Easy Cucumber Tomato Onion Salad with Apple Cider Vinegar

This cucumber tomato onion salad is all about summer freshness. It’s incredibly simple, relying on crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, and a subtle bite of red onion, all brought to life with a zesty homemade apple cider vinaigrette and a scattering of fresh herbs.

This Summer’s Best Cucumber Tomato Onion Salad

This cucumber tomato onion salad is what I make when everything in the garden or at the market is at its peak. The tomatoes are juicy, the cucumbers are crunchy, and the red onion adds just enough bite to tie it all together. It’s the kind of salad that makes the most of what’s in season without trying too hard.

The apple cider vinaigrette is tangy and simple—just a quick mix that brings out the best in everything. A handful of fresh herbs goes on top, and that’s all it really needs.

It’s crisp, flavorful, and exactly the kind of thing I want to eat when it’s hot out and nothing else sounds good.

Why This Cucumber Tomato Salad with Apple Cider Vinegar Shines

This cucumber tomato onion salad is one of those things I end up making on repeat when the weather heats up. The cucumbers stay crisp, the tomatoes soften slightly in the dressing, and the red onion adds just the right amount of bite. It’s simple, but the flavor is exactly what I want when everything’s in season.

The apple cider vinaigrette brings the tang. It’s fast to mix and way better than anything from a bottle. It soaks into the vegetables just enough, and the herbs on top give it a fresh finish without complicating anything.

Why You’ll Love This Cucumber Tomato Salad

• It’s the ideal side dish companion for summer grilling.
• The apple cider vinaigrette brings out the best in the veggies in a way bottled dressings just can’t.
• The focus stays on the produce—nothing extra, just letting good ingredients do their thing.

Ingredients for Your Refreshing Summer Salad

One of the best things about this cucumber tomato onion salad is its simplicity.

• English cucumbers – I prefer English cucumbers for their thinner skin and smaller seeds, which means no peeling or de-seeding! If you’re using regular cucumbers, just make sure to scoop out the seeds first.
• Vine-ripened tomatoes – Vine-ripened ones have the best flavor for a salad like this.
• Red onion – Don’t skip it—it really balances the sweetness of the tomatoes.
• Apple cider vinegar – Brings the tang and ties everything together.
• Extra virgin olive oil – Adds smoothness without weighing it down.
• Granulated sugar – Softens the acidity without making it sweet.
• Salt and pepper – Keeps everything properly seasoned.
• Fresh chives – A mild onion flavor that works well with the dressing.
• Basil leaves – Thinly sliced for a clean, herby finish.

How to Make This Simple Cucumber Tomato Onion Salad (Step-by-Step)

Find the complete printable recipe with measurements in the recipe card at the BOTTOM OF THE POST.

• Step One (slice everything up)
  Get your cucumbers, tomatoes, and red onion sliced and into a big mixing bowl. You can do rounds or quarters for the cucumbers—whatever you like best.
• Step Two (make the vinaigrette)
  Whisk together the apple cider vinegar, olive oil, sugar, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. It only takes a minute and makes all the difference.
• Step Three (toss it together)
  Pour the dressing over the sliced veggies and give everything a gentle toss so it’s nicely coated.
• Step Four (add the herbs)
  Sprinkle the chopped chives and sliced basil over the top. They’ll add a fresh finish without overpowering anything.
• Step Five (serve or chill)
  You can serve it right away, or stick it in the fridge for later. It stays crisp and keeps its flavor even after sitting a bit.

Recipe Notes & Tips for Your Best Cucumber Tomato Salad

This cucumber tomato salad is simple by design, but a few small things help it turn out the way it’s supposed to:

• If you’re using regular cucumbers instead of English, go ahead and peel them and scoop out the seeds. It helps keep the salad from getting too watery.
• The sugar balances out the vinegar, but you can use honey or maple syrup instead. Just adjust to taste.
• Soaking the red onion in ice water for 15 minutes takes the edge off without dulling the flavor.
• If you’re making the salad a little ahead of time, wait to add the chives and basil until right before serving. The herbs stay fresher and look better.
• Season it well with salt and pepper—this part matters. The right amount makes everything taste brighter.

How to Store Leftover Cucumber Tomato Salad

This salad keeps surprisingly well, even after it’s been dressed. The flavors settle in, and the cucumbers still hold their crunch for a day or two.

• Store any leftovers in a covered container in the fridge.
• It’s best eaten within 2–3 days while everything is still crisp.
• The herbs will soften over time, so if you’re making extra, you can always add more just before serving again.

Frequently Asked Questions About This Summer Salad

• Can I use different types of vinegar?
  Apple cider vinegar is my go-to for the tangy-sweet flavor it adds, but white wine or red wine vinegar will work too. Balsamic changes the whole vibe—less bright, more rich.
• Can I add other vegetables to this salad?
  Definitely. This is a solid base, so feel free to throw in bell peppers, radishes, or even a few Kalamata olives if that’s what you’ve got.
• What if I don’t have fresh herbs?
  Fresh herbs really do add something, but if you’re out, a small pinch of dried dill or oregano works. Start with about 1/2 teaspoon and adjust from there.
• How long does it need to sit before serving?
  You can serve it right away, but letting it sit for 15–30 minutes helps the flavors settle in. Just don’t let it go too long or the veggies will soften more than you might want.
• Is this salad good for meal prep?
  It can be, especially if you keep the dressing separate and toss individual portions when you’re ready to eat. That way, everything stays crisp.

