If you’re craving a dish that tastes like summer sunshine in every bite, look no further than this Fresh Herb Cucumber Tomato Salad. Bursting with crisp veggies, aromatic herbs, and a zippy vinaigrette, this side is effortless, endlessly refreshing, and sure to become your new go-to for picnics, potlucks, and quick weekday dinners alike!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ridiculously Quick: Just 15 minutes from start to finish—no cooking required and barely any clean-up!
- Peak Freshness: Crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, and a handful of vibrant herbs mean every bite just sings with flavor.
- Customizable Goodness: You can easily tweak the veggies or herbs to match what’s in season or your personal taste.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: From family BBQs to weeknight dinners, this Fresh Herb Cucumber Tomato Salad always steals the show.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What I love most about this Fresh Herb Cucumber Tomato Salad is how every ingredient truly shines. With just a handful of colorful produce and a few pantry staples, you get an ultra-fresh, full-of-flavor salad that’s so easy, you’ll want to make it weekly!
- Tomatoes: Use the ripest tomatoes you can find—the sweeter and juicier, the better! Try a mix of varieties for extra color.
- Cucumber: English or Persian cucumbers are ideal for their crunch and thin skins, but any crisp variety works well.
- Red Onion: Just enough sharpness for bite, balanced perfectly by the veggies and dressing.
- Fresh Dill: Adds a cool, herby lift; don’t skip it if you love that classic summer flavor!
- Fresh Parsley: Brightens every forkful and pairs beautifully with the tomatoes and cucumber.
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Use the best one you can; it makes all the difference in a simple uncooked dressing.
- Red Wine Vinegar: Gives the salad its zesty pop. White wine vinegar is a great backup if that’s what you have.
- Sea Salt: Brings out all the natural flavors—don’t be shy!
- Black Pepper: Just a hint to tie everything together.
Variations
This Fresh Herb Cucumber Tomato Salad is a canvas for your creativity! Feel free to experiment with different mix-ins or dressings depending on what’s in your fridge, your garden, or your cravings that day.
- Add Cheese: A crumble of feta or fresh mozzarella pearls turn this into a Mediterranean feast.
- Swap the Herbs: Try basil or mint instead of (or in addition to) dill and parsley for a new spin on flavor.
- Add Avocado: Sliced ripe avocado adds creamy richness and makes it even more satisfying.
- Boost the Veggies: Toss in bell peppers, radishes, or even thinly sliced celery for extra crunch and color.
How to Make Fresh Herb Cucumber Tomato Salad
Step 1: Prep the Veggies and Herbs
Start by slicing your tomatoes into wedges, your cucumber into crisp half-moons, and your red onion into delicate, thin quarter-moons. Pile them into your largest mixing bowl, then sprinkle over the freshly chopped dill and parsley. A simple chop goes a long way here—the more surface area, the more the herbs infuse their flavor throughout the salad.
Step 2: Whisk the Tangy Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, sea salt, and black pepper. Give it a very good whisk—you want the oil and vinegar to emulsify into a slightly creamy, perfectly blended vinaigrette that will coat every veggie.
Step 3: Toss and Serve
Pour that vibrant dressing over your bowl of veggies and herbs. Using two large spoons (or your clean hands!), gently toss everything together. You want each bite of this Fresh Herb Cucumber Tomato Salad to have a bit of everything: juicy, crisp, tangy, herby magic. Serve immediately, or let the flavors meld for 10 minutes for even more punch.
Pro Tips for Making Fresh Herb Cucumber Tomato Salad
- Tomato Selection: Use the juiciest, ripest tomatoes you can find—farmers market tomatoes make a huge difference in flavor and sweetness!
- No Soggy Salad: If using extra-juicy tomatoes, scoop out some of the seeds before chopping to keep the salad crisp and not watery.
- Herb Power: Add the fresh herbs right before serving to preserve their vibrant green color and fragrance.
- Dressing Depth: Let the salad sit for 10 minutes after tossing so the veggies absorb more of that delicious vinaigrette.
How to Serve Fresh Herb Cucumber Tomato Salad
Garnishes
For a little extra flair, sprinkle your Fresh Herb Cucumber Tomato Salad with more chopped fresh herbs or a dusting of crumbled feta cheese. A drizzle of good olive oil or a crack of black pepper makes it look and taste ultra-special without any fuss.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs seamlessly with just about anything: serve alongside grilled chicken, fish, or lamb for a light meal, tuck it into pitas for a handheld lunch, or enjoy it as a cooling side for spicy dishes and hearty casseroles.
Creative Ways to Present
I love serving Fresh Herb Cucumber Tomato Salad in a big shallow bowl family-style, or spooned into lettuce cups for a whimsical starter. For dinner parties, present it layered in clear jars, or mound it atop toasted baguette slices for vibrant crostini.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers (lucky you!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. The flavors actually intensify as they marinate together, but the veggies will soften a bit, which is still delicious.
Freezing
Unfortunately, Fresh Herb Cucumber Tomato Salad isn’t a freezer-friendly dish. The veggies will lose their crunch and the herbs may brown, so it’s best enjoyed fresh or within a couple of days of making.
Reheating
No need to reheat! This vibrant salad is meant to be served chilled or at room temperature—simply give any leftovers a toss before serving to freshen them up.
FAQs
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Can I make Fresh Herb Cucumber Tomato Salad ahead of time?
Absolutely! The salad can be made up to 4 hours in advance—just toss everything together, cover, and refrigerate. Add a sprinkle of herbs right before serving for the brightest flavor and color.
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What can I use if I don’t have fresh dill or parsley?
If you’re out of those herbs, try fresh basil, chives, or mint! Dried herbs can work in a pinch, but fresh really makes the salad sing.
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How do I keep the salad from getting watery?
If your tomatoes are very juicy, scoop out some of the seeds before chopping. Also, serve the salad soon after dressing for the best crisp texture.
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Is this recipe vegan and gluten-free?
Yes—every ingredient in Fresh Herb Cucumber Tomato Salad is naturally vegan and gluten-free, so it’s a safe and delicious choice for most guests.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a vibrant, feel-good salad to brighten up any meal, this Fresh Herb Cucumber Tomato Salad is the answer. Simple, fresh, and bursting with flavor—give it a try, share it with friends, and savor every crisp, herby bite!
Print
Fresh Herb Cucumber Tomato Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: International
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This refreshing Cucumber Tomato Salad is a quick and easy dish that’s perfect for a light lunch or as a side for your favorite main course. The combination of fresh tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, and tangy dressing makes for a flavorful and healthy salad.
Ingredients
Tomato Salad:
- 3 cups Tomatoes (5-6 medium or 3-4 large tomatoes; cut into small wedges)
- 2 cups Cucumber (1 large or a few small ones; sliced into half moons)
- 1/2 medium Red onion (sliced into thin quarter moons)
- 1 tbsp Fresh dill (chopped)
- 1 tbsp Fresh parsley (chopped)
Dressing:
- 3 tbsp Extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tbsp Red wine vinegar (or white wine vinegar)
- 1 tsp Sea salt
- 1/4 tsp Black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the Salad: In a large bowl, combine the chopped tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, and fresh herbs. Set aside.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, vinegar, salt, and pepper.
- Combine: Pour the dressing over the cucumber tomato salad. Mix to coat.
Notes
- This salad tastes best when served fresh.
- You can customize the herbs and seasonings to suit your taste.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
