There’s something incredibly refreshing about a bowl of simple Mediterranean cucumber and tomato salad on a warm afternoon—it’s my go-to when I crave something light, crisp, and full of vibrant flavors. This easy cucumber tomato salad recipe brings together juicy tomatoes, crunchy cucumbers, and a zesty olive oil dressing that instantly transports me to a seaside café in Greece.
Whether pairing it with a warm pita or serving it alongside grilled mains, this salad is a quick, healthy dish you’ll find yourself making on repeat.
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🌟 Why You’ll Love This Mediterranean Cucumber & Tomato Salad
If you’re looking for a quick, refreshing, and insanely flavorful salad, this one’s a keeper. Here’s why this recipe deserves a spot in your weekly meal rotation:
- No cooking required – just chop, mix, and enjoy! Perfect for busy weekdays, summer lunches, or when you just don’t feel like turning on the stove.
- Naturally vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free, making it an ideal dish for nearly every dietary need. Plus, it’s light on the stomach but still super satisfying.
- Made with simple, wholesome ingredients you likely already have—like cucumbers, tomatoes, olive oil, and lime—this is a back-pocket recipe that’s both healthy and delicious.
- Bursting with Mediterranean flavors and vibrant colors, it’s the kind of simple salad that brightens up any meal and looks beautiful on the table.
- It’s incredibly versatile—serve it as a side, pack it for a picnic, or top it with chickpeas, quinoa, or feta for a more filling main dish.
If you're craving something that's crisp, tangy, and full of fresh, bold flavor, this Mediterranean-style tomato and cucumber salad is calling your name!
🧂 Ingredients Notes
- Mini English Cucumbers – I love using mini English cucumbers for their tender skin and minimal seeds, which means no peeling or seeding required. If you can't find them, Persian cucumbers or even regular slicing cucumbers (peeled and de-seeded) work just as well. Searching for best cucumbers for Mediterranean salad? These are it!
- Roma Tomatoes & Cherry Tomatoes – Roma tomatoes add a meatier bite while cherry tomatoes bring in a burst of sweetness and color. I used about 1 pint cherry tomatoes and 2 ripe Roma tomatoes for a balanced tomato flavor. Feel free to use grape tomatoes or heirloom tomatoes if they're in season. For the freshest flavor, choose vine-ripened tomatoes from your local farmers’ market or garden when possible.
- Red Onion – Thinly sliced red onion gives this salad a sharp but balanced kick. If red onion feels too strong, try soaking it in cold water for 10 minutes or swapping it with shallots or green onions for a milder taste. It’s a great tip when making a Mediterranean tomato cucumber onion salad for kids or sensitive palates.
- Parsley or Cilantro – Both herbs bring freshness, but they offer different flavor profiles. Parsley keeps it classic Mediterranean, while cilantro adds a slight twist—choose based on what you have or prefer. Fresh mint or dill also make excellent additions or substitutes.
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil – A high-quality extra virgin olive oil makes all the difference. Look for cold-pressed varieties labeled as “first press” for the richest flavor. It’s worth the splurge for any healthy Mediterranean cucumber salad dressing.
- Lime Juice – Fresh lime juice adds brightness and ties the whole dish together. You can substitute with freshly squeezed lemon juice if that’s what you have on hand. Bottled citrus juice can work in a pinch, but fresh is always best for flavor and nutrition. You can also substitute lime juice with red wine vinegar.
- Salt & Ground Black Pepper – Simple but essential! Use sea salt or pink Himalayan salt if you prefer. Freshly ground pepper brings a more aromatic kick compared to pre-ground.
- Italian Seasoning or Za’atar – This is where you can add a little personality to your salad. Italian seasoning gives a herbaceous flair, while Za’atar brings an earthy, slightly tangy Middle Eastern twist. Both work beautifully, so pick based on your mood or menu!
