Cucumber Tomato Salad

This crisp and colorful cucumber tomato salad is the ultimate refreshing side dish for warm-weather meals, backyard cookouts, potlucks, and easy family dinners.

Fresh cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, and sweet onion slices are tossed in a tangy homemade vinaigrette that perfectly balances sweetness and acidity for a light yet flavorful bite every time.

The best part about this classic salad is how simple it is to prepare while still delivering bold, fresh flavor.

After a few hours in the refrigerator, the vegetables soak up the sweet and tangy dressing, creating a chilled salad that tastes even better as it sits.

Serve it alongside grilled meats, sandwiches, burgers, or enjoy it as a refreshing lunch on a hot summer day.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Additional Time: 2 hours
Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 6

Ingredients

  • 1 cup water
  • 1/2 cup distilled white vinegar
  • 1/4 cup vegetable oil
  • 1/4 cup white sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
  • 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, or to taste
  • 3 cucumbers, peeled and sliced 1/4-inch thick
  • 3 tomatoes, cut into wedges
  • 1 onion, sliced and separated into rings

Directions

  1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the water, distilled white vinegar, vegetable oil, sugar, salt, and black pepper until the sugar has dissolved and the dressing is well combined.
  2. Add the sliced cucumbers, tomato wedges, and onion rings to the bowl. Toss everything together until the vegetables are evenly coated in the vinaigrette.
  3. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to blend together.
  4. Stir the salad gently before serving and adjust the salt and pepper if desired. Serve chilled.

Chefs Notes

  • For extra flavor, add a sprinkle of fresh dill, parsley, or basil before serving.
  • Thinly sliced red onions can be used in place of yellow onions for a slightly milder flavor and vibrant color.
  • This salad tastes even better the next day after the vegetables have marinated longer in the dressing.
  • Use garden-fresh tomatoes and cucumbers when possible for the best texture and flavor.
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