Cucumber Tomato Salad (w/ Easy Dressing) + Video
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Cucumber Tomato Salad is the best of summer’s harvest. Cool, crisp cucumbers and juicy tomatoes tossed in a bright lemon dressing that wakes up every bite with just the right balance of tang and sweetness. Thin ribbons of red onion add a little bite, while the light poppy seed vinaigrette glides over every slice, coating the vegetables in a refreshing citrus finish. This tomato and cucumber salad is vibrant, crunchy, and wildly refreshing… the kind of summer salad that disappears fast at BBQs, picnics, and potluck tables.
Table of Contents
WHY YOU’LL LOVE TOMATO AND CUCUMBER SALAD
- Bright, refreshing summer salad
- Ready in just 10 minutes
- Light lemon dressing with a hint of sweetness
- Perfect for BBQs, picnics, and potlucks
- Great for make-ahead lunches
Cucumber Tomato Salad
This salad has become a staple around here.
It’s one of those recipes that’s so simple and so good that it shows up everywhere: backyard cookouts, potluck tables, and even weeknight lunches.
It’s also the very first recipe we make in Cooking Club.
The teens learn basic knife skills by slicing cucumbers, tomatoes, and onions, and by the time we’re done, they’ve created something fresh and delicious they’re actually proud of.
And the best part? They go home and make it again for their families.
In that first class, we pair this cucumber tomato salad recipe with our One Pot Cheesy Pasta and Sausage, which makes the perfect simple dinner. Something warm and hearty with a bright, fresh salad on the side.
Sometimes the simplest recipes are the ones people end up making the most just like this italian chopped salad.
CUCUMBER AND TOMATO SALAD RECIPE VIDEO
Want to see how easy this comes together? Watch our quick recipe video 👇
INGREDIENT NOTES
- English Cucumbers: These work best because they have thinner skins and fewer seeds, which keeps the salad crisp instead of watery.
- Grape Tomatoes: Naturally sweet and juicy, they balance the bright lemon dressing. Make sure to check out our grape tomato slicing hack.
- Red Onion: Adds a little sharp bite and color contrast. Slice thinly so it blends into the tomato cucumber salad.
- Fresh Lemon Juice: Provides the bright acidity that makes the entire salad taste fresh.
- Poppy Seeds: Add subtle texture and visual interest to the dressing.
VARIATIONS
Feta Cucumber Salad: Top with crumbled feta cheese.
Mediterranean Version: Add olives and fresh oregano.
Creamy Dressing: Mix a spoonful of Greek yogurt into the dressing.
Herb Garden Salad: Add fresh dill or basil.
Spicy Version: Include thin slices of fresh jalapeño.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS
- Perfect next to BBQ ribs or pulled pork.
- Serve alongside grilled burgers or chicken.
- Pair with One Pot Cheesy Pasta and Sausage for an easy dinner.
- Add cucumber tomato salad to summer potluck spreads.
- Great with sandwiches for lunch.
TOMATO CUCUMBER SALAD FAQ
Yes, but you’ll want to peel them first. It’s also best to sprinkle them lightly with salt to help draw out some moisture, then rinse and pat dry before assembling the salad. Persian cucumbers are a better substitute for English cucumbers.
Not at all! They add a nice crunch, but this cucumber and tomato salad recipe is just as delicious without them.
Slice the vegetables and store them in the fridge separately from the dressing. When it’s time to serve, shake the dressing to recombine and then toss with the salad.
The key to a great tomato cucumber salad is texture. English cucumbers stay crisp longer and don’t release as much water as standard cucumbers.
Adding the dressing right before serving keeps the vegetables fresh and crunchy, while a short chill lets the flavors blend together without making the salad soggy.
That balance of crisp vegetables and bright dressing is what makes this cucumber tomato salad recipe work so well with richer dishes.
DONNA’S PRO TIPS
- Slice vegetables evenly for the best texture and bite.
- Toss with dressing just before serving to prevent sogginess.
- Use fresh lemon juice for the brightest flavor.
- Chill cucumber tomato salad briefly before serving.
- Taste and adjust salt if needed.
TOOLS NEEDED
- Large Mixing Bowl: A clear one can double as a serving bowl.
- Mason Jar: For shaking the lemon poppyseed dressing.
- Sharp Chef’s Knife: A must for veggie prep.
- Cutting Board: Something sturdy that won’t slide around on the counter.
Enjoy!
With love, from our simple kitchen to yours.
