Fresh Cucumber Tomato Salad
Simple, bright, and refreshing, this recipe for cucumber tomato salad is a great low-carb option and is full of flavor thanks to the bacon in it! As someone who loves quick and nutritious recipes, I can’t recommend this enough for your summer gatherings or weeknight dinners.
You can definitely make your own Ranch dressing for this recipe. If you need another great salad, my Creamy Bacon Cauliflower Salad is another tasty low carb option!
Cucumber Tomato Salad
Salads are not just a tasty side dish to serve with the main meal but can be highly delicious things in their own right. This simple low-carb salad combines the juiciness of tomatoes with the refreshing coolness of cucumbers to make something truly delicious.
Plus, a massive amount of bacon and bacon fat mixed with ranch dressing certainly helps as well.
Cucumber Tomato Salad Ingredients
Don’t forget to look at the recipe card at the very bottom of the page for the exact ingredients needed here.
- 8 slices thick-cut bacon
- 3 tablespoons bacon drippings (reserved from cooking)
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, sliced in half
- 2 English cucumbers, thinly sliced
| Recipe | Prep Time | Cook Time | Main Protein | Key Flavors | Storage Time |
| Cucumber Tomato Salad | 15 minutes | 10 minutes | Bacon | Tangy, Smoky, Fresh | 2-3 days refrigerated |
How To Make Cucumber Tomato Salad
One of the things I love about this recipe is how simple it is to prepare:
- Put the sliced tomatoes and cucumbers into a large bowl
- Mix together the cooked and crumbled bacon, bacon fat, and the ranch dressing until thoroughly combined
- Pour the mixture over the cucumber and tomatoes and gently mix
- Taste and season as desired
When I make this salad, I find that letting it sit for about 15 minutes before serving allows the flavors to meld together beautifully. The tomatoes release some of their juices, which combines with the dressing to create an even more flavorful experience.
How Much Should You Season Your Cucumber Tomato Salad?
A lot of recipes call for you to “taste and season as you want” without a great deal of actual explanation of what that means.
In this recipe, you want the salt level to be definitely a little bit high, as any good dish with bacon needs to be reasonably salty. However, depending on the type of bacon you have chosen, you might find that this salad doesn’t need any seasoning at all, mainly because you include the bacon fat mixed into the salad.
The best way to test the saltiness is to take one of the tomato slices, shake it slightly free of any extra dressing and then taste it. It should be salty, but not overpoweringly so. Tomatoes and cucumbers really do need salt to become delicious, so don’t feel bad about adding in a few sprinkles if you think it needs it.
In my experience, a small pinch of fresh ground black pepper also adds a wonderful dimension to this dish without overpowering the fresh vegetable flavors.
Mastering Your Cucumber Tomato Salad
What Kind Of Bacon Should You Use?
Bacon is not always the exact same thing everywhere; a recipe calling for bacon might be expecting you to use a very different type of bacon than you usually buy.
The best bacon for this recipe is thick-sliced fatty bacon, the kind that you would typically get at an excellent butcher, but you can now get in most stores. The fat cooks out well and leaves you with the most delicious bacon pieces around!
Don’t go for Canadian bacon, which is really a lot closer to ham, or traditional British back bacon, which is its own thing entirely – stick to the fatty, salty, good stuff that crumbles easily when cooked, and you should be good.
Customizing Your Cucumber Tomato Salad
What I love about this salad is how versatile it can be. Here are some of my favorite ways to customize it:
Add Some Cheese
A sprinkle of crumbled feta or small cubes of mozzarella make this salad even more satisfying. The creaminess of the cheese complements the crisp vegetables and smoky bacon perfectly.
Incorporate Fresh Herbs
Fresh herbs can elevate this salad to new heights. I particularly enjoy adding:
- Chopped fresh dill
- Torn basil leaves
- Snipped chives
- Minced parsley
Add Some Crunch
For extra texture, consider adding:
- Thinly sliced red onion
- Diced bell peppers
- Toasted pine nuts or sunflower seeds
Make It A Complete Meal
To transform this side dish into a hearty main meal, I sometimes add:
- Hard-boiled eggs
- Grilled chicken breast
- Avocado slices
The key to customizing this salad is maintaining the balance between the fresh vegetables and the rich, savory dressing. Whatever additions you choose, make sure they complement rather than overpower the core flavors.
Make-Ahead Tips
One of the questions I get asked most frequently is whether this salad can be prepared in advance. The answer is yes, but with some important considerations:
- Cook the bacon ahead of time – The bacon can be cooked and crumbled up to 2 days in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- Keep components separate until serving – For the freshest results, I recommend slicing the cucumbers and tomatoes and storing them separately until about 30 minutes before serving.
- Dress just before serving – Mix the bacon, bacon fat, and ranch dressing together ahead of time, but don’t pour it over the vegetables until you’re ready to serve. This prevents the cucumbers from releasing too much water and becoming soggy.
- Season at the last minute – Add any final salt and pepper just before serving for the best flavor impact.
Following these tips will ensure your cucumber tomato salad remains crisp, fresh, and delicious, even when prepared in advance for gatherings or meal prep.
Serving and Pairing Your Cucumber Tomato Salad
Perfect Pairings for Your Cucumber Tomato Salad
This cucumber tomato salad is incredibly versatile when it comes to meal pairings. I’ve found it works wonderfully as both a side dish and a light main course. Here are some of my favorite ways to serve it:
Grilled Protein
The cool, refreshing nature of this salad makes it an excellent companion to grilled meats. I particularly enjoy serving it alongside:
- Grilled chicken thighs
- Ribeye steak
- Grilled salmon
- Barbecue ribs
The contrast between the hot, charred protein and the cool, crisp salad creates a perfect balance on your plate.
