Fresh Cucumber Tomato Salad with Lemon Dressing
Fresh cucumber tomato salad is a crisp, refreshing summer classic. This is the easiest way to enjoy it. After making this many times, I know the best way to keep it juicy. Crisp. Bright. Fresh. Try my Crispy Hot Honey Chicken Wings for dinner. If you love recipes like this, you’ll also enjoy Crispy Hot Honey Chicken Wings Recipe for Dinner and Refreshing Lemon Basil Sorbet Recipe for Summer Treats.
Why This Fresh Cucumber Tomato Salad with Lemon Dressing Is Pure Comfort
- crisp
- bright
- refreshing
- easy
What You'll Need for Fresh Cucumber Tomato Salad with Lemon Dressing
Choosing the right ingredients makes a big difference, but this recipe is forgiving enough to work with what you have.
- 2 large cucumbers
- 3 ripe tomatoes
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- lemon juice
- honey
- olive oil
- salt
- pepper
- Optional: fresh cilantro
- Optional: crushed red pepper flakes
- Optional: grated Parmesan cheese
đź“ť Ingredient Notes
- cucumbers: Use English or Persian cucumbers for less water and better texture.
- tomatoes: Choose firm, ripe tomatoes for the best flavor and structure.
- honey: Use a high-quality honey for better sweetness and depth.
đź›’ Tools & Equipment I Recommend
- Vegetable Chopper — Cuts veggies faster and more evenly → See on Amazon
- Sharp Chef’s Knife — Makes chopping faster and safer → See on Amazon
How to Make Fresh Cucumber Tomato Salad with Lemon Dressing
- Step 1: Wash and slice cucumbers into thin rounds. Place in a bowl.
- Step 2: Core and dice tomatoes. Add to the cucumber bowl.
- Step 3: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, honey, salt, and pepper.
- Step 4: Pour dressing over the salad. Toss gently to coat.
- Step 5: Let sit for 10 minutes before serving to allow flavors to blend.
Cook's Tips for Perfect Fresh Cucumber Tomato Salad with Lemon Dressing
- Best technique: Use a sharp knife to slice cucumbers. This prevents bruising and keeps them crisp.
- Common mistake and fix: Don’t skip the salt. It draws out excess water and enhances flavor.
- Storage: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
- Cooking tip: For a brighter flavor, use freshly squeezed lemon juice instead of bottled.
Storing & Reheating Fresh Cucumber Tomato Salad with Lemon Dressing
Short-Term Storage
Store in an airtight container in the fridge. Keep in a sealed container for up to 2 days. Make-ahead tip: Make up to 24 hours ahead and store in the fridge.
Freezing Fresh Cucumber Tomato Salad with Lemon Dressing
Not recommended for freezing.
Recipe Notes
- Chef tip: Let the salad sit for 10 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to blend.
- Best substitution: Use lime juice instead of lemon juice for a different flavor profile.
- Make-ahead: Prepare the dressing ahead of time and mix just before serving.
- Scaling: Adjust ingredients proportionally for larger or smaller batches.
- Troubleshooting: If the salad is too wet, drain it in a colander for 15 minutes.
Want to level up this recipe?
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Fresh Cucumber Tomato Salad with Lemon Dressing
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 large cucumbers
- 3 ripe tomatoes
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Seasonings
- lemon juice
- honey
- olive oil
- salt
- pepper
Optional Toppings
- fresh cilantro
- crushed red pepper flakes
- grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Step 1: Wash and slice cucumbers into thin rounds. Place in a bowl.
- Step 2: Core and dice tomatoes. Add to the cucumber bowl.
- Step 3: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, honey, salt, and pepper.
- Step 4: Pour dressing over the salad. Toss gently to coat.
- Step 5: Let sit for 10 minutes before serving to allow flavors to blend.
Notes
- Chef tip: Let the salad sit for 10 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to blend.
- Best substitution: Use lime juice instead of lemon juice for a different flavor profile.
- Make-ahead: Prepare the dressing ahead of time and mix just before serving.
- Scaling: Adjust ingredients proportionally for larger or smaller batches.
- Troubleshooting: If the salad is too wet, drain it in a colander for 15 minutes.
Storage
- Fridge: Keep in a sealed container for up to 2 days.
- Freezer: Not recommended for freezing.
- Make ahead: Make up to 24 hours ahead and store in the fridge.
Nutrition Per Serving
- Calories: 60
- Protein: 1g
- Fat: 5g
- Carbs: 3g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 190mg
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sat. Fat: 0.5g
Nutritional values are estimates only. Actual values may vary by brand and portion size.
Fresh Cucumber Tomato Salad with Lemon Dressing FAQs
Yes, you can prepare it up to 24 hours in advance. Store in an airtight container in the fridge.
Cucumbers release water when salted. To prevent this, salt the cucumbers, let them sit for 10 minutes, then drain and rinse.
Freezing can make the texture mushy. Best eaten fresh or stored in the fridge for up to 2 days.
You can use lime juice or white wine vinegar as alternatives for a different flavor.
Yes, this is a perfect summer salad. It’s light, refreshing, and ideal for hot weather.
A Warm Final Note
I can’t wait for you to try Fresh Cucumber Tomato Salad with Lemon Dressing and see how effortlessly it comes together. When you make it, pop back here and leave a rating or share how it turned out — I love hearing from you!
