Easy Cucumber Tomato Salad with Feta: A Refreshing Summer Staple
Embrace the vibrant flavors of summer with this incredibly refreshing and unbelievably easy Cucumber Tomato Salad with Feta. This classic salad features crisp, cool cucumbers, juicy ripe tomatoes, thinly sliced red onions, and fresh dill, all beautifully complemented by tangy crumbled feta cheese. It’s then lightly coated in a zesty, homemade red wine vinaigrette that truly enhances every ingredient. This recipe is more than just a salad; it’s a celebration of peak-season produce, offering a delightful burst of freshness with every forkful. Whether you’re looking for a quick and healthy side dish, a light lunch, or an impressive contribution to your next potluck or BBQ, this salad is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleleaser and a refreshing escape on warm days.
Why This Cucumber Tomato Feta Salad Will Become Your Go-To
The magic of this salad lies in its simplicity and the quality of its fresh ingredients. A couple of weekends ago, during our regular big family dinner, we found ourselves chatting about garden favorites. Without a moment’s hesitation, my top pick was the cucumber! My second favorite, of course, is the tomato – though we all know it’s botanically a fruit, it’s undeniably a garden superstar. This anecdote highlights the deep appreciation we have for these humble yet delicious vegetables, especially when they’re fresh and in season.
Even if gardening isn’t your passion, you can easily replicate this simple yet stunning salad using the freshest vegetables and herbs from your local grocery store or farmer’s market. Not only is it incredibly easy and quick to prepare, but its vibrant colors and fresh aroma also make for a truly gorgeous presentation – don’t you agree? This salad is proof that sometimes, the most flavorful dishes are born from the simplest combinations.
There’s genuinely nothing quite like the taste of seasonal produce, and this recipe for cucumber and tomato salad is the quintessential way to honor these amazing ingredients. Each slice of crispy cucumber and juicy tomato is loaded with the pungent kick of red onions, the aromatic freshness of dill, and the salty richness of feta, all brought together by a simple yet perfectly balanced homemade dressing. It truly is the ultimate summer salad, ready in minutes and packed with flavor.
The Irresistible Charm of Cucumber Tomato Salad with Feta
You’ll be genuinely surprised at how such basic ingredients can unite to create a super flavorful, profoundly refreshing salad that you’ll crave all summer long. There’s a unique satisfaction that comes from a salad built around the crisp bite of fresh cucumbers and the sweet burst of juicy tomatoes. This combination delivers an amazing texture profile – crispy, crunchy, juicy, and utterly delicious. The addition of creamy, salty feta cheese elevates it from a simple veggie dish to a truly gourmet experience.
This salad isn’t just a treat for your taste buds; it’s also a powerhouse of nutrition. Cucumbers are known for their hydrating properties and essential vitamins, while tomatoes are packed with antioxidants like lycopene. Red onions add a touch of immune-boosting compounds, and fresh dill offers a unique aromatic profile along with its own set of health benefits. Feta, while adding a delightful creaminess and salt, also provides calcium and protein.
If you’re a fan of the delightful combination of tomatoes, cucumbers, and feta, you’ll surely love exploring other similar recipes. Consider trying our Cucumber Ranch Salad for a creamy twist, the classic and elegant Caprese Salad, or this vibrant Greek-style Cucumber Salad for another Mediterranean-inspired delight.
Quick and Easy Preparation: Your Time-Saving Side
I often like to kick off our meals with a fresh salad, and this cucumber tomato salad recipe is an exceptionally easy contender, especially when you have a long list of other dishes to prepare. It comes together in just a few minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights or spontaneous gatherings. What’s even better is that both the salad components and the homemade dressing can be prepared ahead of time. This fantastic feature allows you to tick a few items off your culinary to-do list, reducing stress when it’s crunch time for dinner. All you’ll need to do before serving is combine the prepped ingredients, drizzle with the dressing, give it a gentle toss, and present your beautiful, vibrant salad.
