Ina Garten’s Cucumber Tomato Salad is a bright and simple salad that highlights the natural sweetness of ripe tomatoes and the cool crunch of cucumbers. Tossed in a light vinaigrette with red onion and fresh herbs, this salad is a go-to for summer lunches, backyard dinners, or Mediterranean-style meals.

This no-cook recipe is easy to prepare and showcases the best seasonal ingredients with minimal effort.

What Is Ina Garten Cucumber Tomato Salad?

It’s a refreshing side dish made with chopped cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, thinly sliced red onions, and fresh herbs tossed in a light vinegar-based dressing. The simplicity of this salad makes it a perfect partner for grilled meats, seafood, or casual potlucks.

Other Ina Garten Recipes

Reasons to Try Ina Garten’s Cucumber Tomato Salad

Incredibly easy and quick to make – Ready in minutes
Light and healthy – Naturally low in calories and full of nutrients
Great use of summer produce – Fresh, vibrant ingredients
Perfect for picnics and BBQs – Travels well and holds up in the heat
Pairs with almost any main dish – Very versatile
Make-ahead friendly – Flavors improve as it sits
Vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free – Suitable for most diets

Ingredients Needed to Make Ina Garten’s Cucumber Tomato Salad

1 pint cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
1 large English cucumber, sliced in half and then thinly sliced
½ small red onion, thinly sliced
2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil or parsley
1½ tablespoons red wine vinegar
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
½ teaspoon kosher salt
¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Instructions to Prepare Ina Garten Cucumber Tomato Salad

Step 1: Prep the vegetables

Slice the tomatoes in half, thinly slice the cucumber, and finely slice the red onion. Place all the vegetables in a large mixing bowl.

Step 2: Make the vinaigrette

In a small bowl, whisk together red wine vinegar, olive oil, salt, and pepper until well blended.

Step 3: Toss the salad

Pour the dressing over the vegetables and toss gently until evenly coated.

Step 4: Add herbs and rest

Add the chopped basil or parsley and toss again. Let the salad sit for 10–15 minutes at room temperature to allow the flavors to meld.

Step 5: Serve

Serve chilled or at room temperature, optionally garnished with extra herbs.

What Goes Well With Ina Garten’s Cucumber Tomato Salad

Grilled chicken or lamb – Balances smoky flavors
Seared fish or shrimp skewers – Light and fresh pairing
Burgers or hot dogs – Classic BBQ side
Pasta dishes with olive oil or pesto – Keeps the meal refreshing
Stuffed peppers or falafel – For a Mediterranean meal
Toasted pita or flatbread – Scooping made easy
Iced tea or sparkling lemonade – Clean, crisp drink pairing

Key Tips for Making Ina Garten’s Cucumber Tomato Salad

Use seedless cucumbers (like English or Persian) – Prevents sogginess
Slice vegetables evenly – Better texture and presentation
Let the salad rest before serving – Helps develop flavor
Use ripe, sweet tomatoes – They make all the difference
Add herbs just before serving – Preserves freshness
Keep dressing light – Don’t overpower the fresh produce
Serve chilled or room temp – Avoid serving straight from the fridge

Creative Variations of Ina Garten’s Cucumber Tomato Salad

Add crumbled feta cheese – For a Greek-style twist
Toss in olives or capers – Adds briny flavor
Include diced avocado – Creamy and refreshing
Use lemon juice instead of vinegar – For citrus brightness
Add thinly sliced radishes – Extra crunch and color
Sprinkle with toasted pine nuts or sunflower seeds – For texture
Mix in chopped mint or dill – For a more herbaceous flavor

Storage Guidelines for Ina Garten Cucumber Tomato Salad

Store in an airtight container in the fridge – Best within 1–2 days
Avoid storing for too long – Tomatoes and cucumbers release water
Toss again before serving leftovers – To redistribute dressing
Add herbs fresh before serving if storing – Keeps the salad vibrant

Reheating Tips for Ina Garten’s Cucumber-Tomato Salad

No reheating needed – Best enjoyed cold or at room temperature
Let chilled salad rest at room temp before serving – Brings out flavor
Drain excess liquid if needed – Keeps the texture crisp

Nutritional Value (per serving, approx.)

Calories: 110
Protein: 1g
Carbohydrates: 7g
Fat: 9g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 150mg

Light, hydrating, and packed with fresh produce—this salad is a summer staple.

FAQs

Can I make Ina Garten’s cucumber tomato salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare it a few hours in advance. Just store it in the fridge and add the herbs right before serving to keep them fresh.

Do I need to peel the cucumber for this salad?

If you’re using English or Persian cucumbers, there’s no need to peel them. Their skins are thin and tender, adding color and crunch.

Can I use cherry tomatoes instead of regular ones?

Absolutely. Cherry or grape tomatoes are preferred for this recipe because they’re sweeter, have fewer seeds, and hold their shape well.

How do I keep cucumber tomato salad from getting watery?

Use firm, seedless cucumbers and let the salad rest briefly before serving. You can also lightly salt the cucumbers and drain them before mixing to reduce moisture.

Wrapping Up

Ina Garten’s Cucumber Tomato Salad is a simple yet satisfying dish that brings out the best in seasonal ingredients. With juicy tomatoes, crisp cucumber, and a zesty vinaigrette, it’s a salad that complements nearly every meal and never fails to impress. Keep this recipe on hand for sunny days, potlucks, and easy dinners alike.