I absolutely love sharing this Tomato Cucumber Salad Recipe with friends because it’s such a refreshing and easy dish that comes together in minutes. Whenever the weather gets warm, this salad becomes my go-to side—bright, crisp cucumbers and juicy cherry tomatoes tossed with mozzarella and Italian dressing makes every bite a little celebration of fresh flavors.
What’s special about this Tomato Cucumber Salad Recipe is how simple it is, yet so satisfying. Even if you’re short on time or cooking for a crowd, you’ll find that this combination pleases just about everyone with its cool crunch and zesty dressing. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll keep this in your recipe rotation all summer long.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy Prep: This Tomato Cucumber Salad Recipe comes together in just minutes with minimal chopping.
- Fresh Flavors: The crisp cucumber and sweet cherry tomatoes create a deliciously refreshing combo.
- Versatile Side: Perfect for BBQs, weeknight dinners, or potlucks, it complements so many dishes.
- Family Favorite: My family goes crazy for the mozzarella in this recipe—it adds a creamy touch everyone loves.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Tomato Cucumber Salad Recipe plays a role in delivering that perfect balance of texture and flavor. I always opt for the freshest cucumbers and sweet cherry tomatoes I can find — trust me, it makes all the difference!
- Cucumbers: Choose firm, fresh cucumbers. I peel them to keep the salad light, but you can leave the skin on if you like extra crunch.
- Cherry Tomatoes: The sweeter, the better! Look for bright, plump tomatoes for the juiciest results.
- Mozzarella: Use fresh mozzarella cubed—it melts in your mouth and pairs wonderfully with the veggies.
- Italian Dressing: I go for a good-quality bottled dressing for ease, but homemade is amazing if you have the time.
- Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning—taste as you go to get the flavor just right.
Variations
I love how versatile this Tomato Cucumber Salad Recipe is, so I often switch things up depending on what I have on hand or the season. Feel free to make it your own by adding your favorite extras or tweaking the dressing.
- Add fresh herbs: I’ve tossed in chopped basil or dill for an herbal boost that really elevates the salad.
- Use a vinaigrette: Sometimes I swap Italian dressing for a simple olive oil and lemon juice combo to keep it light and tangy.
- Make it vegan: Leaving out the mozzarella and adding avocado cubes gives a creamy texture without dairy.
- Add crunch: Toasted pine nuts or sliced almonds can add a fun texture and nutty flavor if you’re feeling fancy.
How to Make Tomato Cucumber Salad Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Veggies Just Right
Start by peeling and cubing your cucumbers. I like to cut them lengthwise into quarters first, then slice them into roughly half-inch pieces — it makes for nicely bite-sized chunks that hold up well when tossed. Next, halve your cherry tomatoes; this helps release their sweet juices and balances out the crunch of the cucumber beautifully.
Step 2: Combine and Dress
Place all your cubed cucumbers and halved tomatoes in a large bowl, then add in the cubes of fresh mozzarella. Pour the Italian dressing over everything and gently stir to coat evenly. Be careful not to overmix—you want to keep that fresh texture intact, not turn it into mush.
Step 3: Season and Serve
Season with salt and pepper to taste, but go easy at first because the dressing already has some seasoning. Give it a gentle toss, then taste and adjust. I sometimes like to let it sit for 10 minutes before serving so the flavors get cozy, but it’s equally good right away.
Pro Tips for Making Tomato Cucumber Salad Recipe
- Peeling is Personal: I usually peel cucumbers to avoid bitterness and for a cleaner look, but if you like the extra fiber, leave the skin on.
- Choose Ripe Tomatoes: Sweet, ripe cherry tomatoes make this salad sing—avoid underripe or mealy ones.
- Dress It Lightly: Start with less dressing and add more as needed to avoid soggy salad.
- Serve Fresh: This salad is best enjoyed the day it’s made to keep cucumbers crisp and mozzarella fresh.
