Refreshing Balsamic Cucumber Tomato Salad: Your Go-To Summer Side Dish

When the sun shines brightest and fresh produce abounds, there’s nothing quite like a simple, vibrant salad to complement any meal. This Balsamic Cucumber Tomato Salad is my absolute favorite – a celebration of seasonal flavors that’s both incredibly easy to prepare and wonderfully healthy. When cucumbers and tomatoes are at their peak, this salad graces my table almost daily. But even outside of peak season, its crisp freshness and tangy dressing make it a perfect choice to invigorate any dish, adding a burst of brightness that never disappoints.

Crafted with just a handful of fresh ingredients and a homemade balsamic vinaigrette, this salad comes together in mere minutes. It’s the ultimate partner for grilled chicken, air-fried fish, or a juicy steak, offering a light and refreshing contrast to heartier entrees. Its simplicity also makes it an ideal candidate for a quick, wholesome lunch when time is short, but you crave something fresh and satisfying. It truly shines on those busy days when elaborate meal planning feels like a monumental task, proving that healthy eating can be effortless and delicious.

This particular recipe draws inspiration from beloved classics. The core combination of crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, and sharp red onion is a nod to a traditional Greek Cucumber Salad. Meanwhile, the rich, sweet-tart balsamic vinaigrette evokes the irresistible flavors of a Caprese salad. By blending these cherished tastes, we’ve created a new salad that’s an instant hit – a testament to the joy of simple, fresh summer eating.

Why You’ll Love This Easy Cucumber Tomato Salad

Beyond its delightful taste, this salad offers numerous reasons to become a regular in your rotation. It’s incredibly versatile, pairing beautifully with almost any main course, from a casual weeknight dinner to a festive backyard barbecue. Its naturally low-calorie and nutrient-rich profile makes it a healthy choice you can feel good about serving to your family and friends. The vibrant colors alone are enough to brighten any plate, making your meals not just delicious, but visually appealing too. Plus, the minimal prep and quick assembly mean you spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying the warm weather and good company.

This salad also embodies the essence of seasonal eating. Using fresh, in-season cucumbers and tomatoes ensures the most flavorful and impactful salad experience. When these ingredients are at their peak, they offer a sweetness and crispness that elevates the entire dish, making it taste like summer itself. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy the bounty of your garden or local farmers market, transforming simple produce into a culinary delight with minimal effort.

Essential Ingredients for Your Perfect Cucumber Tomato Salad

The beauty of this salad lies in its straightforward, yet incredibly flavorful, ingredient list. Each component plays a vital role in creating a harmonious balance of textures and tastes. While the recipe is simple, don’t hesitate to explore and experiment with different combinations to tailor it to your personal preferences, as I’ll describe in more detail below.

Key Vegetables for a Burst of Freshness

• English Cucumber: Known for its thinner skin and fewer seeds, English cucumbers offer a delightfully crisp texture without the need for peeling or deseeding, saving you valuable prep time. Their mild, refreshing flavor is a perfect canvas for the dressing.
• Grape Tomatoes: These small, oval tomatoes are packed with a concentrated sweetness that bursts with every bite. Their firm texture holds up well in the salad, and their vibrant red color adds visual appeal. Cherry tomatoes are an excellent alternative if grape tomatoes aren’t available.
• Red Onion: Offering a mild pungency and a beautiful purple hue, red onions add a slight sharpness that cuts through the sweetness of the tomatoes and the coolness of the cucumber. When sliced thinly, they provide a delicate crunch and a savory depth that balances the fresh flavors.
• Avocado: The creamy, buttery texture of ripe avocado is a game-changer in this salad. It adds a luxurious richness, a healthy dose of good fats, and a satisfying heartiness that makes the salad more substantial. Its mild flavor complements the other ingredients without overpowering them.

The Easy Balsamic Vinaigrette Dressing

You truly need only two core ingredients, plus salt and pepper, to create this incredibly simple yet flavorful dressing. Whisk them together, and you’re ready to transform your fresh vegetables into a culinary masterpiece!

