15-Minute Refreshing Cucumber Tomato Salad
A crisp, garden-fresh salad featuring cucumbers and tomatoes tossed in a tangy lemon-vinegar dressing with aromatic dill and creamy feta cheese. The cucumbers are salted and drained to remove excess moisture, creating a perfectly textured salad that won't become watery. This light, Mediterranean-inspired dish makes an excellent side for grilled meats or a refreshing lunch on warm days. The combination of sweet onion, Dijon mustard, and a hint of cayenne adds depth and complexity to the bright, clean flavors.
Ingredients
- 2 large cucumbers, peeled, seeded, cut the long way and sliced
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- 2 tomatoes, largely diced
- 1 sweet onion, diced
- 3 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon cider vinegar
- ½ tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 2 teaspoons Splenda sugar substitute
- ¼ teaspoon dill weedfresh dill3:1 ratioherb
fresher flavor
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- salt, if needed(optional)
- ¼ cup feta cheese, crumbled
Instructions
- 1
Place cucumber slices in a strainer and sprinkle with salt, coating well
- 2
Set strainer over an empty bowl and refrigerate for 40-45 minutes to drain liquid
- 3
Remove excess moisture from drained cucumbers
- 4
Place cucumbers in a large bowl
- 5
Add tomatoes and onions to the bowl
- 6
Whisk together lemon juice, cider vinegar, olive oil, Dijon mustard, Splenda, dill weed, pepper and cayenne pepper in a small bowl
- 7
Pour dressing over salad mixture and toss
- 8
Sprinkle with crumbled feta cheese
Tips
Salt the cucumbers and let them drain to prevent the salad from becoming watery as it sits.
Pat the drained cucumbers dry with paper towels for the crispest texture.
Chill the salad for 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld together.
Good to Know
Refrigerate covered for up to 2 days. Drain excess liquid before serving.
Can be made 4 hours ahead. Add feta just before serving.
Serve chilled as a side dish or light lunch.
Common Mistakes
Skip salting cucumbers to avoid watery salad
Add dressing too early to prevent soggy vegetables
Substitutions
Dairy-Free Swaps
General Alternatives
FAQ
Can I use regular sugar instead of Splenda?
Yes, substitute with 2 teaspoons of regular sugar or honey. The flavor will be slightly sweeter but equally delicious.
How long will this salad keep in the refrigerator?
The salad stays fresh for up to 2 days when stored covered. Drain any accumulated liquid before serving leftovers.
Can I prepare this salad ahead for a party?
Make the salad up to 4 hours ahead, but add the feta cheese just before serving to maintain its texture and appearance.