Essential Ingredients for Your Perfect Cucumber Tomato Salad
The beauty of this salad lies in its reliance on simple, high-quality ingredients. For a complete list of quantities and detailed instructions, please scroll to the bottom of this post for the full printable recipe card.
For the Salad Base:
- Tomatoes: The star of the show alongside cucumbers, ripe, juicy tomatoes add an explosion of color and sweet-tangy flavor. You have flexibility here – any ripe tomato will work wonderfully. Roma tomatoes are firm and less watery, ideal for slicing. Field tomatoes offer robust flavor, while cherry tomatoes or grape tomatoes can be halved for a delightful burst in every bite and a different aesthetic.
- Cucumber: For optimal crunch and freshness, choose a firm cucumber. You can use English cucumbers, which have thin skins and fewer seeds, making them perfect for slicing without peeling. Regular garden cucumbers are also excellent, though you might prefer to peel them if the skin is thick or waxy, and scoop out large seeds. Persian cucumbers are small, sweet, and nearly seedless, offering a delicate texture.
- Red Onions: Thinly sliced slivers of red onion contribute a sharp, pungent flavor and a beautiful pop of purple. When sliced very thinly, their intensity is tempered, adding a delightful crunch and savory depth without overpowering the other delicate flavors.
- Fresh Dill: This herb is non-negotiable for this salad! Freshly chopped dill provides an essential aromatic, slightly anisy, and distinctively “garden-fresh” flavor that perfectly complements the cucumbers and tomatoes. Dried dill can be used in a pinch, but fresh is always superior for salads.
- Feta Cheese: Cubed or crumbled feta cheese introduces a wonderful creamy texture and a natural, salty tang that balances the sweetness of the tomatoes and the freshness of the cucumbers. Look for good quality block feta and crumble it yourself for the best flavor and texture.
For the Zesty Homemade Dressing:
- Red Wine Vinegar: The backbone of our tangy vinaigrette, red wine vinegar adds a delightful sweet acidity that brightens the entire salad. It’s robust enough to stand up to the strong flavors of the feta and red onion, yet delicate enough not to overwhelm the fresh vegetables.
- Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil is highly recommended for its rich flavor and health benefits, but any good quality olive oil will work. It provides a smooth base for the dressing, carrying the flavors and coating the vegetables beautifully.
- Dijon Mustard: More than just for flavor, Dijon mustard acts as a natural emulsifier, helping the oil and vinegar come together into a smooth, cohesive dressing that won’t separate easily. It also adds a subtle, sophisticated tang.
- Salt and Black Pepper: These essential seasonings are added to taste, bringing out the natural flavors of all the ingredients and tying the dressing together. Always season gradually and taste as you go.
Be sure to continue reading below for invaluable tips and tricks, creative substitutions, and answers to common questions you might have about mastering this delightful cucumber tomato salad.
Crafting Your Perfect Cucumber Tomato Salad: A Simple Guide
Preparing this vibrant tomato-cucumber salad is wonderfully straightforward, involving just a few quick and easy steps.
- Prepare the Dressing: In a jar with a tight-fitting lid or a small mixing bowl, combine all the dressing ingredients: red wine vinegar, olive oil, Dijon mustard, and salt and pepper to taste. If using a jar, shake vigorously until well combined and emulsified. If using a bowl, whisk thoroughly until smooth. Set aside.
- Combine the Vegetables: In a large mixing bowl, gently add your sliced tomatoes, cucumbers, and thinly sliced red onions. Toss them lightly to distribute evenly.
- Add Herbs and Feta: Sprinkle the freshly chopped dill and the cubed feta cheese over the vegetables. Give it another light toss.
- Dress and Serve: Drizzle the prepared homemade dressing over the salad. Mix gently to ensure all ingredients are coated. You can serve it immediately, or for enhanced flavors, let it chill in the refrigerator for 15-30 minutes before serving.
