Cucumber Tomato Salad -- it's a salad, southern style, and your new favorite picnic side that can sit out all day without killing anyone ( I'm looking at you, potato salad! )
Why make a cucumber tomato salad recipe?
You know by now that I will eat pretty much anything. However, there are some foods that I would prefer not to eat if given the chance, and cucumbers are nearly at the top of that list. A little slimy and full of that ... I don't know ... cucumber-y flavor, they never seem to add anything notable to a dish other than a light slime and the vague flavor of garden-y water.
As for you health heroes out there doing things like eating cucumbers with your hummus instead of delicious, delicious pita chips, I applaud you: you are a better snacker than I. Salads, wraps, dips, and more -- they are ALL better without cucumbers.
So what business do I have making a cucumber tomato salad? Because cucumber tomato salad is one of those Southern classics that is so good, even this lifelong cucumber avoider can't say "no".
Garden fresh tomatoes, thinly sliced sweet onion, and yes, the bright, watery flavor and crunch of my one of my least favorite foods, the cucumber, all come together to make a vibrant, veggie-packed, Non-Slimy, vegan and vegetarian-friendly side dish that can stay on the picnic table even on the hottest of hot summer afternoons, without any worry of sending everyone home poisoned.
And really isn't that all any of us are after? Something to sustain us and not leave us poisoned? But also, the deliciousness. The bright, vinegary, crunchy, Summery deliciousness. Cucumber up, y'all!
How to make Cucumber Tomato Salad
It couldn't be easier!
- Chop all of the tomatoes, cucumbers, and slice the onion thinly
- Make the dressing
- Toss the dressing with the chopped items
- Serve or let sit overnight and serve chilled
Dressing for Cucumber Tomato Salad
Super fresh and light, this acidic dressing has just enough sweetness added to give it balance.
- Vinegar (I like white/distilled, but cider vinegar may also be used)
- Olive Oil
- Sugar
- Salt
- Pepper
- Oregano
Can this dish be made ahead?
Yes! And I highly recommend doing so. This salad is best the day AFTER you make it - so go ahead and prep this long before you want to eat it, and then enjoy it nice and chilled once the flavors have had the chance to meld.
If you like this cucumber salad recipe, you might also like:
Cucumber Tomato Salad
Ingredients
- 4 vine-ripened tomatoes cut into ½" chunks
- 2 cucumbers cut into ½" chunks
- ½ large Vidalia onion or yellow / Spanish onion. sliced very thinly
For the Cucumber Tomato Salad Dressing
- 1 cup cider vinegar or distilled / white vinegar
- ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 3 tablespoons white sugar
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon ground pepper
- 1 ½ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Whisk the dressing ingredients in a large bowl.
- Add the tomatoes, cucumber, and onions to the bowl and toss to coat.
- Let sit for at least an hour before serving, although it's best if left overnight in the fridge and then served chilled.
This post was updated in Summer of 2021 to have new photos and more clear instructions. Here are the old photos below ( because I love comparing the before and after and thought you might like to, too! )
Yum! Beautiful styling! Such a great use of all the summer cucumbers and tomatoes.
one of my favorite summer dishes!
Love that you used vegetables I always have on hand in the summer.
This is a lovely light and healthy salad for Summer. Perfect salad for a picnic
Absolutely!
I make something similar all summer long! I add a little feta cheese right before serving to add a little tang! This looks so good!
I've never had it with feta - I'll have to give that a try!