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Cucumber Tomato Salad is a crisp, refreshing summer side dish made with juicy tomatoes, crunchy cucumbers, bold red onion, mozzarella pearls, and a sweet-tangy homemade vinaigrette. Ready in just 10 minutes, this easy cucumber tomato onion salad is perfect with grilled chicken, steak, seafood, burgers, or any warm-weather dinner.

A white dish is filled with cucumber tomato salad.

Table of Contents

Kellie’s Note
Cool As A Cucumber

My love for this summery salad really runs deep. Once the weather gets hot, I usually find myself making this Cucumber Tomato Salad on a weekly basis! It’s such an easy way to brighten up my dinner plate and really pack on the nutritious veggies.

I make this salad all summer long because it’s fresh, fast, and never feels heavy. The mozzarella pearls add a creamy bite, the red onion gives it a little sharpness, and the honey-garlic vinaigrette balances the vinegar with just the right amount of sweetness. For the best flavor, let it chill briefly before serving so the dressing has time to coat every bite.

While I usually serve this salad as a side dish next to some chicken or salmon, it also makes a fabulous light lunch all on its own. It’s so quick and easy to make in the middle of the day or right before a busy weeknight dinner. Whenever you’re craving some fresh veggies that are flavorful and can be tossed together in just a few minutes, this is the recipe to turn to!

Why You’ll Love My Cucumber Tomato Salad

  • Easy to customize: Add feta, avocado, olives, chickpeas, or extra herbs to make it your own.
  • Ready in 10 minutes: No cooking, baking, or complicated prep required.
  • Fresh and crisp: Cucumbers, tomatoes, and red onion make every bite cool and refreshing.
  • Creamy mozzarella pearls: They make this salad feel a little more special and satisfying.
  • Sweet-tangy dressing: Olive oil, vinegar, garlic, honey, and herbs create a bright homemade vinaigrette.
  • Perfect for summer meals: Serve it with grilled chicken, steak, salmon, burgers, or sandwiches.
The ingredients for cucumber tomato salad are placed on a wooden place mat.

Ingredients For Cucumber Tomato Salad

Here’s what you’ll need to make this crisp cucumber tomato salad. Scroll to the recipe card for exact measurements.

  • Tomatoes: Grape tomatoes or cherry tomatoes work especially well because they hold their shape. You can also use Roma or regular tomatoes, just cut them into bite-sized pieces and drain off excess juice if they’re very watery.
  • Cucumber: English cucumber is ideal because the skin is thin and the seeds are small. If using a regular cucumber, peel it if the skin is tough or waxy, and scoop out large seeds if needed.
  • Red Onion: Red onion adds bold flavor and color. For a milder onion bite, slice or dice it thinly and let it sit in the dressing for 5–10 minutes before tossing the salad.
  • Mozzarella Pearls: These add creamy texture and make the salad more satisfying. If you can’t find pearls, chop fresh mozzarella into bite-sized pieces.
  • Fresh Herbs: Dill and parsley add fresh, summery flavor. Basil, mint, or chives also work well.
  • Salt and Pepper: A simple seasoning blend keeps the vegetables fresh and flavorful without overpowering them.

Dressing Ingredients

  • Cayenne Pepper: Optional, but great if you like a little heat.
  • Olive Oil: Use a good-quality extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor.
  • White Wine Vinegar: Adds a light, tangy flavor. Red wine vinegar, apple cider vinegar, or fresh lemon juice can also work.
  • Garlic: Fresh garlic gives the dressing the best flavor. Avoid pre-minced garlic if possible.
  • Honey: Balances the vinegar and adds a subtle sweetness.
  • Italian Seasoning: The Italian Seasoning adds savory herb flavor to the vinaigrette.
A cucumber tomato salad is being mixed in a large glass bowl.

How to Make Cucumber Tomato Salad

This salad comes together quickly with just a little chopping and whisking.

  1. Combine the salad ingredients. Add the tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, mozzarella pearls, dill, parsley, salt, and pepper to a large bowl.
  2. Make the dressing. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, vinegar, garlic, honey, Italian seasoning, cayenne, salt, and pepper.
  3. Toss everything together. Pour the dressing over the salad and gently toss until everything is evenly coated.
  4. Chill or serve. Serve right away for the crispest texture, or chill for 30–60 minutes for the best flavor. Toss again before serving.

How to Keep Cucumber Tomato Salad From Getting Watery

Cucumbers and tomatoes naturally release liquid after they’re cut, especially once salt and dressing are added. A little juice at the bottom of the bowl is normal, but these tips will help keep the salad crisp and fresh.

  • Toss before serving: If liquid collects at the bottom of the bowl, toss the salad again and drain off any extra juice.
  • Use firm tomatoes: Grape, cherry, Roma, or firm ripe tomatoes hold up best.
  • Choose English cucumber: It has thin skin and fewer seeds, which helps reduce excess moisture.
  • Seed watery produce if needed: If your cucumber or tomatoes are extra juicy, remove some of the seeds before tossing.
  • Dress close to serving time: Add the vinaigrette shortly before serving for the crispest texture.

