Sunny Cucumber Tomato Salad with Herbed Vinaigrette

Sunny Cucumber Tomato Salad My GoTo Herbed Vinaigrette

By Emma SterlingSeptember 19, 2025Updated: September 18, 2025

Table of Contents

Quick Hook

Cucumber Tomato Salad ever felt like summer in a bowl?
Oh my gosh, that first bite hits: cool crunch, juicy tomato, bright herb tang.

Honestly, the herbed red-wine vinaigrette is the secret that lifts everything.

Brief Overview

This salad lives across Mediterranean and Eastern European kitchens.
Think light, fresh, and an easy cousin to the Shopska salad recipe.

Difficulty is easy. No cooking required.
Bold Prep Time: 15 minutes and bold Total Time: 25 30 minutes .

Yields four side plate servings. Perfect with grilled fish or a picnic board.

Main Benefits

Tomatoes are a top dietary source of lycopene. That’s good for heart health.
Cucumbers add hydration and crunch. This is a simple Tomato Salad Recipe that feels healthy.

Serve it for barbecues, light lunches, or impromptu potlucks. It shines every time.

Why this one stands out

What makes it special is the balance. Acid, oil, herbs, and texture.
Add crumbled feta and you’ve got a Cucumber tomato salad with feta that’s irresistible.

Swap basil for dill and it becomes a Cucumber tomato basil salad. Try both.

Small confession

I once packed this for a road trip. The salad survived just fine.
A quick rest at room temperature makes the Tomato And Onion Salad mellow.

If onions scare you, rinse them. It softens the bite.

Variations and quick notes

For a heartier version, toss in chickpeas or orzo. Want a classic vibe? Make a Mediterranean tomato cucumber salad.
A quick summer cucumber tomato salad is my go-to for last minute guests.

Tomato and cucumber pair like old friends. Cucumber And Tomato is simple joy.
This can be a light side or the star of lunch.

Try it with crusty bread.
Now, onto the ingredients.

Ingredients & Equipment

Sunny Cucumber Tomato Salad with Herbed Vinaigrette presentation

Main Ingredients

Fun fact: ripe tomatoes are about 95% water . That matters here. Use tomatoes that smell sweet. Use cucumbers that feel firm.

For the salad

1 large English cucumber (12 14 oz / 340 400 g) , thinly sliced
2 cups cherry or grape tomatoes (10 12 oz / 300 350 g) , halved
1/4 small red onion (1 2 tbsp / 25 g) , thinly sliced, optional
1/4 cup fresh flat leaf parsley (15 g) , chopped
2 tbsp fresh basil or dill (6 8 g) , optional

For the herbed vinaigrette

3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil (45 ml)
2 tbsp red wine vinegar (30 ml) or 1½ tbsp lemon juice (22 ml) + ½ tbsp water
1 tsp Dijon mustard (5 ml)
1 small garlic clove, minced (1 tsp / 3 4 g) , optional
1/2 tsp kosher salt , adjust to taste
1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper

Optional garnish

4 oz crumbled feta (115 g) , optional

I once used store tomatoes that tasted like cardboard. Big mistake. Lesson learned: buy good tomatoes. This makes a real Cucumber Tomato Salad sing.

Seasoning Notes

Essential spice mix is simple. Salt and pepper do most work. Add 1/2 tsp kosher salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper to the vinaigrette.

Flavor boosters include a splash of lemon. Fresh herbs lift everything. Basil gives a Cucumber tomato basil salad vibe. Dill pushes toward a Mediterranean tomato cucumber salad.

Quick swaps

No red wine vinegar? Use 1½ tbsp lemon juice .
No feta? Try toasted pine nuts or crumbled goat cheese.
No fresh herbs? Use 1 tsp dried oregano for Shopska salad recipe echoes.

Equipment Needed

Keep tools minimal. You need a sharp knife and cutting board. Use a large bowl for tossing. Use a small jar with a lid to shake the dressing.

