Cucumber, Tomato & Onion Italian Salad

by — October 13, 2026
6 minutes read

This is a fresh, crunchy Italian-style garden salad made with cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, sliced onion, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and zesty Italian dressing. It is simple to prepare, colorful, and ideal for lunch, dinner, BBQs, picnics, or as a side dish.

1. Full recipe details
Prep time

15 minutes

Cook time

0 minutes

Servings

4–6

Difficulty: Easy · Cuisine: American-style Italian · Diet: Vegetarian, dairy-free when ingredients are verified

Ingredients
Use the quantities below as a starting point; the image does not specify exact measurements.

Organic English Cucumber – 500 g (Khira, Kheera) Price – Buy Online at Best Price in India
Fresh vegetables

2 medium cucumbers

2 cups cherry or grape tomatoes (about 300 g)

½ medium white or red onion

Olive oil based zesty italian dressing Nutrition
Dressing and seasonings

⅓ cup zesty Italian dressing (80 ml), adjust to taste

1–2 tsp Italian seasoning

¼–½ tsp garlic powder

¼ tsp cracked black pepper, or to taste

Salt, optional, to taste

Optional additions

1 tbsp red wine vinegar or lemon juice for extra tang

1 tbsp olive oil if you prefer a richer dressing

Fresh parsley or basil for garnish

Crumbled feta or small mozzarella balls if you want a creamy variation

2. Step-by-step instructions
Cutting a cucumber into rings with a kitchen knife to prepare a salad.
Step 1: Prepare the vegetables

Wash and dry the cucumbers and tomatoes. Slice cucumbers into rounds about ¼ inch thick. Halve the cherry tomatoes, and slice the onion thinly into strips.

Perfect Tomato Onion Cucumber Salad in Vinegar Recipe
Step 2: Combine

Place the cucumbers, tomatoes, and onion in a large mixing bowl. Separate the onion rings slightly so they distribute evenly.

A young woman in a gray apron sipes a salad of Chinese cabbage
Step 3: Season the salad

Sprinkle the Italian seasoning, garlic powder, black pepper, and optional salt over the vegetables. Toss gently to distribute the seasonings.

Salad cà chua – Chuỗi siêu thị thực phẩm tươi ngon, chất lượng Kingfoodmart
Step 4: Add Italian dressing

Pour in about ⅓ cup of zesty Italian dressing. Toss gently until the vegetables are coated. Taste and add a little more dressing if needed.

Crisp Mediterranean Cucumber & Tomato Salad with Fresh Herb Vinaigrette Recipe | Publix
Step 5: Chill and serve

Serve immediately or refrigerate for 15–30 minutes to allow the flavors to mingle. Toss once more before serving.

3. Nutrition information
Estimated nutrition for the complete recipe, divided into 6 servings. Actual values vary depending on the amount and brand of Italian dressing used.

Calories

65–100
per serving

Protein

1–2 g
per serving

Carbohydrates

6–10 g
per serving

Fat

4–8 g
per serving

These are approximate estimates, not laboratory-tested nutrition facts. Bottled dressing contributes most of the fat and can contribute substantial sodium and added sugar. See comparable cucumber-tomato salad nutrition data from

Real Life, Good Food
+1

Detailed nutritional breakdown
Nutrient

Approx. per serving

Calories

65–100 kcal

Total fat

4–8 g

Saturated fat

0.5–1.2 g

Carbohydrates

6–10 g

Dietary fiber

1–2 g

Total sugars

3–5 g

Protein

1–2 g

Sodium

150–400 mg

Cholesterol

0 mg, if dressing is cholesterol-free

Potassium

200–350 mg

Values are estimates for one-sixth of the recipe. Sodium depends heavily on the dressing and whether salt is added.

Vitamins and minerals
Vitamin C: supports normal immune function; tomatoes contribute some.

Vitamin K: found in cucumbers and other green vegetables.

