Salad Recipe With Tomatoes, Cucumbers, Onions and Cilantro

Fresh tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, zesty onions, and fragrant cilantro come together in a perfect harmony of flavors in this delightful salad. Simple yet satisfying, it’s a colorful and healthy dish that pairs wonderfully with grilled meats, seafood, or even as a light lunch. With its vibrant crunch and bold taste, this recipe is an easy way to brighten up your table.

This salad recipe is full of healthy ingredients.  It’s very summery and crunchy, and goes perfectly with meat and seafood main dishes.

This salad uses very common ingredients – tomatoes, cucumbers, onion and cilantro.  When these ordinary ingredients are mixed together, they create a beautiful colorful salad that’s very tasty.

Why You’ll Love Salad Recipe With Tomatoes, Cucumbers, Onions, and Cilantro

• Vibrant and fresh flavors: Each bite is a refreshing mix of juicy tomatoes, crunchy cucumbers, and aromatic cilantro, making it a burst of summer in every bite.
• Quick and easy: With just 10 minutes of prep time, this salad is perfect for busy days or when you need a last-minute side dish.
• Healthy and wholesome: Packed with fresh veggies, this salad is a nutrient-rich, low-calorie option that fits perfectly into a healthy lifestyle.
• Versatile pairing: Whether you’re serving grilled chicken, roasted salmon, or a hearty vegetarian meal, this salad complements almost any main dish beautifully.
• Crowd-pleaser: The simple yet bold combination of ingredients makes this salad a favorite among family and friends at gatherings, potlucks, and barbecues.

Salad Ingredients:

• 3 tomatoes – Juicy and ripe tomatoes add a burst of sweetness and vibrant color.
• 2 cucumbers – Fresh cucumbers provide a satisfying crunch and refreshing flavor.
• 1 small onion – Adds a bit of zest and sharpness to balance the flavors.
• 1/2 bunch of cilantro – The fragrant, herbaceous note ties all the ingredients together beautifully.
• 1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil – Brings a light, smooth richness to the salad.
• 1 tsp vinegar – Adds a tangy touch that enhances the overall flavor.
• Salt and pepper to taste – Essential for seasoning and bringing out the natural flavors of the vegetables.

For a printable card of the ingredients, check out the recipe card at the end of this article.

Kitchen Tools You Need To Make Salad Recipe With Tomatoes, Cucumbers, Onions, and Cilantro

• Cutting board – A sturdy surface for chopping all the fresh ingredients.
• Knife – Essential for dicing the tomatoes, cucumbers, onion, and cilantro with precision.
• Salad bowl – Perfect for mixing and serving the salad.
• Measuring spoons – For accurately measuring the olive oil and vinegar.

Directions How To Make This Healthy Salad:

Wash the tomatoes, cucumbers and cilantro.  Chop the tomatoes.  Chop the cucumbers.  Chop the cilantro.  Peel the onion, then cut the onion into small pieces.

Below I took a picture of the chopped ingredients on the cutting board.  They are ready to go in a salad bowl!

Put chopped tomatoes, cucumbers, onion and cilantro into a bowl.

Sprinkle the salad with oil and vinegar, and mix until combined.  Sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste.

Enjoy eating this healthy, crunchy and colorful salad with tomatoes, cucumbers, onions and cilantro!

Serving Suggestions

• Serve this salad as a fresh and colorful side dish with Juicy Grilled Chicken Thighs Without Bones, Tender Air Fryer Chuck Steak | Boneless and Juicy, or Crispy Air Fryer Frozen Calamari Rings.
• Pair it with Soft and Fluffy Homemade Challah Bread or warm Crispy Oven-Baked Pita Chips for a light and satisfying meal.
• Use it as a topping for Flavorful Caribbean Jerk Chicken Tacos or Chipotle-Style Mexican Taco Burrito Bowls to add a burst of freshness.
• Include it as part of a Mediterranean-style mezze platter with Creamy Homemade Hummus, olives, and cheese.
• Garnish with additional cilantro leaves for an extra pop of color and flavor before serving.

Tips For Success

• Choose fresh, ripe ingredients: For the best flavor, use ripe, juicy tomatoes and fresh, firm cucumbers. Check that the cilantro is vibrant green without any wilting.
• Adjust seasoning to taste: Taste the salad after mixing and adjust the salt, pepper, and vinegar based on your preference. Adding a touch more vinegar can enhance the tanginess, while extra olive oil adds richness.
• Dice ingredients evenly: Uniformly chopped tomatoes, cucumbers, and onions not only make the salad look appealing but also ensure a balanced bite every time.
• Serve immediately: This salad is best enjoyed fresh for maximum crunch and flavor. The longer it sits, the more liquid is released by the vegetables, which can make it soggy.
• Make it your own: Add a squeeze of fresh lime juice for extra brightness or toss in a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle heat. You can also add diced avocado or crumbled feta cheese to elevate the dish further.
• Storage tip: If you need to prepare this salad ahead of time, chop the vegetables and store them separately. Combine the ingredients and dress the salad just before serving to maintain its crisp texture.