• Balsamic Vinegar: This rich, dark vinegar brings a complex sweet-tartness to the dressing. Its deep flavor beautifully coats the vegetables, adding an elegant touch. Choose a good quality balsamic for the best results.
• Olive Oil: Extra-virgin olive oil provides a smooth, fruity base for the dressing, emulsifying with the vinegar to create a cohesive flavor. It adds healthy fats and a subtle richness.
• Salt + Pepper: Essential for seasoning, these pantry staples enhance all the natural flavors of the vegetables and dressing, bringing everything into perfect balance. Always season to taste!

How to Make This Refreshing Cucumber Tomato Salad

One of the best aspects of this salad is its make-ahead potential. I often prepare the base of this salad a few hours before serving, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully in the refrigerator. The only ingredient I hold back until the last minute is the avocado, ensuring it stays fresh and vibrant.

Step 1: Prepare Your Vegetables. Begin by washing your cucumber and tomatoes thoroughly. On a clean cutting board, cut your English cucumber into bite-sized chunks. This ensures each piece is easy to eat and offers a satisfying crunch. Next, halve your grape tomatoes lengthwise. This exposes more surface area for the dressing to cling to and prevents them from rolling around. Finally, thinly slice your red onion. The thinner the slices, the milder the flavor and the more delicate the texture in the salad. Place all these prepared vegetables into a spacious mixing bowl.

Step 2: Whisk the Balsamic Vinaigrette. In a separate small bowl or a measuring cup, combine the balsamic vinegar and olive oil. Using a whisk, vigorously blend these two ingredients until they are well combined and slightly emulsified. Season the dressing generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Whisk again to ensure the seasonings are fully incorporated and distributed evenly. Taste the dressing and adjust the seasoning as needed to suit your preference.

Step 3: Combine and Chill. Pour the prepared balsamic vinaigrette over the chopped vegetables in the large mixing bowl. Using salad tongs or two large spoons, gently toss the salad to ensure all the vegetables are evenly coated with the dressing. Once mixed, cover the bowl and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes, or up to a few hours, while you prepare the rest of your meal. This chilling time allows the flavors to truly develop and meld together, enhancing the overall taste.

Step 4: Add Avocado and Serve. Just before you are ready to serve the salad, retrieve it from the refrigerator. Cut the ripe avocado in half, remove the pit, and carefully scoop out the flesh. Dice the avocado into bite-sized cubes and gently add them to the salad. Toss the salad once more, very gently, to incorporate the avocado without mashing it. The avocado adds a wonderful creamy texture and an extra layer of flavor. Serve immediately and enjoy with your favorite summer dishes!

This vibrant salad is a truly versatile addition to any meal, making it an ideal companion for all your grilled summer delights and beyond!

Expert Tips for the Best Cucumber Tomato Salad

• Ingredient Quality is Key: Since this salad relies on fresh produce, the quality of your ingredients makes a huge difference. Opt for firm cucumbers, ripe and juicy tomatoes, and a fresh, crisp red onion.
• Chilling Time Enhances Flavor: While you can serve this salad immediately, allowing it to chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or even a few hours, truly helps the flavors meld. The vegetables absorb the dressing, resulting in a more cohesive and delicious taste.
• Don’t Forget the Salt and Pepper: These simple seasonings are crucial for bringing out the best in fresh produce. Taste your dressing before adding it to the salad, and then again after tossing, adjusting as needed.
• Gentle Handling for Avocado: Avocado browns quickly once cut, so always add it just before serving. When tossing after adding avocado, be very gentle to maintain its creamy texture and prevent it from becoming mushy.
• Uniform Chopping for Better Texture: Aim for roughly uniform sizes when chopping your cucumber and halving your tomatoes. This ensures an even distribution of ingredients in each bite and a pleasant eating experience.

