> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://kitchenbylola.com/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # Cucumber Tomato Salad with Red Onion - URL: https://kitchenbylola.com/cucumber-tomato-salad/ - Published: 2026-11-03T10:24:00.000Z - Updated: 2026-11-03T10:24:00.000Z - Description: Crunchy cucumbers, juicy tomatoes and thin red onion in a bright lemon and olive oil dressing. The easiest summer side, ready in 10 minutes. - Author: Lola - Tags: Salads & Bowls, Vegan, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, 30-Minute Meals, #Import 2026-11-03 12:47 Some salads need nothing more than great produce and a simple dressing. This cucumber tomato salad is refreshing, crunchy and ready in 10 minutes, and it goes with almost anything, from grilled chicken to burgers and grain bowls. A quick lemon, olive oil and herb dressing keeps it light. Salt it just before serving so the cucumbers stay crisp. **Total:** 10 min**Serves:** 4**Calories:** 90 per serving[Jump to recipe ↓](#recipe) **At a glance:** this cucumber tomato salad with red onion serves 4, needs about 10 min of hands-on prep and no cooking, and provides roughly 90 calories and 1 g of protein per serving. It is naturally vegan, gluten-free and dairy-free. ## Why you'll love this recipe - Ready in 10 minutes - Vegan and gluten-free - Goes with almost any main dish - Uses simple, seasonal produce ## About this cucumber tomato salad Versions of this simple salad appear in kitchens all over the world. In the Middle East it is close to shirazi salad and the Arab salata, in Eastern Europe it is often dressed with sour cream and dill, and in the American South it is a summer staple made with garden tomatoes and vinegar. What they all have in common is freshness. Crisp cucumbers and juicy tomatoes need very little to shine, and a quick dressing of lemon, olive oil and a touch of vinegar is enough to bring out their flavor. Thin red onion adds bite, and fresh herbs make every forkful taste of summer. This is the salad to make when you need a side dish in minutes. It goes with grilled meat and fish, rice bowls, sandwiches and almost any Mediterranean or Middle Eastern meal. ## Ingredient notes and substitutions - **Cucumber.** English or Persian cucumbers are thin-skinned, crunchy and nearly seedless. If you use a regular cucumber, peel it and scoop out the seeds so the salad does not get watery. - **Cherry tomatoes.** Cherry and grape tomatoes are sweet year-round. In summer, use ripe heirloom or vine tomatoes cut into wedges. - **Red onion.** Slice it paper-thin. A short soak in cold water mellows its sharpness if you prefer a milder salad. - **Herbs.** Parsley brings freshness, dill pairs beautifully with cucumber, and mint adds a cool, Middle Eastern note. Use whichever you have. - **Lemon and vinegar.** Lemon juice adds brightness while a splash of red wine vinegar gives depth. Apple cider vinegar works too. - **Olive oil.** A good extra-virgin olive oil makes a noticeable difference in a salad with so few ingredients. ## Equipment you'll need - A sharp knife and cutting board - A large mixing bowl - A whisk or fork for the dressing - A colander, if you want to drain the salad ## How to make it, step by step ### Slice the cucumber Halve the cucumber lengthwise and slice it into half-moons. For a chunkier salad, cut it into cubes. Even pieces make the salad look and eat better. ### Prepare the tomatoes and onion Halve the cherry tomatoes and slice the onion very thinly. If using large tomatoes, cut them into wedges and remove some of the watery seeds. ### Whisk the dressing in the bowl Whisk the olive oil, lemon juice, vinegar, salt and pepper directly in the serving bowl. This saves a dish and lets you taste the dressing before adding the vegetables. ### Toss just before serving Add the vegetables and herbs and toss gently. Salt draws water out of cucumbers, so for the crunchiest salad, toss it right before serving. Recipe ## Cucumber Tomato Salad with Red Onion Mediterranean · Salads & Bowls · Vegan · Gluten-Free · Dairy-Free Prep10 min Total10 min Servings4 Print recipe ### Ingredients - 1 English cucumber, halved and sliced - 1 pint (300 g) cherry tomatoes, halved - 1/4 red onion, very thinly sliced - 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley - 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill or mint - 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil - 1 tablespoon lemon juice - 1 teaspoon red wine vinegar - 1/2 teaspoon salt - Black pepper ### Instructions 1. **Slice the vegetables.** Slice the cucumber, halve the tomatoes and thinly slice the red onion. 2. **Make the dressing.** Whisk the olive oil, lemon juice, vinegar, salt and pepper in a large bowl. 3. **Toss.** Add the vegetables and herbs and toss to coat. 4. **Serve.** Taste, adjust the seasoning and serve right away. ### Nutrition (estimated, per serving) 90Calories 1 gProtein 7 gCarbs 7 gFat 2 gFiber Nutrition values are estimates calculated from typical ingredient data and will vary with the exact products and quantities you use. ## Tips for success - Soak the red onion in cold water for 5 minutes for a milder flavor. - Use a mix of red and yellow cherry tomatoes for color. - Salt right before serving to keep the cucumbers crunchy. ## Troubleshooting - **The salad becomes watery.