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Cucumber Salad Recipe

Crunchy, cool, and cookout-ready — this easy cucumber salad recipe is the side dish that knows how to keep its cool while the grill is showing off.

There are some recipes that just taste like summer walked into the kitchen barefoot, grabbed a cutting board, and said, “Let’s keep this simple.” This Cucumber Salad Recipe is exactly that kind of fresh, fuss-free side dish. It is crisp, colorful, lightly tangy, and packed with the kind of garden-fresh flavor that belongs beside burgers, grilled chicken, hot dogs, BBQ ribs, picnic plates, and every paper-plate feast of the season.

This recipe originally came from my friend Briana, and it has all the best parts of a reliable warm-weather side: cucumbers for crunch, tomatoes for juicy sweetness, red onion for bite, sesame vinaigrette for tang, and sesame seeds for a little sprinkle of “look at me being fancy.” It is simple enough for a weeknight dinner but pretty enough for potlucks, backyard BBQs, Memorial Day cookouts, Fourth of July gatherings, and lazy summer lunches.

If you are building a full holiday menu, this cucumber tomato salad fits beautifully into my Memorial Day Recipes & Party Ideas hub. It is the cool, crisp side dish your table needs when the menu is leaning smoky, saucy, cheesy, or grilled. Think of it as the refreshing little palate reset between bites of chili dogs, corn on the cob, potato salad, and all the BBQ goodness.

Looking for more summer sides? This salad also belongs right at home in the Easy Side Dish Recipes collection, especially when you need something fresh, fast, and make-ahead friendly.

Why You’ll Love This Cucumber Salad Recipe

This easy cucumber salad is one of those “barely a recipe, totally a keeper” dishes. It does not require cooking, complicated prep, or a sink full of dishes. Just slice, chop, toss, chill if you have time, and serve.

It is fresh and crunchy. Cucumbers bring that crisp snap that makes every bite feel light and refreshing.
It is perfect for summer cookouts. Serve it with grilled meats, burgers, hot dogs, sandwiches, BBQ chicken, ribs, or seafood.
It is easy to scale. The “one part cucumber, one part tomato, one part red onion” method makes it simple to feed two people or fifty.
It is make-ahead friendly. Prep the vegetables ahead, then toss with dressing closer to serving time for the best texture.
It adds color to the table. Green cucumber, red tomato, purple onion, and golden sesame seeds make this simple salad look party-ready.
It balances heavier dishes. Pair it with rich, smoky, saucy foods when your plate needs something cool and bright.

It is also a smart side dish when your cookout menu already includes creamy classics like Instant Pot Potato Salad. The potato salad brings the comfort; this cucumber salad brings the crunch. Together, they are basically the buddy comedy of summer sides.

What Is Cucumber Salad?

Cucumber salad is a fresh side dish made with sliced or chopped cucumbers and a flavorful dressing. Some versions are creamy with sour cream or yogurt, some are vinegar-based, and this version leans bright and savory with sesame vinaigrette, tomatoes, red onion, and sesame seeds.

This particular cucumber tomato salad has a light Asian-inspired twist thanks to the sesame vinaigrette and sesame seed garnish. It is not heavy, not fussy, and not the kind of salad that wilts dramatically in the corner. It stays crisp, refreshing, and ready for second helpings.

Cucumber Salad Ingredients

The beauty of this recipe is its simplicity. You do not need exact measurements if you are serving a crowd. Use equal parts cucumber, tomato, and red onion, then dress to taste.

Cucumbers

Use fresh, firm cucumbers with smooth skin and a crisp texture. Traditional garden cucumbers work well, especially if you peel them first. English cucumbers or Persian cucumbers also work beautifully if you prefer fewer seeds and a slightly sweeter crunch.

Tomatoes

Roma tomatoes are a great choice because they are meaty, flavorful, and less watery than some slicing tomatoes. If you cannot find good Romas, use what you have. Cherry tomatoes, grape tomatoes, or fresh garden tomatoes can all work in this easy summer cucumber salad.

Red Onion

Red onion adds color, sharpness, and that little bit of bite that keeps the salad from tasting flat. The trick is to rinse sliced or chopped onion under cold water before adding it to the salad. It helps mellow the sharpness and reduces that lingering onion breath situation. We love flavor. We do not need to announce it three conversations later.

Sesame Vinaigrette

Briana’s original version used Annie’s Shiitake Sesame Vinaigrette. If you can find it, it adds a delicious savory-sesame flavor. If not, use your favorite sesame vinaigrette or Asian-style dressing. Newman’s Own can work in a pinch, but the flavor may be slightly different.

Sesame Seeds

A sprinkle of sesame seeds gives the salad a finished look and adds a tiny nutty crunch. Use white sesame seeds, black sesame seeds, or a mix of both.

Peeled cucumbers ready for an easy cucumber salad recipe with tomatoes and red onion — Start with fresh cucumbers for the crispest cucumber salad.

