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This classic Cucumber Tomato Salad is just like summer in a bowl!! You’ll love the fresh taste of cucumbers and tomatoes, along with a simple homemade Italian dressing. This quick and easy salad takes only about 15 minutes to make. Use in-season produce for the best flavor, and you’ll have the easiest side dish or lunch!
If your weekend was anything like mine, you might be craving all the healthy salad recipes. I have you covered with this super easy Cucumber Tomato Salad made so quickly with just a handful of ingredients! It’s light, it’s fresh, it’s so tasty and made with nutrient-dense summer produce.
If there is one thing I love most about summer, it’s actually the food! I live for summer produce. Ripened and juicy tomatoes, fresh basil, crunchy cucumbers are all on the short list of my favorites. I frequently find myself tossing all of my favorites in one dish like with my Ratatouille recipe. This Cucumber Tomato Salad is just one of the many sides I’ve had on repeat lately! It’s always a good idea. Bring it to your next potluck or backyard BBQ!
As a nutritionist, salads with homemade dressings are my favorite recipes to make and develop. When warm weather hits, I am all about salad being the star of our dinner table. Salads are the best way to incorporate fiber, antioxidants, and healthy fats. All you need is a side of protein for a complete meal!
How to make Cucumber Tomato Salad
We start by gathering our simple ingredients. If you have a garden, these might be your staples! I always recommend buying local when it comes to summer produce, this allows for the best possible flavor.
- Cucumbers
- Cherry tomatoes
- Red onion
- Fresh basil
- Avocado oil (or olive oil)
- Red wine vinegar
- Dijon mustard
- Italian seasoning
- Sea salt
Cut up your veggies. I like to keep my cucumber skin on for more nutrients, but you can also peel the cucumber. Slice them up, then half each slice. Dice up your tomatoes into quarters, and also create thin slices of red onion.
In a separate container, you will make the Italian dressing. I use a mason jar or container with a lid. Combine the oil, vinegar, dijon mustard, Italian seasoning, and salt. Give it a good shake and that’s it!!
Pour on top of the salad, and then toss.
Garnish with fresh basil leaves and serve! Top with sea salt, this is a must. That extra sea salt makes all the difference. You can let this salad sit in the fridge and serve later in the day. This is helpful for entertaining guests or if you need to pack and take with you.
Variations
Looking for some additional add-ins? This tomato-cucumber salad is so customizable! Add red or green bell pepper, kalamata olives, artichoke hearts, feta cheese, or arugula. You could also garnish with any fresh herbs you love, like fresh dill or parsley. I also love to finish the dish with dried oregano or black pepper to taste.
This cucumber tomato salad recipe is more of an Italian spin, but you could also make a version with greek salad dressing instead for a Greek style dish!
If you aren’t using cucumbers from your garden, you could also make this with english cucumbers. English cucumbers are a bit sweeter and have fewer seeds. I used grape tomatoes, but roma tomatoes would also be a great option.
If you don’t have red wine vinegar for your vinaigrette, you could also make this dressing with apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar. I also love a teaspoon or so of lemon juice for an extra burst of citrus.
Serving
I love to eat this cucumber tomato salad with grilled chicken, like my Balsamic Rosemary Chicken. You can also serve along grilled shrimp for a light meal, or with my Greek Marinated Flank Steak. For a perfect summer night meal, I love making this Grilled Pork Tenderloin. A vegetarian option, and one that pairs perfectly with summer, is to serve with my Avocado Melon Gazpacho.
Fresh Cucumber and Tomato Summer Salad
Ingredients
- 1 large cucumber
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes
- 1/2 medium red onion
- 1/3 cup avocado oil or olive oil
- 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 1 tsp dijon mustard
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning
- pinch of salt , + more to taste
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
Instructions
- Prepare your veggies: Slice your cucumber (peeled or unpeeled) into slices, then half each slice. Quarter the cherry tomatoes, and thinly slice the red onion. Pour into a medium to large size bowl.
- Using a container with a lid, combine the oil, vinegar, dijon mustard, Italian seasoning, and a pinch of salt. Shake until nice and smooth. Pour on top of the cucumber/tomato mixture.
- Season with additional sea salt and top with fresh basil to serve.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Made this for a graduation party. Everyone enjoyed it! Easy and nice flavor. I did add a little balsamic vinegar to the dressing. I tripled the whole recipe.