Fresh chopped cucumbers, tomatoes, red onions, feta cheese and herbs tossed in a tangy red wine vinaigrette. This cucumber tomato salad is healthy, light and loaded with flavor. It makes the perfect summer side dish!
Potlucks salads are one of my favorite recipes to bring to a BBQ. They’re easy, quick and always loved by all. This cucumber and tomato salad is a favorite, as well as broccoli salad with bacon, pasta salad, macaroni salad and loaded potato salad.
Summer time is right around the corner and you better believe this easy cucumber tomato salad will be making an appearance in my kitchen on a regular basis! Topped with a yummy homemade vinaigrette and feta cheese, this recipe is packed with a punch of flavor and filled with lots of veggies!
One of my favorite parts about summer is growing my own garden. I love to plant my own fresh herbs and vegetables, especially cherry tomatoes, cucumbers and parsley. This recipe is a great way to use up our fresh produce and incorporates lots of cucumbers, which are my kids’ favorite vegetable. WIN!
It also saves really well…just refrigerate and let the flavors marinate together even more. Great for leftovers the next day. So easy and yummy!
Tips for the best cucumber and tomato salad
- Look for fresh veggies. This dish is perfect to make in the summer, when cucumbers and tomatoes are in their peak season. Look for tomatoes that have a sweet smell, are bright red in color and give just a little when you press into them. Ripe cucumbers should have a medium to dark green skin and should feel firm to touch.
- Slice evenly. When slicing the vegetables, make sure to dice them into similar size pieces. This way you get the most flavor in every bite. I like to slice my grape tomatoes in half and then quarter the cucumbers with a pairing knife. I also peel some skin off of the cucumbers, but not all.
- Let marinate. After tossing the salad in the dressing, make sure to let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes prior to serving. The longer it marinates, the more flavor it will have.
Variations
Another great thing about this salad is that it’s SO versatile! Add in some sliced olives or chickpeas to make it a Greek salad or even cook some pasta or chicken to mix in and serve as a main course.
- Add in extras like olives, chickpeas or sliced avocado
- Swap out the parsley with fresh basil or dill
- Use balsamic vinegar instead of red wine vinegar
- Substitute mozzarella balls for crumbled feta
- Mix in cooked pasta or grilled chicken to bulk it up (you may want to make more dressing)
Make ahead + storage tips
- Making in advance: If you’d like to make it ahead of time (such as the night before), I’d recommend chopping the veggies and making the dressing beforehand. Then on the day of serving, mix together the veggies and dressing and chill until ready to enjoy.
- Storing: Simply place in an airtight container and keep in fridge for up to 3 days. Make sure to give it a big stir before enjoying. You might also want to drain some of the juices if the mixture is getting a little too watery.
More fresh summer salads:
- Caprese salad
- Corn and tomato salad
- Watermelon salad
- Mediterranean quinoa salad
- Orzo salad with vinaigrette
Cucumber Tomato Salad
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 3 Tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 2 cucumbers , quartered
- 1/2 pint grape tomatoes , halved
- 1/4 cup chopped red onion
- 3 Tablespoons chopped parsley (or basil)
- 1-2 ounces crumbled feta cheese
- S&P, to taste
Instructions
- Whisk together the olive oil, vinegar and oregano in a small bowl. Salt and pepper to taste. Set aside.
- Combine the cucumbers, tomatoes, onion, parsley and feta in a medium-sized bowl.
- Then pour the vinaigrette over the top and toss until combined. Add more feta, parsley and S&P to taste. Refrigerate at least 15 minutes before serving.
Notes
Wow, this salad is so great! the feta cheese brings the tang to the dish, the red wine vinegar and herbs finish it off with the best flavors. so great!
So good! Easy to make, and everyone loved it! My family kept having more servings until it was all gone!
I tried this, and our family really enjoyed the fresh vegetables even the ones who didn’t care for tomatoes, liked it as well. This will be a keeper in my recipes. Thanks Darlene😊
I’m so glad you enjoyed it! :)