Variations And Substitutions

• Swap the herbs: If you’re not a fan of cilantro, substitute it with parsley or dill for a different flavor profile. Each herb will bring its unique touch to the dish.
• Add some crunch: Include diced bell peppers or sliced radishes for an extra crunch and burst of color. These additions can elevate the texture of the salad.
• Incorporate protein: Turn this salad into a more filling meal by adding diced grilled chicken, cooked shrimp, or chickpeas. They’ll complement the fresh ingredients beautifully.
• Use different vinegars: Replace the standard vinegar with balsamic, apple cider, or red wine vinegar to add a new dimension of flavor. Experiment to find your favorite!
• Make it creamy: Toss the salad with a dollop of Greek yogurt or a spoonful of sour cream to create a creamy variation. It’s a simple twist that feels indulgent.
• Go Mediterranean: Add crumbled feta cheese, kalamata olives, and a sprinkle of oregano for a Mediterranean-inspired version of this salad.
• Spicy kick: Sprinkle in a dash of cayenne pepper or add finely chopped chili peppers if you like a bit of heat in your salad.

Storage And Reheating

• Storage: Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. For the best texture and flavor, enjoy it within 24 hours. After that, the vegetables may start to release too much liquid, making the salad less crunchy.
• Keep dressing separate: If you’re prepping the salad ahead of time, store the chopped vegetables and dressing separately. Combine them just before serving to maintain freshness.
• Revive leftovers: If the salad becomes watery after sitting in the fridge, simply drain any excess liquid, give it a quick toss, and adjust the seasoning with a little extra salt or vinegar to refresh the flavors.
• Avoid freezing: Due to the high water content of the vegetables, freezing this salad is not recommended, as it will lose its crisp texture upon thawing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can! To keep it fresh and crisp, chop all the vegetables in advance and store them in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator. Wait to combine the ingredients and add the dressing until just before serving. This will prevent the vegetables from becoming soggy.

What other herbs can I use if I don’t like cilantro?

If cilantro isn’t your favorite, parsley, dill, or mint are excellent substitutes. They each bring a unique flavor to the salad, so feel free to experiment and see which one you prefer.

Can I add other vegetables to this salad?

Absolutely! This salad is very versatile. Bell peppers, radishes, or even diced avocado are great additions. You can customize it with your favorite vegetables to suit your taste.

What type of vinegar works best for this salad?

The recipe calls for standard vinegar, but you can switch it up based on your preferences. Red wine vinegar, apple cider vinegar, or balsamic vinegar can all add a unique flavor twist to the salad.

How long will this salad last in the fridge?

For the best flavor and texture, it’s recommended to enjoy the salad within 24 hours. After that, the vegetables might lose their crunch and release too much liquid.

Can I make this salad without onions?

Yes, you can omit the onions if you’re not a fan. The salad will still be delicious with just the tomatoes, cucumbers, and cilantro.

Other Easy Tomato Recipes

Juicy Tomato and Creamy Burrata Salad – A refreshing salad featuring ripe tomatoes, creamy burrata, and a drizzle of olive oil for the perfect appetizer.

Oven-Baked Crispy Green Tomatoes Recipe – A healthier twist on a Southern classic, these crispy baked green tomatoes are crunchy and full of flavor.

Simple Tomato Breakfast Toast – Toasted bread topped with juicy tomatoes, a drizzle of olive oil, and a sprinkle of salt for an easy, delicious breakfast.

Homemade Southern-Style Tomato Sauce – A rich and savory tomato gravy perfect for pairing with biscuits, rice, or pasta.

Other Easy Cucumber Recipes

Refreshing Cucumber and Crisp Apple Salad – A light and crunchy salad combining fresh cucumbers, sweet apples, and a tangy dressing.

Low-Carb Shrimp Cucumber Bites with Cream Cheese – A keto-friendly appetizer featuring creamy cucumber rounds topped with shrimp and seasoned cream cheese.

Spicy Korean-Style Cucumber Side Dish – A bold, flavorful cucumber dish with a kick of spice, perfect for pairing with Korean BBQ or rice dishes.

More Side Dish Recipes

• Grilled Plantains Recipe | Healthy Side Dish Made Easy
• Naturally Sweet Oven-Baked Apples Recipe | No Sugar Added
• Spicy Mango Stir-Fry Recipe