh produce, perfect for warm days or as a colorful side to any meal.

This salad shines because it’s effortless yet elegant — a staple in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisines that has found its way into kitchens around the world. The balance of sweetness from the tomatoes, cool crunch from the cucumbers, and tang from the dressing creates a symphony of flavors that refreshes your palate with every bite.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this Tomato Cucumber Salad because it embodies the idea that simple food can be extraordinary. You don’t need complicated techniques or rare ingredients to make something delicious — just the freshest produce and a touch of good olive oil.

It’s the kind of salad that you can make in 10 minutes but feels gourmet. It pairs beautifully with everything — grilled meats, pasta, seafood, or even just a piece of warm bread. And the best part? It’s naturally gluten-free, vegan, and low in calories — so you can enjoy it guilt-free.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

This dish is a must-try because it’s:

• Healthy and refreshing: Packed with vitamins, antioxidants, and hydration.
• Perfect for any occasion: From a summer BBQ to a light lunch or a side dish for dinner.
• Customizable: Add cheese, herbs, or grains for endless variations.
• Quick and easy: No cooking required — just chop, mix, and serve!

If you love dishes that are fresh, flavorful, and full of texture, this salad will become your new favorite go-to.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 0 minutes
• Total Time: 10 minutes

Servings and Nutrition

• Servings: 4
• Calories: ~120 per serving

Course and Cuisine

• Course: Salad / Side Dish
• Cuisine: Mediterranean / Middle Eastern

Ingredients

For the Salad:

• 2 cups cherry or grape tomatoes, halved (or 3 medium ripe tomatoes, diced)
• 2 medium cucumbers, sliced (Persian or English cucumbers preferred)
• ½ small red onion, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (or dill/basil for variation)
• ¼ cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)

For the Dressing:

• 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar (or lemon juice)
• ½ teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional, for depth)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• ¼ teaspoon dried oregano or Italian seasoning

Cooking Directions

1. Prepare Vegetables:
   Wash all vegetables thoroughly. Halve the cherry tomatoes, slice cucumbers, and thinly slice the red onion.
2. Mix Dressing:
   In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar (or lemon juice), Dijon mustard, oregano, salt, and pepper.
3. Combine Salad:
   In a large bowl, combine tomatoes, cucumbers, and red onion. Pour dressing over the salad and toss gently until everything is well coated.
4. Add Herbs and Cheese:
   Sprinkle chopped parsley (or your favorite herb) and feta cheese on top. Toss lightly once more.
5. Chill and Serve:
   Let the salad sit for 10–15 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

1. Wash and prep all vegetables.
2. Slice tomatoes, cucumbers, and onions into bite-sized pieces.
3. Whisk together olive oil, vinegar, mustard, and seasonings.
4. Toss vegetables in the dressing until evenly coated.
5. Add herbs and cheese for garnish.
6. Chill briefly before serving for maximum flavor.

How to Serve This Recipe

This salad is incredibly versatile! You can serve it:

• As a side dish with grilled chicken, fish, or steak.
• As a light lunch with crusty bread or pita.
• On top of greens for an extra-fresh salad bowl.
• Mixed with cooked quinoa or couscous for a more filling meal.

Serve it chilled or at room temperature for the best texture and flavor.

Recipe Tips

• Use ripe, juicy tomatoes — the fresher the produce, the better the salad.
• If using regular cucumbers, peel and seed them to prevent excess water.
• Soak red onion slices in cold water for 5 minutes to reduce sharpness.
• Add dressing just before serving if you want to keep veggies crisp.
• For more flavor, let the salad marinate in the fridge for 30 minutes.

Variations

1. Greek Style: Add kalamata olives, feta cheese, and a sprinkle of oregano.
2. Italian Twist: Add mozzarella pearls, basil, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze.
3. Creamy Version: Mix in a tablespoon of Greek yogurt or mayonnaise to make a creamy dressing.
4. Protein Boost: Add grilled chicken, chickpeas, or tuna for a full meal.
5. Spicy Kick: Add thinly sliced jalapeños or red pepper flakes.
6. Herb Lovers: Swap parsley for fresh dill, mint, or cilantro for a flavor twist.

Freezing and Storage

• To Store: Keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
• Do Not Freeze: The texture of tomatoes and cucumbers will become mushy once thawed.
• If making ahead, store dressing separately and mix before serving to keep veggies fresh.

Special Equipment Needed

• Cutting board and sharp knife
• Mixing bowl
• Small whisk or fork (for dressing)
• Salad tongs or spoon

Conclusion

Tomato Cucumber Salad is a timeless classic that proves how simplicity and freshness can create magic on your plate. With crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, aromatic herbs, and a tangy olive oil dressing, it’s the perfect balance of flavor and texture.

It’s light, healthy, and versatile — ideal for busy weeknights, summer picnics, or elegant dinners. Whether enjoyed as a side dish or a main, this salad will always bring color and vibrance to your meal.