Serve your beautiful salad immediately, perhaps garnished with a little extra fresh dill for an appealing touch. Leftover tomato and cucumber salad will maintain its freshness and flavor when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. Please note, I do not recommend freezing this salad, as the high water content of the vegetables will lead to a very soggy texture upon thawing.
Love It? Pin It!
If you absolutely adore this delightful cucumber and tomato salad recipe, make sure you don’t lose track of it! Pin it to your favorite Pinterest recipe board before you go, so you can easily find it whenever a craving for fresh, vibrant flavors strikes!
Creative Substitutions and Variations
One of the best parts of cooking is the freedom to get creative! Remember that when it comes to making substitutions in recipes, there’s no need to be afraid to experiment and use ingredients that suit your personal taste, dietary preferences, or what you simply have on hand. Make this recipe truly your own!
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Vinegar Alternatives: Instead of red wine vinegar, you can easily use apple cider vinegar for a fruitier tang, balsamic vinegar for a richer, sweeter note, or white wine vinegar for a milder acidity. For a lighter, brighter dressing, fresh lemon juice is also a fantastic substitute that adds a lovely citrusy aroma.
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Herb Swaps: While fresh dill is highly recommended for its distinctive flavor, if you can’t find it, you can use dried dill (use about 1/3 the amount of fresh). Alternatively, try experimenting with other fresh herbs like parsley for a clean, peppery taste, fresh basil leaves for an Italian twist, or a mix of any fresh herbs you have on hand to customize this tomato cucumber salad recipe.
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Tomato Varieties: Feel free to use a combination of different tomato varieties for added visual appeal and diverse flavor profiles. Cherry tomatoes, grape tomatoes, heirloom tomatoes, or even sun-dried tomatoes (rehydrated and chopped) can add wonderful dimensions.
- Add Protein: To transform this healthy side dish into a complete, protein-enriched meal, consider adding some grilled chicken breast, seared steak strips, canned chickpeas for a vegetarian option, or a hard-boiled egg. This makes it perfect for a light lunch or a satisfying dinner.
- Cheese Options: If feta isn’t your favorite, or you’re looking for a dairy-free alternative, try crumbled goat cheese for a creamier, milder tang, or even small mozzarella balls (bocconcini) for a different texture. For a dairy-free option, nutritional yeast can add a cheesy flavor.
- Spice It Up: For a subtle kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the dressing. A dash of cumin could also add an interesting Mediterranean flair.
- Other Veggies: Bell peppers (red, yellow, or orange) can add sweetness and crunch. Olives, especially Kalamata, are another excellent addition for a saltier, briny note.
Frequently Asked Questions about Cucumber Tomato Onion Salad
Here are answers to some common questions about preparing and enjoying this delightful salad:
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Should you eat cucumbers and tomatoes in a salad together? Yes, absolutely! Cucumbers and tomatoes are a classic pairing and a match made in culinary heaven. They offer a perfect balance of contrasting and complementary flavors and textures, making them ideal companions in a refreshing salad. Any old wives’ tales about not combining them are simply myths.
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How do you keep cucumber salad from getting soggy? Preventing a soggy salad is key to enjoying its crisp texture. The best method is to store the salad ingredients and the dressing separately until just before serving. To further keep cucumbers exceptionally crisp, you can soak the sliced cucumbers in generously salted cold water in the fridge for at least 2 hours before assembling the salad. This draws out excess moisture, resulting in a firmer, crunchier cucumber.
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What will tomato and cucumber protect me from? While no single food can guarantee protection from all diseases, both tomatoes and cucumbers are incredibly nutritious and contribute significantly to overall health. They are loaded with essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that support a healthy immune system and cellular function. Regular consumption of such nutrient-rich vegetables can contribute to a stronger body that is better equipped to protect itself from various illnesses and promote overall well-being.
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How to cut a tomato for cucumber salad? The way you cut your tomatoes is largely a matter of personal preference and desired presentation. Diced, cubed, or sliced tomatoes all work beautifully in this salad. For a rustic look, chunky dices are great. For a more elegant presentation, uniform slices or wedges can be appealing. Just ensure they are bite-sized and consistent with your cucumber cuts for ease of eating.