🔪 Step By Step Instructions
🥒 Step 1: Prep and Chop the Veggies Fresh
First things first—give all your vegetables and herbs a good rinse under cold running water. This step may seem basic, but it’s key to a crisp, refreshing salad. Once everything is clean, chop the mini English cucumbers into small bite-sized pieces by cutting it into 4 strips along the length and then chopping , depending on your texture preference. These cucumbers are perfect for salads since they’re naturally sweet, seedless, and have tender skin—no peeling needed.
Next, cut the Roma tomatoes into medium-sized cubes. Their firmer flesh makes them ideal for salads because they hold their shape and don’t turn mushy. Now, for that juicy burst in every forkful, halve the cherry tomatoes—you can use a mix of red, yellow, or even dark cherry varieties for extra color and sweetness. I slice half of the cherry tomatoes and keep the remaining as whole just for a textural variation.
Thinly slice the red onion as finely as possible; this ensures it blends into the salad without overpowering the flavors.
If you’re someone who finds raw onions too strong, here’s a trick: soak the sliced onion in a bowl of cold water for 10 minutes, then drain. This reduces the sharpness without sacrificing flavor—a great tip when making Mediterranean salads for kids or sensitive eaters.
Finally, chop your parsley or cilantro (whichever you prefer). Use only the leaves, not the stems, and chop them finely so they distribute evenly through the salad, adding a fresh, herby finish.
🍋 Step 2: Whisk together the Zesty Dressing
While the veggies rest, it’s time to make the heart of this salad: the dressing. In a small mixing bowl, combine extra virgin olive oil, freshly squeezed lime juice, and your seasoning. I like to keep it simple yet flavorful with salt, freshly ground black pepper, and either Italian seasoning or a Za’atar spice blend.
Za’atar adds a Middle Eastern twist with its earthy, citrusy flavor, while Italian seasoning leans more herbal and classic. Both pair beautifully with the freshness of the tomatoes and cucumbers, so go with what you have or love most. Whisk the dressing thoroughly until everything is well combined. This easy Mediterranean salad dressing is not only delicious but also super healthy and customizable.
🥗 Step 3: Bring It All Together
Now that everything’s prepped, add all your chopped vegetables and herbs into a large mixing bowl. Don’t worry about layering—this salad is meant to be rustic and easy. Pour the dressing evenly over the salad and give everything a gentle but thorough toss using salad tongs or clean hands.
Make sure all the veggies are well-coated in that tangy, herby dressing. The tomatoes should glisten, the cucumbers should stay crunchy, and the onions should blend in nicely. This is where the magic happens—the flavors start to marry, and you’ll already notice how bright and inviting the salad looks. It’s a quick Mediterranean cucumber tomato salad that’s big on color, crunch, and freshness.
❄️ Step 4: Serve Fresh or Chill for Later
This cucumber and tomato Mediterranean salad is super versatile. If you’re short on time or serving it with a hot meal, you can serve it immediately at room temperature. It’s vibrant, juicy, and full of garden-fresh goodness. However, if you have a few minutes, pop it into the fridge for 15–30 minutes. Chilling it slightly helps the flavors meld beautifully and makes the salad even more refreshing—perfect for summer lunches, picnics, or as a Mediterranean side salad for grilled meals or falafel wraps.
Optional: Just before serving this onion cucumber tomato salad give it a final toss and, if you like, garnish with a little more chopped parsley, a pinch of Za’atar, or a few crumbles of feta cheese for added richness (though totally optional and can be skipped for a dairy-free version).
📝 Recipe Notes
To get the most out of this Mediterranean salad with cucumber and tomatoes, here are a few handy tips and swaps to keep in mind.
- First, always use ripe but firm tomatoes—overripe ones can make the salad watery, while underripe tomatoes won’t bring the sweetness this dish needs. If your cherry tomatoes are very juicy, you can gently scoop out some seeds to prevent excess moisture.
- For the cucumbers, mini English cucumbers or Persian cucumbers are ideal due to their thin skin and low seed content. If using regular cucumbers, it’s best to peel and deseed them to avoid bitterness and excess water.