Household alternatives

No jar? Use a fork and bowl to whisk.
No salad spinner? Pat dry with a clean towel.

I toss this in under 15 minutes. Sometimes I let it rest 10– 15 minutes . That helps flavors marry. Honestly, it’s the easiest summer winner.

Cooking Method Sunny Cucumber & Tomato Salad with Herbed Vinaigrette

Tomatoes are about 95% water. Crazy, right? That fact taught me to treat them gently. I once wrecked a perfect Cucumber Tomato Salad by over tossing. Never again.

Prep Steps

Get your mise en place. Slice cucumbers, halve tomatoes, thin the red onion. Chop parsley and basil. Measure oil, vinegar, mustard, salt, and pepper.

Save time by prepping on a tray. Everything within arm’s reach speeds cooking. Use a sharp knife. Dull blades slip. Be careful when thin slicing onion. Cut away from fingers.

If cucumbers look watery, salt them lightly. Wait 10 minutes , then pat dry. This avoids a soggy vinaigrette. For safety: wash everything well.

Keep garlic out if serving to kids or if anyone is sensitive.

step-by-step Process

Slice cucumbers to your favorite thickness. Halve cherry tomatoes.
Thinly slice the red onion. Rinse if you want milder bite.
Whisk vinaigrette: combine 3 tbsp olive oil, 2 tbsp red-wine vinegar, 1 tsp Dijon, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Shake until emulsified.
Toss cucumbers, tomatoes, onion, and herbs in a large bowl.
Pour the vinaigrette and fold gently to coat.
Let the salad rest 10– 15 minutes at room temperature or chill 10 minutes before serving.

Visual cues: veggies should look glossy. Vinaigrette must cling, not pool. Herbs stay bright. Onions soften slightly after resting. Don’t let tomatoes collapse.

Pro Tips

Use ripe tomatoes for flavor. This makes any Tomato Salad Recipe sing. For a Shopska salad recipe vibe, add crumbled feta.

I love the tang. Try a Cucumber tomato basil salad twist with extra basil.

Avoid common mistakes: over salting, over tossing, and dressing too early. Emulsify the dressing well. Dijon helps it cling.

make-ahead option: prep vegetables up to 4 hours ahead. Keep dressing separate. Toss right before serving. This keeps it crisp.

Honestly, this dish feels like summer. It pairs with grilled fish or a grain bowl. Try it as a Quick summer cucumber tomato salad. You’ll want seconds.

Recipe Notes quick thoughts from my kitchen

Oh my gosh, I love a bright Cucumber Tomato Salad . It wakes up any meal. My mum used to call it summer in a bowl.

Serving Suggestions

Serve on a simple white plate. Arrange cucumber slices and tomatoes neatly. Sprinkle crumbled feta for a Cucumber tomato salad with feta vibe.

Try a Mediterranean touch, like a Mediterranean tomato cucumber salad . Pair it with grilled lemon chicken or seared salmon. For drinks, pour a crisp rosé or iced mint tea.

I once served it with orzo. Guests ate three helpings. True story.

Storage Tips

Keep leftovers chilled in an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 48 hours . If tomatoes go watery, drain before serving.

Freezing is not advised. Texture suffers badly. Reheat? Don’t. This salad is best cold or room temperature. Let it sit 10 15 minutes before serving for flavors to marry.

Variations

Want a twist? Make a Cucumber And Tomato bowl with chopped avocado. Try a creamy swap using Greek yogurt. That becomes a tasty creamy dill version.

For a vegetarian boost, add chickpeas. In cooler months, use roasted cherry tomatoes. Or toss in leftover grilled peppers. Think Shopska salad recipe vibes with sirene cheese.

I also love a quick Cucumber tomato basil salad when basil is abundant.

Nutrition Basics

This salad is light and nutrient dense. Tomatoes supply lycopene, great for heart health. Cucumbers add hydration and few calories. Feta brings protein and calcium.