How to Serve Tomato Cucumber Salad Recipe
Garnishes
I love to sprinkle a little freshly chopped basil or parsley on top before serving—it adds a pop of color and a fresh herbal note that brightens up the salad even more. Sometimes, a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes gives an exciting twist that my family really enjoys.
Side Dishes
This Tomato Cucumber Salad Recipe pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, seared fish, or even alongside a juicy burger. For laid-back dinners, I’m often serving it with crusty bread and hummus for a light and satisfying meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I’ve served this salad layered in a clear glass bowl so you can see the colors shine through, or portioned it into individual jars for a party buffet. It’s such a cheerful dish that presentation can really turn heads with minimal effort!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers (which can happen if no one can stop eating!), store the salad in an airtight container in the fridge. I’ve noticed the cucumbers release extra water after a while, so I drain any excess liquid before serving again to keep it fresh and crisp.
Freezing
I don’t recommend freezing this Tomato Cucumber Salad Recipe because cucumbers and tomatoes get watery and mushy when frozen, which changes the texture and overall appeal.
Reheating
This salad is best served cold or at room temperature, so I usually just take leftovers straight from the fridge and let them sit for a few minutes to lose the chill before enjoying.
FAQs
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Can I use regular tomatoes instead of cherry tomatoes in this salad?
Absolutely! You can dice regular tomatoes into bite-sized pieces if cherry tomatoes aren’t available. Just make sure they’re ripe and juicy to keep the salad flavorful and fresh.
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What’s the best way to keep cucumbers from getting soggy?
Peeling the cucumbers and cutting them into larger chunks helps maintain their crunch. Also, tossing the salad with dressing just before serving prevents them from sitting too long in liquid and becoming soggy.
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Can I make the dressing from scratch?
Definitely! A simple mix of olive oil, red wine vinegar, garlic, and Italian herbs creates a fresh homemade Italian dressing that pairs wonderfully with this salad.
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Is this salad suitable for meal prep?
This salad is best made fresh or within a few hours. If you plan to prep ahead, keep cucumbers, tomatoes, and dressing separate and toss them shortly before eating to preserve freshness.
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What cheese can I substitute for mozzarella?
Feta cheese is a great alternative that adds a tangy flavor and crumbly texture, giving your Tomato Cucumber Salad Recipe a Mediterranean twist.
Final Thoughts
This Tomato Cucumber Salad Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen because it’s effortless, versatile, and so delicious every single time. I hope you’ll give it a try soon and find that same joy in its fresh, simple flavors. It’s one of those recipes that feels like a refreshing hug on a plate—and honestly, who couldn’t use that in their life?
Print
Tomato Cucumber Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A refreshing and simple Tomato Cucumber Salad made with crisp cucumbers, juicy cherry tomatoes, creamy mozzarella cubes, and tossed in zesty Italian dressing. Perfect as a light side dish or a healthy snack.
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 2-3 Cucumbers
- 20-25 Cherry Tomatoes
- 2 cups Mozzarella, cubed
Dressing
- 1/2 cup Italian Dressing
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare Cucumbers: Peel and cube the cucumbers by cutting them lengthwise into quarters, then slicing them into ½ inch long sections. Place the cubed cucumbers into a large mixing bowl.
- Slice Tomatoes: Slice each cherry tomato in half and add them to the bowl with the cucumbers.
- Add Mozzarella and Dressing: Add 2 cups of cubed mozzarella cheese and ½ cup of Italian dressing to the bowl. Stir the mixture gently to combine all ingredients well.
- Season: Add salt and pepper to taste. Stir again briefly to distribute seasoning evenly.
- Serve: Enjoy immediately as a fresh and flavorful salad.
Notes
- For best flavor, chill the salad for 15-20 minutes before serving.
- You can substitute Italian dressing with your favorite vinaigrette or homemade dressing.
- Use fresh mozzarella for a creamier texture.
- Adjust salt and pepper based on your preference.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
