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    Home » Salads » Italian Tomato Salad with Cucumbers

    Italian Tomato Salad with Cucumbers

    June 17, 2021 , Updated August 22, 2022 Maria 26 Comments

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    Cucumber tomato salad on a white plate.

    This refreshing Italian tomato salad with cucumbers is at its best when using fresh summer tomatoes. Serve it as a side dish with crusty bread to sop up the delicious juices from the vinaigrette. You can also use this simple salad recipe as a base to create delicious variations. 

    Tomato cucumber salad in a white plate; in the background a variety of fresh tomatoes.
    Jump to:
    • Introduction
    • How to make tomato salad
    • Tips
    • Variations
    • FAQ
    • Tomato salad recipes we love
    • Recipe inspiration
    • Recipe

    Introduction

    Tomatoes are at the heart of Italian cuisine. They are used extensively to make various beautiful dishes, from pizza to pasta to this insalata di pomodoro Italian for tomato salad. 

    In most salad recipes, the ingredients’ freshness significantly influences how the final product tastes. 

    This is especially true when the recipe requires only a few key components.

    The ingredients combine tomatoes and cucumbers with fresh basil and oregano. Adding high-quality extra-virgin olive oil and red wine vinegar creates a simple Italian vinaigrette that pairs perfectly with the slightly acidic juices from the ripe tomatoes. 

    It’s an uncomplicated cold tomato side dish bursting with flavor when made with the ripest in-season tomatoes and fresh ingredients.

    Another example of a simple and tasty side dish is this tomato basil cheese combination for a Caprese salad. You can taste the difference when using locally grown, fresh tomatoes.

    During tomato season, you can make delicious salads with various summer tomatoes. When making this salad out of season, use vine or cherry tomatoes, as their quality is consistent throughout the year. 

    Are you ready to make this fresh tomato salad?

    A cucumber tomato salad in a white plate surrounded by fresh tomatoes and a few pieces of Italian rustic bread.

    How to make tomato salad

    Let’s begin by rinsing the cucumber, tomatoes, fresh basil leaves and oregano. The addition of fresh parsley is optional. Then, use a clean tea towel to dry the excess water from the vegetables and a salad spinner to remove the extra moisture from the fresh herbs. You can also use paper towels.

    Herbs, one cucumber and lots and lots of different kinds of tomatoes on a wooden board.

    If you have a medium to large cucumber, cut into quarters (lengthwise) and slice into ¼-inch slices. For small to medium, cut in half (lengthwise) and slice into ¼-inch half-moons—place in a large mixing bowl. There is no need to peel the cucumber.

    Remove the core from 2 medium tomatoes and cut them into wedges. If they are large, cut them into chunks—place them in the large bowl with the chopped cucumber.

    Next, let’s chop up the herbs. Next, you need 2 teaspoons of fresh oregano and 2 tablespoons of fresh basil. Then, add to the bowl and combine gently together. As an option, you can also add one teaspoon of fresh chopped Italian flat-leaf parsley. 

    Chopped tomatoes, cucumber and herbs in a large bowl next to a small bowl of red wine vinegar vinaigrette.

    To make the salad dressing, whisk together 3 tablespoons of olive oil with 2 tablespoons of red wine vinegar in a separate small bowl. Add salt and black pepper to taste. Drizzle over the salad in the bowl, toss gently together and adjust seasonings if necessary.

    Set aside for 5 minutes for the flavors to blend and then serve. 

    Tips

    • The best time of the year to make this salad is during the peak of summer when local tomatoes are in season and available. These tomatoes usually ripen on the vine and not with chemicals.
    • Choose tomatoes that are ripe but still firm to the touch, heavy and blemish-free.
    • Store your tomatoes on the counter, away from sunlight. Never refrigerate tomatoes as they become mealy and lose their flavor. 
    • Heirloom tomatoes are known to be juicy and flavorful.
    • Do not remove the juices extracted from the tomato as there is so much flavor. Instead, taste your salad and adjust the seasonings. 

    Variations

    There are endless possibilities with this tomato salad. Feel free to include thinly sliced sweet red onions or grated garlic; different proportions and types of herbs; varieties of cucumbers and tomatoes; or even the addition of olives. Or enjoy it simply as a marinated tomato salad. Add protein-rich legumes to transform this easy salad recipe into a main meal. Have fun and experiment! 

    A colorful Tomato Cucumber Salad in a white dish, set alongside a fork.

    FAQ

    Can I use cherry tomatoes to make this recipe?

    Yes, you most definitely can. We would then refer to it as a cherry tomato-cucumber salad. 

    Should I remove the seeds from the cucumber?

    Larger cucumber seeds tend to be more bitter. Taste a few to verify; if bitter, remove by scraping a spoon down the middle.

    Can this recipe be made ahead of time?

    Yes, make the salad and the vinaigrette up to one hour before serving it. Leave at room temperature. When ready to serve, combine; wait for 5 minutes for the flavors to come together and serve.

    Can I still make this recipe in the winter?

    Yes, it still makes a great side using cherry or vine tomatoes.

    Tomato salad recipes we love

    • Tomato Mozzarella Salad
    • Arugula Cherry Tomato Salad
    • Italian Salad Recipe
    • Salad Pizza
    Chunks of tomato and cucumber in a white plate.

    Recipe inspiration

    Growing up Italian meant being exposed to growing tomatoes in the backyard, and today, I am lucky enough to have one myself.

    I truly believe this backyard garden was a way for my grandparents and parents to preserve their identity and connection to their rural life in Italy. I realize now that growing your fruits and vegetables provides great well-being.

