If you’re craving something crisp, colorful, and bursting with flavor, this Cucumber, Onion, and Tomato Salad is for you! With juicy tomatoes, cool cucumbers, and zesty red onion all tossed in a tangy vinaigrette, this salad is a celebration of freshness in every bite. It’s remarkably simple yet delivers a bright punch that makes it perfect for any occasion—from summer barbecues to an easy side for weeknight dinners. You’ll fall in love with how this combo comes together for a dish you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What I love about this salad is how a handful of everyday ingredients can create such magic together. Each one is chosen for its ability to bring flavor, texture, and gorgeous color to your Cucumber, Onion, and Tomato Salad—nothing extra, just the essentials that make every bite sing.
- Cherry tomatoes: Opt for the ripest, juiciest cherry tomatoes you can find for bursts of sweet-tart flavor in every mouthful.
- Cucumber: A cool, refreshing cucumber adds crunch, and you can slice it thinly or chop it chunky depending on your mood.
- Red onion: Sliced nice and thin, red onion gives just the right touch of sharpness and color contrast.
- Olive oil: Good-quality olive oil creates a silky base for the dressing and brings everything together beautifully.
- Red wine vinegar: This tangy vinegar livens up the salad and balances out the sweetness of the tomatoes and sugar.
- Sugar: Just a touch of sugar smooths the acidity and makes the flavors pop.
- Salt: Essential for drawing out juices and seasoning the veggies just right.
- Black pepper: Freshly ground black pepper adds a subtle kick and highlights the salad’s freshness.
- Fresh parsley (optional): A sprinkle of parsley on top adds a lovely green note and an herby finish.
How to Make Cucumber, Onion, and Tomato Salad
Step 1: Prep the Veggies
Start by washing and drying your cherry tomatoes and cucumber. Carefully halve the cherry tomatoes for the perfect size and thinly slice the cucumber for that irresistible crunch. For the red onion, slice it as thin as possible for a lovely bite that won’t overpower the salad. Gather all your prepped veggies in a large mixing bowl—your foundation for a great Cucumber, Onion, and Tomato Salad!
Step 2: Whisk the Dressing
In a separate small bowl, combine the olive oil, red wine vinegar, sugar, salt, and black pepper. Grab a whisk or a fork and blend until everything is fully incorporated—this classic vinaigrette is what transforms your simple vegetables into a craveable salad. Taste and adjust the seasoning if you like more tang or sweetness.
Step 3: Toss It All Together
Pour the bright, zippy dressing over your tomatoes, cucumber, and onion. Using salad tongs or clean hands, gently toss everything to coat without crushing the delicate tomatoes. This is when the magic begins: the flavors mingle, the salt draws out juices, and the veggies soak up every drop of flavor.
Step 4: Let It Rest
The secret to this salad’s vibrant flavor is a quick rest. Set the bowl aside for at least 15 to 20 minutes—long enough for the dressing to infuse every piece of veg and the flavors to blend beautifully. This short wait is worth it and takes your Cucumber, Onion, and Tomato Salad to the next level.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Just before serving, give the salad a final gentle toss and sprinkle over the fresh chopped parsley for a pop of green and freshness. Serve chilled or at room temperature, and watch it disappear fast!
How to Serve Cucumber, Onion, and Tomato Salad
Garnishes
A final shower of chopped parsley adds instant freshness and a little herby bite, but you can also get creative with crumbled feta, slivers of basil, or even a handful of toasted pine nuts. Each garnish brings a new spin to your Cucumber, Onion, and Tomato Salad, so don’t be shy about mixing it up!
Side Dishes
This salad is the perfect sidekick for grilled meats, burgers, kebabs, or even a simple roasted chicken. Its crisp bite and tangy notes balance out rich mains beautifully. For a light lunch, try pairing it with hummus and warm pita, or add a scoop atop a bed of leafy greens for extra crunch.
Creative Ways to Present
Show off those vibrant colors by serving this Cucumber, Onion, and Tomato Salad in a clear glass bowl, or style it on a large white platter for that wow factor at your next gathering. For a playful twist, fill lettuce cups with the salad, or spoon it onto toasted baguette slices for a quick bruschetta-inspired appetizer.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have extra salad, pop it into an airtight container and refrigerate right away. The flavors keep developing as it chills, and it’ll stay bright and tasty for up to two days. Just give it a gentle toss before serving again to redistribute the dressing.
Freezing
This isn’t a salad made for freezing. The fresh veggies lose their crunch and become watery once thawed, so eat it fresh and skip the freezer for best results.
Reheating
Great news: your Cucumber, Onion, and Tomato Salad is meant to be enjoyed cold or at room temperature! No reheating required—just serve straight from the fridge or let it stand a few minutes to take the chill off.
FAQs
Can I use regular tomatoes instead of cherry tomatoes?
Absolutely! If you have ripe garden tomatoes or roma tomatoes, chop them into bite-sized chunks and use them instead. Just make sure they’re juicy and flavorful for the best salad experience.
What kind of cucumber is best for this salad?
English cucumbers are great because they’re seedless and have tender skin, but any variety will work. If using regular cucumbers, you may want to peel and de-seed them for the best texture.
How far in advance can I make Cucumber, Onion, and Tomato Salad?
You can assemble the salad a few hours ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Just wait to add any garnishes, like herbs or feta, until right before serving for the freshest taste and presentation.
Is this salad vegan and gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is both vegan and gluten-free as written, so it’s perfect for a variety of dietary needs. It’s a great option for cookouts and potlucks when you want something everyone can enjoy.
Can I add extra vegetables or protein?
Definitely! Bell peppers, sliced radishes, or avocado are all excellent additions. You can also toss in some grilled shrimp, chicken, or chickpeas to turn your Cucumber, Onion, and Tomato Salad into a hearty, satisfying meal.
Final Thoughts
No matter the season or occasion, Cucumber, Onion, and Tomato Salad brings a flash of color and a burst of flavor to your table. Give it a try soon, and let this simple, joyful dish brighten up your meal and your day!
Print
Cucumber, Onion, and Tomato Salad Recipe
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Vegan, Gluten-Free
Description
This Cucumber, Onion, and Tomato Salad is a refreshing and vibrant dish perfect for summer gatherings or as a healthy side dish. The combination of fresh vegetables dressed in a light vinaigrette is both simple and delicious.
Ingredients
Cherry Tomatoes:
2 cups (halved),
Cucumber:
1 large (sliced thin or chopped),
Red Onion:
½ (thinly sliced),
Olive Oil:
2 tablespoons,
Red Wine Vinegar:
1 tablespoon,
Sugar:
1 teaspoon,
Salt:
½ teaspoon,
Black Pepper:
¼ teaspoon,
Fresh Parsley:
1 tablespoon (chopped, optional)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, sugar, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
- Pour the dressing over the vegetables and toss gently to coat.
- Let the salad rest for at least 15–20 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to blend.
- Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.
Notes
- For added flavor, try adding crumbled feta cheese or fresh basil.
- English cucumbers or garden cucumbers both work well—just peel and seed if using the latter.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
