Bright Summer Joy: Ina Garten’s Cucumber Tomato Salad Recipe

Summer’s bounty bursts with flavor in this classic cucumber tomato salad that Ina Garten perfected with her simplicity.

Fresh vegetables dance together in a light, zesty dressing that whispers of Mediterranean charm.

Each crisp bite delivers a cool, refreshing experience that cuts through the heat of lazy afternoons.

The recipe balances tangy and bright notes with remarkable ease.

Salt and herbs bring out the natural sweetness of ripe tomatoes and crunchy cucumbers.

Vibrant colors and clean flavors make this salad a perfect side for grilled meats or a standalone light lunch.

Dive into this delightful dish that promises to refresh and delight your palate.

Instructions for a Crisp, Cool Summer Salad

• Veggie Medley Preparation

Gather fresh cucumber, bell peppers, tomatoes, and red onion. Slice each ingredient into bite-sized pieces, creating a colorful mix of textures and shapes for a vibrant summer salad.

• Flavor Foundation

Create a zesty dressing by combining minced garlic, dried oregano, Dijon mustard, and vinegar. Slowly drizzle olive oil while whisking to develop a smooth, harmonious blend that will elevate the vegetable base.

• Salad Symphony

Gently pour the tangy dressing over the chopped vegetables. Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese and briny olives on top. Let the salad rest for half an hour, allowing the flavors to mingle and develop a rich, complex taste profile.

• Serving Suggestion

Present the salad at room temperature, showcasing the fresh ingredients and allowing the dressing to highlight each vegetable’s natural essence. Perfect as a light lunch or refreshing side dish for summer gatherings.

Additions like Red Onion or Balsamic Splash

• Swap traditional cucumbers for English or Persian varieties for a crunchier texture, or add colorful heirloom tomatoes to make the salad more vibrant and visually appealing.
• Experiment with fresh herbs like chopped basil, dill, or mint to elevate the salad's aromatic profile and add a bright, fresh dimension to the classic recipe.
• Prepare the salad up to 4 hours in advance and refrigerate, allowing the flavors to develop more intensely while keeping the vegetables crisp and refreshing.
• Transform this side dish into a complete meal by adding grilled chicken, chickpeas, or shrimp to create a more substantial and nutritious Mediterranean-inspired lunch or dinner option.
• For a dairy-free version, replace feta with nutritional yeast or omit cheese entirely; use gluten-free mustard to ensure the recipe meets specific dietary requirements.

How to Serve This as a BBQ Favorite

• Pair with Crusty Bread: Slice a rustic baguette or ciabatta to soak up the delicious vinaigrette and add a satisfying crunch to your salad.
• Create Mediterranean Plate: Arrange the salad alongside grilled chicken, hummus, and warm pita for a complete Mediterranean-inspired meal that bursts with fresh flavors.
• Elevate Protein Companions: Serve alongside grilled fish, roasted lamb, or shrimp to transform this vibrant salad into a hearty and refreshing side dish that complements rich proteins perfectly.
• Sprinkle Fresh Herbs: Garnish with chopped fresh basil or parsley just before serving to add an extra layer of brightness and aromatic appeal to the colorful vegetable medley.

Keeping This Salad Fresh for Day-After Meals

• Refrigerate Wisely: Store the salad in an airtight container for up to 2 days, keeping the crisp texture and vibrant flavors intact.
• Plan Ahead: Prepare the vinaigrette and chop vegetables separately up to 4 hours before serving to maintain maximum freshness and crunch.
• Quick Serving Tip: Let the salad sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before enjoying to enhance the blend of Mediterranean flavors.
• Ingredient Longevity: Keep fresh cucumbers, tomatoes, and feta in the refrigerator's crisper drawer to extend their shelf life and maintain optimal taste and texture.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 40 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour

Calories: 280 kcal

Servings: 6

Cucumber & Tomato Salad à la Ina – What You’ll Need

• Cucumber: Crisp base that adds refreshing crunch and hydration to the salad.
• Tomatoes: Juicy, sweet element that brings vibrant color and rich summer flavor.
• Red Onion: Sharp, pungent ingredient that provides a zesty bite and aromatic depth.
• Bell Peppers: Adds sweet, mild crispness and bright Mediterranean character.