Per serving, expect around 195 calories with feta. Omit cheese to cut calories. It’s a low-carb, veggie forward side. Honestly, it feels like a guilt free pleasure.

I’ll be blunt. The hardest part is watery cucumbers. Salting and draining fixes that. Emulsify the dressing well for better coating. I learned that the hard way, trust me.

Conclusion

Make this as simple or bold as you like. It’s a perfect quick summer cucumber tomato salad. Go on make it tonight. You’ll thank me later.

Cucumber Tomato Salad Irresistible Mediterranean Tomato Cucumber Salad

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my Cucumber Tomato Salad get soggy and how can I prevent it?

Tomatoes and cucumbers release water as they sit, which dilutes the dressing and turns the salad soggy. To prevent this, remove excess tomato seeds/juice for large tomatoes, lightly salt cucumbers and drain them in a colander for 10 minutes (then pat dry), and toss the dressing on just before serving or add the dressing in stages so it clings rather than pools.

What type of cucumbers and tomatoes work best and how should I prep them?

Use English or Persian cucumbers for thin skins and fewer seeds, and choose ripe, flavorful cherry or grape tomatoes for concentrated sweetness; if using large tomatoes, remove some seeds and juice.

Slice cucumbers into thin rounds or half moons and halve small tomatoes so every bite is the right ratio of veg and dressing dry herbs and veggies in a spinner or towel so the vinaigrette sticks better.

Can I make Cucumber Tomato Salad ahead, and how should I store leftovers?

You can prep the vegetables a few hours ahead, store them separately chilled, and whisk the vinaigrette in a jar toss just before serving for best texture. If already dressed, keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and eat within 24 48 hours; expect some loss of crunch and extra liquid, and don’t leave dressed salad at room temperature for more than two hours (one hour in hot weather) for food safety.

How can I make this salad lighter or more protein-packed for different diets?

To lighten it, cut the olive oil in half and rely more on red wine vinegar or lemon, or swap some oil for a tablespoon of Dijon and a splash of water to keep emulsification. For more protein, add crumbled feta, chickpeas, grilled chicken, or seared tuna; for a lower-fat creamy option, replace part of the oil with Greek yogurt mixed with lemon and dill.

What are quick, tasty variations of this salad for different cuisines?

For a Greek twist add Kalamata olives, oregano and more feta; for a Shopska-inspired feel use Bulgarian sirene and parsley. Try creamy dill with yogurt and lemon, or add avocado and mozzarella with basil and balsamic for an Italian vibe small swaps keep the salad fresh and let you match it to grilled meats, grain bowls, or a picnic spread.

Sunny Cucumber Tomato Salad With Herbed Vinaigre

Sunny Cucumber Tomato Salad My GoTo Herbed Vinaigrette Recipe Card

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Preparation time:15 Mins

Cooking time:0

Servings:4 servings

Instructions:

Prepare vegetables: trim and slice cucumbers to your preferred thickness (thin rounds or half moons). For very watery cucumbers, halve lengthwise and scoop seeds before slicing. Halve cherry tomatoes or dice larger tomatoes. Slice red onion thinly.
Make the vinaigrette: in a small jar or bowl, combine olive oil, red wine vinegar (or lemon + water), Dijon mustard, minced garlic (if using), salt, and pepper. Secure lid and shake or whisk vigorously until emulsified and slightly thickened. Taste and adjust salt or acidity.
Toss salad: add cucumbers, tomatoes, red onion, and chopped herbs to a large bowl. Pour vinaigrette over the salad and toss gently to coat. Add crumbled feta if using and fold carefully.
Rest and serve: let the salad sit 10-15 minutes at room temperature or chill 10 minutes for a cooler salad to let flavors marry. Before serving, taste and adjust seasoning (salt, pepper, a splash of vinegar or lemon if needed) and drizzle a little extra olive oil if desired.