{"id":356663,"date":"2026-07-09T15:23:56","date_gmt":"2026-07-09T15:23:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/peraltafinancing.com\/recipes\/category-a-b\/budget-food\/cucumber-tomato-salad-budget-bytes\/"},"modified":"2026-07-09T15:23:56","modified_gmt":"2026-07-09T15:23:56","slug":"cucumber-tomato-salad-budget-bytes","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/fivemor.com\/?p=356663","title":{"rendered":"Cucumber Tomato Salad – Budget Bytes"},"content":{"rendered":"


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The aroma from this Cucumber Tomato Salad is the most deliciously fresh scent of cucumbers, parsley, juicy tomatoes, and crunchy green peppers, and it\u2019s beyond delightful. The only thing better than the aroma is the flavor. This easy side salad is cold, crunchy, juicy, budget-friendly, and tossed with a simple red wine-oregano vinaigrette that makes every bite taste bright and fresh. In short, this cucumber tomato salad is one big bowl of cold, crunchy, juicy loveliness.<\/p>\n

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All recipes are rigorously tested in our Nashville Test Kitchen<\/a> to ensure they are easy, affordable, and delicious.<\/em><\/p>\n

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\u201cI make this salad almost every week. Sometimes I change it a little based upon what I have (extra pepper, no onion, etc). I love to put it on a pita with some hummus and falafel. Yum!\u201d<\/p>\n

Krista<\/cite><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

A Deliciously Fresh Cucumber Tomato Side<\/h2>\n

Cucumber and tomato salads aren\u2019t exactly new (definitely check out my creamy cucumber salad<\/a>, too!), but sometimes the simplest classics are the ones I come back to most. This one is fresh, light, low-calorie, and packed with vegetables, but it still has plenty of flavor thanks to the tangy oregano vinaigrette and pops of creamy, salty feta. I like cutting the cucumbers into hearty chunks so they keep their crunch better after dressing, and the vinaigrette adds brightness without weighing everything down. It\u2019s an easy, budget-friendly side salad that brings freshness, texture, and color to a meal without adding much prep time or cost.<\/p>\n

I also love how flexible this cucumber tomato salad is. Serve it as a quick side dish, or bulk it up with canned tuna and white beans to turn it into something closer to my Mediterranean tuna salad<\/a>, which is the PERFECT protein and veggie-packed meal prep salad (if you ask me!)<\/p>\n

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  1. Choose crisp cucumbers.<\/strong> I use regular fresh cucumbers here because they\u2019re budget-friendly and easy to find. They tend to have tougher skin, so I like to peel some of it off in stripes before chopping. English cucumbers or Persian (mini) cucumbers also work well if you prefer a thinner skin, fewer seeds, and extra crunch!<\/li>\n
  2. Slice and soak the red onion.<\/strong> Cut the red onion very thinly, about 1\/8-inch thick, so they add a delicate crunch instead of an overpowering, sharp bite. I also like to soak the sliced onion in ice water for 5-10 minutes. I used to skip this step, but it really helps mellow that harsh raw onion flavor.<\/li>\n
  3. Keep it from getting soggy.<\/strong> Cucumbers and tomatoes naturally release water once they\u2019re cut and salted, so keep the pieces chunky and toss the salad with the dressing just before serving for the freshest crunch. For extra insurance, choose firm tomatoes and salt your cucumbers to draw out excess water. Place the chopped cucumbers in a colander, toss with \u00bd tsp salt, and drain for 15-30 minutes, then pat dry before using. Adjust the salt in the dressing to taste.<\/li>\n
  4. Stir before serving.<\/strong> The vinaigrette and vegetable juices can settle at the bottom of the bowl as the salad sits, so give it a gentle stir before serving.<\/li>\n
  5. Make it your own.<\/strong> Cucumber tomato salads can go in a few different directions depending on the dressing and add-ins. Skip the feta for a simple dairy-free version, add 1\u00bd cups couscous (cooked until tender and cooled) for a tomato and cucumber couscous salad<\/a>, or make it more filling with a drained and rinsed can of black beans, like in my cucumber and black bean salad<\/a>!<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
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    Serving Suggestions<\/h2>\n

    I think of this cucumber tomato salad as the fresh, crunchy part of the plate. The juicy tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, bell pepper, feta, and oregano vinaigrette add coolness and acidity, so it\u2019s especially good with warm and hearty mains. Grilled chicken<\/a> is one of my go-to dinners to serve with this salad, especially in the summer. I\u2019ll chop the vegetables and mix the dressing while the chicken is brining, then toss everything together once the chicken goes on the grill so the salad is ready when it comes off. It\u2019s also great with homemade hamburgers<\/a> because the cold vegetables and tangy vinaigrette lighten up the plate and add a nice contrast next to the soft bun and rich beef.<\/p>\n

    For a meatless meal, I think this salad is delicious with falafel<\/a> in bowls, wraps, or pita plates. The fresh veggies pair really well with the warm spices in the falafel, especially with a sauce or hummus<\/a> on the side! It also works well with air fryer pork chops<\/a> because the tangy dressing balances the hot, savory pork chops without adding much extra prep!<\/p>\n

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    Cucumber Tomato Salad<\/h2>\n

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    \n Cost <\/span>$6.62 recipe \/ $1.10 serving<\/span>
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    This Cucumber Tomato Salad is a cold, crunchy, juicy mix of cucumbers, tomatoes, bell pepper, red onion, parsley, and feta tossed in a simple red wine oregano vinaigrette.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

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    Salad<\/h4>\n
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