Refreshing Cucumber Tomato Onion Salad

This refreshing cucumber, tomato, and onion salad is a classic Mediterranean-style side dish made with crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, sweet red onions, fresh herbs, and a bright lemon vinaigrette. It’s light, healthy, and perfect for picnics, barbecues, or everyday meals.

Servings: 4–6
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes

Ingredients

For the Salad

• 2 large English cucumbers (or 4 Persian cucumbers), sliced into half-moons
• 4 medium ripe tomatoes, cut into wedges or bite-sized chunks
• ½ medium red onion, thinly sliced
• ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill (optional)
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh mint (optional)

Lemon-Herb Dressing

• 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (or red wine vinegar)
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon honey (optional)
• 1 garlic clove, finely minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon sea salt
• ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Optional Toppings

• ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
• ¼ cup sliced Kalamata olives
• 2 tablespoons toasted sunflower seeds or pine nuts
• 1 ripe avocado, diced

Instructions

1. Prepare the Vegetables

1. Wash and dry all the vegetables.
2. Slice the cucumbers into half-moons.
3. Cut the tomatoes into wedges or large chunks.
4. Thinly slice the red onion.
5. Chop the parsley, dill, and mint.

2. Make the Dressing

In a small bowl or jar, whisk together:

• Olive oil
• Lemon juice (or red wine vinegar)
• Dijon mustard
• Honey (if using)
• Garlic
• Oregano
• Salt
• Black pepper

Whisk until smooth and well combined.

3. Assemble the Salad

1. Place the cucumbers, tomatoes, onion, parsley, dill, and mint in a large serving bowl.
2. Pour the dressing over the vegetables.
3. Toss gently until everything is evenly coated.

4. Finish and Serve

1. Sprinkle with feta cheese and olives, if using.
2. Let the salad rest for 10–15 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to blend.
3. Serve chilled or at room temperature.