Cucumber Tomato Salad with Lemon Herb Vinaigrette – Fresh, Easy & Summer-Ready

There’s something so refreshing about a cucumber tomato salad with lemon herb vinaigrette-it’s the kind of dish that instantly cools you down, wakes up your palate, and makes you want to sit outside a little longer. This version keeps things beautifully simple: crisp cucumber, juicy cherry tomatoes, a touch of red onion, and a quick lemon herb vinaigrette that brings everything to life.

If you love fresh, Mediterranean-inspired dishes like this, try pairing it with the Mediterranean Chickpea Salad with Whipped Feta for a gorgeous mezze-style lunch. Or serve it alongside something heartier like the Roasted Cauliflower Steaks with Herbed Tahini Sauce-a perfect contrast of texture and depth.

It’s a salad you can throw together in minutes, but it tastes like it came from a sunny terrace somewhere along the Mediterranean coast. The balance of textures is just right-crunchy, juicy, fresh-and the flavor is bright and clean, with a pop of citrus and herbs in every bite.

Serve it as a side, a starter, or a centerpiece on its own with a hunk of bread. This is the kind of recipe that’s built for everyday ease and small, beautiful moments.

And if you’re looking for a more composed starter, the Baked Boursin Tomato Dip brings the same brightness in a warm, creamy format.

Think rustic garden harvest meets effortless summer lunch-with a splash of lemon and real brightness in every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This cucumber tomato salad isn’t just crisp and colorful-it’s full of thoughtful touches that make it feel special without being complicated. Here’s why you’ll keep it on repeat:

✔️ Fresh, Clean Flavors

Lemon juice, olive oil, and herbs bring out the best in the tomatoes and cucumbers without overwhelming their natural taste.

✔️ Naturally Hydrating & Light

Cucumbers and tomatoes are water-rich, making this salad ideal for warm days when you want something cool and refreshing.

✔️ Ready in 10 Minutes

No cooking, no fuss-just slice, mix, and serve. Perfect for last-minute lunches or quick prep before guests arrive.

✔️ Endlessly Adaptable

Add feta, avocado, olives, or even chickpeas to make it more substantial, or keep it simple and clean.

✔️ Pairs with Everything

From grilled proteins to grain bowls or crusty bread, this salad works with just about every kind of main.

💡 Pro Tip – Let the salad sit for 10–15 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld. The tomatoes will get juicier, and the vinaigrette will soak in beautifully.

Ingredients

• 2 cups cherry or grape tomatoes, halved

• 1 large cucumber, sliced thin or chopped

• ¼ red onion, very thinly sliced

• 2 tbsp fresh parsley or dill, finely chopped

• Optional: ½ cup crumbled feta or sliced avocado

For the Lemon Herb Vinaigrette

• 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil

• 1½ tbsp lemon juice (fresh)

• 1 tsp lemon zest

• 1 small garlic clove, finely grated

• ½ tsp Dijon mustard

• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

This cucumber tomato salad is all about simplicity and balance. Each step is quick and intentional-bringing together fresh textures and bright flavors with minimal effort. It’s the kind of salad that lets every ingredient shine.

1️⃣ Make the Lemon Herb Vinaigrette

In a small jar or mixing bowl, whisk together the olive oil, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, grated garlic, Dijon mustard, a generous pinch of salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Whisk until the dressing is emulsified and vibrant.

💡 Pro Tip – Let the vinaigrette rest for 5–10 minutes before using to mellow the garlic and deepen the flavor.

2️⃣ Prep the Vegetables

Slice the cherry tomatoes in half, chop or thinly slice the cucumber, and finely slice the red onion. Place everything into a large salad bowl.

If the onions are sharp, soak them in cold water for 5–10 minutes, then drain before adding. This softens their bite without dulling their flavor.

