Hello, salad lovers! I’m Meriem, your passionate chef and food blogger, and I’m thrilled to share a recipe that’s light, refreshing, and packed with flavor: Fresh Cucumber Tomato Salad. This vibrant salad combines crisp cucumbers, juicy cherry tomatoes, sharp red onion, and fragrant herbs, all tossed in a zesty lemon dressing. Ready in just 15 minutes with no cooking required, it’s ideal as a side dish, light lunch, dinner, or BBQ companion. Drawing from your love for fresh, veggie-forward dishes (like the Vibrant Avocado Corn Tomato Salad from, and Colorful Sweet Potato and Black Bean Bowl) and zesty flavors (like the Lemon Zucchini Muffins), this salad is simple, healthy, and endlessly customizable. Let’s get chopping and tossing!
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Crisp and Refreshing: Perfectly light with a satisfying crunch.
- Quick and No-Cook: Ready in 15 minutes, no stove needed.
- Zesty and Flavorful: Lemon dressing adds a bright, tangy kick.
- Healthy and Low-Calorie: Packed with veggies and light on calories.
- Versatile: Great as a side, topping, or standalone meal.
What you will need ?
Here’s everything you need to create this fresh Cucumber Tomato Salad, with substitutions to suit your pantry and dietary preferences:
- 2 large cucumbers, diced (about 3 cups)
Purpose: Provides crisp, refreshing texture and mild flavor.
Substitution: Use English cucumbers, zucchini, or celery for similar crunch. - 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved (about 2 cups)
Purpose: Adds juicy, tangy flavor and vibrant color.
Substitution: Use grape tomatoes, diced Roma tomatoes, or sun-dried tomatoes for a bolder flavor, as seen in your tomato-based recipes like the Fresh Lebanese Tomato Salad. - ½ red onion, finely diced
Purpose: Adds sharp, savory flavor and crunch.
Substitution: Use shallots, green onions, or 1 tsp onion powder for a milder profile, similar to your use of onions in recipes like the Vibrant Avocado Corn Tomato Salad. - ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
Purpose: Adds freshness and a mild, herbaceous note.
Substitution: Use cilantro, basil, or 1 tbsp dried parsley, as you’ve liked fresh herbs in dishes like the Tangy Coconut Fish Curry. - 2 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
Purpose: Provides a unique, aromatic flavor that complements the lemon.
Substitution: Use fennel fronds, tarragon, or 1 tsp dried dill, aligning with your preference for herbaceous flavors in salads like the Fresh Lebanese Tomato Salad. - ½ cup feta cheese, crumbled (optional, 120 g)
Purpose: Adds creamy, salty richness.
Substitution: Use goat cheese, queso fresco, or nutritional yeast for vegan, as you’ve used cheese in recipes like the Colorful Sweet Potato and Black Bean Bowl. Omit for dairy-free. - 3 tbsp lemon juice (45 ml)
Purpose: Provides bright, tangy acidity for the dressing.
Substitution: Use lime juice, white vinegar, or 1 tsp lemon extract + 2 tbsp water for similar zing, as seen in your Lemon Zucchini Muffins. - 2 tbsp olive oil
Purpose: Adds richness and helps emulsify the dressing.
Substitution: Use avocado oil, grapeseed oil, or omit for a lighter dressing, as you’ve used oils in recipes like the Spicy Italian Drunken Noodles . - ½ tsp salt
Purpose: Enhances all flavors in the salad.
Substitution: Use sea salt or reduce to ¼ tsp for low-sodium diets, aligning with your customizable seasoning preferences in recipes like the Hearty Cheesy Ground Beef Rice Casserole. - ½ tsp black pepper
Purpose: Adds a mild kick to the dressing.
Substitution: Use white pepper or a pinch of cayenne for extra heat, as you’ve liked in dishes like the Savory Cashew Chicken Stir-Fry . - ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
Purpose: Adds a subtle spicy kick.
Substitution: Use a pinch of chili powder, fresh chili slices, or omit for a milder salad, as you’ve customized spice levels in recipes like the Tangy Coconut Fish Curry.
Equipment Needed
- Large mixing bowl (for salad)
- Small bowl (for dressing)
- Whisk or fork (for mixing dressing)
- Knife and cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Optional: Salad tongs (for tossing)
Step-By-Step Guiding
Follow these detailed steps to create a fresh cucumber tomato salad:
1️⃣ Combine Veggies
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 large diced cucumbers, 1 pint halved cherry tomatoes, and ½ finely diced red onion.
- Tip: Dice veggies uniformly for a balanced bite, and soak red onion in cold water for 5 minutes to reduce sharpness if desired, a technique you’ve likely appreciated in fresh salads like the Fresh Lebanese Tomato Salad.
2️⃣ Add Herbs and Cheese
- Add ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley, 2 tbsp chopped fresh dill, and ½ cup crumbled feta cheese (if using) to the bowl. Toss gently with a spoon or tongs to mix without crushing the veggies.
- Tip: Add feta last to prevent it from breaking apart too much, a method you’ve liked in cheesy salads like the Colorful Sweet Potato and Black Bean Bowl.
