Easy 5-Ingredient Cucumber Tomato Salad

When it comes to effortless summer sides, nothing beats the fresh, crisp bite of this Easy Cucumber Tomato Salad with Olive Oil & Vinegar. With only five simple ingredients, this refreshing dish is perfect for BBQs, picnics, or weeknight dinners. It’s light, hydrating, and ready in under 10 minutes!

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🥗 Why This Salad Works

This salad is a prime example of “less is more.” No complicated dressings or obscure ingredients—just seasonal vegetables, pantry staples, and a classic combo of olive oil and vinegar that brings everything to life. It’s healthy, naturally gluten-free, vegan, and packed with water-rich produce to help keep you cool and satisfied on hot days.

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🛒 Ingredients (Just 5!)

You only need five ingredients to bring this salad together:

Fresh Ingredients

• 2 cups cucumbers, thinly sliced (English or Persian preferred)

• 2 cups tomatoes, chopped (cherry or grape tomatoes work well)

• ¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced

Dressing

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar

Optional Add-Ons: A pinch of sea salt, freshly cracked black pepper, or chopped fresh herbs like basil or parsley (not counted in the five!)

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👩‍🍳 How to Make Cucumber Tomato Salad

Step 1: Prep Your Vegetables

• Wash and dry the cucumbers and tomatoes.

• Slice cucumbers into thin rounds or half-moons.

• Halve or quarter the tomatoes depending on size.

• Slice red onion into thin, paper-like strips.

Step 2: Mix the Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil and red wine vinegar. Add a pinch of salt and pepper if desired.

Step 3: Combine & Toss

Place the cucumbers, tomatoes, and onions in a mixing bowl. Drizzle the olive oil and vinegar mixture over the top. Toss gently until well combined.

Tip: Let the salad rest for 10–15 minutes at room temperature before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and slightly soften the onions.

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🍴 Serving Suggestions

This salad is incredibly versatile. Try it with:

• Grilled chicken or salmon

• Burgers or veggie burgers

• Tucked into pita with hummus

• Alongside pasta dishes or risotto

• As a topping for grain bowls

You can even spoon it over crusty bread for a refreshing summer bruschetta.

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🧊 Make-Ahead & Storage Tips

• Make-Ahead: Chop veggies a few hours in advance and store them in the fridge. Toss with dressing just before serving.

• Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 24 hours. The salad will soften slightly but still be delicious the next day.

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🌿 Variations & Additions

Though this is a minimalist recipe, you can always customize it:

Add Cheese

• Crumbled feta

• Fresh mozzarella balls

Add Protein

• Chickpeas or white beans

• Grilled shrimp or tofu

Change the Dressing

• Use balsamic vinegar for a deeper flavor

• Add lemon juice for brightness

• Add a touch of Dijon mustard for tang

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🍅 Best Cucumbers and Tomatoes to Use

Cucumber Tips

• English cucumbers are long, thin-skinned, and nearly seedless—perfect for salads.

• Persian cucumbers are smaller, extra crunchy, and have a mild flavor.

Tomato Tips

• Cherry or grape tomatoes are sweet and juicy, with low water content (less mess!).

• Heirloom or Roma tomatoes add bold flavor and hold their shape well.

💬 FAQs

Can I make this salad in advance?

Yes! You can prep the vegetables ahead and store them separately. For the best texture and flavor, toss everything with dressing just before serving.

What kind of vinegar works best?

Red wine vinegar is classic, but you can use white wine vinegar, apple cider vinegar, or balsamic for a twist.

How do I make the onions less sharp?

Soak thin slices of red onion in ice water for 10 minutes before adding them to the salad. This reduces bitterness and makes them milder.

Is this salad vegan and gluten-free?

Yes! This recipe is naturally vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free, and nut-free.

Can I double this recipe for a party?

Absolutely. It scales easily—just multiply the ingredients and toss in a large bowl. Perfect for BBQs, potlucks, or family dinners.

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🌞 Final Thoughts: A Summer Must-Have

This Easy 5-Ingredient Cucumber Tomato Salad is the ultimate reminder that fresh, seasonal ingredients need very little to shine. It’s one of those recipes that you’ll keep coming back to—not only because it’s simple, but because it’s so satisfying.

Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just making a quick lunch, this salad is a vibrant, healthy addition to any table.