Fresh Cucumber and Tomato Salad Recipe

There is nothing quite like this fresh Cucumber and Tomato Salad Recipe. Quick and easy to make, mixing up a batch of cucumber and tomato salad is a simple, refreshing way to welcome warmer days ahead. It’s actually quite delicious any time of the year.

Make this quick salad for a family gathering, holiday get-together or as a refreshing afternoon snack.

With a few optional variations, it’s easy to modify this recipe for a fun new take on a classic salad!

Practically every afternoon, I enjoy eating a cucumber as an awakening pick-me-up. Sugar in the afternoon doesn’t usually cut it for me, rather, a fresh cut and peeled cucumber has an effect of waking up my senses. 

One day, years and years ago, I mixed some cucumber and tomatoes together, sprinkled in salt & pepper, and this cucumber and tomato salad was born. The recipe has been updated ever so slightly since then, but it’s still as fresh as ever.

The thing I love about this recipe is it’s really difficult to mess up a simple cucumber and tomato salad. In fact, because it’s only a few ingredients, there are many ways to add variation to make your own version.

You can serve this salad as an appetizer, side dish or snack.

Looking for Memorial Day food ideas? This easy, crowd-pleasing salad is the perfect snack to serve during what is normally a hot day spent by the pool, surrounded by family and friends.

Cucumber and Tomato Salad Ingredients

• Tomatoes, diced - Use hot house, beefsteak, vine ripened (on-the-vine) or campari tomatoes for the best flavor. Do not discard the seeds. Cherry or grape tomatoes work as well, just halve them instead of dicing. Avoid roma tomatoes as they have a distinct flavor profile that is better for salsa, unless you prefer that flavor.
• Cucumbers, peeled and diced - The fresher the better to give this salad a good crunch. Tip: After peeling, cut the cucumber lengthwise in half and then cut it lengthwise in half again to create quarter strips. Dice the quartered cucumber strips.
• Olive oil - Gives the salad a nice nutty flavor. This ingredient is optional in my view. I love La Tourangelle Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil. Montebello Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil is also very good. You can find both olive oils at Whole Foods and other specialty grocers.
• Salt - A little goes a long way, but brings out the tomato flavors. Season to taste.
• Pepper - Complements the salty, tomatoey goodness.

Variations:

• Add a squeeze of lemon juice for a slightly tangy cucumber and tomato salad flavor.
• Drizzle balsamic vinegar on top for a complementary punch of flavor.
• Add a dollop of fresh, creamy burrata or mozzarella cheese.
• Consider adding fresh parsley if you plan to serve this salad with hummus or as an ingredient in gyros.

How to Make Cucumber and Tomato Salad

1. Dice tomatoes, keeping the seeds. Set aside.

2. Peel the cucumbers. Quarter the cucumbers lengthwise, cutting in half once and then again on the bias. Once quartered, dice the cucumbers.

3. In a mixing bowl, combine the tomatoes and cucumbers.

4. Add olive oil, salt and pepper. Toss salad to combine.

5. Serve immediately.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this cucumber and tomato salad as an appetizer, side dish or snack.

• Appetizer - A cucumber and tomato salad appetizer is great served in small, individual bowls. I use ramekins, because, you know, they’re cute. Serve with pita bread and hummus.

• Side Dish - Cucumber and tomato salads are often served as a side dish in Mediterranean or Middle Eastern meals. Serve with pita bread and hummus.
• Topping - This salad can also be served as a topping for gyros or pitas.

How to Store Cucumber and Tomato Salad

Consume the same day. Refrigerating tomatoes causes changes in the DNA, making tomatoes soggy as well as flavorless. It is best to consume this cucumber and tomato salad the same day.