Tomato Cucumber and Onion Salad

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Cucumber onion salad is a light, refreshing medley of diced cucumbers, tomatoes, and onions tossed in a homemade Italian dressing. This easy veggie side dish is perfect for spring and summer BBQs.

Looking for more delicious vegetable side dishes? Check out this Quick Cucumber Kimchi and Air Fryer Zucchini next.

This cucumber and onion salad is essential for any warm weather event, whether it’s a potluck, cookout, picnic, or BBQ. Fresh cucumbers and tomatoes are super hydrating and juicy tomatoes add a sweet twist. We whip up a vinegar-based salad dressing to tie it all together!

Why you will love Cucumber Onion Salad:

Quick & Easy! Make this cucumber tomato onion salad in just 15 minutes.

Great for Summer! Cool, crisp, and zesty, this salad is great for hot weather. The harvest season for cucumbers is summertime so it makes sense.

Make Ahead Recipe! Make this the night before your gathering because it stores well and tastes even better the next day.

Ingredients for Cucumber Onion Salad Recipe

To make tomato cucumber onion salad, you will need just a few simple ingredients:

1. English cucumbers: It has fewer seeds than other types of cucumbers so it’s great for salads. And it has thin skin so there’s no need to peel them. Thin slices add a nice crunch to the salad.
2. Roma tomatoes: These tomatoes have a rich, concentrated flavor. They’re not as acidic as other tomatoes but are naturally sweet.
3. Red onion: Sharp, pungent with a subtle sweetness, chopped red onions add more texture.

Cucumber Onion Salad Dressing:

1. Olive oil: This is the base of the dressing and contributes a silky smooth texture.
2. Red wine vinegar: Tangy, acidic, and fruit, this vinegar adds a vibrant pop of flavor.
3. Dijon mustard: This emulsifies the dressing and adds a spicy element.
4. Sugar: A little sugar balances the acidity of the vinegar.
5. Seasoning: Keep it simple with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and salt (adjust to taste).

How to Make a Cucumber Onion Salad

Thinly slice your cucumber and onions, and roughly chop the tomatoes.

Then place the sliced cucumbers, tomatoes, and onions in a large bowl that has a lid.

Next, prepare the dressing by combining the olive oil, red wine vinegar, dijon mustard, sugar, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and salt. 

Use a jar with a lid and shake the dressing up until the dressing is combined, or place the dressing in a bowl and use a whisk to mix it up well.

Once the dressing is fully combined, pour it all over the cucumber salad. Use a wooden spoon to gently fold the dressing into the salad so that everything is fully coated. 

Serve right away, or cover the bowl and refrigerate for up to 5 days. 

Tips and Variations for Cucumber Onion Salad

• You can serve this simple cucumber onion salad immediately but it tastes better when it’s made in advance and refrigerated. this gives the flavors time to meld.
• The salad dressing can be made with apple cider vinegar or white vinegar as substitutes.
• For a less pungent bite, swap the red onions for sweet onions like vidalia onions.
• Instead of roma tomatoes, you can use cherry tomatoes.
• You can use Persian cucumbers as a replacement but they’re smaller so you’ll need more.
• Want a creamy cucumber salad? Add mayonnaise or sour cream for a richer dressing. Ranch dressing is another creamy dressing.
• Don’t overseason this salad. Try adding fresh herbs like fresh dill for more flavor instead.
• This is a great recipe to pair with grilled meat like grilled chicken, steak, or shrimp.

FAQ

More delicious side dishes you’ll love

• Smothered Potatoes with Onions and Peppers
• Green Bean Casserole with Bacon
• Crispy Homemade French Fried Onions
• Baby Bok Choy Recipe with Garlic

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