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Can I make this salad ahead of time? You can definitely prep the components ahead! Slice your cucumbers and tomatoes, chop the onions and dill, and store them in separate airtight containers in the fridge. Prepare the dressing and store it separately. Combine and dress the salad no more than 30 minutes before serving for the freshest taste and texture.
Expert Tips & Tricks for the Ultimate Salad
Follow these insider tips to elevate your cucumber tomato salad from good to absolutely sensational:
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Crispy Cucumbers are Key: For truly crisp and crunchy cucumbers, soak the sliced cucumbers in a bowl of cold, generously salted water for at least a couple of hours in the fridge. Before adding them to your salad, drain the water thoroughly and pat the cucumbers dry with a paper towel. This process draws out excess moisture, preventing your salad from becoming watery and ensuring every bite is satisfyingly crisp.
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Manage Tomato Moisture: If you’re using larger, very juicy tomatoes like beefsteak varieties, consider gently removing some of the seeds and their surrounding liquid before dicing or slicing. This will significantly reduce the amount of excess moisture in the salad, contributing to a better texture and preventing sogginess.
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Milder Onions: Red onions can sometimes have a very strong, pungent flavor. To mellow them out, thinly slice them and then soak them in cold water for about 10-15 minutes. Drain and pat dry before adding to the salad. This simple step significantly softens their bite, making them more palatable for those sensitive to strong onion flavors.
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To Peel or Not to Peel: For cucumbers with thicker or tougher skins, such as regular field cucumbers, it’s advisable to peel them. English or Persian cucumbers generally have thinner, more tender skins that can be left on, adding extra fiber and color.
- Consistent Cuts: Aim for uniformly sized pieces of cucumber and tomato. This not only makes the salad more aesthetically pleasing but also ensures an even distribution of flavor in every bite and makes it easier to eat.
- Don’t Overdress: Start with a smaller amount of dressing and add more as needed. You want to coat the ingredients lightly, not drown them. You can always add more, but you can’t take it away!
- Chill Time: While you can serve this salad immediately, allowing it to chill for at least 15-30 minutes before serving lets the flavors meld together beautifully, resulting in an even more delicious outcome.
More Delicious Recipes to Love
If you’re eager to explore beyond traditional lettuce-based salads, you might absolutely adore Aunt Sue’s Dorito Taco Salad for a fun, non-traditional crunch, or this delightful Grilled Corn and Avocado Salad (pictured above), which is perfect for summer gatherings. If classic lettuce-based salads are more your preference, this trendy Tik Tok Sauerkraut Arugula Salad offers a unique flavor profile, as would this refreshing Mediterranean Celery Salad With Olives. And for those who crave a satisfying pasta salad, our zesty Lemon Basil Pasta Salad is an absolute must-try.
This simple cucumber tomato salad may be easy to make, but its taste is anything but simple. Fresh, juicy, delightfully crunchy, and generously loaded with flavor, this versatile salad tastes great any time of year, though it truly shines when cucumbers and tomatoes are at their peak. Enjoy this wholesome, vibrant dish!
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Print Recipe
Cucumber Tomato Salad
Equipment
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3 Piece Wooden Salad Set
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Salad Spinner – Green Salad Spinner Large
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12-Piece Black Sharp Knife Set with Covers, Cutting Board and Sharpener
Ingredients
For the Salad:
- 1 pound tomatoes sliced
- 1/2 large English cucumber sliced
- 2 small red onions thinly sliced
- 2 Tablespoon fresh dill
- 2 rounds feta cheese cubed
For the dressing:
- 2 Tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 4 Tablespoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
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Add all the ingredients for the dressing to a jar or small bowl. Whisk to combine.
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Add the tomatoes, cucumber, and red onions to a large bowl and toss.
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Add the dill and feta and lightly toss before drizzling the dressing on top. Mix to combine.
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Serve with extra dill.
Notes