The Best Tomato Cucumber Salad Recipe

Get ready to meet your new go-to summer recipe! The Best Tomato Cucumber Salad brings together juicy tomatoes, cool crisp cucumbers, and a sharp bite of red onion, all tossed in a tangy homemade dressing that will make your taste buds sing. It’s zesty, refreshing, and an absolute must-have at any backyard barbecue or picnic spread. This vibrant dish is as easy to make as it is beautiful to look at, and every bite bursts with flavor and color.

Ingredients You’ll Need

With just a handful of fresh, quality ingredients, you can whip up The Best Tomato Cucumber Salad in minutes. Each component plays a starring role, from the bracing homemade vinaigrette to the selection of colorful produce. Don’t skimp—quality ingredients make a world of difference here!

• Olive oil, extra virgin: Gives your salad a rich, fruity backbone that ties the dressing together.
• Red wine vinegar: Adds a tangy brightness that livens up the entire salad.
• Fresh thyme: Lends a subtle earthiness that’s absolutely irresistible.
• Flat parsley, chopped: Brings a fresh, herbaceous note to every bite.
• Fresh garlic, minced: Packs a bold, punchy flavor that makes your dressing truly come alive.
• Balsamic vinegar: Adds a hint of sweetness and complexity to complement the veggies.
• Honey: Balances out the acidity and brings a gentle sweetness to the mix.
• Italian seasoning: A blend of dried herbs amps up the savory flavor profile.
• Kosher salt: Essential for brightening up the vegetables and enhancing all the flavors.
• Fresh cracked black pepper: Lends a subtle warm spice and depth to each mouthful.
• Vine ripe tomatoes: The starring ingredient; choose the ripest, juiciest ones you can find for maximum flavor.
• English cucumber: Delivers coolness and crunch without overwhelming seeds.
• Red onion, thinly sliced: Adds color and a crisp, peppery bite that mellows beautifully in the dressing.

How to Make The Best Tomato Cucumber Salad

Step 1: Shake Up the Dressing

Start by adding olive oil, red wine vinegar, thyme, parsley, garlic, balsamic, honey, Italian seasoning, kosher salt, and cracked black pepper to a pint-sized canning jar. Pop the lid on tightly and shake it with enthusiasm until everything is thoroughly combined and emulsified. This step is not only easy but also lets you make the dressing ahead of time—just give it another shake before using!

Step 2: Chop the Tomatoes

Slice each tomato in half horizontally, then into quarters, and finally slice each quarter in half again. This will give you chunky, juicy pieces—aim for around six cups. The uneven shapes mean every forkful will have a slightly different, wonderful bite.

Step 3: Slice the Cucumber

Cut the English cucumber in half crosswise, then slice each piece in half lengthwise. After that, slice each half into ¼-inch thick pieces. You’ll end up with crisp half-moons that are the perfect size for scooping up a bit of dressing with every bite.

Step 4: Slice the Onion

Thinly slice half a cup’s worth of red onion. If you find raw onion too pungent, soak the slices in cold water for ten minutes before draining and adding them to the salad—this softens their sharpness while keeping the crunch.

Step 5: Combine It All and Toss

In a large salad bowl, combine the quartered tomatoes, sliced cucumber, and red onion. Pour the homemade dressing right over the top, then gently toss everything together until the veggies are glossy and deliciously coated. The salad is now ready to impress!

How to Serve The Best Tomato Cucumber Salad

Garnishes

One of my favorite ways to finish off The Best Tomato Cucumber Salad is with an extra sprinkle of fresh parsley or thyme. For a bit of playful color, scatter some crumbled feta or sliced olives right before serving. These little touches add both flavor and a pop of visual appeal!

Side Dishes

This salad sits beautifully next to grilled chicken, burgers, or even a simple roast fish. It’s equally at home alongside crusty artisan bread or scooped up with pita chips. Try pairing with your favorite summery mains—the bright, tangy flavors provide balance to richer dishes.

Creative Ways to Present

For casual family dinners, serve straight from a big, colorful bowl and let everyone dig in. If you want to wow guests, try building The Best Tomato Cucumber Salad in individual mason jars or layered parfait glasses. For a picnic, pack it into a large zip-top bag and toss just before serving for ultimate convenience.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover salad keeps surprisingly well! Pop any extras in an airtight container and refrigerate. The flavors meld together even more overnight, but be aware that the veggies will soften a bit over time. Try to enjoy within two days for peak freshness.

Freezing

Unfortunately, The Best Tomato Cucumber Salad is not a candidate for freezing. The cucumbers and tomatoes lose their wonderful crisp texture after thawing, which can leave the salad watery and mushy. It’s best enjoyed fresh or from the fridge, not the freezer.

Reheating

There’s no need to reheat this dish—The Best Tomato Cucumber Salad is designed to be served chilled or at cool room temperature. Simply give it a quick toss and serve straight from the fridge for the most refreshing experience.

FAQs

Can I use different types of tomatoes?

Absolutely! Cherry, grape, or heirloom tomatoes all work beautifully in The Best Tomato Cucumber Salad. Use whatever is freshest and most flavorful; the more colorful, the prettier your salad will look.

What can I substitute for red wine vinegar?

If you’re out of red wine vinegar, apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar both make tasty alternatives. Each adds its own personality to the dressing, so feel free to experiment to find your favorite twist.

Is it necessary to peel the cucumber?

With English cucumbers, you don’t have to peel them unless you’d like a slightly softer bite. If you’re using regular garden cucumbers, consider peeling since their skins can be tougher and more bitter.

Can I add other vegetables or cheese?

Definitely! Try tossing in sliced bell peppers, radishes, or crumbled feta cheese for another layer of flavor and texture in The Best Tomato Cucumber Salad. It’s very forgiving and easy to customize with your favorites.

How far in advance can I make the salad?

You can prep the dressing and slice the veggies a few hours ahead—just wait to toss them together until right before serving to keep everything vibrant and crisp. If you need to make the entire salad in advance, aim to combine no more than a couple of hours before your meal.

Final Thoughts

There’s just something magical about the combination of fresh tomatoes, crunchy cucumbers, and zingy vinaigrette in The Best Tomato Cucumber Salad. Whether you’re making it for a quick lunch or sharing at a big summer gathering, I hope this recipe finds a permanent spot on your table. Give it a try—the simplicity and bold flavor will win you over every time!

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