on Aug 07, 2017, Updated Aug 27, 2021 62 Comments The smell of the garden is pretty heady and intoxicating. As much as I sometimes dread having to go out and water, weed, and tend to our garden, once I am within a few feet, the smell of the plants draws me in. The sight of my ripe, juicy tomatoes and the crisp, green cucumbers growing on the vine makes me a happy girl. One of the first recipes I make with my bounty is this Cucumber Tomato Salad. I didn’t always love to garden when I was a little girl. Maybe it was because we had one every year. Georgia summers are hot and I would have rather been playing than picking vegetables. I felt sure when I grew up I wouldn’t have anything to do with one. Flash forward to when I married up to now and you’ll find me drawing out garden plans in the dead of winter, studying over seed packets, devouring the Farmer’s Almanac, and calling my great uncle to find out when he’s planting his beans. After I plant my garden, I stalk it like a criminal until the first blooms appear. Then, I’ll baby them like an overprotective mother.
Cucumber Tomato Salad Recipe
Once my garden starts producing cucumbers and tomatoes, this Cucumber and Tomato Salad is an immediate must-make in my kitchen. Even if you do not have a garden, this salad is definitely begging to be made. Just visit your farmer’s market or grocery store. This is delicious anytime you can get good, fresh veggies to make it.
How to Make Cucumber Tomato Salad
For this salad, you’ll only need a few items.
CucumbersTomatoesOnions (optional)Easy Italian Dressing or store bought
To make it, begin by washing your tomatoes and cucumbers really well. Slice the cucumbers into thin slices and cut the cherry tomatoes in half lengthwise. If using another type of tomatoes, dice them. If you wish to add onion to your salad, dice it too. Add sliced cucumbers, tomatoes, onions (if using) and dressing to a large bowl. Gently toss all of the ingredients together until veggies are well coated with dressing. Then serve or refrigerate until ready to enjoy! When I first started making this salad, I made it with the dressing my Grandmother always used. (Recipe in the recipe notes). But a few years ago as I was making it, I tried it with my homemade Italian dressing instead. So delicious and so easy! My recipe includes both dressing options. I think you’ll love them both!
Make Ahead
It’s a perfect recipe to make ahead too! After you make it, place in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 7 days. Such a tasty salad for picnics and potlucks too!
How to Serve
This salad goes with everything, from a southern pinto bean supper to a light topping for grilled fish. It’s so good served alongside bbq chicken, pork or any other summertime menu you can think of. It is so crispy and refreshing that it always satisfies. And it’s also great on it’s own too! Make this salad for yourself soon. You’ll be so glad you did.
Other Easy Salads
Try some of my other quick and simple side salads too! Honey Lime Fruit Salad Easy Tortellini Pasta Salad Caprese Salad Grape Salad Classic Egg Salad Here’s my quick and easy cucumber and tomato salad recipe. I hope you love it as much as we do! Enjoy!Robyn xo From the Add a Pinch recipe archives. Originally posted 2012.
