Looking for a side dish that’s crisp, refreshing, and ready in just minutes? This Cucumber Tomato Salad Recipe has been my summer go-to for years and for good reason. With juicy tomatoes, crunchy cucumbers, and a zesty homemade dressing, it’s the kind of dish you whip up between errands and still feel proud to serve. Whether I’m grilling on the patio or packing a picnic, this salad shows up often and disappears fast. Today, I’ll show you exactly how to make it flavorful, fast, and never watery with a few secrets I’ve learned the hard way.
Table of Contents
Why This Cucumber Tomato Salad Recipe is a Summer Staple
A Taste of Summer in Every Bite
There’s something about this cucumber tomato salad that screams summer in the best way possible. I still remember the first time I made it , it was a sweltering afternoon, and I needed something cool, fast, and satisfying. No stove, no fuss. Just fresh veggies and a simple vinaigrette. That’s when this recipe became a regular in my kitchen. It’s light but flavorful, easy but impressive. Whether you’re making it for a family cookout or a solo lunch between meetings, it’s the kind of salad that hits the spot every time. This cucumber tomato salad recipe brings out the best in seasonal produce without any complicated steps.
Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor
You don’t need fancy ingredients to make this salad shine. It’s built around basics: crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, thin-sliced red onions, and a tangy vinaigrette. Fresh herbs think parsley, dill, or basil take it up a notch. What’s great is that you can make this in under 10 minutes with just a cutting board and a bowl. The flavor? Bright, clean, and satisfying. I often make a double batch because leftovers are even better the next day. Want more ideas like this? Check out our Asian Salad recipe for simple dishes with serious flavor.
Cucumber Tomato Salad Recipe: Quick 5-Minute Side With Fresh Flavor Punch
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A quick cucumber tomato salad recipe with fresh ingredients and a tangy vinaigrette — perfect for any summer meal.
Ingredients
- 2 cups sliced cucumbers
- 1.5 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill or parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Salt cucumbers and let them drain for 15 minutes.
- Whisk olive oil, red wine vinegar, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
- Slice tomatoes and red onion; soak onion in vinegar if desired.
- Combine cucumbers, tomatoes, onion, and herbs in a large bowl.
- Pour dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.
- Let sit for 10 minutes before serving for best flavor.
Notes
- Use English cucumbers for best crunch and low moisture.
- Marinate onion in vinegar for a milder taste and added flavor.
- Add crumbled feta or olives for Mediterranean variation.
- Serve chilled for a refreshing experience.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Category: salad
- Method: No-cook
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 17g
- Cholesterol: 0
Ingredients & Secret Flavor Tricks
The Essential Ingredients for Cucumber Tomato Salad Recipe
The magic of this cucumber tomato salad recipe is how much flavor you can get from a handful of simple, fresh ingredients. Here’s exactly what you’ll need and how each one adds something special to the dish.
Core Ingredients:
- Cucumbers: Use English or Persian cucumbers for fewer seeds and a crisp texture. These stay crunchy longer than standard slicing cucumbers.
- Tomatoes: Cherry or grape tomatoes offer sweetness and low moisture. Heirloom or Roma tomatoes also work for deeper flavor.
- Red Onion: Thinly sliced for mild bite. Soak in cold water for 10 minutes to tone down sharpness.
- Fresh Herbs: Parsley, dill, or basil , or a mix for a burst of freshness.
- Vinaigrette: A simple combo of red wine vinegar and olive oil balances the sweetness of the vegetables.
- Salt and Pepper: Don’t skip seasoning is key to waking up the flavor.
Optional Add-ins (Customize Your Salad):
| Ingredient | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Feta cheese | Adds creaminess and tang |
| Balsamic vinegar | For a richer, slightly sweet finish |
| Garlic | Freshly minced for bold flavor |
| Avocado | Creamy texture; best added just before serving |
| Olives | Briny punch, perfect for Mediterranean twist |
The Secret Ingredient for Tasteful Perfection
Here’s the secret to making this cucumber tomato salad recipe truly shine: marinated red onion. Before assembling the salad, soak your sliced red onion in red wine vinegar for 5–10 minutes. This not only softens the sharp bite but also infuses the vinegar with subtle onion flavor perfect for the dressing.
Another flavor enhancer is a drizzle of balsamic glaze just before serving. It adds a touch of sweetness and depth without overshadowing the fresh veggies.
For a creamy twist, inspired by Valerie Bertinelli’s version, you can swap the vinaigrette for a blend of sour cream and mayonnaise. It turns the salad into a rich, indulgent side dish that still feels light and summery. Want to make it spicy? A pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or finely diced jalapeño gives it a flavorful kick.
No matter how you customize it, the key to the most flavorful result is balancing acidity, salt, and freshness. Let the salad sit for 10 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld it makes all the difference.
Tricks for the Most Flavorful Salad Every Time
How to Make Cucumber Tomato Salad Burst With Flavor Every Time
The difference between a good salad and a great one often comes down to how you prepare it. This cucumber tomato salad recipe delivers flavor, crunch, and balance but only if you follow a few key tricks. Here’s how to make sure it’s never bland, never soggy, and always satisfying.
1. Salt the Cucumbers First
Salting cucumbers is a small step with a big payoff. Slice your cucumbers, toss them with a pinch of salt, and let them sit in a colander for 15–20 minutes. This draws out excess water, which prevents the salad from turning watery later. After draining, pat them dry with paper towels for maximum crunch.
2. Marinate for Flavor
Once everything is mixed, let the salad sit for at least 10 minutes before serving. This resting time allows the vinaigrette to soak into the vegetables and the flavors to meld. It also slightly softens the onions, giving the salad a balanced texture.