- If red onions feel too strong, soaking them in cold water for 10 minutes helps tame the sharpness while keeping that crisp texture. Alternatively, you can use thinly sliced shallots or green onions.
- When it comes to herbs, fresh parsley is the classic choice for a Mediterranean salad, but if you prefer a more citrusy or herbaceous twist, cilantro, mint, or dill are great substitutes. Feel free to mix herbs for added depth.
- For seasoning, Za’atar adds an earthy, slightly tangy flavor with Middle Eastern flair, while Italian seasoning gives a more herby, familiar taste—both are fantastic depending on your preference. Just avoid over-seasoning; this salad shines best when the veggies take center stage.
- Lastly, if your salad turns watery after mixing, it’s likely due to salt drawing out moisture from the veggies. To avoid this, toss the dressing right before serving or salt the tomatoes separately and drain them after a few minutes.
This easy no-cook Mediterranean salad is forgiving, flexible, and meant to be enjoyed fresh—so have fun with it and adjust the flavors to your liking!
🫙Storage Instructions
This Mediterranean tomato and cucumber salad is best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, don’t worry—it stores surprisingly well with just a few easy tips!
To store: Transfer the salad to an airtight container and place it in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 2 days, though the texture is best within the first 24 hours. After that, the cucumbers may start to lose their crunch, and the tomatoes can release more liquid, making the salad a bit watery. If you know ahead of time that you’ll be storing it, you can keep the dressing separate and toss everything together just before serving.
Helpful tip: If your salad becomes too juicy after sitting, just give it a quick drain and a gentle toss. You can also freshen it up with a small splash of olive oil and a squeeze of lime juice before serving again.
❓Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, you can absolutely make this salad ahead of time, but with a few adjustments for the best texture and flavor. The cucumbers and tomatoes naturally release water when salted or dressed, which can make the salad watery if it sits too long.
To avoid this, chop all the vegetables and store them in an airtight container in the fridge. Keep the dressing separate and combine everything just before serving. This way, your salad stays crisp and fresh. If you must mix it in advance, try making it no more than 4–6 hours ahead, and consider draining any excess liquid and adding a splash of fresh lime juice before serving to revive the flavor.
This salad is incredibly versatile and pairs well with a wide range of dishes. It makes a refreshing side dish for grilled meats and it’s perfect with Mediterranean mains like falafel, shawarma, hummus, or pita wraps. You can also serve it alongside rice pilaf, couscous, or quinoa to make a more complete meal.
For a plant-based option, try topping it with chickpeas or crumbled feta for extra protein and creaminess. It also works beautifully as part of a mezze platter with olives, dips, and flatbreads. This makes it ideal for everything from weeknight dinners to potlucks and summer barbecues.
While fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro bring a bright, garden-fresh flavor to this salad, you can definitely use dried herbs if that’s what you have on hand. Dried parsley, dill, or even Italian seasoning can work well, but keep in mind that dried herbs are more concentrated in flavor.
A good rule of thumb is to use about one-third the amount of dried herbs compared to fresh. For instance, if the recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of fresh parsley, use 1 teaspoon of dried. You can also use a mix of dried herbs like oregano, thyme, and basil to add a Mediterranean flair. Just be sure to whisk the dried herbs into the dressing so they hydrate slightly and distribute evenly.
🔗Suggested recipes
- Raw papaya salad
- Pepper and cucumber salad
- Air fryer green beans side
- Air fryer broccoli side dish
- Smoked carrots
- Sweet potato side dish
I hope you give this Mediterranean cucumber and tomato salad a try—it’s fresh, vibrant, and a staple in my kitchen during warm days. If you make it, leave a comment below or tag me on Instagram—I’d love to see your delicious creations!
