You’ve had salads before. Boring, soggy, “why did I even bother” salads. This isn’t one of them.
Cucumber and tomato salad with mint is the lazy genius of side dishes—minimal effort, maximum flavor, and it actually makes you look like you know what you’re doing in the kitchen. No fancy skills, no weird ingredients, just crisp, refreshing goodness. And if you’re still eating sad, unseasoned greens, we need to talk.
What Makes This Recipe So Good
This salad is crunchy, juicy, and herby all at once.
The cucumbers stay crisp, the tomatoes burst with sweetness, and the mint? It’s like a tiny flavor explosion in every bite. Plus, it takes 10 minutes tops.
You could probably make it blindfolded (but maybe don’t). It’s also stupidly versatile—pair it with grilled meat, fish, or just eat it straight from the bowl. No judgment.
Ingredients
- 2 medium cucumbers (peeled if you’re fancy, unpeeled if you’re lazy)
- 4 ripe tomatoes (the juicier, the better)
- 1 small red onion (thinly sliced, unless you enjoy onion breath for days)
- 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves (chopped, not shredded like your last relationship)
- 2 tbsp olive oil (extra virgin, because basic olive oil is for salads that gave up on life)
- 1 tbsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed, not from that sad plastic bottle)
- Salt and pepper (to taste, but don’t be shy)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Chop the veggies: Dice the cucumbers and tomatoes into bite-sized pieces.Pro tip: If your tomatoes are too juicy, scoop out the seeds (or embrace the mess).
- Slice the onion: Thin is in. Soak the slices in cold water for 5 minutes if you want to tone down the sharpness.
- Mix it up: Toss cucumbers, tomatoes, onion, and mint in a large bowl. Pretend you’re a salad DJ.
- Dress it: Drizzle olive oil and lemon juice over the mix.Season with salt and pepper. Toss again—gently, like you’re handling a fragile ego.
- Serve immediately or let it sit for 10 minutes to let the flavors mingle (like a good party).
Storage Instructions
This salad is best eaten fresh, but if you must store it, keep it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 24 hours. The cucumbers will lose some crunch, and the tomatoes might get a little mushy, but it’ll still taste good.
FYI, the mint might darken—totally normal, not a salad crime.
Benefits of This Recipe
Besides being delicious, this salad is low-calorie, hydrating, and packed with vitamins. Cucumbers are mostly water (great for hydration), tomatoes are loaded with lycopene (fancy word for “good for you”), and mint aids digestion. It’s also vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free, so it’s basically a crowd-pleaser unless your crowd hates flavor.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Over-dressing: Too much oil or lemon juice turns this into a soup.Start light, add more if needed.
- Using sad tomatoes: If your tomatoes taste like cardboard, so will your salad. RIP.
- Chopping mint too early: It bruises easily. Chop it right before adding.
- Skipping salt: Salt isn’t optional here.It brings out the flavors—science, not opinion.
Alternatives
Feel like mixing it up? Try these swaps:
- Swap mint for basil or parsley (different vibe, still delicious).
- Add feta cheese for a creamy twist (because cheese makes everything better).
- Toss in some olives or avocado if you’re feeling extra.
- Use lime instead of lemon for a tangier kick.
FAQ
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, but only a few hours ahead. The longer it sits, the soggier it gets.
IMO, it’s best fresh.
What if I don’t have fresh mint?
Dried mint works in a pinch, but use half the amount (it’s stronger). Fresh is way better, though.
Can I add other veggies?
Absolutely. Bell peppers, radishes, or even some leafy greens can join the party.
Just keep the ratios balanced.
Is this salad keto-friendly?
Yep! Low-carb, high-flavor. You’re welcome, keto warriors.
Why does my salad taste bland?
You probably under-seasoned it.
Add more salt, lemon, or even a pinch of sugar to balance the acidity.
Final Thoughts
This cucumber and tomato salad with mint is the definition of “easy win.” It’s fresh, fast, and foolproof—perfect for lazy cooks and kitchen pros alike. Whether you’re serving it at a BBQ or just need a quick snack, this salad delivers. Now go forth and make something that doesn’t suck.
