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a bowl filled with refreshing and colorful mediterranean cucumber and tomato salad

Mediterranean Cucumber and Tomato Salad

Meenakshi
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.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Course Salad
Cuisine Mediterranean
Servings 4
Calories 123 kcal

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.

Nutrition

Calories: 123kcalCarbohydrates: 21.33gProtein: 3.33gFat: 3.68gSodium: 396mgPotassium: 657mgFiber: 4.3gSugar: 15.21gVitamin A: 2100IUVitamin C: 41.4mgCalcium: 64mgIron: 2.78mg
Keyword cucumber tomato salad, mediterranean cucumber salad, mediterranean salad with cucumbers and tomato, onion cucumber tomato salad, simple mediterranean cucumber and tomato salad
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