Perfect Cucumber Tomato Salad Recipe in 15 Minutes

Get a perfectly crisp, refreshing cucumber and tomato salad in just 15 minutes with this simple recipe. You'll need only 6 fresh ingredients, no cooking required, and our professional chef-tested technique prevents that common watery salad problem. This healthy Mediterranean-style side dish serves 4 and can be customized with your favorite herbs and dressings.

The Essential Cucumber Tomato Salad Recipe

Creating the perfect cucumber and tomato salad starts with selecting quality ingredients and following a few key preparation techniques that professional chefs use. Unlike basic recipes that result in a soggy mess, this method ensures crisp vegetables and balanced flavors every time.

What You'll Need

Ingredient	Quantity	Preparation Notes
English cucumbers	2 medium (about 1 lb)	Unpeeled, thinly sliced
Vine-ripened tomatoes	3 medium (about 1 lb)	Seeded and chopped
Red onion	¼ cup	Thinly sliced
Fresh dill	2 tablespoons	Chopped
Extra virgin olive oil	2 tablespoons	High quality
Red wine vinegar	1 tablespoon	Or lemon juice

Step-by-Step Preparation

1. Prepare cucumbers: Slice cucumbers thinly (about ⅛ inch thick). Place in a colander, sprinkle with ½ teaspoon salt, and let drain for 10 minutes. This crucial step, recommended by the FDA's fresh produce handling guidelines, removes excess water that would otherwise make your salad watery.
2. Prepare tomatoes: Cut tomatoes in half horizontally, squeeze gently to remove seeds and excess juice, then chop into ½-inch pieces.
3. Combine ingredients: In a large bowl, combine drained cucumbers, tomatoes, red onion, and fresh dill.
4. Create dressing: Whisk together olive oil, vinegar, ¼ teaspoon salt, and freshly ground black pepper.
5. Dress salad: Pour dressing over vegetables and toss gently to combine. Let sit for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.

Pro Tips for the Best Salad

Based on culinary research from the USDA Food and Nutrition Database, here's how to elevate your cucumber tomato salad:

Cucumber Selection Guide

Cucumber Type	Best For Salad?	Why
English (seedless)	✓ Best choice	Thin skin, minimal seeds, less water content
Persian	✓ Excellent	Small size, crisp texture, naturally less watery
American slicing	△ Acceptable	Requires peeling and seeding, more watery
Kirby (pickling)	✗ Not recommended	Too firm, bitter skin, not ideal raw

Perfect Timing for Salting Cucumbers

Food science research shows that salting cucumbers follows a specific timeline for optimal results:

• 0-5 minutes: Salt begins drawing out moisture but not enough for significant improvement
• 5-10 minutes: Ideal window - sufficient water removed without compromising texture (per University of Illinois Extension food science studies)
• 10-15 minutes: Cucumbers start becoming too soft
• 15+ minutes: Texture becomes unpleasantly limp

Serving Suggestions and Variations

This classic Mediterranean salad shines as a side dish but can be transformed for different occasions:

When to Serve This Salad

Understanding the appropriate context for this dish enhances your dining experience:

• Best seasons: Peak summer when tomatoes and cucumbers are vine-ripened and naturally sweet
• Ideal pairings: Perfect with grilled meats, fish, or as part of a mezze platter
• Occasion limitations: Not recommended for formal winter dinners when produce lacks flavor
• Make-ahead tip: Prepare components separately and combine 30 minutes before serving for best texture

Popular Variations

• Mediterranean style: Add ½ cup crumbled feta cheese and ¼ cup Kalamata olives
• Asian-inspired: Substitute rice vinegar for red wine vinegar and add 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• Protein boost: Include 1 cup chickpeas or ½ cup grilled shrimp for a complete meal
• Herb variations: Try basil and mint instead of dill for a different flavor profile

Storage and Food Safety

According to food safety guidelines from the USDA, fresh vegetable salads like this should be stored properly:

• Keep refrigerated in an airtight container
• Consume within 24 hours for best quality (texture deteriorates after this point)
• Do not freeze - vegetables become mushy when thawed
• Always use clean utensils when serving to prevent contamination

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my cucumber tomato salad get watery?

Cucumber tomato salad becomes watery primarily because cucumbers contain about 95% water. The solution is to salt sliced cucumbers and let them drain in a colander for 10 minutes before assembling the salad. This draws out excess moisture through osmosis, preventing a soggy final dish.

Can I make cucumber tomato salad ahead of time?

For best results, don't assemble the complete salad more than 30 minutes before serving. However, you can prepare components separately: slice and drain cucumbers, chop tomatoes (without seeds), and make the dressing up to 24 hours in advance. Combine everything just before serving to maintain optimal texture and flavor.

What's the best vinegar for cucumber tomato salad?

Red wine vinegar provides the classic Mediterranean flavor that complements tomatoes and cucumbers best. For alternatives, try sherry vinegar for depth, apple cider vinegar for mild sweetness, or fresh lemon juice for brightness. Avoid distilled white vinegar as it's too harsh for this delicate salad.

How can I prevent my salad from being too acidic?

Balance acidity by adjusting the oil-to-vinegar ratio (try 3:1 oil to vinegar), adding a pinch of sugar to the dressing, or including sweet vegetables like thinly sliced bell peppers. Taste your dressing before adding to vegetables and adjust seasoning as needed - remember tomatoes' acidity varies by ripeness and season.