Tomato Cucumber Onion Salad

Fresh, crisp, and naturally flavorful, Tomato Cucumber Onion Salad is a timeless classic that never goes out of style. Made with simple vegetables and a light dressing, this salad is refreshing, healthy, and incredibly easy to prepare.
Perfect as a side dish, light lunch, or dinner companion, this recipe highlights the beauty of fresh ingredients with minimal effort.

Why Tomato Cucumber Onion Salad Is So Popular

The popularity of Tomato Cucumber Onion Salad comes from its simplicity and versatility. It works with almost any meal and suits every season, especially spring and summer. This salad is:

• Fresh and hydrating

• Quick to prepare

• Naturally healthy

• Budget-friendly

• Customizable to taste

With just a few ingredients, you get a dish that’s light, vibrant, and full of natural flavor.

Ingredients List

Main Ingredients

• 3 ripe tomatoes, sliced or chopped

• 2 cucumbers, sliced

• 1 small red onion, thinly sliced

Dressing Ingredients

• 3 tablespoons olive oil

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice or vinegar

• Salt, to taste

• Black pepper or red pepper flakes (optional)

Optional Add-Ins

• Fresh parsley, finely chopped

• Fresh mint or dill

• A pinch of oregano

• Crumbled feta cheese

Required Kitchen Tools

• Sharp knife

• Cutting board

• Mixing bowl

• Spoon or salad tongs

This Tomato Cucumber Onion Salad requires no special equipment, making it perfect for quick meals.

Step-by-Step Preparation Instructions

1: Prepare the Vegetables

Wash the tomatoes and cucumbers thoroughly. Slice the tomatoes into wedges or rounds, depending on your preference. Slice the cucumbers into thin rounds and the onion into fine slices.

Place all the vegetables in a large mixing bowl.

2: Make the Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice (or vinegar), salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

3: Combine and Toss

Pour the dressing over the vegetables. Gently toss until everything is evenly coated. Add fresh herbs if using.

Let the salad rest for 5–10 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to blend.

How to Serve Tomato Cucumber Onion Salad

Tomato Cucumber Onion Salad is extremely versatile. Serve it:

• As a refreshing side dish

• Alongside grilled chicken, fish, or meat

• With rice or pasta dishes

• As part of a Mediterranean-style meal

It also works well as a light lunch when paired with bread or cheese.

Helpful Tips for Best Results

• Use ripe, in-season tomatoes for maximum flavor

• Slice onions thinly to keep the taste balanced

• Chill the salad slightly before serving for extra freshness

• Add salt just before serving to avoid excess liquid

• Use high-quality olive oil for best results

These tips help elevate a simple Tomato Cucumber Onion Salad into something truly delicious.

Variations and Custom Ideas

One of the best things about Tomato Cucumber Onion Salad is how easy it is to adapt:

• Add feta cheese for a Mediterranean twist

• Include olives for extra depth

• Use apple cider vinegar for a sharper taste

• Add avocado for creaminess

• Sprinkle sumac or paprika for a bold flavor

You can adjust this salad to match your taste or the meal you’re serving.

Approximate Nutritional Value (Per Serving)

• Calories: ~120 kcal

• Carbohydrates: ~10 g

• Fat: ~8 g

• Fiber: ~3 g

• Protein: ~2 g

Values are approximate and depend on ingredient quantities.

Storage Tips

• Best served fresh

• Can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours

• Drain excess liquid before serving leftovers

• Not recommended for freezing

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, but for best texture, add dressing just before serving.

What onions work best?
Red onions are ideal, but white or sweet onions also work well.

Is this salad healthy?
Yes. Tomato Cucumber Onion Salad is naturally low in calories and rich in hydration and nutrients.

Why This Salad Works So Well

This salad works because it focuses on freshness. The crunch of cucumber, the juiciness of tomatoes, and the mild sharpness of onion create a perfect balance. The light dressing enhances the vegetables without overpowering them.

Conclusion

If you’re looking for a quick, refreshing, and healthy dish, Tomato Cucumber Onion Salad is the perfect choice. It’s easy to prepare, endlessly adaptable, and pairs beautifully with almost any meal.

Tomato Cucumber Onion Salad

A fresh, crunchy salad made with ripe tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, and thinly sliced onions, tossed in olive oil, lemon juice, and herbs. Light, refreshing, and perfect as a side dish.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• Ingredients Serves 2–3
• 3 ripe tomatoes sliced
• 1 large cucumber sliced
• ½ red onion thinly sliced
• 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tbsp lemon juice or vinegar
• Salt to taste
• Black pepper to taste
• Red chili flakes optional
• Fresh parsley chopped

Method

 

1. Add the sliced tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion to a bowl.
2. Drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice (or vinegar).
3. Season with salt, black pepper, and chili flakes if using.
4. Sprinkle with fresh parsley.
5. Toss gently until well combined.
6. Serving
7. Serve immediately or chill for 5–10 minutes for extra freshness. Perfect with grilled meat, fish, or as a light lunch.

Notes

Tips

Add feta cheese or olives for a Mediterranean twist.

Use apple cider vinegar for a sharper flavor.

Best served fresh.