How to Make Cucumber Salad

This cucumber salad recipe comes together quickly, and the prep is refreshingly simple. You are not roasting, simmering, baking, or babysitting a pan. It is just fresh vegetables, a good knife, a bowl, and a dressing that does the heavy lifting.

Step 1: Peel the Cucumbers

Using a vegetable peeler, peel the cucumbers. You can remove all of the skin or leave a few thin strips if you like a little color and texture.

Cucumbers sliced lengthwise for homemade cucumber salad with sesame vinaigrette — Slice the cucumbers lengthwise so they are easier to chop into bite-size pieces.

Step 2: Slice the Cucumbers Lengthwise

Slice each cucumber in half lengthwise, then slice each half lengthwise again. This gives you long cucumber quarters that are easy to chop into crisp, bite-size pieces.

Chopped cucumbers for a fresh cucumber tomato red onion salad — Chop the cucumbers into pieces that are easy to scoop and serve.

Step 3: Chop the Cucumbers

Chop the cucumber quarters into bite-size pieces and place them in a large mixing bowl. If you are making enough for a potluck or cookout crowd, use your biggest bowl. This salad likes room to mingle.

Step 4: Remove the Tomato Stems

Remove the stems from the tomatoes. A melon baller works beautifully for this because it scoops out the stem area without wasting much of the tomato. It is one of those tiny kitchen tricks that feels oddly satisfying every single time.

Removing tomato stems with a melon baller for cucumber tomato salad — A melon baller removes tomato stems with less waste.

Step 5: Slice the Tomatoes

Slice the tomatoes lengthwise first. Then turn them and slice in the opposite direction to create chopped tomato pieces that blend easily with the cucumbers and onion.

Tomatoes sliced lengthwise for cucumber tomato salad recipe — Slice tomatoes lengthwise before chopping them into smaller pieces.

Chopping tomatoes for an easy cucumber salad recipe with red onion — Turn the tomato and slice in the opposite direction for easy chopped pieces.

Step 6: Chop and Rinse the Red Onion

Chop the red onion coarsely. After slicing or chopping, rinse the onion under cold water. This helps reduce the sharp residue that causes strong onion smell and lingering breath. It keeps the onion flavor bright without letting it bully the whole bowl.

Chopped red onion rinsed in cold water for cucumber salad — Rinse chopped red onion in cold water for a milder, fresher flavor.

Step 7: Toss Everything Together

Add the chopped tomatoes and rinsed red onion to the bowl with the cucumbers. Toss gently to combine. Pour sesame vinaigrette over the vegetables and stir until everything is lightly coated.

Start with less dressing than you think you need, then add more to taste. Cucumbers and tomatoes release moisture as they sit, so a little dressing can go a long way.

Step 8: Garnish with Sesame Seeds

Sprinkle sesame seeds over the top just before serving. They add texture, flavor, and that final “yes, I absolutely meant for this to look this good” finish.

Cucumber salad recipe finished with sesame seeds and sesame vinaigrette — Finish the cucumber salad with sesame seeds for a pretty, nutty garnish.

Expert Tips for the Best Cucumber Salad

Use the Freshest Cucumbers You Can Find

Since cucumber is the star of this easy cucumber salad recipe, freshness matters. Look for cucumbers that feel firm, not soft or wrinkled. A crisp cucumber gives this salad its signature crunch.

Do Not Overdress the Salad

Cucumbers and tomatoes naturally release water after they are chopped. Add enough sesame vinaigrette to coat the vegetables, but avoid drowning them. You can always add more dressing right before serving.

Rinse the Onion

This little step makes a big difference. Rinsing chopped red onion in cold water softens the bite and keeps the onion from overpowering the salad.

Chill Before Serving

If you have time, chill the salad for 20 to 30 minutes before serving. This gives the vegetables a chance to soak up the dressing while staying crisp and refreshing.

Add Sesame Seeds Last

For the prettiest presentation, sprinkle sesame seeds over the salad just before serving. They stay more noticeable and add a little crunch on top.

Make It for a Crowd

The equal-parts method makes this recipe easy to scale. Use one cucumber, one tomato, and one portion of red onion for a small batch, or keep increasing each ingredient evenly for a crowd. Briana made enough to feed 50, which is exactly the kind of confident salad energy we love at a potluck.

Variations and Creative Ideas

Add Fresh Herbs

Fresh basil, cilantro, parsley, or dill can make this cucumber tomato salad even brighter. Basil leans sweet and summery, cilantro adds a fresh pop, parsley keeps it classic, and dill gives it more of a garden-salad feel.

Make It Spicy

Add thinly sliced jalapeño, crushed red pepper flakes, chili crisp, or a drizzle of spicy sesame dressing if you want a little heat.

Add Avocado

For a creamier version, gently fold in diced avocado just before serving. It makes the salad a little richer while still keeping things fresh.

