Cucumber Tomato Salad with Italian Dressing

When it comes to fresh and crunchy, this zesty cucumber tomato salad with Italian dressing is like no other, especially when it’s made in season. Featuring just a few simple ingredients—cucumbers, tomatoes, onions and Italian dressing—this salad can be thrown together on a whim and ready to enjoy within minutes. Because the flavors are versatile, it can be topped with a variety of dressings, so you don’t have to stick with the Italian dressing, if that’s not your fave. Make this a few hours in advance for a delightfully chilled, crunchy salad that hits the spot on a warm evening.

Ingredients for Cucumber Tomato Salad with Italian Dressing

• Cucumbers: English, pickling, mini or just any garden-variety fresh cucumber is fine. It’s up to you if you’d prefer to leave the skin on or not.
• Tomato: A large, meaty heirloom or a variety of cherry tomatoes would work well in this salad.
• Onion: A red onion, cut into thin strips, is best.
• Italian dressing: Use your favorite Italian (or other) dressing, or make your own homemade Italian vinaigrette.

Directions

Step 1: Combine the ingredients

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In a large serving bowl, combine the cucumber, tomato and onion.

Step 2: Dress the salad

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Add the dressing, then toss to coat. Serve the salad immediately, or let it chill before serving.

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Recipe Variations

• Add fresh herbs: Minced fresh basil, parsley or cilantro are all good additions to this salad.
• Use vinegar: Opt out of Italian dressing, and instead use vinegar for flavor. ACV or red wine vinegar are both lovely options. Add a dash of sugar if you’d like to cut the tartness of the vinegar.
• Toss in some corn: Fresh corn, sliced off the cob, adds an incredible boost in flavor.

How to Store Cucumber Tomato Salad with Italian Dressing

To store any leftovers, simply cover the bowl in plastic wrap and keep it in the fridge. Leftovers last at least a few days, depending on your particular texture preferences (the tomato and cucumber can become mushy after a day or two).

Can you make cucumber tomato salad ahead of time?

Because this salad is lovely chilled, it’s perfectly fine to make it ahead. However, it’s best to make this just a few hours in advance, as too many days of soaking in the dressing can cause the tomatoes and cucumbers to become mushy and saturated.

Cucumber Tomato Salad with Italian Dressing Tips

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How should I prep the tomatoes or cucumbers?

It’s up to you if you’d like to do any prep work for the veggies, other than slicing. Some prefer to de-seed the tomatoes, and some prefer skinless cucumbers. Either way, this salad’s striking flavor won’t be altered by how you choose to prep your veggies.

What other dressings can I use?

The dressing here is really up to you, including making a homemade salad dressing. If you want to swap out the Italian dressing, use Greek, a favorite vinaigrette, a honey balsamic or any vinegar-based dressing you like. This salad is also good with a creamy Italian dressing for a smoother, less zesty flavor.

What should I serve with this tomato and cucumber salad with Italian dressing?

This is an excellent side salad to serve alongside a juicy burger, chicken wings or your favorite grilled foods.