Cucumber Tomato Salad Recipe with 6 Ingredients

There’s something magical about a simple salad that brings together crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and buttery avocado, topped with a zesty homemade dressing.

And this cucumber tomato salad isn’t just fresh; it’s next-level delicious. Inspired by a summer barbecue and perfected in my kitchen, this recipe is packed with flavor, easy to make, and guaranteed to impress.

Whether you’re prepping for a sunny picnic, a light dinner, or just need a go-to side for your grilled favorites, this salad has your back. And yes, you can make it in under 10 minutes. Let’s get chopping!

🥒 Why You’ll Love This Cucumber Tomato Salad

This isn’t just any salad—it’s a vibrant, flavor-packed bowl that screams summer freshness.

Love salads? Or just trying to eat more veggies? This cucumber tomato salad is one you’ll keep coming back to—again and again.

Here’s why:

1. It’s Bursting with Fresh Flavors

Crisp cucumbers, juicy cherry tomatoes, creamy avocado, fragrant basil, and pillowy mozzarella—every bite delivers a balance of textures and tastes that just works. It’s sweet, tangy, salty, and creamy in all the right ways.

2. Quick and Easy to Make

From start to finish, it takes about 10 minutes—seriously. No cooking. Just chop, mix, and enjoy. It’s the perfect solution for busy weeknights, last-minute BBQ invites, or when you just want something fresh without the fuss.

3. Perfectly Light but Satisfying

It’s refreshing and light, yet thanks to the healthy fats from avocado and protein from mozzarella, it’s surprisingly filling. That makes it ideal as a side dish—or even a main if you add some grilled chicken or shrimp on top.

4. Versatile for Any Occasion

Backyard BBQ? Check. Picnic in the park? Check. Brunch with friends? Also check. This salad plays well with just about any menu, from burgers to pasta to Mediterranean dishes.

5. Totally Customizable

Missing an ingredient? No problem. This salad is forgiving. You can swap the basil for parsley, use lemon juice instead of balsamic, or skip the mozzarella if you’re dairy-free. It’s a canvas for creativity!

🛒 Ingredients You’ll Need

You don’t need a long grocery list or a fancy store run for this. If it’s summertime, there’s a good chance you already have most of these ingredients in your kitchen or even in your garden!

Here’s the breakdown:

🔪 Step-by-Step: How to Make Cucumber Tomato Salad

This salad is so simple, it’s almost effortless, but don’t let that fool you. Every step adds to the fresh, bright flavor and perfect texture. Let’s walk through the whole process so you can get it just right on your first try.

Step 1: Slice the Cherry Tomatoes

🍅 Start with: 1 pint of cherry tomatoes.

Cherry tomatoes are the juicy stars of this salad. They’re sweet, colorful, and pop with flavor in every bite. But slicing them one by one? Ugh, time-consuming—unless you know this hack.

⏱️ Tomato-Slicing Trick:

• Grab two same-sized plastic lids (like from yogurt containers).
• Place one lid upside down and fill it with a single layer of cherry tomatoes.
• Cover with the second lid and hold it down gently.
• Use a serrated knife to slice horizontally through the tomatoes, right between the lids.

✅ Result: perfectly halved tomatoes in under 30 seconds.

Transfer those beautiful halves into your salad bowl.

Step 2: Cut the Cucumber

🥒 Next up: ½ of a large English cucumber (or 3 small garden cucumbers).

English cucumbers are great because they’re seedless and have thin, edible skin. No peeling required!

Here’s how to cut it:

• Slice the cucumber in half lengthwise.
• Then cut those halves again into quarters (lengthwise).
• Finally, slice crosswise into bite-sized chunks.

Toss them into the bowl with your tomatoes.

Step 3: Dice the Avocado

🥑 You’ll need: 1 ripe avocado.

The avocado adds rich creaminess that balances out the crisp textures.

Cut like a pro:

• Slice the avocado in half lengthwise.
• Twist to separate the halves.
• Carefully remove the pit. (Use a spoon or gently press from the back if needed.)
• Cut each half into quarters.
• Peel off the skin—it should come off easily if the avocado is ripe.
• Dice the flesh into medium-sized cubes.

Tip: Be gentle when adding to the bowl—avocados bruise easily!