Delicious Variations for Your Cucumber Onion and Tomato Salad

This salad is incredibly adaptable, inviting you to experiment with different ingredients and flavors. Feel free to make it your own with these delicious variations:

• Cucumber Choices: While I adore English cucumbers for their thin skin that requires no peeling, don’t limit yourself! Persian cucumbers are another excellent choice, offering a similar crispness. Standard slicing cucumbers work just as well; simply peel them if their skin is too thick or waxy, and you might consider scooping out the seeds if they are very large and watery.
• Tomato Varieties: Grape tomatoes are my go-to for their irresistible sweetness, but cherry tomatoes are a fantastic substitute. Their rounder shape adds a different visual appeal. For a more rustic touch, chunk up a ripe Roma tomato or a beautiful heirloom slicing tomato when they are in peak season. The flavor of fresh, vine-ripened tomatoes is unparalleled!
• Onion Adjustments: Red onions are often described as “sweet” in the onion family, offering a milder bite compared to other varieties. However, if you find them too strong, you can soak the sliced red onion in cold water for 10-15 minutes before adding it to the salad. This technique helps to mellow out their pungency. Alternatively, if you prefer a different flavor profile, thinly sliced green onions (scallions) or chives can provide a gentler onion note.
• Avocado or Cheese: The creamy texture of avocado adds healthy fats and a satisfying richness. If you prefer a cheesy element, fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini or ciliegine) would be a perfect complement, reminiscent of a Caprese salad. Crumbled feta cheese also adds a delightful tangy, salty kick that pairs wonderfully with the fresh vegetables.
• Dressing Innovations: This simple balsamic vinaigrette is a winner, but don’t hesitate to personalize it! Add a minced garlic clove for an aromatic boost, a teaspoon of Dijon mustard for extra tang and emulsion, or a touch of honey for added sweetness. If you’re short on time, a good quality store-bought balsamic vinaigrette dressing works perfectly well. No judgment here – it still counts as a delicious homemade meal!
• Herbal Additions: Fresh herbs can elevate this salad to new heights. Chopped fresh basil, parsley, dill, or mint would all be fantastic additions, adding fragrant notes and a burst of green color.
• A Touch of Spice: For those who enjoy a little heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes in the dressing can add a subtle kick that awakens the palate.

Beyond the Side Dish: Serving Suggestions

This Balsamic Cucumber Tomato Salad is incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in many ways:

• Classic Side: It’s the perfect refreshing side dish for grilled meats like chicken, steak, or pork chops, as well as seafood such as grilled salmon or shrimp.
• Light Lunch: Transform it into a satisfying light lunch by adding grilled chicken strips, canned tuna, chickpeas, or a sprinkle of toasted nuts for extra protein and texture.
• Picnics and Potlucks: This salad travels well (just add avocado right before serving!) and is always a crowd-pleaser at gatherings. It holds up beautifully and offers a welcome freshness amidst richer dishes.
• Bruschetta Topping: Finely dice the ingredients and use the salad as a vibrant, fresh topping for toasted baguette slices rubbed with garlic.
• Grain Bowl Base: Serve it over a bed of quinoa, couscous, or farro for a complete and wholesome meal.

More Refreshing Summer Salad Recipes for You to Try:

• Grape Tomato Mozzarella Salad
• Corn Tomato Avocado Salad
• Greek Cucumber Salad
• Chickpea, Carrot and Arugula Salad

More Culinary Favorites from Ovenspiration

📖 Recipe Card: Cucumber Tomato Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars based on 117 votes

Print Recipe | Pin it!

Classic Cucumber Tomato Salad with Red Onion and Balsamic Dressing

An easy, refreshing salad featuring fresh cucumbers, ripe tomatoes, and red onion, tossed in a simple balsamic vinaigrette. The perfect healthy summer side!

Prep Time: 10 mins

Total Time: 10 mins

Course: Salad

Cuisine: American

Servings: 4

Calories: 179 kcal

Author: Sula

Ingredients

• 1 English cucumber
• 10 oz grape tomatoes
• ½ medium red onion
• 2 Tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• 2 Tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• Salt and pepper – to taste
• 1 large avocado

Instructions

1. Chop the cucumber into chunks, halve the tomatoes, and thinly slice the onion. Add all to a medium bowl.
2. In a cup or small bowl, whisk together the olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Add salt and pepper and whisk again.
3. Add dressing to the bowl and toss gently to distribute. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
4. Just before serving, cut the avocado into cubes and add to the bowl. Toss gently.

Video

Nutrition Information

Calories: 179kcal | Carbohydrates: 12g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 15g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Sodium: 11mg | Potassium: 551mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 742IU | Vitamin C: 18mg | Calcium: 28mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutrition values are estimates only, using online calculators. Please verify using your own data.