If you’re searching for a burst of color and freshness to grace your table, you cannot do better than this Easy Cucumber and Tomato Greek Salad. Bright, juicy tomatoes mingle with crisp cucumber and a touch of red onion, all coated with a simple olive oil dressing that brings everything together. One bite and you’ll see why this classic Greek combination has been a beloved staple for generations—vibrant, refreshing, and so quick to make you’ll have it on repeat all season long.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Easy Cucumber and Tomato Greek Salad is chosen for maximum flavor and crunch, yet the whole list is short enough you might already have most of it on hand. The magic happens when bold, sun-ripened produce comes together with a few Mediterranean essentials for a dish that tastes far greater than the sum of its parts.
- Tomatoes: Choose medium or small ripe tomatoes for sweet, juicy goodness; heirloom or cherry tomatoes work beautifully too for added color.
- Lebanese Cucumbers: These are pleasantly crisp and nearly seedless; peeling and deseeding create a finer texture, but English cucumbers are a good substitute.
- Red Onion: Thinly sliced for just the right bite and color contrast—soak in iced water beforehand if you want a milder flavor.
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Rich, fruity Greek olive oil forms the heart of the dressing, so use the best you can find for the silkiest texture and flavor.
- Red Wine Vinegar (optional): Adds a gentle zing that dances across your taste buds, but the salad is still wonderful without it.
- Salt: Essential for drawing out and enhancing the natural juices of the vegetables.
- Pepper: Brings gentle heat and depth to balance the salad’s freshness.
How to Make Easy Cucumber and Tomato Greek Salad
Step 1: Prep the Vegetables
Start by thoroughly washing your tomatoes and cucumbers. There’s nothing quite like fresh produce when making Easy Cucumber and Tomato Greek Salad, so take a moment to pick the best, clean them gently, and set the tone for your salad right from the start.
Step 2: Slice and Dice
Core and cut the tomatoes into enticing wedge-sized pieces, letting some of that sweet juice infuse the whole salad. Peel the cucumbers, removing the seeds if there are any, and slice them into half-moons or bite-sized pieces. For the red onion, slice it thinly—if you’re sensitive to the raw flavor, give those slices a quick dip in iced water first, then pat dry before adding.
Step 3: Arrange the Salad
Artfully arrange the tomato, cucumber, and onion slices on a serving platter. This is where Easy Cucumber and Tomato Greek Salad truly shines—layering the vegetables brings out their gorgeous colors and appetizing textures, turning even a basic plate into a Mediterranean masterpiece.
Step 4: Dress to Impress
Sprinkle the salad liberally with oregano, salt, and pepper. Drizzle the extra virgin olive oil and (if you’re using it) the red wine vinegar slowly all over the vegetables, ensuring every piece glistens and soaks up that irresistible flavor. There’s no need to over-mix—just a light toss at the table does the trick.
Step 5: Serve Immediately
The magic of this Easy Cucumber and Tomato Greek Salad lies in its freshness, so serve it as soon as you’ve finished dressing. Waiting too long can make the vegetables soggy, and you want every bite to be crisp and lively!
How to Serve Easy Cucumber and Tomato Greek Salad
Garnishes
You can finish your salad with a scattering of crumbled feta, a few briny Kalamata olives, or an extra sprinkle of oregano right before serving. These simple garnishes add bursts of salty flavor and visual appeal, taking your Easy Cucumber and Tomato Greek Salad to the next level of delightful.
Side Dishes
This salad makes the perfect partner for grilled meats, flaky fish, or anything hot off the barbecue. Serve alongside warm pita, baked falafel, or bowls of fluffy rice for a true Mediterranean spread. It’s crave-worthy on its own, but it also shines as a bright, crunchy counterpoint to heartier mains.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re entertaining, layer the salad in individual jars or cups for a fun, picnic-worthy twist. For a dinner party, arrange the vegetables in alternating rows or concentric circles to showcase each ingredient’s color. However you style it, this Easy Cucumber and Tomato Greek Salad always looks gorgeous and inviting.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers don’t keep their charming crispness for long—it’s best to enjoy this salad as soon as it’s made. If you must save some, store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 24 hours, but expect that the tomatoes may soften and release more juice by the next day.
Freezing
Easy Cucumber and Tomato Greek Salad is not suitable for freezing. The delicate, fresh vegetables lose their texture and become mushy when thawed, so always prepare a fresh batch for the best experience.
Reheating
There’s no need to (or way to) reheat this salad—it is designed to be enjoyed chilled or at room temperature. If the salad has been refrigerated, let it sit for a few minutes at room temperature to bring out the flavors before serving.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cucumber?
Absolutely! English cucumbers are a wonderful alternative if Lebanese cucumbers aren’t available. Just make sure to peel and deseed as much as you can for the smoothest texture in your Easy Cucumber and Tomato Greek Salad.
Is it necessary to use red onions?
Red onions add beautiful color and a bit of a bite, but you could use sweet onions or even green onions for a milder flavor. If raw onion is not your favorite, soaking slices in ice water for 30 minutes will mellow the sharpness considerably.
What protein could I add to this salad to make it a complete meal?
Try adding sliced grilled chicken, chickpeas, cubes of feta cheese, or even canned tuna. Any of these will provide plenty of protein and will pair well with the punchy, refreshing flavors of Easy Cucumber and Tomato Greek Salad.
Should I peel the tomatoes?
Peeling is not necessary at all—the skins add structure and color. If your tomatoes have very tough skins, a quick dip in boiling water can help remove them, but for most varieties, just a good wash and slicing is perfect.
Can I make this salad in advance?
You can slice the vegetables a couple of hours ahead and keep them separately in the fridge, then assemble and dress everything right before serving. This keeps your Easy Cucumber and Tomato Greek Salad crisp and at its absolute freshest.
Final Thoughts
Few recipes are as crowd-pleasing, easy, and vibrant as Easy Cucumber and Tomato Greek Salad. Whether you’re making it for a quick weeknight dinner or turning heads at a summer gathering, this salad never fails to impress. Give it a try and you’ll see—sometimes the simplest dishes really are the ones you crave again and again!
Print
Easy Cucumber and Tomato Greek Salad Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 people
- Diet: Vegan
Description
This easy-to-prepare cucumber and tomato Greek salad is a refreshing and delicious dish that embodies simplicity and flavor. With fresh ingredients and a classic Greek dressing, this salad is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 4 medium or small tomatoes
- 2 Lebanese cucumbers, peeled, deseeded, and sliced
- ¼ red onion, sliced finely
Dressing:
- 60 ml olive oil, extra virgin (Greek preferred)
- 20 ml red wine vinegar (optional)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
Instructions
- Wash the tomatoes and cucumbers. Core and slice the tomatoes into wedge-sized pieces.
- Peel, deseed, and slice the cucumbers.
- Peel and slice the onion finely.
- Arrange the ingredients on a platter and sprinkle the oregano and seasonings. Add the olive oil (or dressing) liberally, covering all the vegetables. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Heirloom and cherry tomatoes would also be fantastic – if that’s all you can access.
- An English cucumber is acceptable to use in this recipe.
- If raw onions don’t agree with you – slice and soak them in some iced water for thirty minutes before serving (dry them first).
- Always wash your ingredients.
- Ensure that all the ingredients are fresh.
- If using a dressing, prepare it in advance and use it before serving the salad.
- Don’t store any leftovers. Soggy tomatoes are not pleasant!
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Salad, Side Dish
- Cuisine: Greek
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 person
- Calories: 170 kcal
- Fat: 14g
- Carbohydrates: 11g
- Protein: 2g
