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.
If you love fresh Mediterranean flavors, our Baked Feta is always a crowd pleaser! Warm, creamy feta roasted with olive oil and herbs that works incredibly as a dip or crumbled over salads like this one!
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
Disclosure: Posts may contain affiliate links. If you purchase a product through an affiliate link your price will remain the same and The Slow Roasted Italian will automatically receive a small commission. Thank you for supporting us, it helps us keep creating new recipes.
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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 >>
Recipes doesn't reflect Poppy Seed
Hi Arkansas Granny, oops. I corrected the recipe. Thank you for your comment.
I love salads but cant eat cucumbers or onions have to eat it early or it kills me
What an awesome salad!!! I will be making this one many times!
Hi Donna, this salad looks so delicious but how much poppy seeds do you add ?
It's not in the ingredient list. Have a nice day !
Hi Danielle! 1/2 tablespoon poppy seeds, I added that to the recipe. Thank you for your message. Enjoy and let us know how it goes!
Excited to try this recipe. How much poppy seed and when do I add it?
So happy you stopped by. I added 1/2 tablespoon poppy seeds to the recipe. Enjoy and let us know how it goes.
The dressing says it is lemon poppyseed dressing. I am wondering how much poppyseed you put in it?
Hi Brenda! Thank you for your comment. I added 1/2 tablespoon poppy seeds. Enjoy and let us know how it goes.
Love your recipes going to make this but you didn't list the poppy seeds☺
Thanks Kat! I added the 1/2 tablespoons poppy seeds to the recipe. I appreciate your message, let us know how it goes. Enjoy!
You added poppy seed to ingredients but not when to add it. I assume it is added in dressing mixture.
Just want to say that your recipe may be healthier than mine but I grew up on cucumber & tomato salad. Sometimes simpler is better. I only add a small amount of mayo & lemon zest to the cucumbers, tomatoes, & red onion with S&P to taste. I do plan to try your recipe as I have been looking for the perfect opportunity to use a bottle of poppy seeds that are in my spice cabinet.
Thank you so much Marie! I usually toss this with vinegar and oil, but I wanted to try something different and lemony. It really blows my mind how delicious it is. I am going to try the lemon and mayo and see how that goes. Thanks for the suggestion! Enjoy and let us know how it goes.
How would I change the dressing to a honey poppyseed ? I don't tolerate lemon well.
I also love this an orange honey poppy seed dressing.
1/4 cup orange juice (instead of lemon)
2 tablespoons honey (instead of sugar)
Let me know how it goes. Enjoy!
I'm not a huge fan of lemony dressings but this one sounded interesting and was I happy I tried it!! My new favorite summertime dressing!! I even had to use bottled lemon juice and it was still awesome. I'm going to make a quadruple batch this afternoon so I have it ready to go! I recommend this to anyone that likes a poppyseed dressing.
What other salads this could be used with? can't eat cukes.
I use it on spinach salad….baby spinach, sliced boiled egg, sliced red onion (if tolerated).toss with dressing and sprinkle with mozza cheese…
I often add sliced strawberries as well
Instead of mayo try mashed avocado
I don't know about your daughter, but I sometimes have problems with fresh tomatoes due to the texture of the inner goo. You might try giving some to her with the seed goop scooped or squeezed out and see if she doesn't tolerate them a little better. Love the recipe!
Started to copy recipe, but noted that now the lemon juice and sugar were deleted!
For those who can't tolerate cucumbers, substitute zucchini. Just as crispy and crunchy.
Thanks for the great suggestion, Cherill. I am going to try this over the summer with the zucchini from my garden.
For those who can't tolerate cucumber (like my husband), substitute zucchini. Just as crispy and crunchy and goes just as well with lemon.
Instead of poppy seeds I added chia seeds for a protein boost.
Do I have to use sugar? Thanks.
Thanks
I was looking for a simple healthy salad and came across your site. Just made this salad and it is so delicious…and so easy and quick to make. Thank you for sharing .. I will be making this salad often 🙂
can i use sesame seeds?
Delicious. I'm having a hard time eating vegetables, I'll make this salad often as it's truly delicious. I'd drink that dressing as is – I made it with both sugar and honey, and both orange juice and lemon. I couldn't find poppyseeds, sadly. Next time I'll slice the cucumber very thin. Is there any way to thicken the dressing a bit?
Can you use just regular cucumbers? That is what I have on hand and want to use them up.
How far in advance can u make the dressing?
Delish: made substituting what I had on hand: bottled lemon and lime juice, garlic powder (1/8tsp) stone ground mustard