• Garlic: Intense, aromatic component that creates a robust foundational taste.
• Oregano: Classic Mediterranean herb that delivers earthy, slightly peppery notes.
• Mustard: Tangy condiment that helps emulsify dressing and adds subtle heat.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasoning that balances and amplifies overall flavor profile.

• Olive Oil: Smooth, rich binding agent that creates silky dressing texture.
• Red Wine Vinegar: Acidic element that brightens and lightens the entire salad.
• Feta Cheese: Creamy, salty cheese that introduces authentic Greek character.
• Kalamata Olives: Briny, intense Mediterranean accent that deepens the salad's complexity.

Cutting Boards & Bowls That Work Best

• Large mixing bowl: Spacious vessel for combining all vegetables.
• Small bowl: Perfect for whisking vinaigrette ingredients.
• Whisk: Essential for blending and emulsifying dressing smoothly.
• Sharp knife: For chopping cucumber, peppers, tomatoes, and red onion.
• Cutting board: Sturdy surface for preparing ingredients.
• Measuring spoons: Helps accurately measure salt, pepper, and herbs.

Vibrant Cucumber Tomato Salad Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 29 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 6 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Fresh cucumber tomato salad from Ina Garten brings Mediterranean flavors to summer dining. Crisp vegetables and zesty herbs combine for a refreshing side dish that you’ll want to serve at every gathering.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• ½ pound (227 grams) feta cheese, ½-inch diced (not crumbled)
• 1 pint (473 milliliters) cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
• ½ cup calamata olives, pitted
• 1 hothouse cucumber, unpeeled, seeded, and sliced ¼-inch thick
• 1 red bell pepper, large-diced
• 1 yellow bell pepper, large-diced
• ½ red onion, sliced in half-rounds
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ cup good olive oil
• ¼ cup good red wine vinegar
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• ½ tsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Vegetable Preparation: Dice cucumber, slice bell peppers, chop tomatoes, and thinly slice red onion into a spacious mixing bowl, creating a colorful and vibrant base for the salad.
2. Vinaigrette Creation: Whisk minced garlic, dried oregano, Dijon mustard, red wine vinegar, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper in a small bowl until thoroughly combined, then slowly stream extra virgin olive oil while continuously stirring to form a silky, emulsified dressing.
3. Salad Assembly: Pour the crafted vinaigrette over the vegetable mixture, gently coating each piece, then delicately fold in crumbled feta cheese and kalamata olives, ensuring a balanced distribution of flavors and textures.
4. Flavor Infusion: Let the salad rest at room temperature for 30 minutes, allowing the ingredients to marinate and develop a harmonious Mediterranean-inspired profile that enhances the overall taste experience.
5. Final Presentation: Give the salad a final gentle toss just before serving to redistribute the dressing and ingredients, presenting a vibrant, refreshing dish that captures the essence of Mediterranean cuisine.

Notes

• Maximize Vegetable Freshness: Choose ripe, firm tomatoes and crisp cucumbers for the best flavor and texture in your salad.
• Perfect Vinaigrette Technique: Whisk ingredients thoroughly and slowly drizzle olive oil to create a smooth, well-emulsified dressing that clings beautifully to vegetables.
• Flavor Infusion Time: Let the salad rest for 30 minutes to allow herbs and dressing to penetrate the vegetables, developing a rich, complex taste profile.
• Serving Pro Tip: Serve at room temperature to enhance the salad’s aromatic herbs and allow ingredients to release their full flavor potential.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Blending
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 280
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 500 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 9 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 15 mg