Add Feta or Mozzarella

Crumbled feta gives the salad a salty Mediterranean twist, while mozzarella pearls make it feel a little like a cucumber caprese salad.

Try Cherry Tomatoes

If Roma tomatoes are not looking their best, cherry or grape tomatoes are a great swap. Slice them in half so they mix evenly with the cucumber and onion.

Make It a Meal Prep Salad

Keep the chopped cucumbers, tomatoes, and onion in one container and the dressing in another. Toss them together when you are ready to eat for the crispest texture.

What to Serve with Cucumber Salad

This cucumber salad is the kind of side dish that slides onto almost any summer plate and instantly makes the meal feel fresher. It is especially good with rich, smoky, cheesy, or saucy recipes because the cucumber and tomato cut through heavier flavors.

For a classic Memorial Day or summer BBQ menu, serve this salad with How to Shuck and Cook Corn on the Cob or Pressure Cooker Corn on the Cob in 2 Minutes. Corn and cucumber salad together bring that sunny, fresh-from-the-market energy to the table.

It also pairs well with potluck favorites like Easy Taco Salad Recipe, especially if you are building a casual summer spread where everyone can scoop, crunch, and go back for seconds.

If you are leaning into bright, fresh sides, add Pineapple Mango Salsa or Tomato Salsa Recipe to the table. These recipes bring color, freshness, and the kind of scoopable summer flavor that disappears fast.

For dinner pairings beyond the cookout table, try this cucumber salad with Instant Pot Sesame Chicken Recipe. The sesame vinaigrette in the salad plays nicely with the savory-sweet sesame flavors in the chicken.

And if you are planning a grown-up summer patio moment, this salad makes a fun fresh bite next to a chilled Basil Cucumber Smash Recipe. Cucumber in the glass, cucumber on the plate — that is what we call staying on theme.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

Can You Make Cucumber Salad Ahead of Time?

Yes, but for the best texture, prep the vegetables ahead and wait to add the dressing until closer to serving. Cucumbers and tomatoes release liquid as they sit, so the salad can become watery if it is dressed too early.

How Long Does Cucumber Salad Last?

This salad is best enjoyed the day it is made, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The vegetables will soften over time, but the flavor will still be delicious.

How Do You Keep Cucumber Salad from Getting Watery?

Use firm cucumbers, avoid overdressing, and serve the salad soon after tossing. If your cucumbers are especially watery, you can lightly salt the chopped cucumbers and let them sit for 10 to 15 minutes, then drain off excess liquid before adding the tomatoes, onion, and dressing.

FAQs About Cucumber Salad

What cucumbers are best for cucumber salad?

Garden cucumbers, English cucumbers, and Persian cucumbers all work well. Garden cucumbers are easy to find and taste great peeled. English and Persian cucumbers usually have thinner skins and fewer seeds, so they are especially nice for crisp salads.

Do I have to peel the cucumbers?

No. Peeling is optional. If the cucumber skin is thick or waxy, peeling gives the salad a better texture. If you are using English or Persian cucumbers, you can leave the skin on for extra color and crunch.

Can I use a different dressing?

Yes. Sesame vinaigrette gives this cucumber salad its signature flavor, but you can use an Asian-style dressing, rice vinegar dressing, Italian dressing, or a homemade vinaigrette.

Can I make this cucumber salad without tomatoes?

Absolutely. You can leave out the tomatoes and add more cucumber, extra onion, bell pepper, avocado, herbs, or shredded carrots.

Can I make this salad for a potluck?

Yes. This is a great potluck side dish because it is easy to scale and does not require reheating. For the best results, bring the dressing separately and toss the salad shortly before serving.

Is cucumber salad good for Memorial Day?

Yes. Cucumber salad is a refreshing Memorial Day side dish because it balances BBQ, burgers, hot dogs, grilled chicken, ribs, and creamy sides. It adds crunch, color, and freshness to a warm-weather cookout menu.

How do I make cucumber salad taste better?

Use fresh vegetables, season lightly, choose a flavorful dressing, rinse the red onion, and let the salad chill for a short time before serving. A sprinkle of sesame seeds, fresh herbs, or a little cracked black pepper can also make the flavors pop.

Final Thoughts

This Cucumber Salad Recipe is proof that summer side dishes do not have to be complicated to be memorable. With crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, red onion, sesame vinaigrette, and a sprinkle of sesame seeds, it brings freshness to the table without stealing your whole afternoon.

It is easy enough for a weeknight dinner, pretty enough for a potluck, and refreshing enough to earn a spot on your Memorial Day cookout menu. Serve it beside grilled meats, corn on the cob, potato salad, taco salad, sesame chicken, or your favorite summer spread. It is cool, crunchy, colorful, and exactly the kind of side dish that makes everyone say, “Wait, who made this?”

And honestly? That is the best kind of salad compliment.

This recipe was originally published May 2, 2018, and updated May 24, 2026, with improved instructions, updates, and new photos.