Tomato, Cucumber & Onion Salad Recipe

If you are looking for a refreshing salad or side dish recipe to beat the summer heat, then you are going to love this Tomato Cucumber Onion Salad recipe. Juicy tomatoes, fresh crisp cucumbers and slices of red onion tossed in an easy to make, cool, tangy dressing.

It is one of those dishes that you are likely to keep in your refrigerator all summer long. It is perfect to serve as a cool and refreshing side dish alongside grilled meats.

Or serve it as a salad to start off your meal. Perhaps grab a bowl in the middle of the afternoon after coming in from the outdoors for a cold snack to satisfy you until dinner.

Best of all it is one of the easiest recipes to make. In fact you can have this recipe made and in the refrigerator to chill in under 15 minutes.

Then give the salad some time to sit to allow the flavors to meld. Once it is time for your next meal, it will be ready to be enjoyed!

Tomato Cucumber Onion Salad Ingredients

* Complete recipe instructions including specific measurements, cook temperatures and times are located in a printable recipe card at the bottom of this article. However, be sure to read the entire article for helpful tips and tricks when making this recipe.

Tomatoes: You can use just about any variety of tomato that you prefer. Simply cut them into bite size chunks and add them to the salad.

However, if you are using grape or cherry tomatoes slice them in half just like you would do when making Easy Caprese Salad. Although you could add them whole, they will absorb more dressing and become more flavorful if you cut them.

Cucumbers: If you are purchasing a cucumber, opt for an English cucumber. They are typically sweeter and less bitter than standard slicing cucumbers.

However, feel free to use the cucumbers out of your garden. Just be sure to pick them early so that they don’t have a large seed core. And if the skin is extra tough you may want to peel them.

Red Onion: To add a nice visual contrast to the salad use a red onion. However, because red onions have a stronger flavor when compared to white, yellow or sweet onions, be sure to slice them thinly. A mandoline slicer makes easy work of the slicing process. (See Product Affiliate Link: Mandoline Slicer).

Or if you prefer a milder flavor of onion, use another variety. Then you can slice them a little larger.

Salad Dressing

To finish the tomato cucumber onion recipe mix a little extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, sugar, salt and pepper together. Then pour it over the salad and lightly toss to coat.

Optional Ingredients: Add fresh herbs to switch up the flavor every time that you serve this dish. Parsley and basil are great options.

Or if you like your food with a little kick, add in a few (or a lot) of crushed red pepper flakes to the dressing. Below are a few other common recipe variations to make your salad unique.

Steps To Make Tomato Cucumber Onion Salad

This recipe requires just a few minutes to prepare. In fact, It can come together in 4 easy steps.

1. Cut the vegetables in desired sections. For the cucumbers, you can slice them in whole circles. However, they will taste better (and will be easier to eat) if you slice the cucumbers in half and then slice them in 1/4 inch half-moon pieces.

2. Place the tomatoes, cucumbers and onions in a serving or salad bowl. Then gently mix to toss.

3. Make the salad dressing. Pour the salad dressing ingredients in a medium size bowl or measuring cup. Whisk to combine. Then pour the dressing over the salad and again gently toss until the vegetables are well coated. 

4. Let the salad chill in the refrigerator. Although you could eat the salad right away, it is best to cover it and let it chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour. This allows time for the dressing to penetrate the vegetables and for the flavors to meld.

How To Store Tomato Cucumber Onion Salad

Once the salad is made, cover it and place it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. However, it is best if you eat it within 48 hours.

The longer that the vegetables sit in the dressing they will release their own liquids and become less firm and crisp. Although they are still edible, their texture will be more on the soggy side.

However, if you do happen to eat all of the vegetables and still have an abundance of dressing leftover in the storage container do not discard it. You can reuse the dressing to make another batch. Although don’t use it more than the second time as the flavors will start to fade.

Common Recipe Variations

Although the salad is delicious as written, there are a few common recipe variations that others have suggested. Feel free to try them or just enjoy this easy to make Tomato Cucumber Onion Salad as is.

• Add chopped avocado to the salad. However, be sure to do that right before serving so that the avocado pieces don’t turn brown.

• Add small mozzarella balls, crumbles of feta cheese or shaved Parmesan cheese to the mixture.

• A handful of baby arugula will add a slight peppery flavor to the salad. It’s a great way to get some extra leafy greens in your diet.

• Slice half of a sweet or green bell pepper into thin strips and toss it with the other vegetables.

• Keep the recipe even more easy by using a store-bought dressing. Any type of vinaigrette dressing or Zesty Italian dressing will work well with the other ingredients. Just be sure to start with a little dressing and then add more to taste.

What To Serve With Tomato Cucumber Onion Salad

Because this dish is so cool and refreshing it goes well with just about anything. For instance, serve it as a side dish at your next backyard barbecue with hamburgers and hot dogs.

However, it is so delicious that you could even serve it with grilled salmon or your favorite grilled ribeye steak and keep the plate looking elegant. Or serve it with your favorite cold cut sandwiches so you don’t have to stand in front of a hot grill making lunch or dinner.

Tomato Cucumber Onion Salad Recipe

* Complete recipe instructions including specific measurements, cook temperatures and times are located in a printable recipe card at the bottom of this article. However, be sure to read the entire article for helpful tips and tricks when making this recipe.

INGREDIENTS

• 1 large cucumber
• 1-2 whole tomatoes
• ½ small red onion
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 1 teaspoon granulated white sugar
• ½ teaspoon Kosher salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

INSTRUCTIONS

Cut the tomatoes in bite size chunks or cut cherry or grape tomatoes in half and then place them in a large bowl.

Cut off the two ends of the cucumber and then slice it in half lengthwise. Optional – remove the seed core if desired. Then slice each section into ¼-inch thick half rounds and place in the bowl with the tomatoes.

Slice the red onion into thin strips and add it to the bowl. Set aside.

In a small bowl or measuring cup add the olive oil, red wine vinegar, sugar, salt and pepper and whisk until well combined. Pour the tomato cucumber onion dressing over the salad and gently toss until well coated.

It is best to chill the salad for an hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld together. Serve cold.

ENJOY!

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