Tomato Cucumber Salad

This fresh and vibrant tomato cucumber salad is summer in a bowl! Featuring garden-fresh vegetables, herbs, and a light vinaigrette, it’s the perfect side dish that comes together in minutes. I’ve been making this family recipe for years, and it never fails to transport me back to warm summer days in my grandfather’s garden.

Why You’ll Love This Tomato Cucumber Salad

• Quick and easy – ready in just 10 minutes!
• Garden-fresh flavors that shine with minimal ingredients
• Perfectly crisp cucumbers paired with juicy tomatoes
• Light and refreshing – perfect for hot summer days
• Versatile – pairs beautifully with everything from pasta salads to grilled meats
• Naturally healthy, low-calorie, and gluten-free
• Make-ahead friendly (I’ll share my prep secrets below!)

Growing up, my grandfather’s garden was my own personal produce paradise. I’d spend hours helping him tend to the tomato vines and cucumber plants, eagerly awaiting the moment when we could harvest those precious vegetables. This simple salad became our go-to way to showcase those garden treasures, and to this day, nothing says “summer” quite like the combination of fresh tomatoes and cucumbers tossed in a light vinaigrette.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. We’re letting those farm-fresh (or garden-fresh!) vegetables be the stars, with just enough seasoning to enhance their natural flavors. The crisp cucumber provides the perfect contrast to juicy tomatoes, while red onion adds a gentle bite and fresh basil brings that wonderful aromatic finish that makes this salad completely irresistible.

Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’ll become your new summer staple. It’s the kind of dish that makes you feel good about going back for seconds (or thirds… but who’s counting?) and disappears quickly at every potluck and barbecue!

Essential Fresh Ingredients

Let me walk you through the star players in this refreshing summer salad. Each ingredient brings something special to the table!

• Cherry Tomatoes: These little jewels are my favorite for this salad – they’re sweeter than larger tomatoes and hold their shape beautifully. I prefer to slice them in half, which helps them soak up all the delicious dressing. In summer, I’ll often use a mix of red and yellow cherry tomatoes from my garden for extra color!
• English Cucumbers: The long, slender variety wrapped in plastic at your grocery store. They’re my go-to because they have thinner skins and tiny seeds, meaning no peeling needed! They’re also less watery than regular cucumbers, which keeps our salad crisp rather than soggy.
• Red Onion: Just a touch gives the perfect bite and beautiful purple color. I like to dice these pretty finely – nobody wants a huge chunk of raw onion! Pro tip: if your onion is too sharp, soak the diced pieces in cold water for 10 minutes before adding to the salad.
• Fresh Basil: This is non-negotiable, friends! Fresh basil adds that gorgeous aroma that makes this salad sing. I love tearing the larger leaves by hand rather than chopping – it prevents bruising and looks rustic.
• Olive Oil & Red Wine Vinegar: The dynamic duo that ties everything together. Use your best olive oil here since it’s raw – you’ll really taste the difference. The vinegar adds just enough tang to make all the flavors pop.

Simple Success Tips

After making this salad hundreds of times (no exaggeration!), I’ve learned a few tricks that make it absolutely perfect. Here’s what you need to know:

1. Temperature matters! Never refrigerate your tomatoes – cold temperatures dull their flavor. Instead, keep them on the counter until ready to use. For the best-tasting salad, all ingredients should be room temperature when combined.
2. Size is everything. Cut your cucumbers and tomatoes into similar-sized pieces. This ensures you get a perfect bite every time and makes the salad easier to eat. I aim for pieces about the size of a quarter.
3. Season generously. Don’t be shy with the salt and pepper! Tomatoes and cucumbers need proper seasoning to shine. Start with less, then taste and adjust – you can always add more, but you can’t take it away.

For a lovely variation, try adding some fresh berries to create a unique summer twist. The sweetness pairs wonderfully with the savory vegetables!

Step-by-Step Instructions: Making the Perfect Tomato Cucumber Salad

Let me walk you through exactly how to make this garden-fresh salad! The process is wonderfully simple, but there are a few key techniques that make all the difference.

Prep Your Vegetables

1. Start with room temperature tomatoes (this is crucial for the best flavor!)
2. Slice cherry tomatoes in half lengthwise
3. Cut cucumbers into ¼-inch coins – I like them thin but not so thin they lose their crunch
4. Finely dice the red onion (about ¼ cup)
5. Tear or chop fresh basil leaves just before adding

Pro Tip: If your knife isn’t super sharp, try using a serrated knife for the tomatoes – it’ll prevent squishing them and keep those perfect halves intact!

Assembly & Dressing

1. In a large bowl, combine your sliced tomatoes and cucumbers
2. Drizzle with olive oil first, then red wine vinegar
3. Sprinkle with salt and freshly ground pepper
4. Add diced red onion
5. Gently toss everything together
6. Finish with fresh basil right before serving

The key is treating this salad like the delicate dish it is – no aggressive stirring needed! A gentle toss with your hands or wooden spoons keeps everything perfectly intact.

Creative Variations & Serving Ideas

This salad is perfect on its own, but I love how versatile it is! Here are some of my favorite ways to change it up:

Delicious Add-ins:

• Crumbled feta cheese – adds a wonderful salty tang
• Diced avocado – brings creamy richness
• Fresh corn kernels – perfect when you have sweet summer corn
• Fresh mozzarella pearls – makes it almost like a chunky Caprese

Perfect Pairings:

This salad is absolutely wonderful alongside my 4-ingredient pasta salad for a complete summer meal. You could also serve it with:

• Grilled chicken or fish
• Crusty bread for soaking up those amazing juices
• As part of a sandwich spread
• Tucked into pita pockets with hummus

Make-Ahead Tip: If you’re planning to make this ahead, keep the cut vegetables separate and combine with dressing, salt, pepper, and herbs just before serving. This keeps everything fresh and crisp!

FAQs & Final Thoughts

Final Thoughts

This simple tomato cucumber salad might seem basic, but it’s absolutely magical when made with fresh, quality ingredients. It reminds me of summer suppers on the porch, watching fireflies while enjoying this refreshing side dish alongside some zesty pasta salad.

Give this recipe a try – I bet it’ll become one of your summer favorites too! The bright flavors, crisp textures, and beautiful colors make it a winner every time. Remember, the fresher your ingredients, the better your salad will taste. Happy cooking, friends!

I’d love to hear how this recipe turns out in your kitchen – drop a comment below or tag me in your photos. There’s nothing that makes me happier than seeing your beautiful salad creations!