The perfect summer side dish doesn’t have to be complicated—this Tomato Cucumber Salad is proof. With crisp cucumbers, juicy cherry tomatoes, red onion, and fresh basil tossed in a simple vinaigrette, it’s a dish that lets the ingredients shine. Every bite is refreshing and full of garden-grown goodness.
Not only is it fast and easy to make (just 10 minutes!), but it also pairs with virtually any meal—from grilled meats to sandwiches to your favorite plant-based dishes. Serve it fresh and chilled for the ultimate warm-weather refreshment. It’s light, flavorful, and a colorful addition to any plate.
Full Recipe:
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2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
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5 mini cucumbers (or 1 ½ English cucumbers), sliced into ¼-inch coins
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3 teaspoons extra virgin olive oil
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1 teaspoon red wine vinegar
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2 tablespoons red onion, finely diced
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2 tablespoons fresh basil leaves, chopped
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Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Directions:
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In a large bowl, add the halved cherry tomatoes and sliced cucumbers.
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Drizzle the olive oil and red wine vinegar over the vegetables.
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Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
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Toss gently to coat all the ingredients evenly without bruising the tomatoes.
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Garnish with the diced red onion and fresh basil.
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Serve immediately, or refrigerate the components separately and dress just before serving for the freshest crunch.
Prep Time: 10 minutes / Cooking Time: 0 minutes / Total Time: 10 minutes
Kcal: 65 kcal / Servings: 4 servings
A Celebration of Simplicity and Freshness
There’s something timeless and universally loved about a simple salad made with the freshest vegetables. The Tomato Cucumber Salad is a prime example of how a few high-quality ingredients can come together to create a dish that is bright, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying. It’s one of those recipes that’s more than the sum of its parts—each bite bursts with freshness, offering the perfect balance between sweet cherry tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, tangy vinaigrette, and aromatic herbs like fresh basil.
This salad holds a special place in many kitchens, especially during the warmer months when produce is at its peak. It’s quick to prepare, infinitely versatile, and never fails to impress whether served at a backyard BBQ, picnic, or alongside a simple weeknight meal. Inspired by garden harvests and family traditions, it’s a staple for those who love honest, wholesome food that doesn’t require hours in the kitchen.
A Nostalgic Recipe Rooted in Summer Memories
For many, this salad is a nostalgic nod to summertime—when gardens overflow with tomatoes and cucumbers, and mealtimes revolve around light, refreshing dishes. It’s the kind of recipe passed down from grandmothers to mothers, shared across generations and seasoned with memories.
Whether it’s being served alongside grilled meats on the Fourth of July or packed in a picnic basket for an afternoon at the park, this dish captures the essence of summer. The sweet juiciness of cherry tomatoes paired with the hydrating crunch of cucumber makes every bite feel cooling and refreshing, ideal for hot days when heavy meals don’t appeal.
What makes this dish truly shine is the simplicity of its flavors. When you use fresh, ripe produce, you don’t need elaborate seasoning or complicated preparation—the ingredients speak for themselves. That’s the philosophy behind this recipe: letting nature’s best do the heavy lifting.
Why This Salad Works for So Many Occasions
One of the major appeals of the Tomato Cucumber Salad is how adaptable it is. It works well as:
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A light appetizer
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A colorful side dish
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A refreshing lunch paired with crusty bread
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A quick weeknight salad
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A contribution to potlucks or BBQs
Its simplicity allows it to blend seamlessly into nearly any menu. It complements grilled proteins like chicken, steak, fish, or tofu, and it can also shine on its own when served in larger portions with some protein added—like chickpeas, feta, or grilled halloumi.
Not to mention, it’s a vegetarian, gluten-free, and dairy-free dish that suits many dietary needs without requiring substitutions. For hosts planning meals for a diverse group, this salad is a safe and flavorful addition.
Flavor and Texture in Every Bite
Each component of this salad adds something special to the final dish. The tomatoes bring a juicy sweetness, especially if you use ripe cherry or grape tomatoes at the peak of their season. Cucumbers provide crunch and a subtle vegetal flavor that balances the tomatoes perfectly. Thinly sliced red onions add just a touch of sharpness and depth, while the fresh basil infuses the salad with herbaceous brightness.
