Cucumber Tomato and Onion Salad
This Cucumber Tomato and Onion Salad is crisp, tangy, and endlessly refreshing. Tossed in a 2-to-1 vinegar and olive oil dressing, it comes together in minutes and gets better as it sits. Make it ahead, keep it in the refrigerator all week, and serve it alongside anything off the grill.
Servings: 6
Ingredients
- 1 English cucumber sliced or cut into half-moons
- 1 pint cherry or grape tomatoes halved
- ½ small red onion thinly sliced
- ⅔ cup red wine vinegar
- ⅓ cup olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Make the dressing by whisking together the red wine vinegar, olive oil, dried oregano, salt, and pepper in a small bowl or jar until combined.
- Add the cucumber, tomatoes, and red onion to a large bowl. Pour the dressing over the vegetables and toss to coat evenly.
- Serve immediately or cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving. The salad improves with time and keeps well for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.
Notes
- Cucumber swaps: Persian, pickling, or American slicing cucumbers all work. Peel thicker-skinned varieties before slicing.
- Tomato swaps: Plum or beefsteak tomatoes work well. Cut into consistent pieces for even marinating.
- Onion tip: Soak sliced red onion in cold water for 10 minutes to mellow the sharpness before adding to the salad.
- Vinegar flexibility: Apple cider vinegar or white balsamic work beautifully in place of red wine vinegar, or go half-and-half for added complexity.
- Herbs: Dried oregano or dill hold up well for several days. Add fresh herbs as a finishing touch just before serving rather than mixing them in ahead of time.
- Make ahead: This salad gets better after 24 hours in the refrigerator as the vegetables absorb the dressing. Stir and taste before serving, adding a small splash of vinegar to refresh, if needed.
- Serving suggestion: Pair with hard-boiled eggs or canned tuna for a quick, complete lunch straight from the refrigerator.
- Greek variation: Try my Greek Cucumber and Tomato Salad for a feta and olive version built on the same foundation.