Nothing beats a crisp, colorful bowl of Tomato Cucumber Salad when the sun is high and your to-do list is even higher. This vibrant dish combines simple garden ingredients in the best way possible—no fuss, just pure flavor. Whether you’re wrangling kiddos, juggling Zoom calls, or simply trying to survive a heatwave, this quick fresh salad will become your go-to sidekick. With zero cooking and only 10 minutes of prep, it’s a lifesaver for those who crave something light, zesty, and oh-so-refreshing.
Trust me, this isn’t your average salad. The tangy vinaigrette with a hint of honey hugs every juicy tomato and crunchy cucumber slice, creating a blend of textures and tastes that practically shout “summer side dish goals.” It’s the healthy salad recipe that feels indulgent but is oh-so-good for you. Ready to toss your way to salad bliss?
Why You’ll Love This Tomato Cucumber Salad
- It’s as fast as it is flavorful—ready in 10 minutes!
- No stove, no sweat. Perfect for those sweltering days.
- Doubles are a light meal or the ultimate BBQ side.
- Fresh herbs and garlic give it a zippy, Mediterranean feel.
- The dish improves as it sits (hello, make-ahead magic!).
Ingredients
For the Salad:
- 5 large tomatoes, quartered
- 1 English cucumber, peeled and sliced
- 1/2 large red onion, sliced
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro
- Pinch of kosher salt and black pepper
For the Vinaigrette:
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- Pinch of freshly ground black pepper
- 1/2 tsp honey or brown sugar (optional)
- 1 tsp dried oregano
How to Make This Easy Tomato Cucumber Salad
- Toss the quartered tomatoes, cucumber slices, red onion, parsley, and cilantro in a large bowl. Sprinkle with salt and pepper.
- Combine all vinaigrette ingredients in a small bowl or mason jar. Shake or whisk until well blended and emulsified.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat everything evenly.
- Cover the bowl and let the salad marinate at room temperature for 1 to 3 hours. This step makes the flavors pop!
- Serve chilled or at room temperature. Either way, it’s delicious.
Tips to Make It Even Better
- Remove some seeds for a less watery salad if your tomatoes are extra juicy.
- Want more crunch? Add a handful of sliced radishes or bell peppers.
- No red wine vinegar? Apple cider vinegar or lemon juice are outstanding swaps.
- If your family isn’t cilantro-friendly, double up on parsley.
- Making it ahead? Save a bit of the vinaigrette to freshen it up just before serving.
The Story Behind the Salad
This salad became a household favorite one summer when I was short on time but had a garden bursting with tomatoes and cucumbers. My youngest had declared war on anything green, and I was determined to change that. With a bit of slicing, a lot of love, and a zesty dressing, we had a hit on our hands. It’s my go-to when I need something fresh, fuss-free, and flavorful that even the pickiest eaters can’t resist.
What to Serve with Tomato Cucumber Salad
This beauty plays well with just about everything. It’s perfect for grilled chicken, seared salmon, or a juicy burger. Hosting a backyard get-together? Add it to your summer side dish lineup next to corn on the cob and potato salad. Feeling snacky? Pair it with some hummus and pita for a quick lunch. It also shines as a light, healthy salad recipe—especially when the weather calls for less kitchen time and more lemonade-on-the-porch time.
How to Store Leftovers
If you have any left (we rarely do!), stash the salad in an airtight container in the fridge. It’ll keep for up to 2 days, though the cucumbers may lose some of their crunch. A splash of vinegar and a pinch of salt can refresh the flavors. Pro tip: Store the dressing separately if you know you’ll have extras—it keeps everything crisper.
FAQs
Can I make this tomato cucumber salad ahead of time?
Absolutely! Marinating it for a few hours makes it even tastier.
Can I substitute the fresh herbs?
Yes—basil, dill, or mint work beautifully in place of parsley or cilantro.
What kind of tomatoes should I use?
Any ripe, flavorful variety will do. Roma, heirloom, or cherry tomatoes are all great choices.
Is this salad kid-friendly?
Yes! Try dicing the veggies smaller and skipping the onion for picky palates.
Final Thoughts on This Tomato Cucumber Salad
If you’re looking for a quick way to brighten up your dinner table (and your day), this Tomato Cucumber Salad is it. It’s fresh, vibrant, and flavor-packed—without tying you to the kitchen. Whether you’re feeding your family or whipping up something to impress your neighbors at the next potluck, this salad brings the zing with zero hassle. So grab those tomatoes, slice up that cucumber, and toss together something that tastes like summer in a bowl. Your tastebuds—and your schedule—will thank you.
Print
Fresh Flavor in Every Bite: Easy Tomato Cucumber Salad for Busy Days
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
This vibrant Tomato Cucumber Salad is the ultimate summer side dish—refreshing, zesty, and ready in just 10 minutes. Juicy tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, and red onions are tossed in a tangy vinaigrette with fresh herbs, making it perfect for BBQs, potlucks, or light meals on hot days.
Ingredients
-
5 large tomatoes, quartered
-
1 English cucumber, peeled and sliced
-
1/2 large red onion, sliced
-
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
-
2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
-
Pinch of kosher salt
-
Pinch of black pepper
For the Vinaigrette:
-
1/2 cup olive oil
-
1/4 cup red wine vinegar
-
1 garlic clove, minced
-
1 teaspoon kosher salt
-
Pinch of freshly ground black pepper
-
1/2 teaspoon honey or brown sugar (optional)
-
1 teaspoon dried oregano
Instructions
-
Combine tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, parsley, and cilantro in a large bowl. Sprinkle with salt and pepper.
-
Mix olive oil, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, salt, pepper, oregano, and honey or sugar in a separate bowl or jar. Shake or whisk to blend.
-
Pour dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat.
-
Let marinate at room temperature for 1–3 hours.
-
Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Notes
For a less watery salad, remove some tomato seeds.
Add radishes or bell peppers for extra crunch.
Substitute red wine vinegar with apple cider vinegar or lemon juice.
Double parsley if omitting cilantro.
Save some vinaigrette separately to refresh leftovers.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Mediterranean