Southern Cucumber with Tomato Salad

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This cucumber with tomato salad is a great way to use up all of those tomatoes, cucumbers and herbs from your garden. This summer salad is bursting with fresh flavors. Made with crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, fresh herbs, dairy free feta cheese and a simple vinaigrette.

Glass serving bowl of southern cucumber tomato salad.

This is the perfect summer recipe; easy to make, doesn't require any cooking and uses simple ingredients.

This is the perfect dish to take on a picnic, bring to a potluck or summer BBQ. It uses up all of those garden fresh juicy ripe tomatoes and cucumbers.

If you'd like more fresh summer salads, check out this Southwest Quinoa Black Bean Salad or this Israeli Couscous Salad next.

Ingredients

English cucumber, parsley, red onion and tomatoes on a counter top.

Cucumber - English cucumber or Persian cucumber are my favorite because of their thinner skin. Make sure the cucumber slices are all about the same size.
Tomato - Cherry, grape tomatoes, roma tomatoes or heirloom tomatoes would be perfect. Home grown or Farmer's market heriloom tomatoes would also be delicious!
Onion - I used red onion but white onion, sweet onion or yellow onions would also taste amazing. Whatever kind of onion you find at your grocery store or garden work.
Fresh herbs - Fresh herbs really give a punch of flavor, so don’t skip this. Use whatever you have on hand. My favorites are fresh parsley, fresh basil leaves, fresh dill weed, mint or cilantro.
Dairy free feta - This brings a nice creaminess to the salad. Violife Vegan Feta Cheese is my favorite brand to use.
Vinegar - A good white vinegar like a white wine vinegar is best. Apple cider vinegar or red wine vinegar also tastes great. Lemon juice is also good to add.
Olive oil - Using a high quality extra virgin olive oil will help bring this recipe to the next level, but use whatever you have on hand. Vegetable oil will also work.
Sugar - This helps balance out the vinaigrette.
Garlic - Some fresh garlic adds an amazing pop of flavor.
Salt and black pepper to taste. Celery seeds also taste good in this recipe.

Step by step directions

Tomatoes being cut on a wooden cutting board next to chopped cucumbers.

Step one: Slice the cucumbers, tomatoes and onions and chop your fresh herbs. Add them to a large bowl with the vegan cheese.

Vegan Italian dressing in a mason jar with a black spoon.

Step two: Mix all of the vinaigrette ingredients in a small jar and stir well. Pour it over the cucumber salad. Taste and adjust the seasonings as needed.

Overhead shot of cucumber tomato salad in a glass bowl.

Step three: Let it chill in the fridge, covered, for at least an hour.

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Recipe tips

Using a mandoline slicer will give you even, thin slices of cucumber.

Substitutions & Variations

If you don't like red onions, and you'd like a more mild flavor, use sweet onions like a Vidalia onion.

If you don't have fresh herbs, dried herbs would also work, but it won't taste as fresh.

Balsamic vinegar can be used if you don't have red or white vinegar. It will add a different flavor, but it can work in a pinch.

Additional add ins:

Avocado
Bell peppers
Pickled beets
Red pepper flakes if you'd like a little heat. would also add a great bite of heat if you like a little spice.

Storing

Store this cucumber tomato onion salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days.

This salad does not freeze well.

How to serve

This is the perfect side dish to a summer bbq.

You can also wrap this salad up in a romaine lettuce leaf for a lettuce wrap, or top off your Buddha bowl, veggie grain bowls or fresh salads with this. It makes every dish pop with flavor.

Frequently asked questions

How do you prevent cucumber tomato salad from getting soggy?

Slice the cucumber lengthwise, and scoop out the seeds. Do the same for the tomatoes.
You can also salt the cucumber slices. Set them in a colander and sprinkle on a couple pinches of salt. Let it sit for 20 minutes. The salt will drip away with the excess liquid. Pat the cucumbers dry and add them to the salad.

Can I make this cucumber tomato salad oil free?

Yes, you can make this recipe oil free. Just leave it out. Taste the vinaigrette and adjust the seasonings. It won't taste as rich, but it will still taste good, especially if you use fresh herbs and avocado in the salad.