** Salt it just before serving, seed the tomatoes if they are very juicy, and drain any liquid before serving leftovers. - **The salad tastes bland.** Add more salt and lemon. Tomatoes and cucumbers need generous seasoning. - **The onion is overpowering.** Soak it in ice water for five minutes, or use green onions instead. - **The tomatoes are tasteless.** Out of season, use cherry or grape tomatoes, which are usually sweeter than large tomatoes. ## Variations - **Creamy.** Toss with a few spoonfuls of Greek yogurt and dill instead of the vinaigrette. - **Add feta.** Crumble feta and olives on top for a Greek-style side. - **Avocado.** Add diced avocado for a heartier salad. ## What to serve with it This salad is a perfect partner for grilled chicken, salmon, lamb kebabs, burgers and falafel. It also adds freshness to grain bowls, tacos and pita sandwiches. For a light lunch, toss it with a can of chickpeas, some crumbled feta and a handful of olives, and serve it with whole-grain bread. ## Make ahead and storage Slice the vegetables and make the dressing up to a day ahead, storing them separately in the fridge. Combine them just before serving so the cucumbers stay crisp. Best eaten fresh. Leftovers keep in the fridge for 1 day but release liquid; drain before serving. ## Is it healthy? Cucumbers and tomatoes are very high in water and low in calories, so this salad is refreshing and light. Tomatoes provide vitamin C and lycopene, a plant pigment that is better absorbed when eaten with a little fat such as olive oil. The calories come almost entirely from the olive oil. Two tablespoons for four servings keeps the salad light while still giving it flavor and helping you absorb fat-soluble nutrients. *Nutrition information is an estimate for general guidance only and is not medical or dietary advice.* ## Frequently asked questions ### Should I peel the cucumber? Not for English or Persian cucumbers, which have thin skins. Peel thick-skinned cucumbers and remove large seeds. ### Can I make it ahead? Slice the vegetables and make the dressing up to a day ahead, but combine them just before serving. ### What goes well with cucumber tomato salad? Grilled chicken, salmon, kebabs, burgers, falafel or a simple grain bowl. ### Can I add avocado? Yes. Dice an avocado and fold it in just before serving for a creamier, more filling salad. ### Can I make a creamy cucumber tomato salad? Yes. Replace the vinaigrette with Greek yogurt, lemon juice, garlic and dill. ### Can I add feta or mozzarella? Both are delicious. Feta gives a Greek feel; small mozzarella balls make it closer to a caprese. ### Which cucumbers are best for salad? English, Persian or Lebanese cucumbers are crisp and thin-skinned, so they do not need peeling. ### How do I stop cucumbers from getting soggy? Slice them a little thicker, salt the salad at the last minute and remove the seeds of large cucumbers. ### Can I use balsamic vinegar? Yes. Balsamic adds sweetness. Use a little less, as it is stronger than red wine vinegar. ### Is cucumber tomato salad keto-friendly? Yes. It is low in carbohydrates and high in healthy fats from olive oil. ### How long does it last? It is best on the day it is made. Leftovers keep for one day but will be softer. ### Can I add grains? Yes. Stir in cooked quinoa, bulgur or couscous for a heartier salad similar to tabbouleh. ### What herbs go with cucumber? Dill, mint, parsley, chives and basil all work beautifully with cucumber. ### Can I make this salad for a crowd? Yes. The recipe doubles or triples easily. Keep the dressing separate until just before serving. ### Can I add olives and feta to make it a Greek-style side? Yes. A handful of Kalamata olives, some crumbled feta and a pinch of dried oregano turn it into a quick Greek-style salad that pairs perfectly with grilled meat. ### Should I peel tomatoes for salad? No. The skins hold the tomatoes together and add texture. Peeling is only worthwhile for sauces or very thick-skinned tomatoes. ## Final thoughts This cucumber tomato salad with red onion takes about 10 min from start to finish and serves 4\. It is vegan, gluten-free and dairy-free, and it is easy to adapt with the variations above. If you make it, adjust the seasoning to your taste and make a note of what you changed, so the next batch is exactly how you like it. Looking for more ideas? Browse all our [salads & bowls recipes](https://kitchenbylola.com/tag/salads-bowls/) or the full [recipe index](https://kitchenbylola.com/recipe-index/). ## More recipes you might like - [Mediterranean Chickpea Salad](https://kitchenbylola.com/mediterranean-chickpea-salad/) - [French Lentil Salad with Lemon Dijon Dressing](https://kitchenbylola.com/lentil-salad-lemon-dressing/) - [Roasted Veggie Buddha Bowl with Tahini Dressing](https://kitchenbylola.com/buddha-bowl-tahini-dressing/)