Name: Cucumber Tomato Salad
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Yield: 8
Ingredients: 2 English cucumbers, quartered lengthwise and sliced; 1 pint cherry or grape tomatoes, halved; 1/2 small red onion, finely diced; 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil; 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice; 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar; 1 teaspoon granulated sugar; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper; 2 tablespoons minced fresh dill

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CUCUMBER TOMATO SALAD – Light, crisp, and full of fresh flavor, this salad is perfect for barbecues, weeknight dinners, or anytime you need a refreshing side dish.

If you need a simple side that feels fresh, bright, and effortless, this Cucumber Tomato Salad is it. Crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, and a pop of red onion are tossed in a tangy lemon-dill dressing that tastes like summer in every bite. It’s one of those back-pocket recipes that works for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or backyard BBQs — and somehow always disappears fast!

Ingredients

English cucumbers
Cherry or grape tomatoes
Red onion
Extra virgin olive oil
Fresh lemon juice
Apple cider vinegar
Granulated sugar
Salt
Freshly ground black pepper
Fresh dill

Supplies you’ll need

Essential

Large mixing bowl
Small mixing bowl
Whisk
Sharp knife
Cutting board
Measuring spoons
Serving spoon
Plastic wrap or airtight container for chilling

Optional but handy

Mandoline slicer (for ultra-even cucumber slices)
Citrus juicer
Glass storage container for easy meal prep

What to serve with Cucumber Tomato Salad

Grilled Chicken or Steak: This salad pairs beautifully with simple grilled proteins. Try lemon herb grilled chicken, garlic butter steak, or even grilled shrimp. The fresh, tangy dressing balances smoky flavors perfectly.

Burgers and BBQ Favorites: Serve it alongside classic cheeseburgers, pulled pork sandwiches, or grilled bratwurst. It adds a cool, crisp contrast to rich barbecue dishes and heavier sides.

Pasta or Grain Bowls: Serve this next to a simple pasta with olive oil and parmesan, or add it directly to a quinoa or couscous bowl for extra texture and brightness.

Seafood Dinners: It’s especially delicious with baked salmon, grilled tilapia, or shrimp scampi. The lemon and dill complement seafood wonderfully.

Tips and tricks

Use English cucumbers for the best texture: In my experience, English cucumbers are ideal because they have thinner skin and fewer seeds, which means less bitterness and less excess water. If you’re using regular cucumbers, you may want to peel and seed them first.

Salt thoughtfully: Cucumbers naturally release water as they sit. If you’re making this ahead of time, you can lightly salt the cucumbers and let them sit for 15–20 minutes, then drain before mixing. This keeps your salad crisp instead of watery.

Balance the acidity to your taste: The lemon juice and apple cider vinegar give this salad its bright flavor. Taste the dressing before pouring it over the veggies and adjust if needed — a tiny bit more sugar can mellow extra tang, or an extra squeeze of lemon can wake everything up.

Let it chill (but don’t skip the stir): An hour in the fridge makes a big difference — the flavors meld and the dill really shines. Just give it a quick stir before serving to redistribute the dressing.

This Cucumber Tomato Salad is one of those simple recipes that proves fresh ingredients really do shine on their own. It’s crisp, flavorful, and endlessly versatile — the kind of dish you’ll find yourself making again and again. If you try it, I’d love to hear how you served it or what fun twists you added. Leave a comment or share it with a friend who needs an easy, fresh side dish in their life!

More recipes you’ll love

BLT Corn Salad: Sweet corn, crispy bacon, and fresh veggies come together in a vibrant salad that tastes like summer on a plate.

Mediterranean Couscous: A light and easy couscous salad tossed with squash, tomato, and fresh herbs — great as a refreshing side or meatless lunch.

Greek Pasta Salad: A zesty pasta salad with olives, tomatoes, and pepperoni — perfect for potlucks or as a lunch alongside a crisp green salad.