Easy Cucumber Tomato Onion Salad
This easy cucumber tomato onion salad is a delicious, refreshing side dish perfect for easy meals and great for summer.
This salad has been on our dinner table since I was a little girl. My mom loved a quick, simple salad to serve with dinner and I have continued that tradition with my family. My kids love salad, in all shapes and forms. A meal just isn’t complete without some form of vegetable dressed with a simple vinaigrette.
Ingredients and Substitutions
- Cucumber. I used English Cucumbers but Persian cucumbers can also be used.
- Tomatoes. Use any ripe, in-season juicy tomatoes. Cherry tomatoes, grape tomatoes, beef steak tomatoes, heirloom tomatoes, etc.
- Red onion. White onion/Vidalia onion can be used as substitute.
- Extra-virgin olive oil.
- Lemon juice / Red wine Vinegar.
- Oregano. I used dried oregano but fresh herbs like basil, parsley, chives or fresh dill can also be used.
- Salt and black pepper.
How to make cucumber tomato onion salad
Because this recipe is so easy, use the very best ingredients you can afford. Fresh, seasonal vegetables are a must. Peel and slice the cucumber into coins then add to a large bowl. Slice the tomato into wedges (or halve smaller tomatoes) and thinly slice the red onion then add to the bowl. Dress with a dressing of your choice, garnish with fresh basil (optional) and serve.
My Go-To Easy Salad Dressing
Pour equal amounts olive oil and vinegar or lemon juice into a jar then add salt and pepper and dried oregano or whisk together all the ingredients in a small bowl. You can add some minced garlic too. Seal the jar and shake until the dressing is emulsified then pour over the salad.
Can I make this ahead?
Cucumber tomato salad has a tendency to become watery if made too far in advance. You could prepare the ingredients up to 3 hours in advance then cover and keep in the fridge until you’re ready to serve. Pour over the dressing right before serving. To preserve the crunch from the cucumber, scrape out the seeds before adding to the salad.
Serving Suggestions
This salad is a fantastic side dish for any meal. It works with lamb chops, steak, chicken or pork and is a delicious BBQ side. We also love it with pork souvlaki or baked fish for a simple weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
- 1 large cucumber
- 4 tomatoes
- 1 small red onion
For the dressing
- 1-2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Peel and slice the cucumber into coins and add to a bowl. Slice the tomatoes and red onion and add to the cucumber.
- Mix together all the dressing ingredients and pour over the salad.
- Toss well and serve.
Video
Nutrition
Easy salad recipes
I think I’m switching how I eat cucumbers from now on! Changed herbs to chives and parsley because family dinner, sunflower oil instead of olive oil, because it’s what I had, but amazing! My son-in-law is a picky eater, but he loved it too!
I have this with your greek chicken. No flatbread and a simple balsamic vinegar with salt and pepper. No oil. I have a suit I need to fit into that is 5 years old and 3 chest/waist sizes smaller so being good. I dont feel like I am mising out with your recipes. A little tweak here and there and they are spot on for a low calorie diet too.
This salad is simple and perfection. I love having this salad anytime really especially when it’s hot and my husbands wants to barbecue. I’ll be making it again this Easter.
So simple yet so delicious. Two thumbs up!
Thanks Jane!
I sometimes forget how amazing such easy recipes can be. I always try to get adventurous with side dishes but these simple ones are often best. Thanks!!!
I do exactly the same thing, try to think out of the box too much and sometimes forget the simple, most delicious recipes. 🙂
Made this salad with your baked fish and it was a delicious, healthy dinner. Thanks!
Thanks Angie! That sounds like dinner perfection.
I love simple salads like this one and the dressing was delicious.
I LOVE that dressing too. So glad you liked it Heather.
The best easy salad and the dressing was delicious!
So glad to hear that Cathy!