Cherry Tomato and Cucumber Salad
A crisp, refreshing salad bursting with juicy cherry tomatoes and cool cucumber. Tossed in a simple lemony dressing with fresh herbs, this quick side dish comes together in 10 minutes and brightens up any summer meal or barbecue spread.
For 4 servings
- prep
Prep the vegetables.
1.Halve the cherry tomatoes and place in a large mixing bowl.2.Slice the cucumber in half lengthwise, then cut into half-moons and add to the bowl.3.Thinly slice the red onion and toss it in with the tomatoes and cucumber. - mix
Whisk the dressing.
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
- mix
Toss the salad.
Pour the dressing over the vegetables. Add the chopped parsley and torn basil. Toss gently until everything is evenly coated.
TIPToss just before serving to keep the vegetables crisp and prevent the salad from getting watery. - rest · ~5 min
Let the flavors meld for 5 minutes.
Let the salad sit at room temperature for about 5 minutes to let the flavors come together. Toss once more before serving.
- serve
Serve immediately.
Transfer to a serving bowl and enjoy as a refreshing side alongside grilled meats, sandwiches, or any summer meal.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Use a mandoline to slice the red onion paper-thin for a milder bite.
- 2Pat cucumber slices dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture before tossing.
- 3Let the salad rest exactly 5 minutes—longer and the cucumbers will weep and dilute the dressing.
- 4For the brightest flavor, use lemon juice freshly squeezed—bottled juice tastes flat.
- 5Toss gently with your hands to avoid crushing the cherry tomatoes and bruising the herbs.
- 6Serve in a chilled bowl to keep the salad cool and crisp on hot days.
Adapt it for your goals.
Low-oil
Replace olive oil with a splash of white wine vinegar or an extra tablespoon of lemon juice to cut calories while keeping the tangy brightness.
high proteinHigh-protein
Add 150g of crumbled feta or cubed grilled chicken to turn this side into a light lunch—the creamy or savory element balances the acidity beautifully.
jainJain
Skip the red onion and use a pinch of asafoetida (hing) in the dressing instead; this keeps the dish Jain-friendly while adding a subtle savory depth.
herb swapHerb-swap
Replace basil and parsley with fresh dill and mint for a Mediterranean twist that pairs perfectly with grilled lamb or fish.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Packed with Vitamin C
Cherry tomatoes and fresh lemon juice are excellent sources of vitamin C, which supports immune health and collagen production.
Low-Calorie & Hydrating
Cucumbers are over 95% water, making this salad extremely low in calories while helping you stay hydrated, especially in warm weather.
Heart-Healthy Fats
Olive oil provides monounsaturated fats that are known to support cardiovascular health and reduce inflammation.
Rich in Antioxidants
Lycopene from cherry tomatoes and flavonoids from red onion work together to fight oxidative stress and promote cellular health.
Frequently asked questions
You can prep the vegetables and dressing separately up to 24 hours ahead, but only toss them together right before serving to keep the cucumbers from getting watery.