The dressing—a light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and a splash of red wine vinegar—is intentionally understated. It enhances rather than overpowers, allowing the vegetables to remain the stars of the show. Salt and pepper tie everything together, sharpening the natural flavors and providing just the right amount of seasoning.
This balance of flavors and textures is what makes the salad so addictive. There’s crunch, juiciness, tang, and a little bit of savory bite—all in one simple bowl.
Seasonal Eating at Its Best
One of the joys of this recipe is that it encourages seasonal eating. During summer, when tomatoes and cucumbers are at their freshest and most flavorful, this salad reaches its full potential. Making it with vegetables grown locally or from your own garden elevates the flavor dramatically.
While the salad can be made year-round, the difference in taste when using in-season produce is striking. In summer, tomatoes are sweeter, basil is more fragrant, and cucumbers are crisper. That’s why this dish is often associated with the sunny months—it’s when the ingredients are truly at their best.
For those who love visiting farmer’s markets, this salad is a perfect way to showcase fresh market finds. It’s also a great way to use up an overabundance of summer produce without resorting to complicated recipes or canning.
Health Benefits and Nutritional Value
In addition to being flavorful, the Tomato Cucumber Salad is incredibly nutritious. It’s low in calories but high in hydration and fiber, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a light but satisfying dish.
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Tomatoes are rich in antioxidants like lycopene, vitamin C, and potassium. Lycopene, in particular, is known for supporting heart health and may have cancer-fighting properties.
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Cucumbers are hydrating due to their high water content and provide small amounts of vitamin K, magnesium, and potassium.
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Red onions contribute antioxidant compounds like quercetin, which may support immune health and reduce inflammation.
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Basil offers anti-inflammatory benefits and adds a subtle boost of vitamin K and essential oils.
Together, these ingredients create a salad that’s as nourishing as it is delicious. It supports hydration, digestion, and overall wellness—ideal for those looking to eat healthier without sacrificing flavor.
Make-Ahead Tips and Storage Suggestions
While the salad is best when freshly tossed, it can be made ahead with a few smart adjustments. If you’re preparing it in advance for a party or picnic, store the chopped vegetables separately from the dressing. This prevents the cucumbers from releasing too much water and becoming soggy.
You can prepare the dressing ahead of time and store it in a small jar. Just shake it before drizzling over the salad at serving time. If storing leftovers, keep them in an airtight container in the fridge. The salad will stay fresh for up to 2 days, though the cucumbers may soften slightly over time.
To revive it, you can add a few fresh slices of cucumber and another sprinkle of basil just before serving again.
Creative Variations to Try
This salad is a wonderful base for experimentation. Here are a few ideas to take it to the next level:
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Add cheese: Crumbled feta, mozzarella pearls, or shaved parmesan make great additions.
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Mix up the herbs: Try dill, parsley, or mint in place of basil for a different flavor profile.
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Boost the protein: Add chickpeas, grilled chicken, shrimp, or even quinoa.
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Add more veggies: Bell peppers, radishes, or even corn can add color and crunch.
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Make it Mediterranean: Toss in some Kalamata olives and a touch of oregano for a Greek-inspired twist.
Because of its neutral base, this salad can be adapted to suit a wide range of cuisines and dietary preferences. It’s endlessly customizable.
Conclusion: A Simple Recipe That Delivers Big Flavor
At its heart, the Tomato Cucumber Salad is a love letter to seasonal, simple cooking. It doesn’t rely on fancy ingredients or complicated techniques—instead, it celebrates freshness and quality. In just minutes, it delivers a dish that is vibrant, healthy, and utterly satisfying.
Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or a crowd, this salad fits the bill. It’s as appropriate for a weekday lunch as it is for a festive summer gathering. With its versatility, beautiful presentation, and clean flavors, it’s no wonder that this humble dish continues to find its place on tables around the world.
So the next time you have ripe tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, and a bunch of basil on hand, you’ll know exactly what to do. Whip up this refreshing salad, savor each bite, and let it remind you of the joys of simple, good food.