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Simple Cucumber Tomato Salad Recipe

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This Cucumber Tomato Salad is fresh, vibrant, and packed with summer flavors! Sweet cherry tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, and creamy feta are tossed in a bright, zesty dressing.
: Plated cucumber tomato salad on a white plate, undressed, with avocado dressing, gold serving spoon and fork, herbs, and blue linen in the background.

This Fresh Tomato Cucumber Salad is sensational when summer produce peaks, bringing out the sweet juiciness of tomatoes and the crisp crunch of cucumbers!This fresh, crunchy, and creamy salad comes together in minutes with just a few simple ingredients. It’s healthy, delicious, and the perfect summer dish!

Ingredients for cucumber tomato salad, including cucumbers, tomatoes, feta cheese, basil, mint, and avocado dressing.
Fresh ingredients for cucumber tomato salad.

Cucumber Tomato Salad Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this Fresh Cucumber Tomato Salad Recipe:

Cherry Tomatoes: Sweet and juicy, cherry tomatoes bring a burst of flavor to every bite. If using larger tomatoes, cut them into small wedges.I could eat sweet cherry tomatoes all day long when they are in their peak season! Their sweetness combined the simple crunch of cucumber and feta cheese with a simple dressing…heaven! 

Cucumber: Use English cucumbers or Persian cucumbers for the best crunch and fewer seeds. If you are using one of these two cucumber options, there is no need to peel the cucumber. The skin has fantastic vitamins and nutrients and does not deter from this salad. However, if you use a garden cucumber with lots of seeds and waxy skin, I recommend de-seeding and peeling to make the salad more palatable. 

Feta Cheese: Adds creaminess and tang that pairs beautifully with the tomatoes and cucumbers. Opt for Sheep’s milk feta for the best flavor. 

Basil Leaves: Fresh basil provides herbaceous depth to the salad. Other great options include mint, dill, or parsley. 

1 Recipe Avocado Dressing: This creamy, dairy-free dressing elevates the flavors, and makes everything creamy and delicious! You can also use a simple lemon vinaigrette or balsamic dressing. 

Kosher Salt and Freshly Ground Black Pepper: Enhances the flavors and brings out the natural sweetness of the tomatoes and cucumbers. 

Find the full recipe with ingredients and directions below.

How to Make Cucumber Tomato Salad 

This Fresh Tomato Cucumber Salad comes together in just minutes with simple, fresh ingredients.

Chop and Prepare Ingredients: Cut and prepare your tomatoes (refer to how to cut tomatoes using the proper technique), cucumbers, and basil, and make the avocado dressing

Glass bowl filled with diced cucumbers, tomatoes, and feta cheese, styled with blue linen, avocado dressing, salt, and a gold serving spoon in the background.
Preparing cucumber tomato salad in a glass bowl.

Toss the Salad: Toss the salad with the avocado dressing or dressing of choice and season it to taste with additional salt and freshly cracked black pepper. Serve and enjoy!

Fresh cucumber tomato salad in a glass bowl, tossed with feta cheese and avocado dressing, styled with basil, salt, and blue linen, with a hand mixing the salad using a gold serving spoon.
Vibrant cucumber tomato salad tossed with feta and avocado dressing for a fresh and flavorful dish.
Close-up shot of mixed cucumber tomato salad drizzled with avocado dressing, styled with blue linen, basil, and a gold serving spoon.
Cucumber tomato salad drizzled with creamy avocado dressing.

Cucumber Tomato Salad Variations

This Fresh Tomato Cucumber Salad is a great base, but you can customize it with different veggies, cheeses, or proteins to make it your own!

Add More Veggies: Boost color, texture, and nutrition with grilled or steamed corn, diced bell peppers, minced jalapeño for heat, summer squash, zucchini, peas, carrots, onions, cauliflower, or leafy greens.

Switch Up the Herbs: Fresh basil pairs beautifully with the salad, but mint, dill, tarragon, parsley, or cilantro also add unique, aromatic flavors.

Mix Up the Cheese: Try goat cheese, Parmesan (Parmigiano Reggiano), Pecorino Romano, blue cheese, or any other soft or grated cheese for a creamy and tangy contrast.

Add Protein for a Satisfying Meal: Turn this into a hearty, protein-packed salad by adding a soft-boiled egg, grilled shrimp, chicken, pork, steak, or plant-based proteins like grilled tofu, edamame or Lupini beans.

Change the Dressing/Vinaigrette: This salad pairs perfectly with avocado dressing for a creamy finish, but you can also drizzle it with fresh lemon juice and olive oil, tahini dressing for a nutty twist, or basil vinaigrette for a fresh, herby kick.

Close-up side shot of fully dressed cucumber tomato salad with avocado dressing, styled with basil, blue linen, and a gold serving spoon.
Fully dressed cucumber tomato salad with avocado dressing.

Cucumber Tomato Salad Tips and Tricks

Follow some tips and tricks below to get the most out of this simple salad.

Follow some tips and tricks below to get the most out of this simple salad. 

Use Ripe, In-Season Tomatoes: For maximum sweetness.

Cut Tomatoes in Half Lengthwise: When cutting cherry tomatoes, you want to try to keep the seed and juice inside and not gush out into the salad. To do this, you need to cut the tomatoes in half lengthwise from the top to the bottom. Refer to How to Cut Tomatoes for proper instructions.

