If you’re craving a refreshing, vibrant dish that bursts with fresh flavors and effortless charm, this Greek Cucumber Tomato Salad Recipe is going to become one of your all-time favorites. Combining crisp English cucumbers, sweet cherry tomatoes, and a punchy, herbaceous dressing, this salad delivers a perfect balance of cool crunch and tangy zest. It’s a simple, colorful, and healthy way to brighten up any meal or enjoy on its own for a light bite. Trust me, once you try this Greek Cucumber Tomato Salad Recipe, you’ll be reaching for it again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of a Greek Cucumber Tomato Salad Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a special role, whether it’s adding texture, vibrant color, or that signature Mediterranean flavor that makes this salad shine.
- English seedless cucumber: Fresh and crisp, this cucumber adds a satisfying crunch without the bitterness of seeds.
- Cherry tomatoes: Juicy and sweet, these tomatoes bring bright pops of red and an irresistible burst of flavor.
- Red onion: Thinly sliced for a mild pungency that balances the salad perfectly.
- Fresh parsley: Adds a leafy freshness and subtle herbaceous note.
- Olive oil: Rich and fruity, this forms the luscious base of the dressing.
- Red wine vinegar: A tangy kick that brightens every bite.
- Honey (optional): Just a touch of sweetness to harmonize with the acidity.
- Garlic: Finely minced for a gentle savory depth.
- Dried oregano and basil: Classic Greek herbs that infuse the dressing with authentic flavor.
- Salt and black pepper: Essentials to season and enhance every ingredient.
How to Make Greek Cucumber Tomato Salad Recipe
Step 1: Combine the Fresh Vegetables
Start by placing your sliced English cucumber, halved cherry tomatoes, thinly sliced red onion, and chopped parsley into a large bowl. This sets the foundation of your salad — fresh, crisp, and colorful. Make sure to slice the vegetables evenly so every forkful is perfectly balanced.
Step 2: Prepare the Dressing
Next, gather your olive oil, red wine vinegar, optional honey, minced garlic, and dried herbs. Put them all into a high-speed blender or a mason jar. Blend or shake vigorously until the dressing becomes smooth and well combined. This dressing is the magic that ties all the fresh flavors together with just the right amount of acidity and sweetness.
Step 3: Toss to Combine
Pour the beautifully emulsified dressing over the bowl of vegetables. Toss everything gently but thoroughly so that every slice of cucumber and tomato is coated with the savory, herb-infused dressing. This process ensures that each bite is bursting with flavor and freshness.
Step 4: Chill or Serve Immediately
This Greek Cucumber Tomato Salad Recipe is fantastic straight away for maximum crunch. However, if you have time, refrigerate it for 30 to 60 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and for the salad to chill perfectly. Either way, it’s delicious and ready to enjoy.
How to Serve Greek Cucumber Tomato Salad Recipe
Garnishes
Adding garnishes can elevate your salad’s presentation and flavor. Consider a sprinkle of crumbled feta or a handful of kalamata olives for a classic Greek touch. Fresh mint leaves or a few lemon zest shavings bring a bright twist. These little extras make the salad feel even more special and inviting.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs beautifully with grilled meats like chicken or lamb, seafood such as shrimp or fish, or alongside hearty Mediterranean mains like moussaka or spanakopita. Its refreshing qualities balance rich or spicy dishes perfectly, making it ideal for warm-weather meals or casual gatherings.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve this Greek Cucumber Tomato Salad Recipe in individual mason jars for picnics or lunches on the go. You can also layer it with hummus and pita chips for a stylish mezze platter. Another idea is to scoop it onto endive leaves or stuff it inside pita pockets for an easy handheld treat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This salad keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. The flavors actually deepen after sitting, although the cucumbers and tomatoes might release some juice. Give it a gentle toss before serving again to redistribute the dressing and keep things fresh.
Freezing
Because this Greek Cucumber Tomato Salad Recipe features fresh vegetables and a vinaigrette, it is not suitable for freezing. The cucumbers and tomatoes will become watery and lose their crisp texture once thawed.
Reheating
This salad is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature, so there’s no need to reheat. If you prefer a slightly warmer salad, let it sit out for a few minutes to take the chill off, but avoid heating to maintain the fresh crunch and vibrant flavors.
FAQs
Can I use regular cucumbers instead of English cucumbers?
Yes, you can use regular cucumbers if that’s what you have on hand. Just be aware that they have larger seeds and higher water content, so you may want to scoop out the seeds for the best texture.
Is it okay to omit the honey in the dressing?
Absolutely! The honey is optional and helps balance the acidity, but the salad will still be delicious without it, especially if you prefer a more tangy dressing.
How long does the salad last after making?
For optimal freshness and flavor, enjoy the salad within two days of preparation. It stays safe to eat refrigerated beyond that but may become soggy as the vegetables release moisture.
Can I add cheese to this Greek Cucumber Tomato Salad Recipe?
Yes! Adding crumbled feta cheese on top is a classic addition that complements the flavors beautifully. You can also experiment with other cheeses like halloumi.
What other herbs can I use if I don’t have oregano or basil?
Fresh dill or mint are great alternatives that pair nicely with cucumber and tomato, giving the salad a slightly different but equally delicious twist.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so joyful about a dish that’s this simple yet so full of life and flavor. This Greek Cucumber Tomato Salad Recipe is a true celebration of fresh, wholesome ingredients coming together in a way that feels light and satisfying. Whether you’re making it as a quick lunch, a side for dinner, or a vibrant addition to your summer table, I encourage you to give it a try. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will keep you coming back for more!
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Greek Cucumber Tomato Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Greek
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A refreshing and vibrant Greek Cucumber Tomato Salad featuring crisp cucumbers, juicy cherry tomatoes, and a tangy homemade dressing with olive oil, red wine vinegar, and herbs. Perfect as a light side dish or a healthy snack, this salad is quick to prepare with no cooking required.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 1 English seedless cucumber (cut in half and thinly sliced)
- 12 oz. cherry tomatoes (cut in half)
- ½ cup red onion (thinly sliced)
- 1 Tbsp. fresh parsley (finely chopped)
Dressing
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 1 ½ Tbsp. red wine vinegar
- 1 tsp. honey (optional)
- 1 clove garlic (finely minced)
- ¼ tsp. dried oregano
- ¼ tsp. dried basil
- ¾ tsp. salt (to taste)
- ¼ tsp. black pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Combine Vegetables: Add the thinly sliced cucumber, halved cherry tomatoes, sliced red onion, and finely chopped parsley to a large mixing bowl.
- Prepare Dressing: In a high-speed blender or mason jar, combine the olive oil, red wine vinegar, honey (if using), minced garlic, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and black pepper. Blend or shake vigorously until the ingredients are well incorporated, creating a flavorful dressing.
- Toss Salad: Pour the blended dressing over the vegetables in the bowl. Toss gently but thoroughly to ensure the cucumber, tomatoes, onions, and parsley are evenly coated with the dressing.
- Serve: Serve the salad immediately for a fresh taste, or refrigerate for 30 to 60 minutes if you prefer it chilled. Enjoy as a side dish or a refreshing snack.
Notes
- The honey in the dressing is optional and can be omitted for a vegan version.
- For added flavor, consider garnishing with crumbled feta cheese or kalamata olives if not following a vegan diet.
- This salad is best served fresh but can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 1 day.
- Adjust salt and pepper according to taste preferences.
