Tomato Cucumber Salad: A Simple, Refreshing Classic with Bold Italian Flavor

A refreshing Tomato Cucumber Salad tossed in a zesty Italian dressing made with red wine vinegar and olive oil. Perfect for summer, BBQs, or meal prep! Quick, easy, and packed with flavor.

If you're looking for a light, vibrant dish that comes together in minutes, this Tomato Cucumber Salad is for you. With crisp cucumbers, juicy Roma tomatoes, and the sharp bite of red onion, all tossed in a tangy Italian dressing—this salad is the definition of fresh, healthy, and utterly delicious. It's perfect for summer BBQs, weeknight dinners, or meal prep for the week ahead.

In this post, I’ll break down why this salad works so well, offer tips to make it even better, explain each ingredient, and share how you can customize it. Whether you're a seasoned cook or just getting started, you’ll love the simplicity and flavor of this dish.

Why You’ll Love This Tomato Cucumber Salad

• Fresh & Flavorful: Juicy tomatoes, crunchy cucumber, and bold Italian dressing create a crisp, tangy combo that’s packed with flavor.

• Quick & Easy: You only need 10 minutes to prep this dish.

• Healthy & Versatile: It’s gluten-free, low-calorie, and can be enjoyed as a side or a light meal.

• Perfect for Meal Prep: The flavors deepen as it sits—making it ideal to make ahead.

Ingredients Breakdown & Tips

3 Roma Tomatoes, Quartered

Roma tomatoes are meaty and less watery than other varieties, which helps the salad stay crisp without turning soggy.Tip: Use tomatoes that are firm but ripe for the best texture and flavor.

1 English Cucumber, Sliced

English cucumbers have thinner skin and fewer seeds, making them perfect for salads. They're also slightly sweeter than regular cucumbers. Tip: No need to peel them! Just rinse, slice, and toss in.

1 Red Onion, Sliced

Red onion adds color and a nice punch of sharpness. Tip: If you’re not a fan of strong onion flavor, soak the slices in cold water for 10 minutes to mellow them out.

Salt & Pepper to Taste

The simplest way to enhance the natural flavors of the veggies. Tip: Don’t skip the salt—it helps draw out moisture from the veggies, marrying the flavors together.

The Zesty Italian Dressing

Good Seasons Italian Mix

This seasoning packet is a pantry staple and makes the perfect base for a tangy vinaigrette. It's filled with herbs, garlic, and a little touch of sweetness.

¼ Cup Red Wine Vinegar

The acidity from the red wine vinegar brightens up the salad and balances the sweetness of the tomatoes. Substitution: Apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar can work in a pinch.

3 Tbsp Water

Water helps mellow out the dressing and balance the intensity of the vinegar.

½ Cup Olive Oil

Use good-quality extra virgin olive oil for richness and a velvety texture. Tip: Whisk or shake vigorously to emulsify the dressing before adding to the salad.

Directions: How to Make Tomato Cucumber Salad

Ingredients:

• 3 Roma tomatoes, quartered

• 1 English cucumber, sliced

• 1 red onion, sliced

• Salt & pepper, to taste

Dressing:

• 1 packet Good Seasons Italian Mix

• ¼ cup red wine vinegar

• 3 tbsp water

• ½ cup olive oil

Instructions:

1. In a large mixing bowl, add the quartered tomatoes, sliced cucumber, and red onion.

2. In a separate small bowl or jar, combine red wine vinegar, water, and Italian seasoning mix. Stir vigorously for about 30 seconds.

3. Add the olive oil and stir again until the dressing is well emulsified.

4. Pour the dressing over the chopped veggies and toss well to coat everything evenly.

5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

6. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve—at least 30 minutes if you want the flavors to marinate.

Helpful Tips for the Best Salad

• Let it Chill: This salad gets even better after chilling for 30 minutes to an hour.

• Double the Dressing: If you like a saucier salad or plan to eat it over a few days, double the dressing.

• Add-Ins: Try adding crumbled feta, kalamata olives, or fresh basil for extra flavor.

• Meal Prep Friendly: This salad keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just give it a stir before serving.

• Serving Suggestion: Serve as a side dish with grilled meats, burgers, sandwiches, or on its own for a refreshing lunch.

Love this quick and easy salad? Don’t forget to share it with your salad-loving friends or pin it to your healthy recipe board on Pinterest! And if you make this Tomato Cucumber Salad, tag me on Instagram @YourHandle so I can see your delicious creation!

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This Tomato Cucumber Salad is more than just a side dish—it’s a celebration of fresh ingredients and bold flavors. Whether you're making it for a picnic, a potluck, or just because you're craving something crisp and vibrant, it’s sure to be a hit.

Yield: 4

Author: CookSnapBake.com

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Tomato Cucumber Salad

A refreshing Tomato Cucumber Salad tossed in a zesty Italian dressing made with red wine vinegar and olive oil. Perfect for summer, BBQs, or meal prep! Quick, easy, and packed with flavor.

Prep time: 10 MinTotal time: 10 Min

Ingredients

• 3 Roma tomatoes, quartered
• 1 English cucumber, sliced
• 1 red onion, sliced
• Salt & pepper, to taste
• Dressing:
• 1 packet Good Seasons Italian Mix
• ¼ cup red wine vinegar
• 3 tbsp water
• ½ cup olive oil

Instructions

1. In a large mixing bowl, add the quartered tomatoes, sliced cucumber, and red onion.
2. In a separate small bowl or jar, combine red wine vinegar, water, and Italian seasoning mix. Stir vigorously for about 30 seconds.
3. Add the olive oil and stir again until the dressing is well emulsified.
4. Pour the dressing over the chopped veggies and toss well to coat everything evenly.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve—at least 30 minutes if you want the flavors to marinate.

Did you make this recipe?

Tag @cooksnapbake on instagram and hashtag it #TomatoCucumberSalad

Try it once, and you’ll want to keep it on repeat all season long!