Step 4: Add the Mozzarella Pearls

🧀 Next ingredient: 1 cup (8 oz) of fresh mozzarella pearls.

These little cheese balls bring that creamy, milky richness that makes this salad extra special. You don’t need to prep them—just open the package and pour them in!

💡 Alternative: Use fresh mozzarella balls and cut them into halves or quarters, or dice a block of mozzarella into cubes if that’s what you have on hand.

Step 5: Slice the Basil (Like a Chef)

🌿 You’ll want: A small handful of fresh basil leaves.

Basil is fragile, so treat it right to keep its flavor and texture.

Try this chiffonade method:

• Stack the clean leaves.
• Roll them up tightly like a cigar.
• Slice with a sharp knife into thin ribbons.
• Avoid going back over it with your knife—it bruises easily and turns dark.

Once cut, sprinkle those green ribbons right into your bowl.

Step 6: Make the Dressing

🥄 Whisk together in a small bowl:

• 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 garlic clove, finely grated or crushed

The dressing is the glue that ties this salad together. That one crushed garlic clove adds a powerful depth of flavor, especially if you let it sit in the mixture for a minute or two.

Why crushed garlic?

• Grating or pressing the garlic releases its juices.
• This juice infuses the dressing quickly and evenly.
• It ensures that you don’t bite into a harsh garlic chunk—just smooth, garlicky goodness.

Step 7: Dress the Salad and Toss

💧 Now for the magic moment.

Pour your entire dressing over the salad. Don’t worry—it’s the perfect amount for this size.

Use tongs or salad spoons to gently toss everything together. Try to scoop from the bottom and turn rather than stir aggressively—this keeps your avocado from getting smushed.

Step 8: Serve and Savor

🍴 That’s it! Your cucumber tomato salad is ready to serve.

• Eat it immediately for the freshest taste.
• Or chill for 10–15 minutes for a cool, refreshing experience.
• Garnish with a few extra basil ribbons if you’re feeling fancy.

🥗 Every bite will give you creamy, crunchy, juicy, herby, and tangy notes all at once. It’s a little salad symphony in your mouth.

🥄 Mix the Magic: The Easiest Salad Dressing Ever

Let’s be honest—a salad is only as good as its dressing. This one? It’s ridiculously easy, yet it delivers a bold, zesty punch that ties everything together beautifully.

And the best part? You don’t need a blender, a long list of pantry items, or any fancy technique.

Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor

You only need 5 ingredients:

• 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil – the rich base that adds a smooth mouthfeel.
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar – tangy, slightly sweet, and perfect for tomatoes.
• 1 garlic clove, crushed or finely grated – adds that secret hit of flavor.
• ½ teaspoon salt – enhances all the fresh flavors.
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper – for a little bite and balance.

How to Make It:

1. Grab a small bowl or jar.
2. Add olive oil and balsamic vinegar.
3. Grate or press the garlic directly into the bowl. (This releases its juices—hello flavor bomb! 🔥)
4. Sprinkle in the salt and pepper.
5. Mix it well with a fork or whisk. Let it sit for a minute to mellow the garlic.

🧄 Pro Tip: The dressing tastes even better after it sits for a few minutes. This gives the garlic time to mellow and infuse the oil. Don’t skip this step—it’s tiny but mighty.

🥗 Assemble the Salad

Now that your ingredients are prepped and your dressing is bursting with flavor, it’s time to bring everything together.

Step-by-Step Salad Assembly:

1. Start with your base: In a large bowl, combine the halved cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, and diced avocado.
2. Add the mozzarella pearls: These creamy bites contrast perfectly with the crisp veggies.
3. Sprinkle in the basil: Those green ribbons add aroma and freshness—don’t skip them!
4. Pour the dressing over the top: Make sure to get every bit of that garlicky goodness.
5. Toss gently: Use salad tongs or your hands to lift and mix the ingredients. Be delicate—avocado bruises easily.
6. Taste and adjust: Want more tang? Add a splash of vinegar. Need a little more punch? Add another pinch of salt.

Your salad should be evenly coated, colorful, and glistening with that simple dressing. Every ingredient shines, and the combo is pure summer perfection.