Potassium: helps support normal muscle and nerve function.

Folate: contributes to normal cell function.

Water: cucumbers and tomatoes make this a refreshing, water-rich side dish.

4. Allergen and dietary information
Dietary concern

Information

Vegetarian

Yes, if the dressing contains no animal-derived ingredients

Vegan

Usually, but check the dressing label

Gluten-free

Check the dressing’s ingredients and allergen statement

Dairy-free

Usually, if no cheese is added and the dressing contains no dairy

Nut-free

The listed whole-food ingredients contain no nuts, but verify packaged products for allergen warnings

Low-carb

Generally suitable in moderate portions; dressing may add sugar

Keto

Depends on the dressing’s carbohydrate and sugar content

Low-sodium

Use reduced-sodium dressing and omit added salt

Important: The pictured brands are examples, not a guarantee of the products’ exact ingredients or allergen status. Check the label on your own bottle.

5. Tips for the best salad
Prevent watery salad: Pat the washed vegetables dry before slicing.

Reduce onion sharpness: Soak sliced onion in cold water for 5–10 minutes, then drain.

Improve the flavor: Refrigerate for 15–30 minutes before serving.

Keep it crunchy: Add dressing shortly before serving if preparing in advance.

Adjust the dressing: Start with ¼ cup and add more only if needed.

Make it lighter: Use a little less dressing and add lemon juice or red wine vinegar.

6. Storage and food safety
Refrigerate in a covered container at 4°C (40°F) or below.

For the best texture, eat within 1–2 days; the cucumbers will release water as the salad sits.

Do not leave the prepared salad at room temperature for more than 2 hours, or 1 hour when the temperature is above 32°C (90°F).

Toss before serving leftovers and discard anything with an unusual smell, appearance, or texture.

7. Questions and answers (Q&A)
Q1. Can I make this salad without Italian dressing?

Yes. Mix 2 tablespoons olive oil, 3 tablespoons vinegar, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning, ¼ teaspoon garlic powder, and black pepper. Add salt to taste.

Q2. Can I make it the night before?

Yes. Slice the vegetables and store them separately from the dressing. Combine them shortly before serving for the best crunch.

Q3. Can I use regular tomatoes instead of cherry tomatoes?

Absolutely. Use about 2 medium tomatoes, cut into wedges or bite-sized pieces.

Q4. Can I add cheese?

Yes. Feta or mozzarella works well. Cheese adds protein and calcium but also increases calories, fat, and sodium.

Q5. Is this salad good for weight management?

It can be a useful choice because the vegetables provide water and fiber for relatively few calories. Measure the dressing, since generous amounts can increase the calorie content.

Q6. Is this salad suitable for people with diabetes?

It can fit into many meal plans. Most carbohydrates come from the vegetables and any added sugars in the dressing. Check the dressing label and consider your overall meal.

Q7. Why does my salad become watery?

Cucumbers and tomatoes naturally release liquid after slicing, especially when salted or dressed. Drain excess liquid and add the dressing just before serving.

Q8. How can I make it more filling?

Add chickpeas, white beans, grilled chicken, tofu, or a boiled egg. These additions provide more protein and make the salad closer to a complete meal.

8. Recipe at a glance
Fresh cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, and onion

Zesty Italian dressing and dried seasonings

No cooking required

Ready in approximately 15 minutes

Serving suggestion: Serve chilled alongside grilled chicken, fish, sandwiches, burgers, or rice dishes.

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Sara Mitchell is an expert restaurant content creator who writes easy-to-read guides about CAVA and other Mediterranean fast-casual chains in the United States. She covers locations, menus, prices, and hours, making it simple for visitors to find nearby restaurants and what to order quickly.With years of experience in restaurant research and local SEO, Sara creates accurate, user-friendly guides that work for both people and search engines. Her goal is to help users go from search results to their nearest restaurant or menu choice with as few clicks as possible.

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