Choose English or Persian Cucumbers: For better crunch, with less seeds. 

Salt Cucumbers First: To remove excess moisture and intensify flavor. If you want your cucumber to be extra crispy and flavorful, you can chop the cucumber ahead of time and toss it with salt. The salt will help draw out excess moisture from the cucumber, making it sweeter and more crisp. In doing this, you can also save time by doing one step ahead of time. 

Let Salad Sit For 10 minutes:  To blend flavors.

Make Dressing in Advance: I always love to have several salad dressing made in my refrigerator so I can throw together yummy salads in minutes.

Cumber Tomato Salad Serving Suggestions

This Fresh Tomato Cucumber Salad is a must-make for summer meals, pairing perfectly with grilled proteins, grains, and other fresh sides. Try these delicious options for a complete meal:

Proteins: This salad goes well with a simple protein like this pan-seared salmon that is so crispy and delicious or an impressive duck breast recipe that will surely turn heads! I also love throwing chicken on the grill and making this teriyaki chicken that is a crowd-pleaser.  

Bring in a Carbohydrate: I always like to offer a delicious carbohydrate to satiate my eaters, and this yummy toasted pearled couscous or farro for a healthy ancient grain is simple and perfect. 

Add a Cooked Veggie: If you want to add more color and veggie diversity, you can make a big batch of roasted vegetables that is amazing paired with this salad, or opt for something simple like this sauteed kale or Swiss chard that is also easy and quick!

Close-up shot of a gold fork holding a bite of cucumber tomato salad, with the rest of the salad in the background.
A forked bite of cucumber tomato salad with avocado dressing.

Cucumber Tomato Salad FAQs

Can I Make Cucumber Tomato Salad Ahead of Time?

Yes! However, cucumbers release water over time, making the salad watery. To prep ahead, store chopped veggies separately and mix just before serving.

What’s the Best Dressing for Cucumber Tomato Salad?

This salad works with a variety of dressings! A simple olive oil & lemon dressing, balsamic vinaigrette, or avocado dressing all taste fantastic.

Is Cucumber Tomato Salad Healthy?

Absolutely! Cucumbers are hydrating and low in calories, while tomatoes are packed with antioxidants. This salad is nutritious, fresh, and naturally gluten-free.

Can I Add Other Vegetables?

Absolutely! Try bell peppers, red onions, avocados, or grilled corn for a fresh twist.

How to Store

This salad is best eaten fresh but can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Avoid freezing, as cucumbers lose their crisp texture when thawed.

More Favorite Salads to Try

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: Plated cucumber tomato salad on a white plate, undressed, with avocado dressing, gold serving spoon and fork, herbs, and blue linen in the background.

Simple Cucumber Tomato Salad Recipe

This simple Cucumber Tomato Salad is best in the height of summer when the produce is fresh! Tomatoes, cucumbers, feta, and basil are tossed with a fresh avocado dressing.
Prep Time 8 minutes
Total Time 8 minutes
Course Salads, Vegetable Sides
Cuisine American, Mediterranean
Servings 4 people
Calories 61 kcal

Equipment

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups Cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 2-3 English, Persian, or Japanese cucumbers, cut into thin half-moons
  • 1/4-1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
  • 1 recipe Avocado Dressing
  • Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions
 

Combine tomatoes, cucumbers, and feta in a large mixing bowl.

  • Toss with dressing or plate the salad and drizzle the dressing on top.

Season to taste with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper.

    Notes

    Cucumber Tomato Salad Tips and Tricks
    Follow some tips and tricks below to get the most out of this simple salad. 
    Use Ripe, In-Season Tomatoes: For maximum sweetness.
    Cut Tomatoes in Half Lengthwise: When cutting cherry tomatoes, you want to try to keep the seed and juice inside and not gush out into the salad. To do this, you need to cut the tomatoes in half lengthwise from the top to the bottom. Refer to How to Cut Tomatoes for proper instructions.
    Choose English or Persian Cucumbers: For better crunch, with less seeds. 
    Salt Cucumbers First: To remove excess moisture and intensify flavor. If you want your cucumber to be extra crispy and flavorful, you can chop the cucumber ahead of time and toss it with salt. The salt will help draw out excess moisture from the cucumber, making it sweeter and more crisp. In doing this, you can also save time by doing one step ahead of time. 
    Let Salad Sit For 10 minutes:  To blend flavors.
    Make Dressing in Advance: I always love to have several salad dressing made in my refrigerator so I can throw together yummy salads in minutes.
     
    How to Store
    This salad is best eaten fresh but can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Avoid freezing, as cucumbers lose their crisp texture when thawed.
     

    Nutrition

    Calories: 61kcalCarbohydrates: 9gProtein: 3gFat: 2gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.1gMonounsaturated Fat: 0.5gCholesterol: 8mgSodium: 118mgPotassium: 389mgFiber: 1gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 561IUVitamin C: 21mgCalcium: 78mgIron: 1mg
    Keyword Cucumber Tomato Salad
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    Adding a generous dose of enthusiasm, excitement, and creativity to the culinary world, Sarah began her career at the French Culinary Institute in NYC. Sarah has worked for the past decade as a Culinary Producer and Food Stylist.

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