🔄 Ingredient Swaps and Variations

This cucumber tomato salad is already amazing as-is, but it’s also super flexible. Whether you’re working with what you have, following dietary needs, or just feeling creative, here are some awesome tweaks you can try:

💡 Swap Suggestions

🥗 Variations You’ll Love

• Add protein: Top with grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas for a full meal.
• Make it Mediterranean: Add kalamata olives, red onion slices, and crumbled feta.
• Make it hearty: Mix in orzo, quinoa, or couscous to bulk it up.
• Spice it up: Sprinkle with chili flakes or add a touch of Dijon mustard to the dressing.
• Make it dairy-free: Skip the cheese or use a plant-based mozzarella alternative.

🎨 Fun Twist: Want to make it pretty for a party? Use a mix of yellow, red, and orange cherry tomatoes for a colorful, eye-catching dish.

👩‍🍳 Pro Tips for the Perfect Salad Every Time

Even with the easiest recipes, a few clever tricks can take your salad from good to unforgettable. Here’s how to make sure your cucumber tomato salad is a total hit—every time.

1. Use the Freshest Ingredients Possible

This salad is all about freshness. Overripe tomatoes, limp basil, or mushy avocado will drag it down. Visit your local farmers market or choose in-season produce for the best flavor and texture.

2. Don’t Skip the Garlic

It may seem like a tiny part of the dressing, but it’s the flavor powerhouse. Grated or pressed garlic releases juices that infuse the dressing with depth. Trust me—this one clove does a lot of heavy lifting.

3. Slice Smart

Using a serrated knife for tomatoes avoids crushing them. And the lid trick? Total game-changer if you’re short on time.

4. Toss Gently

Use tongs or your hands to mix the salad. Be careful with the avocado—it’s delicate and can easily turn into mush if handled roughly.

5. Serve Immediately

The dressing is amazing, but if left too long, the veggies (especially cucumbers) will start releasing water and get soggy. Toss it just before serving for peak freshness.

6. Chill it Briefly (Optional)

Want a cooler salad on a hot day? Pop it in the fridge for 10–15 minutes after mixing. It makes the flavors even more refreshing.

🍽 How to Serve Cucumber Tomato Salad

This salad is crazy versatile, and you can serve it in so many ways depending on your occasion and mood:

🌞 Backyard BBQ

Pair it with grilled meats like steak, burgers, or lemon herb chicken. It cuts through richness beautifully.

🌿 Light Summer Lunch

Serve it with a slice of garlic toast or sourdough and a glass of iced tea. You’re golden.

🍝 Italian-Themed Dinner

Complement your pasta dishes with this as a fresh, cold starter or side. Works especially well with pesto pasta or creamy Alfredo.

🧺 Picnic Ready

Pack it in an airtight container with a fork and you’re ready for a delicious al fresco meal.

🌯 Wrap or Pita Filler

Want to shake things up? Wrap it in a tortilla with hummus or stuff it in a warm pita. Great way to use leftovers!

💬 Final Thoughts & Recommends

There’s no denying it—this cucumber tomato salad is the MVP of summer salads. It’s fresh, vibrant, easy, and incredibly delicious.

It comes together fast, requires zero cooking, and fits in almost any meal plan. Plus, that balsamic garlic dressing? Unforgettable.

Once you try it, you’ll find yourself craving it again and again. And if you loved this, I’ve got a few more can’t-miss summer salad recipes that’ll keep your menu exciting and refreshing:

🧺 More Summer Salads You’ll Love

🧀 Best Macaroni Salad Recipe for BBQs

Creamy, tangy, and loaded with flavor—this nostalgic side dish gets a fun and flavorful update, perfect for any grill-out.

🦀 Easy Crab Salad Recipe for Summer in 20 Mins

A light and protein-packed salad that’s brimming with fresh crab, crunchy celery, and a creamy dressing. Great for seafood lovers and sunny day cravings.

🌱 Stunning Vegan Pasta Salad for Summer

Plant-based, dairy-free, and bursting with vibrant veggies and flavor. A beautiful, colorful dish that everyone (vegan or not) will devour.

Ella Foster

Ella Foster, co-founder of FoodBears.com, is a skilled writer whose love for cooking fuels her creative work. Her passion for experimenting in the kitchen brings authentic flavor and culinary inspiration to every piece she crafts for the platform.