3️⃣ Dress & Toss

Drizzle the vinaigrette over the salad ingredients and gently toss to coat everything evenly. Let the salad sit for 10–15 minutes at room temperature so the flavors can meld and the tomatoes release some of their natural juices.

💡 This short resting time allows the vinaigrette to absorb and makes each bite taste even better.

4️⃣ Finish with Herbs & Optional Add-Ins

Right before serving, fold in the chopped fresh parsley (or dill) and add any optional toppings like feta or avocado. Taste and adjust the salt or lemon juice as needed.

Transfer to a serving platter or shallow bowl and garnish with a little extra herb or lemon zest for a bright finish.

This salad is best enjoyed the day it’s made-crisp, juicy, and full of vibrant energy. Serve it chilled or at room temperature, on its own or alongside your favorite summer mains.

Recipe Variations

This cucumber tomato salad is a perfect base-fresh, hydrating, and endlessly adaptable. Whether you’re changing it up for a new season, adding protein, or just using what’s in the fridge, these variations keep it feeling new without complicating the process.

🔸 Creamy Feta & Mint

Add crumbled feta cheese and torn fresh mint leaves for a creamy, herbaceous twist. The saltiness of the feta balances the sweetness of the tomatoes beautifully.

Perfect for: Mediterranean mains and quick weekday lunches.

🔸 Avocado Lime Version

Swap lemon for lime juice, and add diced avocado just before serving. Finish with a sprinkle of flaky salt for a richer, creamier bite.

Perfect for: taco nights or a sunny weekend lunch.

🔸 Chickpea Power Bow

Toss in 1 cup of rinsed canned chickpeas, and add a drizzle of tahini on top. This turns the salad into a satisfying, protein-packed dish.

Perfect for: make-ahead lunches or vegetarian mains.

🔸 Italian-Style Upgrade

Add chopped fresh basil, shaved parmesan, and a splash of balsamic vinegar. A rustic, bright twist that pairs beautifully with grilled meats or bruschetta.

Perfect for: casual dinners and antipasto platters.

🔸 Middle Eastern Inspired

Add sumac, sliced radishes, and chopped flat-leaf parsley. Serve it with warm pita and hummus for a vibrant, zesty spread.

Perfect for: mezze boards and summer gatherings.

🔸 Cucumber Melon Salad

Replace half the tomatoes with diced cantaloupe or watermelon. It adds an unexpected, refreshing sweetness that’s surprisingly balanced by the vinaigrette.

Perfect for: hot days when you want something hydrating and light.

💡 Pro Tip – Double the vinaigrette and keep it in a jar in the fridge. It’s perfect over grain bowls, grilled vegetables, or drizzled onto avocado toast.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

These are the quick answers to help you make your best bowl, every time:

Can I make cucumber tomato salad ahead of time❓

Yes! You can prep it a few hours in advance. Store covered in the fridge, and stir in the herbs just before serving for best flavor and freshness.

What type of cucumber works best❓

English or Persian cucumbers are ideal-they have thin skins and fewer seeds, which makes for a crisper bite and better texture.

Can I use bottled lemon juice❓

Fresh lemon juice is best, but bottled will work in a pinch. Add a little extra zest if you’re using bottled juice to boost the citrus flavor.

How long does it last in the fridge❓

It’s best enjoyed within 1–2 days. The veggies will continue to soften, but the flavor will remain delicious.

Can I make it without the onion❓

Absolutely. You can omit it or swap in chopped scallions or shallots for a milder taste.

Conclusion – A Salad That Does It All

This cucumber tomato salad with lemon herb vinaigrette is the kind of recipe that brings everything into balance-freshness, flavor, and ease. It’s the perfect no-fuss dish for when the produce is ripe and the weather is warm, or when you just need something clean and calming on your plate.

It’s light enough to cool you down, vibrant enough to wake you up, and simple enough to make again and again.

💡 Because sometimes, the most satisfying dishes are the ones that let the ingredients speak-and all you have to do is listen.

Print