Recipe Variations

This cucumber tomato salad is easy to customize with whatever you have on hand.

  • Use feta instead of mozzarella: Crumbled feta adds a salty, tangy flavor.
  • Add avocado: Stir in diced avocado just before serving for a creamy texture.
  • Add olives: Kalamata or black olives give the salad a Mediterranean-style flavor.
  • Add bell pepper: Chopped bell pepper adds extra crunch and sweetness.
  • Make it heartier: Add drained chickpeas for a light lunch version.
  • Change the herbs: Try basil, mint, chives, or cilantro.
  • Make it spicy: Add extra cayenne or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes.
Dressing is being poured all over a chopped veggie salad.

Can You Make Cucumber Tomato Onion Salad Ahead?

Yes, but this salad has the best texture when it’s tossed close to serving time. To prep it ahead, chop the cucumbers, tomatoes, and red onion a few hours in advance, then store them in the refrigerator. Whisk the dressing separately and keep it in a jar or airtight container.

When you’re ready to serve, toss the vegetables with the mozzarella, herbs, and dressing. For the best flavor, chill the assembled salad for 30–60 minutes before serving. For the crispest texture, avoid dressing it too far in advance.

How to Store Leftovers

Transfer leftover cucumber tomato salad to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. For the best texture, enjoy it within 1–2 days, since the cucumbers and tomatoes will continue to release liquid as they sit.

Before serving leftovers, toss the salad again and drain off any excess liquid if needed.

What To Serve with Cucumber Tomato Salad

This crisp salad pairs well with almost any summer meal. It’s especially good with grilled mains, seafood, sandwiches, and simple weeknight dinners.

Enjoy more of my favorite fresh summery salads!

For more easy salad ideas, follow us on Instagram and Facebook!

Cucumber Tomato Salad Recipe

5 from 1 vote
By Kellie
Prep: 10 minutes
Total: 10 minutes
Servings: 8
A white dish is filled with cucumber tomato salad.
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Crisp and refreshing Cucumber Tomato Salad is tossed with mozzarella cheese and a tangy, sweet dressing. The perfect summer salad!

Equipment

  • 1 mixing bowl
  • chef's knife
  • cutting board
  • spatula
  • measuring spoons
  • measuring cup

Ingredients 

  • 4 cups halved grape tomatoes or cherry tomatoes, if using regular tomatoes, cut into quarters
  • 1 English cucumber, cut in half lengthwise and chopped
  • 1/2 large red onion, diced
  • 1 cup pearl sized mozzarella
  • 3 tablespoons fresh chopped dill
  • 2 tablespoons fresh chopped parsley
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon fresh black pepper

For the dressing:

  • 1/2 cup olive oil
  • 1/4 cup white wine vinegar
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 garlic cloves, finely minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon honey
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cayenne, optional

Instructions 

  • In a large bowl, add the tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, mozzarella, dill, parsley, salt and pepper.
  • Toss to combine. Set aside.
  • In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, vinegar, salt, pepper, garlic, honey, Italian seasoning and cayenne.
  • Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to coat.
  • Cover and chill for 30–60 minutes for best flavor, or serve immediately for the crispest texture. Toss again before serving.

Video

Notes

For maximum flavor, chill the salad for 30–60 minutes before serving so the flavors have a chance to develop. For the crispest texture, serve the salad the day it is made. If excess liquid collects at the bottom of the bowl, toss again and drain lightly before serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 178kcal, Carbohydrates: 6g, Protein: 3g, Fat: 16g, Saturated Fat: 3g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g, Monounsaturated Fat: 10g, Cholesterol: 5mg, Sodium: 311mg, Potassium: 247mg, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 3g, Vitamin A: 531IU, Vitamin C: 20mg, Calcium: 69mg, Iron: 1mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Like this recipe?Leave a comment below!
Do I need to peel the cucumber?

Not if you use an English cucumber. If you use a regular cucumber with thick or waxy skin, peeling it will give the salad a better texture.

What tomatoes are best for cucumber tomato salad?

Grape tomatoes, cherry tomatoes, Roma tomatoes, and firm ripe tomatoes all work well. Avoid overly soft tomatoes, which can make the salad mushy or watery.

Can I use a different cheese?

Yes. Mozzarella pearls are creamy and mild, but feta is a great option if you want a saltier, tangier salad.

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4 Comments

  1. Richard Jarmac says:

    Have not tried,

    but plan to do so!

    Reply
    1. Kellie says:

      Thank you!

      Reply
  2. Bronna Porzio says:

    DELICIOUS

    Reply
    1. Kellie says:

      Thank you! I’m so happy you liked it!

      Reply