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Oh, summer days! There’s just something about biting into a super fresh, crisp salad when the sun is shining, isn’t there? This cucumber tomato salad with red onion is honestly one of my absolute go-to recipes when I want something delicious but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. It feels like pure joy in a bowl! It’s the kind of dish that just makes me happy, and I love sharing it because it adds this bright, fresh spark to any meal, whether it’s a backyard BBQ or just a Tuesday night dinner.
- Why You'll Love This Cucumber Tomato Salad
- Ingredients for the Perfect Cucumber Tomato Salad
- How to Make This Refreshing Cucumber Tomato Salad
- Tips for the Best Cucumber Tomato Salad
- Make-Ahead and Serving Suggestions for this Summer Side
- Frequently Asked Questions about Cucumber Tomato Salad
- Nutritional Information
- Share Your Pure Cooking Joy!
Why You’ll Love This Cucumber Tomato Salad
This isn’t just any salad; it’s a little taste of summer sunshine! Here’s why it’s become a staple in my kitchen:
- Super Simple: Seriously, you can whip this up in minutes. It’s perfect when you need a quick side dish.
- Fresh & Flavorful: All those crisp veggies with that zesty dressing? Yum!
- So Versatile: It’s the perfect red onion salad addition to any meal, from burgers to grilled chicken.
- Picnic Perfect: This salad travels like a dream, making it an absolute winner for any outdoor get-together. It’s a fantastic summer side!
Ingredients for the Perfect Cucumber Tomato Salad
Okay, for this amazing cucumber tomato salad, you really want to grab the freshest goodies you can find. The magic is in the simplicity, so think bright, crisp flavors! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 3 cups of cucumbers, sliced (I like them about 1/4 inch thick!)
- 2 cups of ripe tomatoes, chopped (whatever looks best at the store or in your garden!)
- 1/2 cup of red onion, thinly sliced (I use a mandoline for super thin slices, but a sharp knife is fine too!)
- 1/4 cup of good quality olive oil
- 2 tablespoons of red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon of dried oregano (or fresh if you have it!)
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper
How to Make This Refreshing Cucumber Tomato Salad
Getting this gorgeous salad ready is honestly the easiest part of your meal prep, and it’s so satisfying. It’s all about fresh ingredients coming together simply. Seriously, you’ll be amazed at how quickly you can go from prep to plate! If you love simple, fresh salads like this, you should definitely check out more of my salads and soups!
Preparing the Vegetables for Your Cucumber Tomato Salad
First things first, we need to prep those beautiful veggies. Just grab your cucumbers, tomatoes, and red onion. Give them a quick rinse. For the cucumbers, I like to slice them about a quarter-inch thick – you can leave the peel on if you like! Chop up your tomatoes into bite-sized pieces, and thinly slice that red onion. The thinner the onion, the milder the bite, which is nice for this salad.
Crafting the Simple Vinegar Dressing
Now for the dressing – this part is SO easy. Grab a small bowl. Pour in your olive oil and red wine vinegar. Then, sprinkle in the dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Give it a really good whisk until everything is mixed together and looks lovely and emulsified. It’s like magic, really!
Combining and Chilling Your Cucumber Tomato Salad
Time to bring it all together! Gently toss your prepared cucumbers, tomatoes, and red onion in a big bowl. Then, pour that tangy dressing all over everything. Give it a gentle stir so every piece gets coated. The most important last step? Pop it in the fridge for at least 15 minutes, or even an hour if you have time. This lets all those yummy flavors really get to know each other!
Tips for the Best Cucumber Tomato Salad
You know, a great salad is all about those little touches that make it sing! Making this simple garden salad is already pretty foolproof, but a few tricks really elevate it. It’s all about making smart choices with your ingredients and getting a little creative. If you want to explore more about my kitchen philosophy, check out my story!
Ingredient Quality Matters for this Red Onion Salad
Trust me on this one: using the freshest, ripest ingredients makes ALL the difference. For this kind of simple salad, you really want to taste the veggies. Pick out firm, unblemished cucumbers and tomatoes that feel heavy for their size. A nice, sweet red onion will give you that pop without being too sharp.
Variations on Your Cucumber Tomato Salad
This base recipe is fantastic, but it’s also a super fun canvas for creativity! You can absolutely turn this into your perfect fresh salad. Try adding some chopped bell peppers for crunch, a sprinkle of feta cheese, or even a handful of Kalamata olives. It works great as a meal prep salad too – just keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to serve!
Make-Ahead and Serving Suggestions for this Summer Side
This salad is such a lifesaver for busy days, and the best part? You can totally make it ahead! I often whip this up a few hours before a picnic or BBQ, and it just gets better as the flavors meld. It’s so handy for when you need reliable, tasty, gluten free sides that everyone will love. Just keep it chilled, and it’s ready to go. It’s perfect for stacking up on a crowded picnic table or adding a pop of color to your summer board! It’s also a fantastic option if you’re looking for new tricks for your meal prep salad game.
Frequently Asked Questions about Cucumber Tomato Salad
Got questions about this awesome cucumber tomato salad? I’ve got answers! It’s always nice to get a few tips to make sure your salad is absolutely perfect.
Can I make cucumber tomato salad ahead of time?
Yes, you totally can! I usually make mine a few hours before serving. Just keep it chilled, and the flavors get even better!
What are the best tomatoes to use for this salad?
I love using cherry or grape tomatoes because they’re so sweet and juicy. Roma tomatoes are great too, as they hold their shape well!
How long does this salad last in the refrigerator?
This fresh salad is best eaten within a day or two. Keep it covered tightly in the fridge, and it should stay nice and crisp!
Nutritional Information
Just a heads-up, the nutrition info below is an estimate, you know? It can totally shift a bit depending on the exact size of your tomatoes or how much oil you drizzle. This salad is pretty light, usually around 150 calories per serving, with a good dose of healthy fats and some fiber to keep you feeling your best!
Share Your Pure Cooking Joy!
I truly hope you give this simple, delicious cucumber tomato salad a try! It’s one of those recipes that just makes me feel so good about cooking. I’d absolutely love to hear what you think! Did you try any fun variations? Did it disappear super fast at your next picnic? Let me know in the comments below or share your beautiful creations over on Pinterest! You can also find more inspiration on my blog or connect with me on Facebook!
PrintCucumber Tomato Salad with Red Onion
A simple and refreshing cucumber tomato salad with red onion, perfect for summer gatherings and picnics.
- Prep Time: 15 min
- Cook Time: 0 min
- Total Time: 15 min
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: No Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 3 cups cucumbers, sliced
- 2 cups tomatoes, chopped
- 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Combine sliced cucumbers, chopped tomatoes, and sliced red onion in a large bowl.
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the dressing over the vegetables and toss gently to coat.
- Chill for at least 15 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.
Notes
- This salad can be made a few hours ahead and kept chilled.
- It travels well, making it ideal for picnics and potlucks.
- For a variation, add chopped bell peppers or fresh herbs like parsley or dill.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