3. Balance Acidity and Fat
Use a 2:1 ratio of oil to vinegar for a balanced vinaigrette — for example, 4 tablespoons of olive oil to 2 tablespoons of red wine vinegar. If it tastes too tangy, add a pinch of sugar or a small drizzle of honey to round it out.
4. Season at Every Step
Season the salad in layers. Add a little salt to the cucumbers, a bit more when mixing the salad, and taste again before serving. Black pepper adds a mild heat, while fresh herbs brighten everything up.
5. Temperature Matters
Serve the salad slightly chilled for the best texture and flavor. If you’re preparing it in advance, store it in the fridge but let it sit at room temperature for 5–10 minutes before serving to bring out the flavors.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making It Perfect
Follow this quick guide for flawless salad every time:
- Slice cucumbers evenly and salt them. Let them sit and drain.
- Prepare the dressing: Whisk together olive oil, vinegar, salt, and pepper. Add minced garlic if desired.
- Slice tomatoes and red onion. Soak onion slices in vinegar if not marinating separately.
- Combine vegetables and herbs in a large bowl.
- Pour the dressing over and toss gently.
- Let the salad sit for 10 minutes to marinate.
- Taste and adjust seasoning, then serve.
By following these simple techniques, you’ll avoid common issues like sogginess and blandness, ensuring your cucumber tomato salad recipe is consistently fresh and flavorful.
Variations & Storing Tips for Cucumber Tomato Salad Recipe
Creamy, Spicy, or Mediterranean: Choose Your Twist
One of the reasons I love this cucumber tomato salad recipe is how easy it is to customize. Once you master the basic version, you can change up the ingredients and flavors depending on your mood or meal.
Creamy Version:
For a rich and comforting variation, swap the vinaigrette for a mix of sour cream and mayonnaise. Add a clove of minced garlic for extra flavor. This creamy version is perfect for potlucks and pairs beautifully with grilled meats or sandwiches.
Spicy Kick:
Want some heat? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or finely diced jalapeño to the salad. It gives the classic cucumber tomato salad recipe a bold, spicy twist without overpowering the fresh ingredients.
Mediterranean Style:
Add crumbled feta cheese, Kalamata olives, and a splash of lemon juice. This Mediterranean version layers in briny and tangy notes, giving the salad a vibrant, savory edge. It’s a fantastic side dish for anything from grilled chicken to seafood.
Other Fun Add-ins:
- Sliced avocado for creamy texture
- Fresh corn kernels for sweetness and crunch
- Chopped mint or cilantro for a different herbal note
Each of these options adds variety and keeps this cucumber tomato salad recipe feeling fresh — even if you make it all summer long.
How to Keep Cucumber Tomato Salad Fresh & Not Watery
One of the biggest challenges with this salad is keeping it crisp after it’s made. Here are my tested tricks to ensure your cucumber tomato salad recipe stays fresh and never soggy:
1. Salt Cucumbers Before Mixing:
As mentioned earlier, always salt and drain cucumbers before adding them to the salad. This is essential for reducing excess water.
2. Add Dressing Just Before Serving:
If you’re making the salad ahead of time, keep the dressing separate until about 10 minutes before you plan to eat. This keeps everything crisp.
3. Store in an Airtight Container:
If you have leftovers, transfer the salad to an airtight container and refrigerate. It will stay good for up to 2 days, but the texture is best on day one.
4. Refresh Before Serving Again:
If the salad has released water in the fridge, simply drain off the excess liquid, toss gently, and add a small splash of fresh vinegar or lemon juice to wake up the flavors.
By using these simple storage tips, your cucumber tomato salad recipe will taste just as good on day two no sogginess, just bright, fresh flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cucumber Tomato Salad Recipe
What goes in a cucumber tomato salad?
At its core, a cucumber tomato salad recipe includes sliced cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, and red onions. Most recipes also feature a light vinaigrette made from olive oil, vinegar (usually red wine or balsamic), salt, and pepper. Fresh herbs like dill, parsley, or basil are often added for brightness. Some versions include extras like feta cheese, olives, or avocado for added flavor and texture.
What is the secret ingredient in taste cucumber salad?
The secret to a truly flavorful cucumber tomato salad recipe is marinated red onion. Soaking thinly sliced red onions in vinegar before adding them to the salad softens their sharpness and infuses the dressing with subtle tang. This simple step deepens the overall flavor. Some cooks also swear by a drizzle of balsamic glaze or a touch of honey to balance the acidity of the vinegar.
What is the trick for the most flavorful cucumber salad every time?
Several small techniques make a big difference. First, salt the cucumbers and let them drain before mixing to avoid a watery salad. Second, marinate the salad for at least 10 minutes before serving so the flavors meld. Finally, use high-quality olive oil and fresh herbs. These tips guarantee that your cucumber tomato salad recipe delivers maximum flavor every time.
How do you make Valerie Bertinelli’s tomato cucumber salad?
Valerie Bertinelli’s take on the cucumber tomato salad recipe includes a creamy dressing made with sour cream, mayonnaise, and garlic. The vegetables are sliced and combined with this rich mixture, creating a salad that’s cool, tangy, and comforting a perfect twist on the classic version.
Why soak cucumbers in salt water before making cucumber salad?
Soaking cucumbers in salt water draws out excess moisture, which prevents the salad from becoming soggy. This step also concentrates the cucumber’s flavor and helps them stay crisp. Simply slice the cucumbers, sprinkle with salt, and let them rest for 15–20 minutes before draining and patting dry.
How to keep cucumber salad from being watery?
The best way to avoid a watery cucumber tomato salad recipe is to pre-salt the cucumbers and add the dressing just before serving. Storing the salad in an airtight container and draining off excess liquid before eating also helps. If making ahead, keep dressing separate and mix right before serving.
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