    So, if you’re familiar with my blog, you probably know that many of my “traditional” Italian recipes were inspired by my mom.

    Every family and I mean every family, I know has some variation of this tomato salad.

    My mom liked to keep things simple, so the ingredients list was short for this insalata di pomodori (tomato salad).

    Remember, when you’ve finished eating the cucumbers and the tomatoes, you have to be quick to dunk a nice slice of pagnotta (a rustic peasant loaf of bread) in the tomato-oregano-infused vinaigrette left at the bottom of the bowl.

    My dad’s homemade red wine vinegar made this recipe taste extra special just like this marinated cucumber recipe.

    Whether making this Italian tomato salad from the vegetables you’ve grown in your garden, from your local farmer, or bought at your favorite grocery store, there’s no better time than the summer to enjoy this wonderful salad.

    THANKS SO MUCH for following and being part of the She Loves Biscotti community where you will find Simple & Tasty Family-Friendly Recipes with an Italian Twist.

    If this is your first time visiting, welcome! I would love to offer you my FREE weekly e-mail newsletter delivered straight to your inbox. When you subscribe, you will also receive a FREE DOWNLOAD that summarizes my top 10 tips on How to Cook Pasta. You can unsubscribe any time you want.

    Ciao for now,

    Maria

    ★★★★★ If you have made this Italian tomato-cucumber salad, I would love to hear about it in the comments below and be sure to rate the recipe!

    Recipe

    A cucumber tomato salad in a white plate.

    Italian Tomato Salad with Cucumbers

    This refreshing Italian tomato salad with cucumbers is at its best when using summer fresh tomatoes. It makes the perfect side dish!
    5 from 8 votes
    Print Save RecipeSaved! Pin Rate
    Course: Salads
    Cuisine: Italian
    Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes
    Total Time: 5 minutes minutes
    Servings: 4 servings
    Calories: 117kcal
    Author: Maria Vannelli RD
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    Ingredients

    • 2 tomatoes ripe, chopped in chunks
    • 1 cucumber sliced with skin on
    • 2 teaspoons oregano fresh, minced
    • 3 tablespoons basil fresh, minced
    • 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
    • 3 tablespoons olive oil extra virgin
    • salt and pepper to taste
    • 1 teaspoon parsley optional, fresh, Italian flat-leaf, minced

    Instructions

    • Combine chopped tomatoes, cucumbers and minced fresh herbs in a large bowl. Toss gently together.
    • In a separate bowl, whisk together the olive oil and the red wine vinegar.
    • Drizzle over the salad in the bowl, toss gently together and adjust seasonings if necessary.
    • Set aside for 5 minutes for the flavors to blend and then serve. 
    Enhance Your Cooking Experience!SCROLL UP for essential step-by-step photos embedded in the article above. When available, videos can be found in the next section. These visuals are designed to help you achieve perfect results every time. Happy cooking!

    Video

    Notes

    • The best time of the year to make this salad is during the peak of summer when local tomatoes are in season and available. These tomatoes usually ripen on the vine and not with chemicals.
    • Choose tomatoes that are ripe but still firm to the touch, heavy and blemish-free.
    • Store your tomatoes on the counter, away from sunlight. Never refrigerate tomatoes as they become mealy and lose their flavor. 
    • Heirloom tomatoes are known to be juicy and flavorful.
    • Do not remove the juices which are extracted from the tomato as there is so much flavor. Taste your salad and adjust seasonings. 
    Variations: There are endless possibilities with this tomato salad. Feel free to include thinly sliced sweet red onions or even grated garlic; different proportions and types of herbs; different varieties of cucumbers and tomatoes; or even the addition of olives. Have fun and experiment!
    Please keep in mind that the nutritional information provided below is just a rough estimate and variations can occur depending on the specific ingredients used. 

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1serving | Calories: 117kcal | Carbohydrates: 4g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 10g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 5mg | Potassium: 260mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 660IU | Vitamin C: 11.1mg | Calcium: 35mg | Iron: 0.8mg
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    This post was originally published on August 23, 2015, and republished on September 11, 2019, and again on June 17, 2021 with updated content. Thanks for sharing.

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    Filed Under: Salads

    About Maria

    Maria Vannelli is a retired dietitian who lives in a suburb just outside Montreal, Canada. She's the founder of the food blog She Loves Biscotti. Maria hopes to inspire you and bring you and your loved ones closer together at meal times enabling you to create some memorable moments.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Lena Crandall

      July 09, 2023 at 9:13 am

      5 stars
      These are all great summer recipes and they are so good with all the fresh vegetables. Love your recipes

      Reply
      • Maria

        July 09, 2023 at 8:51 pm

        Thanks so much for your support Lena ♥

        Reply
    2. Lorraine

      April 25, 2021 at 9:37 pm

      5 stars
      All your recipes are so good! Thank you so much ! Healthy and delicious!

      Reply
      • Maria

        April 26, 2021 at 10:28 am

        Thank you kindly Lorraine! Appreciate your support and comment.

        Reply
    3. Michelle | Sift & Simmer

      March 02, 2021 at 2:10 pm

      5 stars
      Yum, this tomato cucumber salad looks so delicious and fresh!! Can’t wait for those summer tomatoes!

      Reply
      • Maria

        March 02, 2021 at 2:13 pm

        Thanks so much Michelle! I totally agree with you! The taste is simply incredible! Thanks so much for stopping by.

        Reply
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    Hi, I'm Maria! a dietitian (retired) and full-time content creator. Join me as I share traditional Italian recipes from my youth to modern twists on classics using fresh and seasonal ingredients.

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