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Other Easy Salad Recipes
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TL;DR (Too Long, Didn’t Read) THE QUICK VERSION
- Fresh cucumber tomato salad
- Bright lemon poppy seed dressing
- Ready in 10 minutes
- Perfect for BBQs and potlucks
- Great for lunch or easy dinners
- Cooking club favorite
- Simple, crisp, and refreshing
Cucumber Tomato Salad (w/ Easy Dressing)
Equipment
- chef's knife A sharp knife or mandolin is always a necessity when slicing cucumbers.
- cutting board A high-quality cutting board comes in handy when prepping this salad.
- mixing bowls Combine all of the ingredients for this salad in a large mixing bowl.
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons extra light olive oil
- 1/2 tablespoon poppy seeds
- 1/2 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon minced garlic, about 1 clove
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 2 English cucumbers, sliced into half coins , (about 4 cups)
- 10 ounces grape tomatoes, halved , (about 2 cups)
- 1/2 medium red onion, thinly sliced
Instructions
- MAKE DRESSING: Add 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice, 2 tablespoons granulated sugar, 2 tablespoons extra light olive oil, 1/2 tablespoon poppy seeds, 1/2 tablespoon Dijon mustard, 1/2 teaspoon minced garlic, 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt, and 1/4 teaspoon onion powder to a mason jar. Seal the lid tightly and shake for about 20 seconds until the dressing is well combined.
- ADD VEGETABLES: Add 2 English cucumbers, sliced into half coins , 10 ounces grape tomatoes, halved , and 1/2 medium red onion, thinly sliced to a large bowl.
- TOSS SALAD: Pour dressing over vegetables when ready to serve. Toss gently until all of the vegetables are evenly coated with the dressing.
- CHILL OR SERVE: Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to serve.
Video
Donna’s Notes
Nutrition
All nutritional information is based on third party calculations and is only an estimate. Each recipe’s nutritional value will vary depending on the ingredients used, measuring methods, and portion sizes.
Originally published July 2016, updated and republished April 2026
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Welcome!
We’re Donna and Chad, the dream team behind The Slow Roasted Italian. Our focus is on taking complicated OUT of the kitchen. Life is busy enough, making meals should be fast and easy, to help make your life as simple as possible. Read More >>
This has become a favorite salad of ours! I occasionally add avocado, delicious.
Am I being dumb or what,I couldn't find the video.. lol
I love this salad. I make it all the time without poppyseeds. Delicious! Sometimes I toss in a box of Chickpea pasta (it’s our go-to pasta nowadays) for a more filling side dish for my husband and son. I double the dressing recipe for that (except I don’t double the sugar and I never add salt). We can each add salt & pepper to our fish as we like…but I don’t even miss the salt at all. Great recipe! Thx so much
looks brilliant can’t wait to try it out, I being a bit dumb but can’t quite figure out the dressing recipe, everything else was clear
Step one in the recipe directions is for the dressing.
I can not find the measurements anywhere in the link. Am i
Missing something? Video is not working. Thank you
I love the fresh taste of the lemon dressing with this salad.
Can’t find the video, but I do have the recipe; I’ll try it!
I have a brand new bottle of poppyseed dressing and am wondering if I could use that and just add some lemon juice and a little dijon to it. What do you think??
That’s what I was thinking. Did you try it?
Marcus…this is the dressing recipe! The veggies are just tomatoes, cukes, onion. ENjoy
Very nice recipe! I had to use 4 teaspoons allulose in place of the sugar since I’m diabetic and it was still wonderful. In fact, I use this dressing on my lettuce salads, too, because it’s got such a fresh, perky flavor.
Loved this recipe with hot pepper flakes orange bell peppers and multicolored cherry tomatoes. Very colorful. Heavy on the lemon juice
I made this tonight to go with our dinner. I’m not a fan of cucumbers
but I enjoyed this salad, it was a tad too sweet for me so I will adjust the sugar the sugar the next time.
I have made something similar. I use 1:1 ratio of tomatoes, cucumbers, and Mozzarella cheese. Add a little but of Italian dressing. Your dressing sounds good, too.
Hi Mary,
That sound delicious! This is one of my favorite recipes. Have a great day!
TSRI Team Member,
Holli
This cucumber tomato salad is a summer staple in our house! The dressing is so light and refreshing. Thanks, Donna and Chad!
Hi Melissa!
We’re so glad that you enjoyed the recipe!
TSRI Team Member,
Devlyn
I love this recipe, but the second time I made it, I added a bit of mayo to it, to help it emulsify. The poppy seeds are pretty, but I really don’t think they add anything to the delicious recipe, so if you don’t have them, just leave them out. You will enjoy this recipe either way!
Hi Debbie!
Glad you enjoyed the Recipe!
TSRI Team Member,
Devlyn
love this salad -has been requested by my friends numerous times