March 21, 2026

Easy Mediterranean Cucumber Tomato Salad Recipe

Name: Mediterranean Cucumber Tomato Salad Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Ingredients: 2 cups cucumber (- chopped); 2 cups tomatoes (cherry or Roma) (- chopped); 1/2 small red onion (- thinly sliced); 1/4 cup fresh parsley (- finely chopped); 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil; 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice; Salt (- to taste); Black pepper (- to taste)

Easy Mediterranean Cucumber Tomato Salad Recipe

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This Mediterranean cucumber tomato salad is a fresh, simple, and flavorful dish made with crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, red onion, and parsley. Tossed in extra-virgin olive oil and lemon juice, this Mediterranean cucumber tomato salad delivers a bright, refreshing taste in just 10 minutes. It’s a classic Mediterranean side dish that’s naturally healthy, light, and perfect for everyday meals. No vinegar, no feta — just a simple, authentic version. Serve it as a side, a light lunch, or as part of a mezze platter with grilled meats or pita.

Ready in 10 minutes | Healthy | Mediterranean diet friendly.

How to Make Mediterranean Cucumber Tomato Salad

Mediterranean cucumber tomato salad is a simple dish made with chopped cucumbers, tomatoes, red onion, and parsley, tossed with olive oil and lemon juice. It takes just 10 minutes to prepare and is best served fresh for maximum flavor. This healthy Mediterranean salad is light, refreshing, and perfect as a side dish or part of a mezze platter.

Chop cucumbers and tomatoes
Slice red onion and chop parsley
Combine in a bowl
Add olive oil and lemon juice
Season and toss

What Is Mediterranean Cucumber Tomato Salad?

Mediterranean cucumber tomato salad is a fresh, simple dish made with crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, red onion, and parsley, all tossed in olive oil and lemon juice. It’s a staple in Mediterranean cuisine thanks to its bright flavors and wholesome ingredients. This salad is naturally vegan, gluten-free, and packed with nutrients. It’s commonly served as a side dish or part of a mezze platter alongside dips and breads.

Fresh Ingredients You’ll Need

This salad uses a handful of fresh, everyday ingredients that come together beautifully. Cucumbers add crunch, while ripe tomatoes bring natural sweetness and juiciness. Red onion provides a sharp bite that balances the flavors, and parsley adds a fresh herbal note. The simple dressing of olive oil and lemon juice enhances everything without overpowering the vegetables.

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Mediterranean Cucumber Tomato Salad Recipe Card

Here’s a quick overview of how to make this Mediterranean cucumber tomato salad, including ingredients, prep time, and step-by-step instructions.

Mediterranean cucumber tomato salad with red onion, parsley, olive oil, and lemon juice in a bowl

Mediterranean Cucumber Tomato Salad Recipe

A fresh Mediterranean cucumber tomato salad made with crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, red onion, and parsley, tossed in a light lemon and olive oil dressing. This easy, healthy salad is ready in 10 minutes and perfect as a refreshing side dish.

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Prep Time 10

Total Time 10

Servings: 4 people

Course: Salad, Side Dish

Cuisine: Mediterranean

Calories: 120

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

2 cups cucumber – chopped
2 cups tomatoes (cherry or Roma) – chopped
1/2 small red onion – thinly sliced
1/4 cup fresh parsley – finely chopped
3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
Salt – to taste
Black pepper – to taste

Method

Start by placing your diced cucumbers, tomatoes, red onion, and fresh parsley into a large mixing bowl.
Pour the extra-virgin olive oil and fresh lemon juice over the top.
Then, season with salt and black pepper.
Give everything a gentle toss until the vegetables are evenly coated.
While you can enjoy it right away, letting the salad rest in the fridge for 15 minutes allows the bright Mediterranean flavors to develop fully.

Notes

This Mediterranean cucumber tomato salad is a quick and healthy side dish perfect for the Mediterranean diet.

Tips for the Best Cucumber Tomato Salad

Look for red tomatoes, heavy for their size, and have a deep aroma; peak-season fruit will give the salad its most vibrant flavor.
Try letting the red onion slices steep in a bowl of ice water for five minutes to mellow out their sharpness.
Wait until the very last moment to dress your salad. This ensures every vegetable stays perfectly snappy and crisp.

How to Keep Cucumber Tomato Salad from Getting Watery

To keep your cucumber-tomato salad from getting soggy, salt the sliced vegetables in a colander for 15 minutes to draw out excess moisture. For the best results, remove the seeds, pat the vegetables dry with a paper towel, and wait to add the dressing until just before serving to ensure a crisp, fresh crunch every time.

What to Serve with Mediterranean Cucumber Tomato Salad

You can serve this salad as a side with Mediterranean chicken thighs or Mediterranean baked sea bass.
Pair with creamy Italian chicken penne pasta.
Finish with an easy kunafa with cheese for dessert for a full Mediterranean meal experience.
Add it to a Mediterranean mezze platter with hummus, falafel, and warm pita bread for a full Mediterranean platter.
This salad is also great inside wraps or sandwiches, such as a falafel wrap or shawarma.

Mediterranean cucumber tomato salad with lemon, olive oil, and herbs served with falafel, hummus, and pita bread.

How to Store Cucumber Tomato Salad

Place your salad into an airtight container. They’ll stay perfectly fresh and flavorful in the fridge for up to two days.
Note that this salad is truly at its peak when served immediately. Because cucumbers naturally release moisture as they sit, the salad may become slightly watery if stored for too long.

Easy Mediterranean Cucumber Tomato Salad Recipe FAQs

Can I make cucumber tomato salad ahead of time?

Yes, but it’s best made shortly before serving for optimal freshness. If preparing ahead, keep the dressing separate and mix just before serving to prevent the vegetables from becoming soggy.

How do you keep Mediterranean salad from getting watery?

To reduce excess moisture, you can lightly salt the cucumbers and let them sit for a few minutes, then drain before mixing. Serving the salad immediately also helps maintain its crisp texture.

Is Mediterranean cucumber tomato salad healthy?

Yes, this salad is low in calories and rich in vitamins, antioxidants, and healthy fats from olive oil. It’s a great option for those following a Mediterranean diet or looking for a light, nutritious dish.

Can I add other ingredients to this salad?

Absolutely. While the classic version is simple, you can add ingredients like feta cheese, olives, or bell peppers for extra flavor and variety.

What type of cucumber is best for this salad?

English cucumbers (seedless cucumbers) or Persian cucumbers (mini cucumbers) are ideal because they have fewer seeds and thinner skin. They provide a crisp texture without needing to be peeled.

If you try this Mediterranean cucumber tomato salad recipe, I’d love to hear how it turned out for you. Leave a comment below and let me know what you served it with or how you made it your own. Don’t forget to save this recipe for later and share it with family and friends who enjoy easy, delicious Mediterranean meals!

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