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Quick Refreshing Cucumber Tomato Onion Salad Recipe for Summer

cucumber tomato onion salad - featured image

A quick, no-cook cucumber tomato onion salad perfect for hot summer days, featuring crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, and tangy dressing.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 medium cucumbers, thinly sliced (English cucumbers recommended)
  • 3 medium ripe tomatoes, chopped (Roma or vine-ripened)
  • 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
  • A handful of fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped (optional)
  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar (or apple cider vinegar as substitute)
  • 1 teaspoon honey (optional for vegan version)
  • ½ teaspoon salt, adjust to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Optional: Crumbled feta cheese or sliced olives for Mediterranean twist

Instructions

  1. Wash cucumbers and tomatoes thoroughly.
  2. Slice cucumbers thinly, about ¼-inch thick.
  3. Chop tomatoes into bite-sized chunks, roughly 1-inch pieces.
  4. Thinly slice the red onion into rings or half-moons.
  5. Optional: Soak sliced onions in cold water for 5 minutes to mellow sharpness, then drain well.
  6. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, honey, salt, and freshly ground black pepper until emulsified.
  7. Transfer cucumbers, tomatoes, and onions to a large mixing bowl.
  8. Add chopped fresh basil if using.
  9. Pour dressing over the veggies and toss gently but thoroughly to coat evenly.
  10. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or vinegar if desired.
  11. Serve immediately to keep cucumbers crisp or cover and refrigerate up to 1 hour before serving.
  12. If salad is watery, drain excess liquid before serving.

Notes

Use a sharp knife to avoid crushing tomatoes and bruising cucumbers. Pat vegetables dry to prevent sogginess. Toss gently to keep texture intact. Serve immediately or chill up to 1 hour for best freshness. Variations include adding feta, olives, jalapeños, or swapping honey for maple syrup for vegan option.

Nutrition

Keywords: cucumber salad, tomato salad, onion salad, summer salad, no-cook salad, refreshing salad, quick salad, healthy salad