How to Make Cucumber Tomato Salad

When my summer garden gives me cucumbers and tomatoes, I make a cucumber tomato salad. Right now, I have so many cucumbers and tomatoes; it's time to enjoy the freshness of summer. Even though this cucumber tomato salad may seem simple, it's the combination of ingredients, the red onion, and of course, the oil-free dressing. Believe it or not, knowing how to make a cucumber tomato salad is an art. 

Sometimes, the simplest ingredients create the most beautiful and tasty salads. And, if you don't have a garden, buying tomatoes and cucumbers during the summer is cheaper than any other time of the year. 

Different types of cucumbers to choose from

Although many people use different cucumbers for cucumber tomato salad, I prefer Persian, English, or Kirby because they contain fewer seeds and are less watery. 

• English Cucumbers are also called hot-house cucumbers and seedless cucumbers. This variety is long and thin with dark green skin.

You will often find this variety wrapped in plastic at supermarkets, but you can find unwrapped ones at farmers' markets. Despite their alias, these cucumbers do not require a hot-house or plastic wrap to grow.

This cucumber has a mild, almost non-existent flavor. It is prized for its thin skin and minimal seeds.

• Garden cucumbers are the most common cucumbers in North America. They are relatively smooth-skinned and dark green.

Cucumbers sold at grocery stores tend to be waxed to help them retain moisture. For this reason, you'll want to peel these cucumbers. Unwaxed varieties can be found (particularly at farmers' markets), but you may still want to peel them if the skin is thick or bitter.

• Kirby cucumbers are usually short, and they're always bumpy. They have a range of skin colors, from yellow to dark green.

Kirbys are wonderfully crunchy for eating raw but flavorful enough to be perfect for pickling too. Sometimes, they're even sold under the name "pickling cucumbers."

• Persian cucumbers are very similar to English cucumbers. So similar, in fact, that they are pretty much visually indistinguishable from fresh, not-wrapped-in-plastic English cukes. However, a big difference is that Persians come in a greater range of lengths—some shorter, some longer, and sometimes slightly bumpy skin like a Kirby.

Cucumber Tomato Salad Ingredients

With a few simple ingredients, cucumber tomato salad tastes wonderfully fresh flavor. 

• Persian cucumbers (or cucumbers of choice)
• Tri-colored Tomatoes
• Red Onion
• Dill
• Parsley
• Mint
• Basil

Another idea to achieve pretty edges on the cucumbers is to cut with a beveled crinkle cutter.  

How to make cucumber tomato salad 

Once cut, add all the vegetables to a bowl. Then, whisk the simple dressing:

• Red wine vinegar
• Dijon Mustard
• Maple syrup
• Salt and Pepper to taste

After tossing the cucumber salad in the dressing, allow the salad to marinate a few hours in the refrigerator. 

As a result, the marinate enhances flavor and absorbs into the cucumbers and tomatoes. 

FAQ

Which is better for a tomato-cucumber salad; red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar?

• Personally, I prefer red wine vinegar because it is more acidic than apple cider vinegar and enhances the flavors of the red onions and fresh herbs. 

What fresh herbs are good in a tomato-cucumber salad? 

• I used a combination of dill, parsley, mint, and basil, which makes this tomato cucumber salad unique. With that being said, a combination of fresh herbs works well with this salad recipe. 

How many carbs are in a tomato-cucumber salad? 

• With only 73 calories and 23 carbs, this dressing is the perfect side dish or entree salad for a summer night. Pair it with grilled tofu for added protein. 

Do you love healthy salads? If so, check out these recipes

• Panera Spicy Thai Salad
• Soba Noodle Salad
• Quinoa Greek Salad with OMG Oil-Free Dressing
• German Potato Salad
• Brussel Sprout and Kale Salad
• Southwest Salad
• Wild Rice Salad
• Curried Chickpea Salad
• Roasted Vegetable Pasta Salad
• Asparagus Salad
• Italian Chopped Salad

Yield: 6 servings

Cucumber Tomato Salad

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 15 minutes

Cucumber tomato salad is fresh like summer. Full of cucumbers, red onions, tri-colored tomatoes, and herbs in an oil-free dressing. Perfect for a barbeque or picnic, this side dish or entree salad tastes fresh from the garden. Add grilled tofu for extra protein.

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Ingredients

Cucumber Tomato Salad

• 6 Persian cucumbers
• 1-pint tri-colored grape or cherry tomatoes, cut in half
• 1/2 red onion, cut into slivers
• 2 Tablespoons parsley, chopped
• 2 Tablespoons dill, chopped
• 2 Tablespoons mint, chopped
• 2 Tablespoons basil, chopped

Dressing

• 3 Tablespoons Red Wine Vinegar
• 1 teaspoon dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon maple syrup

Instructions

1. Combine the vegetables and herbs in a bowl.
2. Whisk the dressing ingredients together.
3. Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients.
4. Toss, cover, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
5. Add salt and pepper to taste.
6. Stir again before serving.

Recommended Products

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• 
  Pompeian Gourmet Organic Red Wine Vinegar, Unfiltered and Unpasteurized, Perfect for Marinades, Salad Dressings and Sauces, Naturally Gluten Free, Non-Allergenic, Non-GMO, 16 FL. OZ., Pack of 6

Nutrition Information

Yield

6 servings

Serving Size

1
Amount Per Serving Calories 73Total Fat 0gSaturated Fat 0gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 0gCholesterol 0mgSodium 31mgCarbohydrates 23gFiber 2gSugar 15gProtein 2g

Nutrition facts may not be 100% accurate.

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Kathy Carmichael

Hi! My name is Kathy, I am a retired high school English teacher & vegan enthusiast and blogger. My entire blog is fully plant-based vegan. I truly believe what we eat & how we live determines our health & the preservation of our planet! 🙂

www.kathysvegankitchen.com/about-me