3️⃣ Make the Dressing
- In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp lemon juice, 2 tbsp olive oil, ½ tsp salt, ½ tsp black pepper, and ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (if using) until well combined and slightly emulsified.
- Tip: Taste and adjust with more lemon juice for tang or olive oil for richness, a customization you’ve enjoyed in dressings like the Vibrant Avocado Corn Tomato Salad.
4️⃣ Dress the Salad
- Pour the dressing over the salad, starting with half and adding more as needed. Toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly, ensuring the herbs and feta are well distributed.
- Tip: Use tongs for gentle tossing to keep veggies intact, a presentation style.
5️⃣ Rest and Serve
- Let the salad sit for 10 minutes at room temperature to allow the flavors to meld and the veggies to absorb the dressing.
- Serve fresh as a side dish, light meal, or topping for grilled proteins.
- Tip: Serve in a wide, shallow bowl to showcase the vibrant colors, and garnish with extra herbs just before serving, as you’ve liked in dishes like the Fresh Lebanese Tomato Salad.
Topping Suggestions
- Toasted Pine Nuts: Nutty and crunchy for texture.
- Sliced Avocado: Creamy and rich for added heft.
- Lemon Zest: Bright and citrusy for extra zing.
- Chopped Mint: A fresh, cooling herb alternative.
- Croutons: Crunchy for a heartier salad.
- Pomegranate Seeds: Sweet-tart and colorful for flair.
How to Store & Reheat
- Storage:
- Store undressed salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Store dressing separately for up to 1 week.
- If dressed, store for up to 1 day, as veggies may soften and release water.
- Tip: Store with a paper towel to absorb excess moisture, and add fresh herbs before serving to maintain vibrancy, as you’ve liked in dishes like the Fresh Lebanese Tomato Salad.
- Freezing:
- Not recommended, as fresh cucumbers and tomatoes become mushy when frozen. Freeze herbs or dressing separately if needed, but assemble fresh for best results.
- Tip: Prep veggies in advance and store separately to save time, a practice you’ve appreciated in recipes like the Colorful Sweet Potato and Black Bean Bowl.
- Reheating:
- This Cucumber Tomato Salad is served fresh and does not require reheating. If chilled, let sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before serving to enhance flavors.
- Tip: Refresh with a squeeze of lemon juice or extra herbs before serving, as you’ve liked revitalizing dishes like the Vibrant Avocado Corn Tomato Salad.
What to Serve with Fresh Cucumber Tomato Salad
- Grilled Chicken: A lean protein for a balanced meal.
- Pita Bread: Soft and warm for scooping.
- Hummus: Creamy and savory as a dip or side.
- Iced Mint Tea: A refreshing, cooling drink.
- Sparkling Water with Lemon: A light, citrusy option.
Ingredient Substitutions Recap
- Cucumbers → Zucchini: Similar crunch, mild flavor.
- Cherry Tomatoes → Roma Tomatoes: Juicy, slightly less sweet.
- Feta → Goat Cheese: Creamy, tangy alternative.
- Lemon Juice → Lime Juice: Comparable tang, different citrus note.
- Dill → Tarragon: Aromatic, slightly different flavor.
FAQs
Can I prepare cucumber tomato salad ahead of time?
Yes! Prep veggies and dressing up to 1 day in advance, but store separately. Toss just before serving to keep veggies crisp.
How do I reduce the onion’s sharpness?
Soak diced red onion in cold water for 5–10 minutes, then drain before adding to the salad.
How can I make the salad more filling?
Add protein like chickpeas, grilled shrimp, or quinoa, or serve with a side of hummus and pita.
Fresh Cucumber Tomato Salad: A Crisp, Zesty Side
Enjoy this fresh cucumber tomato salad, bursting with crisp cucumbers, juicy cherry tomatoes, and a tangy lemon dressing. Ready in 15 minutes, perfect as a light side or meal!
Ingredients
- 2 large cucumbers diced
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes halved
- ½ red onion finely diced
- ¼ cup fresh parsley chopped
- 2 tbsp fresh dill chopped
- ½ cup feta cheese crumbled (optional)
- 3 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes optional
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine diced cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, and red onion.
- Add parsley, dill, and feta cheese (if using) to the bowl, tossing gently to mix.
- In a small bowl, whisk together lemon juice, olive oil, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using) to make the dressing.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss well to coat all the ingredients evenly.
- Let the salad sit for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld, then serve fresh as a side or light meal.
This Fresh Cucumber Tomato Salad is a crisp, zesty dish that’s perfect for warm days, BBQs, or a quick side to any meal. With vibrant veggies, fragrant herbs, and a tangy lemon dressing, it’s healthy, refreshing, and ready in just 15 minutes. Inspired by your love for fresh, veggie-forward dishes (like the Vibrant Avocado Corn Tomato Salad and Colorful Sweet Potato and Black Bean Bowl), this salad is easy to customize and sure to impress. Try it with your favorite toppings, pair with grilled chicken, and share your experience in the comments below. Happy tossing, and enjoy every crisp, flavorful bite!
