Cucumber Cherry Tomato Salad

This cucumber cherry tomato salad is fresh, crisp, and tossed in a simple tangy dressing. It’s an easy side dish that comes together fast.

This Cucumber Cherry Tomato Salad is the kind of recipe you’ll come back to again and again. It’s light, refreshing, and made with simple ingredients, but still full of flavour. Juicy tomatoes, crisp cucumber, and thinly sliced red onion are tossed in a bright vinaigrette that brings everything together.

It’s perfect for warm weather, but just as good year-round when you need something quick and fresh to serve alongside a meal. Whether you’re putting together a barbecue spread or just need an easy side dish, this salad fits right in.

Tips for Best Results

• Use ripe tomatoes – The better the tomatoes, the better the flavour of the salad.
• Slice evenly – Keeping the vegetables similar in size helps everything mix well.
• Taste and adjust – Add a little extra vinegar or salt if needed to suit your preference.
• Soften the onion (optional) – For a milder flavour, soak sliced onion in cold water for 10 minutes, then drain.
• Let it sit briefly – Allowing the salad to rest for a few minutes helps the flavours come together.

Storage

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
• Best enjoyed fresh: The vegetables will release liquid over time, so it’s best served shortly after making.

Ingredients & Substitutions

• Cherry tomatoes – Sweet and juicy, but grape tomatoes or chopped larger tomatoes can be used instead.
• English cucumber – Crisp with a mild flavour and fewer seeds. Persian cucumbers or peeled garden cucumbers work well too.
• Red onion – Adds sharpness and colour. For a milder taste, soak before using.
• Olive oil – Extra virgin olive oil gives the best flavour, but another neutral oil can be used if needed.
• Red wine vinegar – Adds brightness and tang. White wine vinegar or fresh lemon juice are good alternatives.
• Salt and black pepper – Essential for seasoning. Adjust to taste.
• Fresh thyme – Adds a light herb flavour. You can substitute with basil or parsley for a different twist.

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Cucumber Cherry Tomato Salad

Yields: 4–6 servings | Prep Time: 10 minutes

Ingredients

• 4 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 English cucumber, sliced
• 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves

Directions

1. Prepare the vegetables – Slice the cucumber, halve the tomatoes, and thinly slice the red onion.
2. Make the dressing – In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, salt, and black pepper.
3. Combine – Add the vegetables to a large bowl, pour over the dressing, and toss to coat.
4. Finish and serve – Sprinkle with fresh thyme and serve immediately, or let sit for a few minutes before serving.