Mediterranean Cucumber Salad

Cucumber and Tomato Salad

Even with the delicious seafood at 167, I found the cucumber salad to be memorable. It has such simple ingredients yet packs a punch of flavor from the spices. Not only was it delicious on it’s own, but it paired well with anything that was ordered - grilled fish, oysters, and even short rib tacos. 

This tomato cucumber salad will become your new favorite side dish for summer with crunchy seedless cucumbers, tomatoes, olive oil, shallots, and Mediterranean spices.

You'll love this Mediterranean cucumber tomato salad because:

• Easy - Simple ingredients all thrown together.
• Perfect for outdoor events - A great salad without mayo, this one can be easily transported.
• Flavorful - With Mediterranean seasonings like za'atar and sumac, it's got a ton of great flavor.

This recipe fits so many diets - gluten free, dairy free, low sodium, a migraine diet, and a Mediterranean diet. 

Ingredients

• Cucumbers - English seedless cucumbers are recommended, but the seedless petite/cocktail cucumbers will also work well for this recipe. You can just slice them differently so they are all the same size. Make sure the cucumbers you are using have no seeds, will save you a lot of time removing them! I like to get a big bag at Costco if they have them!
• Tomatoes - Cherry tomatoes are recommended, but heirloom tomatoes would also be great if they’re in season. 
• Shallot - Provides a mild onion flavor without overpowering. 
• Olive oil - Since this cucumber salad has such simple ingredients, use a good quality olive oil like California Ranch or Grazia. 
• Vinegar - This recipe works well with distilled white vinegar. You can use lemon in a pinch (if tolerated), but because you get so much bright flavor from the sumac, I think the vinegar works best in this cucumber salad without overpowering.
• Sumac - Ground sumac is a reddish powder made from berries that has a tangy, bright, almost lemony flavor. It is awesome in hummus or other Mediterranean dishes.
• Za’atar - You can make your own or buy it pre-mixed at most grocery stores!

How to Make a Mediterranean Cucumber Salad

Step 1: Mix the dressing

Whisk together the honey and vinegar. You can also add in the olive oil here but I like to drizzle it on at the end.

Step 2: Marinate the cucumber

You want the cucumber and tomatoes to all be roughly the same size in bite-sized pieces. If using a large English cucumber, slice down the middle, then slice down the center of the two halves. Cut into cubes.

If using the petite cucumbers, slice into rounds. Stir the cucumber into the dressing and allow it to marinate 10-15 minutes.

Step 2: Add the vegetables

For the cherry tomatoes, simply cut in half, and for the shallot, try to slice them as thinly as possible. 

Step 3: Add the seasonings

Before serving, mix in the sumac and za’atar, then drizzle with olive oil. Taste and adjust any seasonings, adding more if you like. Store in the fridge or at room temperature till ready to serve. 

Recipe Tips

• Use seedless cucumbers - You can sub these, but I especially love this salad with the seedless cocktail cucumbers. They're extra crunchy and you don't need to peel the skins.
• Don't skip the spices - I know za'atar and sumac are a little bit different, but both these spices can be found at most grocery stores now and they add a ton of earthy and tart flavor.

Substitutes and Additions

• Tomatoes - Substitute small cut bell peppers or simply omit them and use additional cucumber. 
• Shallots - Use red onion (if tolerated) or omit. 
• Za’atar - You can make your own at home with a combination of cumin, sumac, and sesame seeds. Don’t skip the sumac. It’s integral to the flavor of the dish.
• Feta or olives would also be a great addition here.

Storage Information

This salad is best made right before serving as the longer the cucumbers sit in the vinegar, the more they will pickle. If you love this flavor, you can make this 2-3 hours before serving. Reserve the tomatoes till before serving as they can become mushy in the fridge. 

Refrigerator - Despite the vinegar becoming more prominent with time, this salad is still wonderful the next day, but I would not plan to make it or keep it one day ahead. 

To make ahead - Keep the dressing in a small container and combine the vegetables in a large bowl. Wait till 20-30 min before serving to mix everything together. 

Serving Suggestions

A Mediterranean cucumber salad can pair well with so many dishes, but here are a few of my favorites. 

• Baked Chicken Kabobs or Beef Kabobs in the Oven
• Artichoke Hummus
• Naan Pizza
• Mediterranean Salmon or Mediterranean Halibut
• NY Strip Steak or Air Fryer Flank Steak