Easy Cucumber Tomato Salad Recipe (15 Minute Fresh Summer Side Dish)

Name: Easy Cucumber Tomato Salad Recipe (15 Minute Fresh Summer Side Dish)
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Ingredients: 2 large cucumbers ((halved then thinly sliced, English or garden cucumbers)); 2 cups cherry tomatoes ((halved or 3 to 4 medium tomatoes, chopped)); 1/2 large red onion ((thinly sliced or white, yellow, Vidalia onion)); 1 tablespoon fresh parsley ((chopped)); 1/2 cup olive oil; 1/4 cup red wine vinegar; 1 teaspoon granulated sugar ((or honey)); 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning; 1 clove garlic ((minced)); 1/2 teaspoon salt ((or to taste)); 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

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Looking for an easy summer side dish? This cucumber tomato salad is crisp, flavorful, and tossed in a homemade Italian dressing that comes together in minutes.

It’s the perfect refreshing side to serve with juicy grilled chicken thighs or quick air fryer chicken breast, making it ideal for weeknight dinners, BBQs, and cookouts.

Fresh cucumber tomato salad featuring crisp cucumber slices, juicy halved cherry tomatoes, and slices of red onion tossed in a homemade salad dressing.

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Why You Will Love This Recipe:

Quick and Easy - Ready in just 15 minutes from start to finish.
Perfect for Summer - Light and refreshing.
Versatile - Pairs with grilled meats, sandwiches, or by itself.

Sliced pork chop with cucumber tomato salad on a white plate.

Q&A:

Can I make cucumber tomato salad ahead of time?

Yes! Just keep the salad dressing separated and toss right before serving.

What kind of cucumbers work best?

English, Persian, or garden cucumbers work best. When using garden cucumbers, I usually remove the skin because it’s thicker, but this is a personal preference.

Equipment Needed:

Ingredients (Full recipe located in recipe card below):

Cucumber tomato salad recipe ingredients in various dishes on a white marble surface: large cucumbers, olive oil, cherry tomatoes, red wine vinegar, red onion, salt, ground black pepper, Italian seasoning, minced garlic, fresh parsley, and granulated sugar.

Large Cucumbers - I use English cucumbers.
Cherry Tomatoes - Or vine tomatoes.
Red Onion - A sweet white onion would work too.
Fresh Parsley - Finely chopped.

Dressing:

Red Wine Vinegar
Olive Oil
Granulated Sugar
Italian Seasoning
Minced Garlic
Salt
Ground Black Pepper

Instructions:

Prep the vegetables: Slice the cucumbers, halve the tomatoes, thinly slice the onion, and finely chop the parsley.

Sliced cucumbers, halved tomatoes, thinly sliced red onion, and finely chopped parsley in neat columns on a wood cutting board.

Combine the ingredients: In a large bowl, add the cucumbers, tomatoes, onions and parsley.

Sliced cucumbers, halved tomatoes, thinly sliced red onion, and finely chopped parsley in a large glass bowl.

Make the dressing: In a mason jar or container with a lid, add the olive oil, red wine vinegar, garlic, sugar, salt, and ground black pepper. Put on the lid and shake until well blended.

Olive oil, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, granulated sugar, salt, and ground black pepper unmixed in a mason jar with a black lid.

Olive oil, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, granulated sugar, salt, and ground black pepper shaken in a mason jar with a black lid until well blended to form a dressing.

Toss and serve: Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently until everything is well coated.

Homemade salad dressing being poured over cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, red onions and fresh parsley in a large glass bowl.

Cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, red onions and fresh parsley tossed in a homemade dressing in a large glass bowl.

Serve immediately or chill in the refrigerator for 15 to 30 minutes to let the flavors meld even more.

Cucumber tomato salad with red onions, fresh parsley, and homemade salad dressing in a white bowl.

What To Serve With Cucumber Tomato Salad:

This salad goes great with grilled chicken thighs, grilled chicken tenderloins, or grilled boneless pork chops.
Oven Baked BBQ Chicken Thighs
Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Drumsticks
Air Fryer Chicken Breast

Cucumber tomato salad with dressing next to a juicy sliced boneless pork chop on a white plate.

Recipe Variations And Substitutions:

Red Wine Vinegar - Apple cider vinegar can be used if that’s what you have on hand.
Cucumbers - I prefer to use English cucumbers or garden cucumbers, but if you have another type you like to use, then use those. Persian cucumbers work great too, but you will have use 6 to 8 since they are tiny.
Onions - This recipe calls for red onion, but white, yellow, or Vidalia onions work too.
Granulated Sugar - Can be replaced with honey or brown sugar.
Fresh Garlic - When I run out of fresh garlic, I use garlic powder and it tastes great!

Cucumber tomato salad with halved cucumber slices, halved cherry tomatoes, and slices of red onion tossed in a homemade salad dressing.

Storage Instructions:

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

*Note: Cucumbers will soften and release liquid over time, so this salad is best enjoyed fresh.

Pro Tips:

Use fresh, ripe tomatoes for the best flavor.
Slice the onions thin so they don’t overpower the salad