Mediterranean Cucumber and Tomato Salad
Ingredients
- 4-5 mini–English Cucumbers (chopped)
- 2 Roma Tomatoes (cubed)
- 2 cups Cherry tomatoes
- 1 Red Onion small (thinly sliced)
- ⅓ cup Parsley or cilantro (chopped)
- 2 tablespoon Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- ½ lime
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning or Zatar
Instructions
Step 1: Prep and Chop the Veggies Fresh
- Rinse all vegetables and herbs thoroughly under cold water to remove any dirt—this ensures a crisp and refreshing base for your salad.
- Chop mini English cucumbers into bite-sized pieces. Cut each cucumber lengthwise into 4 strips and then chop crosswise. These cucumbers are naturally sweet, tender, and seedless—perfect for Mediterranean cucumber salads.
- Dice Roma tomatoes into medium-sized cubes. Their firmer texture helps them hold their shape, making them ideal for fresh salads without turning mushy.
- Halve the cherry tomatoes for juicy bursts in every bite. For textural contrast, keep some cherry tomatoes whole. A mix of red, yellow, and black cherry tomatoes adds visual appeal and sweetness.
- Thinly slice red onion as finely as possible to balance its bite without overpowering the salad.
- Soften strong onion flavor by soaking sliced onions in cold water for 10 minutes, then draining—this is especially helpful for kids or sensitive eaters.
- Finely chop parsley or cilantro (use only leaves) to evenly distribute fresh, herby notes throughout your Mediterranean tomato cucumber salad.
Step 2: Whisk Together the Zesty Dressing
- In a small bowl, combine extra virgin olive oil, fresh lime juice, and your chosen seasoning (either Italian seasoning or Za’atar).
- Za’atar adds an earthy, lemony Middle Eastern twist, while Italian seasoning offers a more familiar, herbal note. Choose whichever complements your main dish or preference.
- Add salt and freshly ground black pepper, then whisk thoroughly until the dressing is fully emulsified.
- This easy Mediterranean salad dressing is not only healthy but also packed with flavor and can be adjusted to taste.
Step 3: Bring It All Together
- Place all the chopped vegetables and herbs in a large salad bowl.
- Pour the dressing evenly over the veggies and gently toss with salad tongs or clean hands.
- Mix until every piece is lightly coated in the tangy, herby dressing—the tomatoes should glisten, cucumbers stay crisp, and onions blend in beautifully.
- This rustic and colorful salad comes together quickly and is bursting with Mediterranean freshness.
Step 4: Serve Fresh or Chill for Later
- Serve the salad immediately at room temperature for a bright, juicy side dish.
- For enhanced flavor, chill in the fridge for 15–30 minutes before serving. This helps the flavors meld and makes it even more refreshing.
- This Mediterranean cucumber and tomato salad is perfect for summer picnics, BBQs, potlucks, or as a side to falafel, grilled meats, or wraps.
Notes
- First, always use ripe but firm tomatoes—overripe ones can make the salad watery, while underripe tomatoes won’t bring the sweetness this dish needs. If your cherry tomatoes are very juicy, you can gently scoop out some seeds to prevent excess moisture.
- For the cucumbers, mini English cucumbers or Persian cucumbers are ideal due to their thin skin and low seed content. If using regular cucumbers, it’s best to peel and deseed them to avoid bitterness and excess water.
- If red onions feel too strong, soaking them in cold water for 10 minutes helps tame the sharpness while keeping that crisp texture. Alternatively, you can use thinly sliced shallots or green onions.
- When it comes to herbs, fresh parsley is the classic choice for a Mediterranean salad, but if you prefer a more citrusy or herbaceous twist, cilantro, mint, or dill are great substitutes. Feel free to mix herbs for added depth.
- For seasoning, Za’atar adds an earthy, slightly tangy flavor with Middle Eastern flair, while Italian seasoning gives a more herby, familiar taste—both are fantastic depending on your preference. Just avoid over-seasoning; this salad shines best when the veggies take center stage.
- Lastly, if your salad turns watery after mixing, it’s likely due to salt drawing out moisture from the veggies. To avoid this, toss the dressing right before serving or salt the tomatoes separately and drain them after a few minutes.
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