Southern Cucumber and Tomato Salad
This Southern-style salad celebrates the best of simple, fresh flavors. Crisp cucumbers, juicy ripe tomatoes, and a hint of sharp red onion come together beautifully in a sweet and tangy dressing made with apple cider vinegar. It’s light, refreshing, and perfect for warm days or as a side for grilled dishes.
Ingredients
3 large cucumbers (English, Hothouse, or regular slicing)
3 large tomatoes
¼ cup chopped red onion or Vidalia onion (add more if you like)
½ cup apple cider vinegar
½ cup water
¼ cup sugar
2 teaspoons kosher salt
½ teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
1. Slice the cucumbers thinly.
2. Core and chop the tomatoes into bite-sized pieces.
3. Peel and finely chop the onion.
4. In a large bowl, combine the cucumbers, tomatoes, and onion.
5. In a separate jar or container, mix the vinegar, water, sugar, salt, and pepper. Shake or whisk until well combined.
6. Pour the dressing over the vegetables and toss gently to coat.
7. Cover and refrigerate until chilled and ready to serve.
Notes
Cucumber options: English or Hothouse cucumbers have thin skin and don’t need to be peeled. Regular cucumbers have thicker skin and larger seeds—peel them if you prefer, and consider scooping out the seeds before slicing.
Tip for presentation: For a pretty, textured look, lightly run the tines of a fork down the length of each cucumber before slicing.
This salad is simple, flavorful, and improves as it sits—making it a perfect make-ahead dish for barbecues, picnics, or everyday meals.