More Ways To Use Summer Tomatoes and Crunchy Cucumbers

A few more easy ways to use up what’s in season:

• Panzanella – Day-old bread and juicy tomatoes.
• Cucumber Feta Salad – Crisp cucumbers and salty feta.
• Tomato Gratin – Soft tomatoes with crunchy breadcrumbs.
• Cucumber Edamame Salad – Cucumber noodles and edamame.
• Cucumbers with Mint Vinaigrette – Mint, ginger, and cold cucumbers.

Your New Favorite Summer Side Dish

This cucumber tomato onion salad is the kind of recipe that sticks around once you’ve made it. It’s quick, uses what you’ve probably already got, and actually tastes like summer. Whether you’re grilling, meal prepping, or just want something cold and crisp on the table, this one covers it.

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Print Recipe

5 from 4 votes

Easy Cucumber Tomato Onion Salad with Apple Cider Vinegar

This cucumber tomato onion salad is fresh, crisp, and tossed in a tangy apple cider vinaigrette. Juicy tomatoes, crunchy cucumbers, red onion, and fresh herbs come together for a simple side dish that’s perfect with just about anything you’re serving this summer.

Prep Time15 minutes mins

Total Time15 minutes mins

Course: Salad, Side Dish

Cuisine: American

Keyword: apple cider vinegar salad, Cucumber and Tomato Salad, Cucumber Tomato Onion Salad, Cucumber Tomato Salad, cucumber tomato salad with apple cider vinegar, easy salad recipe, Feta Cucumber Salad, fresh salad, homemade vinaigrette, Summer Salad, Tomato Cucumber Salad

Servings: 8

Calories: 123kcal

Author: Cathy Pollak

Equipment

• measuring cups and spoons For accuracy.
• mixing bowls For tossing the vegetbles and the dressing.
• Knife For prepping the tomatos, cucumber and onion.
• whisk For blending the dressing easily.

Ingredients

• 2 English cucumbers sliced into rounds or quarters
• 4 medium-sized vine-ripened tomatoes sliced into wedges
• ⅓ cup (50 g) thinly sliced red onion
• ¼ cup (60 ml) apple cider vinegar
• ¼ cup (60 ml) extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tsp (4 g) granulated sugar
• salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tbsp. (3 g) chopped fresh chives
• 2-3 large (~2 g) basil leaves, thinly sliced

Instructions

• Add the sliced cucumbers, tomatoes, and red onion to a large mixing bowl.
  2 English cucumbers, 4 medium-sized vine-ripened tomatoes, ⅓ cup (50 g) thinly sliced red onion
• In a small bowl, whisk together the apple cider vinegar, olive oil, sugar, salt, and pepper until well combined.
  ¼ cup (60 ml) apple cider vinegar, ¼ cup (60 ml) extra virgin olive oil, 1 tsp (4 g) granulated sugar, salt and pepper
• Pour the dressing over the cucumber mixture and gently toss until everything is evenly coated.
• Sprinkle the chopped chives and sliced basil over the top.
  1 tbsp. (3 g) chopped fresh chives, 2-3 large (~2 g) basil leaves, thinly sliced
• Serve immediately, or cover and refrigerate until ready to eat.

Notes

• If using regular cucumbers, peel them and scoop out the seeds to prevent excess water in the salad.
• Granulated sugar can be swapped for honey or maple syrup—adjust to taste.
• Soaking red onion in ice water for 15 minutes helps mellow the flavor if needed.
• For best texture, add fresh herbs right before serving if prepping in advance.
• Don’t skimp on seasoning—salt and pepper bring out all the other flavors.

 

For optimal outcomes when making this cucumber tomato onion salad with apple cider vinegar, I recommend referring to the details within the post. The recipe post commonly includes valuable notes, expert tips and frequently asked questions, that are not presented in the recipe card, often including how to make this recipe dairy-free, gluten free or vegan and ideas for healthy ingredient substitutions or variations.

 

 

 

 

The provided nutrition information is merely an approximation, as variations can arise depending on the specific ingredients/brands you select.

 

 

 

 

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Nutrition

Nutrition Facts

Easy Cucumber Tomato Onion Salad with Apple Cider Vinegar

Amount Per Serving (150 g)

Calories 123 Calories from Fat 99

% Daily Value*

Fat 11g17%

Saturated Fat 1.5g9%

Polyunsaturated Fat 1g

Monounsaturated Fat 7.6g

Sodium 112mg5%

Potassium 230mg7%

Carbohydrates 6g2%

Fiber 1g4%

Sugar 4g4%

Protein 1g2%

Vitamin A 430IU9%

Vitamin C 9mg11%

Calcium 18mg2%

Iron 0.4mg2%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Have you made this Cucumber Tomato Salad with Apple Cider Vinegar? I’d love to hear how it turned out — leave a comment below and let me know.

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