Three ingredients. Five minutes. Zero cooking.
If you’ve ever spent 30 minutes chopping kale only to end up with a sad, wilted mess, this cucumber tomato and onion salad is your redemption. It’s crunchy, refreshing, and stupidly simple—no fancy techniques, no obscure ingredients hiding in the back of your pantry. Why drown veggies in ranch when you can let them shine?
Bonus: it’s impossible to mess up (unless you forget how to use a knife). Ready to outshine every potluck without actually trying? Here’s how.
Why This Salad Slaps
This isn’t just a salad—it’s a flavor bomb with minimal effort.
The crisp cucumber, juicy tomatoes, and sharp onions create a texture party in your mouth. Add a tangy dressing, and you’ve got a side dish that steals the show. It’s vegan, gluten-free, and low-calorie, but nobody will care because it’s just that good.
Plus, it’s customizable AF. Hate onions? Swap ’em.
Want more kick? Add chili flakes. This recipe is your canvas, and you’re the lazy artist.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 large cucumber (or 2 small ones)
- 2 medium tomatoes (ripe but firm)
- 1 small red onion (white works too, but red’s prettier)
- 2 tbsp olive oil (the good stuff, not the sad bottle from 2018)
- 1 tbsp lemon juice or vinegar (apple cider or red wine vinegar for the win)
- Salt and pepper (to taste, but don’t be shy)
- Optional: Fresh herbs (parsley, cilantro, or dill), chili flakes, feta cheese
How to Make It (Without Losing Your Mind)
- Wash and chop. Dice the cucumber, tomatoes, and onion into bite-sized pieces.Pro tip: If you hate raw onion’s bite, soak the slices in cold water for 10 minutes first.
- Mix the dressing. Whisk olive oil, lemon juice/vinegar, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Taste it. Adjust.Repeat until your taste buds cheer.
- Combine and toss. Throw the veggies in a large bowl, pour the dressing over them, and gently toss. Pretend you’re a fancy chef for 10 seconds.
- Optional upgrades. Add herbs, chili flakes, or feta if you’re feeling extra. Toss again.
- Serve or chill. Eat immediately for max crunch, or let it sit 15 minutes for deeper flavor.Your call.
How to Store It (If It Even Lasts That Long)
This salad is best fresh but can hang out in the fridge for up to 2 days. Store it in an airtight container, but expect the tomatoes to get softer. FYI, the onions will get stronger—fair warning.
If you’re meal-prepping, keep the dressing separate and add it right before eating.
Why This Salad Is Basically a Superfood
- Hydration station: Cucumbers are 96% water. Eat this, and you’re basically drinking a spa day.
- Vitamin boost: Tomatoes pack lycopene (antioxidant MVP), and onions have quercetin (fancy word for “anti-inflammatory”).
- Digestion-friendly: The fiber trio keeps your gut happy without the bloat.
- Low-calorie win: A giant bowl is under 150 calories. Eat the whole thing.We won’t judge.
Common Mistakes (Don’t Be That Person)
- Soggy veggies: Don’t drown the salad in dressing. Add just enough to coat.
- Over-chopping: Tiny pieces turn to mush. Keep ’em chunky.
- Blandness: Underseasoning is a crime.Taste as you go.
- Sad tomatoes: Use ripe but firm ones. Mushy tomatoes = sad salad.
Swaps and Upgrades (Because Rules Are Fake)
- No cucumbers? Try bell peppers or zucchini.
- Vinegar swap: Balsamic for sweetness, rice vinegar for mild tang.
- Herb-free zone? Use dried oregano or basil. Not the same, but it works.
- Add protein: Chickpeas, grilled chicken, or tofu make it a meal.
FAQs (Because People Overthink Salads)
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, but add the dressing max 1 hour before serving to avoid sogginess.
Store veggies and dressing separately if prepping earlier.
How do I reduce the onion’s sharpness?
Soak sliced onions in cold water for 10 minutes, or use green onions for milder flavor.
Is this salad keto-friendly?
Yep! It’s low-carb, but skip optional add-ons like honey or sweet dressings if you’re strict keto.
Can I use cherry tomatoes?
Absolutely. Halve them for easier eating.
They’re sweeter, so adjust seasoning if needed.
Why does my salad taste bland?
You skimped on salt or acid. Fix it with a pinch more salt or a splash of lemon juice. Taste.
Repeat.
Final Thoughts
This cucumber tomato and onion salad is the culinary equivalent of a mic drop. It’s easy, healthy, and tastes like summer in a bowl. Whether you’re lazy, busy, or just hate complicated recipes, this one’s your new go-to.
Now go forth and impress people with your ~~gourmet~~ three-ingredient masterpiece.
