Cucumber Tomato Salad (With Vinegar)

If you’re looking for a fresh, easy side dish for busy weeknights, this Cucumber Tomato Salad is the perfect go-to. Crisp cucumbers and juicy tomatoes come together with a simple homemade vinaigrette that adds just the right balance of brightness and flavor. It pairs beautifully with BBQ, grilled chicken, or pasta, or can be enjoyed on its own as a light, refreshing bite. This is one of those effortless recipes you’ll find yourself making again and again all season long.

Some of my other favorite summer salads are Watermelon Salad, Lemon Parmesan Salad and Honey Lime Fruit Salad. These come together quickly with no cooking required- making them perfect for hot days!

Why You'll Love This Cucumber Tomato Salad!

This Cucumber Tomato Salad proves that the simplest ingredients can create something truly special. Ready in minutes with no cooking required, it’s a fresh, versatile dish that works just as well for an easy weeknight side as it does for your next cookout.

Here are more reasons why you'll fall in love with this cucumber tomato salad:

• Ready in 5 minutes: No fuss, no cooking, just chop, whisk, and toss.
• Fresh and light: The mix of crisp cucumber, juicy cherry tomatoes, and a bright vinaigrette makes every bite feel like a celebration of summer.
• Made with simple pantry ingredients: You likely have everything you need to make cucumber tomato salad tonight.
• Naturally vegan and gluten-free: It fits just about every table without any modifications.
• Great for meal prep: Make a batch ahead of time and keep it in the fridge for easy sides throughout the week.
• Crowd-pleaser: It's one of those dishes that disappears quickly at potlucks, BBQs, and family dinners.

Equipment Needed

• Knife and cutting board
• Mixing bowl
• Large serving bowl
• Whisk of a fork

Key Ingredients

Cherry tomatoes: Cut them in half for the perfect bite-sized addition to this salad. These sweet, juicy cherry tomatoes hold their shape beautifully and don't release as much liquid as larger tomatoes do.

English cucumber: English cucumbers are best for salads like this because they have thin, tender skin that doesn't need to be peeled. and they're less seedy. Their mild and crisp flavor makes this dish perfect.

Red onion: Thinly sliced red onion. It adds a pop of color and a gentle sharpness that balances the sweetness of tomatoes.

Fresh parsley: It adds bright and herby freshness that elevates this simple salad.

Olive oil: This is the base of the dressing, and it adds richness and depth of flavor.

Red wine vinegar: It adds a tangy zip to the dressing. Red wine vinegar has a mild, slightly fruity acidity that pairs beautifully with fresh vegetables.

Dijon mustard: It acts as an emulsifier, helping the dressing stay beautifully combined and adding a subtle savory note.

Italian seasoning: A pinch adds a beautiful herby warmth to the vinaigrette without any extra chopping.

Salt and pepper: To enhance the salad's overall flavor.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Start by preparing your vegetables. Slice the cherry tomatoes in half and add them to a large serving bowl. Slice half of the large English cucumber into rounds about a quarter inch thick for a satisfying crunch. Thinly slice a quarter of a small red onion and add that in as well. Finish with a tablespoon of freshly chopped parsley.

In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, Italian seasoning, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Whisk well until the dressing comes together and turns slightly creamy—the mustard does all the work to bring it together.

Pour the dressing over the salad and gently stir to evenly coat all the cucumbers and tomatoes. Pop the bowl in the refrigerator to chill for at least 15-20 minutes before serving. This quick rest allows the vegetables to soak up all that delicious dressing and the flavors to come together. This is truly a cucumber tomato salad made for busy days; minimal prep with maximum flavor.

Serving Suggestions

This cucumber tomato salad is so versatile—you can pair it with everything from simple sandwiches to savory ribs. Here are a few recipes you may want to try with this bright summer salad!

• My family's favorite: Oven Baked Baby Back Ribs.
• A potluck classic: Crockpot BBQ Chicken.
• A summer grilling favorite: Teriyaki Chicken Burgers.
• To balance the smoky flavor, pair the salad with these Oven Baked Chicken Thighs.

Make-Ahead

This salad is a great make-ahead idea. You can prep the vegetables and whisk together the dressing up to a day in advance, storing them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. When you're ready to serve, pour the dressing over the vegetables and toss to combine. If you mix the salad ahead of time, it will keep well for up to 24 hours. The cucumbers will soften a bit as they sit, which some people prefer.

Storage

If there is any leftover cucumber-tomato salad, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep in mind that cucumbers will release a little liquid as they sit, so give them a quick stir before serving the leftovers. I don't recommend freezing this salad as the fresh vegetables won't hold up well after thawing.

Did you try this recipe? Please let me know what you think! Leave a comment below, and a 5- star rating. I would love to hear from you! Subscribe Here to get new recipes sent straight to your inbox!