Cucumber and Tomato Relish
A crisp, refreshing relish that comes together in minutes. Juicy tomatoes and cool cucumber get a bright kick from lemon juice and a gentle bite from red onion. Perfect spooned over grilled chicken, tucked into burgers, or served alongside anything from the grill.
For 4 servings
- prep · ~5 min
Prep the cucumber.
1.Wash and dry the cucumbers.2.Trim off the ends and dice into small, even cubes (no need to peel if using thin-skinned cucumbers).3.If the cucumbers are very seedy, scoop out the seeds with a spoon before dicing. - prep · ~5 min
Prep the tomatoes and onion.
1.Wash the tomatoes, cut in half, and gently squeeze out the seeds and watery pulp.2.Dice the seeded tomato flesh into small cubes matching the cucumber.3.Peel and finely dice the red onion.TIPSeeding the tomatoes keeps the relish from becoming watery as it sits. - mix · ~1 min
Toss the vegetables.
In a medium bowl, combine the diced cucumber, tomato, red onion, and chopped cilantro. Toss gently with your hands or two spoons to distribute the ingredients evenly.
- mix · ~1 min
Dress and season the relish.
1.Drizzle the lemon juice and olive oil over the vegetables.2.Sprinkle with the salt and black pepper.3.Toss everything together until well coated.TIPLet the relish sit for 5 minutes after dressing. The salt draws out a little juice from the tomatoes and cucumber, creating a light, natural dressing. - rest · ~10 min
Let the flavors meld.
Set the bowl aside at room temperature for 5 to 10 minutes before serving. This brief rest brings the flavors together without making the vegetables soggy.
TIPFor the best texture, serve within 30 minutes of making. It will still taste great later but the cucumbers lose a little crunch.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Use a serrated knife to dice tomatoes without crushing their flesh.
- 2For extra crunch, seed the cucumbers with a spoon before dicing.
- 3Let the dressed relish rest exactly 5–10 minutes — longer resting softens the cucumber.
- 4Serve within 30 minutes for the crispest texture; refrigerate leftovers and use within a day.
- 5Taste and adjust lemon juice or salt just before serving, as flavors mellow while resting.
Adapt it for your goals.
Herb swap
Replace cilantro with equal parts chopped fresh mint and parsley for a cooler, more refreshing taste.
spicySpicy
Add one finely minced jalapeño (seeds removed for less heat) to give the relish a gentle kick, perfect with tacos or grilled fish.
low oilLow-oil
Omit the olive oil entirely and increase lemon juice to 3 tablespoons for a lighter, oil-free version that still tastes bright.
MediterraneanMediterranean
Add ¼ cup crumbled feta cheese and 2 tablespoons chopped Kalamata olives for a salty, tangy twist that pairs well with lamb or pita.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Hydrating & Low-Calorie
Cucumbers are over 95% water, making this relish a refreshing, low-calorie way to add volume and hydration to any meal.
Rich in Lycopene
Tomatoes provide lycopene, a powerful antioxidant linked to heart health, and eating them raw preserves its bioavailability.
Heart-Healthy Fats
The small amount of olive oil supplies monounsaturated fats that help your body absorb fat-soluble nutrients from the vegetables.
Immune-Supporting Vitamin C
Fresh lemon juice contributes a dose of vitamin C, which supports immune function and helps the body absorb iron from other foods.
Frequently asked questions
Yes — English (hothouse) cucumbers have thinner skin and fewer seeds, so you can skip peeling and seeding, just dice them directly.


