Perfect Tomato Cucumber Salad Recipe in 10 Minutes

Here's exactly how to make a fresh tomato and cucumber salad: Combine 2 diced cucumbers, 3 chopped tomatoes, 1/4 red onion, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tbsp vinegar, salt, and pepper. Toss gently and serve immediately for the crispiest texture. This simple Mediterranean-style salad takes just 10 minutes to prepare with common pantry ingredients.

Looking for the perfect refreshing side dish that's ready in minutes? This tomato and cucumber salad delivers vibrant flavors and satisfying crunch with minimal effort. As a professional chef who's taught thousands of home cooks, I've perfected this basic recipe to maximize freshness while avoiding common pitfalls like soggy vegetables or bland dressing.

Why This Simple Salad Works So Well

The magic of this tomato and cucumber salad lies in its perfect balance of textures and flavors. Cucumbers provide cool crispness while tomatoes offer juicy sweetness. When properly prepared, this combination creates a refreshing contrast that complements grilled meats, sandwiches, or stands beautifully on its own. According to USDA nutritional data, this salad provides 25% of your daily vitamin C needs and just 80 calories per serving, making it both delicious and nutritious.

Essential Ingredients Checklist

For the best results, use these exact measurements for a standard 4-serving salad:

Ingredient	Quantity	Preparation Tip
English cucumbers	2 medium	Peel only if waxed, otherwise keep skin for nutrients
Roma tomatoes	3 medium	Remove seeds to prevent excess moisture
Red onion	1/4 medium	Soak in cold water for 5 minutes to mellow sharpness
Extra virgin olive oil	2 tablespoons	Use cold-pressed for best flavor
Vinegar	1 tablespoon	Red wine vinegar recommended
Fresh herbs	2 tablespoons	Dill or parsley work best

Step-by-Step Preparation Guide

Follow these professional techniques to create the perfect tomato cucumber salad every time:

1. Prepare Your Vegetables Properly

Cut cucumbers into uniform 1/2-inch pieces for even texture. For tomatoes, remove seeds and excess juice using a spoon before dicing - this prevents your salad from becoming watery. The FDA recommends washing all produce under running water for at least 30 seconds before preparation to remove potential contaminants.

2. Create the Perfect Dressing

Whisk together olive oil, vinegar, salt, and pepper in a separate bowl before adding to vegetables. The ideal ratio is 2:1 oil to acid. Adding dressing to vegetables rather than vice versa ensures even coating without bruising delicate tomatoes.

3. Combine Ingredients Gently

Use a wide, shallow bowl for mixing. Fold ingredients together with your hands or a rubber spatula rather than stirring vigorously. This professional technique preserves the integrity of each ingredient while ensuring even distribution.

4. Season at the Right Time

Add salt just before serving. Salt draws moisture from vegetables, so premature seasoning can make your salad soggy. This culinary principle, documented by the Culinary Institute of America, explains why many professional chefs season salads at the last possible moment.

Pro Tips for Best Results

Transform your basic tomato cucumber salad with these professional chef techniques:

• Chill your bowl - A cold serving dish keeps ingredients crisp longer
• Add texture - Include 2 tablespoons of crumbled feta or olives for Mediterranean flair
• Boost flavor - Let dressed salad sit for 5 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld
• Prevent browning - If preparing ahead, keep dressing separate until serving

Delicious Variations to Try

Customize this basic recipe for different occasions and preferences:

Mediterranean Style

Add 1/4 cup crumbled feta, 10 Kalamata olives, and 1 teaspoon dried oregano. This variation follows traditional Greek salad preparation methods while keeping preparation simple for home cooks.

Asian Fusion

Replace vinegar with rice vinegar, add 1 teaspoon sesame oil, and garnish with toasted sesame seeds. This adaptation demonstrates how basic salad principles translate across culinary traditions.

Herb-Forward Version

Double the fresh herbs (try basil, mint, and dill combination) and add lemon zest for extra brightness. Culinary research shows that fresh herbs can increase antioxidant content by up to 30% compared to plain vegetable salads.

Serving and Storage Guidelines

For optimal enjoyment, serve this tomato and cucumber salad immediately after preparation. If you must prepare ahead, keep components separate and combine no more than 15 minutes before serving. According to food safety guidelines from the FDA, fresh vegetable salads should not sit at room temperature for more than two hours to prevent bacterial growth.

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours, though texture will degrade. If storing, place a paper towel in the container to absorb excess moisture - a professional kitchen technique that extends freshness.

Common Questions Answered

Here are answers to frequently asked questions about making the perfect tomato and cucumber salad:

Can I make tomato cucumber salad ahead of time?

For best results, prepare components separately and combine no more than 15 minutes before serving. If making ahead, store cut vegetables in separate containers with paper towels to absorb moisture, and keep dressing separate. The salad's texture deteriorates quickly due to natural enzymes in tomatoes and cucumbers releasing water.

Why does my tomato cucumber salad get watery?

Wateriness occurs when salt draws moisture from vegetables or when tomato seeds/juice aren't removed. To prevent this, remove tomato seeds before dicing, add salt just before serving, and store components separately until ready to eat. Using English cucumbers (which have fewer seeds) also helps maintain crispness.

What's the best vinegar for tomato cucumber salad?

Red wine vinegar provides the ideal balance of acidity and fruitiness that complements both tomatoes and cucumbers. Balsamic works for sweeter profiles, while rice vinegar creates an Asian-inspired version. Avoid distilled white vinegar as its harsh acidity overwhelms the delicate vegetable flavors.

How can I make my salad more filling as a main dish?

Add protein sources like chickpeas, grilled chicken, or feta cheese to transform this side salad into a satisfying meal. For extra nutrition, include avocado slices or toasted nuts. These additions boost the salad's nutritional profile while maintaining the fresh, light character that makes tomato cucumber combinations so appealing.