Cherry Tomato and Cucumber Salad

Simple side dishes like this Cherry Tomato and Cucumber Salad are a breeze to prepare. Whether you’re hosting an impromptu family gathering, packing for a warm-weather picnic, or setting the holiday table, this vibrant salad makes a festive and flavorful addition to any menu.

Ingredients to Make Cherry Tomato and Cucumber Salad Recipe

This Southern-style Tomato Onion and Cucumber Salad is a staple in my kitchen, making frequent appearances on the dinner table. The tangy-sweet homemade vinaigrette adds just the right touch to highlight the fresh, natural flavors. I’ll admit, the dressing is a bit more involved than my mama’s classic version, hers often consisted of garden fresh sliced cucumbers and onions soaked in a lightly sweetened vinegar. As much as I appreciate that simplicity, this updated vinaigrette adds a little something extra that really elevates the taste. Ingredients you’ll need to make a fresh Tomato Onion Cucumber Salad: (Scroll down for full printable recipe card.)

• Tomatoes – Cherry tomatoes sliced in half for the perfect small bite.
• Cucumber – One English cucumber, sliced into rounds.
• Onion – Red onion adds a tanginess to the flavor
• Fresh Herbs – Fresh parsley for a fresh flavor.
• Vinaigrette – Vegetable oil, white balsamic vinegar and honey.
• Seasonings – Granulated sugar, salt, red pepper flakes, garlic powder, onion powder and white or black pepper.

How to Make the Best Cherry Tomato and Cucumber Salad

• Prep the Vegetables – Slice the cucumber, halve the tomatoes and dice the red onion.
• Add Fresh Parsley – Transfer veggies to a medium bowl with the parsley.
• Make Vinaigrette – Whisk together the balsamic vinegar and olive oil, whisking until slightly thickened.
• Season the Dressing – To the vinegar and oil whisk in the honey, sugar, sea salt, red pepper flakes, garlic powder, onion powder and white pepper until fully combined.
• Combine – Drizzle the vinaigrette over the vegetables. Toss until evenly coated.
• Refrigerate – Chill in an airtight container then serve gently tossing just before serving.

Kitchen Equipment to Make Cucumber Tomato Salad

• Sharp knife and chopping board to prep the veggies.
• One medium bowl to combine the ingredients.
• A large whisk for making the vinaigrette or a food processor.
• Measuring cups and spoons.

Recipe Variations, Tips and Substitutions

• Tomatoes – You can use a variety of tomatoes to make this salad. Roma tomatoes, vine ripened tomatoes or those sweet Campari tomatoes. Large tomatoes should be cut into bite-size pieces. Choose firm ripe tomatoes for the best texture and flavor.
• Onion – You can use white onion, shallots, green onions or yellow onion for this salad. Yellow onion has a stronger taste when eaten raw.
• Type of Cucumbers – You can use regular cucumbers or Persian cucumbers for this recipe, in place of English cucumbers. Persian cucumbers and English cucumbers have very few seeds and the peel is super thin, making them my go-to for this recipe.
• Sugar – You can swap out a sugar substitute for the granulated sugar. Use Splenda, Truvia or your favorite sugar alternative.
• Vinegar – You could use apple cider vinegar, red wine vinegar or white vinegar in this recipe.
• Fresh Herbs – You can add fresh oregano, rosemary, fresh basil or dill to change the flavor profile.
• Cheese – You can add cubed fresh mozzarella, feta cheese or crumbled goat cheese for a cheesy component. Kalamata olives and feta would transform it into a Greek salad.
• Use Cookie Cutters – It never fails when I serve this salad, that someone asks me how I make the cucumbers in fun shapes. I have a plethora of different shapes and sizes of cookie cutters and one of them just happens to be the perfect size to give the cucumber slices the shape of flowers. While it certainly doesn’t change the taste, it does add a bit of visual interest, and you can be creative and use any shape that you like.
• How to Serve Tomato Cucumber Salad – Enjoy this salad as a side dish, sprinkle it over a platter of greens as a salad topping, enjoy it on garlic bread or toasted crostini as an appetizer. This fresh salad complements chicken, pork and fish extremely well.

Storage and Leftovers

• Make Ahead Tip – For a time saver, the vinaigrette can be made one day in advance and chilled in a mason jar or a cruet. When doing so, give it a good shake and then drizzle it over the veggies 2 hours prior to serving.
• Leftovers – Leftover Cherry Tomato Salad recipe can be stored chilled in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Freezer – I don’t recommend freezing this fresh tomato cucumber salad. When thawed, the vegetables will become mushy.

More Easy Salad Recipes to Make

Whether you serve this pretty Cherry Tomato Cucumber Onion Salad at room temperature or chilled, it’s guaranteed to add color and style to the table.

• Another Southern classic Creamy Cucumber Onion Salad is simply delicious.
• Other vintage salad that’s fun to make is this Carrot Salad with raisins and pineapple.
• This recipe for retro 5 Bean Salad will take you from he holidays to warm weather meals.
• You’ll love this retro Grape Salad.
• Crunchy Broccoli Salad features toasted pecans and bacon.
• This Tomato Cracker Salad is always the talk of the table.
• Another quick recipe you may like to try are these 5 minute Pickled Onions from Rachel Cooks.

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Helpful Kitchen Items:

• Mixing Bowls
• Knife and Chopping Board
• Measuring Set
• Colander