Low-Carb Mains
Since this salad is already low-carb friendly, it pairs beautifully with other low-carb main dishes:
- Zucchini noodles with pesto
- Cauliflower rice bowls
- Keto-friendly pizza
- Stuffed bell peppers
Summer Gatherings
This salad has become my go-to for summer barbecues and potlucks. It transports well (especially if you follow the make-ahead tips from earlier) and always receives compliments. It’s particularly good alongside:
- Burgers and hot dogs
- Pulled pork
- Grilled vegetables
- Other summer salads like coleslaw
Temperature Considerations
While this salad is typically served cold, I’ve discovered that serving it at room temperature can actually enhance the flavors. When the salad is too cold, straight from the refrigerator, the bacon fat can solidify slightly and the flavors become somewhat muted.
If you’ve stored your salad in the refrigerator, I recommend taking it out about 15-20 minutes before serving. This allows the bacon fat to soften and the flavors to bloom, creating a more vibrant taste experience.
Presentation Ideas
How you present your cucumber tomato salad can make a big difference in how it’s received. Here are some of my favorite presentation tips:
- Choose the right bowl – A shallow, wide bowl or platter allows for the colorful ingredients to be visible.
- Garnish thoughtfully – Add a few whole cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, or a sprinkle of fresh herbs on top for visual appeal.
- Layer the ingredients – Consider arranging the cucumbers and tomatoes in a pattern before drizzling with the dressing for a more sophisticated presentation.
- Individual servings – For dinner parties, small individual portions in glass bowls or mason jars create an elegant presentation.
The vibrant colors of this salad make it naturally appealing, so even minimal effort in presentation goes a long way.
Nutrition, Storage, and Final Recipe Card
Nutritional Benefits of Cucumber Tomato Salad
As someone who pays attention to both flavor and nutrition, I appreciate that this salad offers considerable nutritional benefits alongside its delicious taste:
Cucumbers are incredibly hydrating with over 95% water content. They’re also low in calories while providing vitamin K, potassium, and antioxidants. The skin contains fiber and beneficial compounds, which is why I recommend using English cucumbers that don’t require peeling.
Tomatoes are rich in lycopene, an antioxidant linked to heart health and reduced cancer risk. They also provide vitamins A, C, and K, along with potassium and folate. Using cherry tomatoes adds a perfect sweetness balance to the salad.
Bacon, while indulgent, provides protein and satisfying fats that help make this salad filling enough to serve as a light meal. The key is moderation – the bacon adds tremendous flavor without needing to use excessive amounts.
Proper Storage Guidelines
For the best quality and food safety, follow these storage guidelines:
- Refrigerate promptly – Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator within two hours of preparation.
- Consume within 2-3 days – While the salad will technically stay safe longer, the quality deteriorates after 2-3 days as the cucumbers continue to release water and the vegetables lose their crispness.
- Stir before serving – As the salad sits, the dressing may settle at the bottom of the container. Give it a gentle stir before serving leftover portions.
- Not suitable for freezing – This salad doesn’t freeze well, as both cucumbers and tomatoes become mushy when thawed.
I find that glass containers work best for storage, as they don’t absorb flavors and can be easily cleaned of any bacon grease residue.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Even with such a simple recipe, occasional challenges can arise:
Watery salad: If your salad becomes too watery, you can drain off excess liquid before serving. To prevent this, consider salting and draining your cucumbers before assembling the salad.
Too salty: If you find your salad too salty (which can happen depending on your bacon), add more cucumber or a splash of fresh lemon juice to balance the flavor.
Wilted vegetables: For maximum crispness, make sure your vegetables are very fresh and properly chilled before preparation.
Complete Recipe Card
Cucumber Tomato Salad with Bacon
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4-6 as a side dish
Ingredients:
- 8 slices thick-cut bacon
- 3 tablespoons bacon drippings (reserved from cooking)
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, sliced in half
- 2 English cucumbers, thinly sliced
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Optional: 1-2 tablespoons fresh herbs (dill, basil, or chives), chopped
Instructions:
- Cook the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy, about 8-10 minutes. Transfer to paper towels to drain, reserving 3 tablespoons of the bacon fat. Allow the bacon to cool, then crumble into pieces.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the reserved bacon fat and ranch dressing until well combined.
- Place the halved cherry tomatoes and sliced cucumbers in a large serving bowl.
- Pour the dressing mixture over the vegetables and add the crumbled bacon.
- Gently toss everything together until evenly coated.
- Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed.
- If using, sprinkle with fresh herbs just before serving.
- Allow to sit for 10-15 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld together.
Notes:
- For best results, use the freshest vegetables you can find.
- This salad can be made up to 2 hours ahead and refrigerated. For longer storage, keep the components separate until ready to serve.
- The bacon can be cooked a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator.
Thank you for trying my Cucumber Tomato Salad recipe! I hope it becomes a favorite in your home as it has in mine. Remember that cooking is about personal preference, so don’t hesitate to adjust the ingredients to suit your taste. Enjoy!
Cucumber Tomato Salad with Bacon
Ingredients
- 8 slices thick-cut bacon
- 3 tablespoons bacon drippings reserved from cooking
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes sliced in half
- 2 English cucumbers thinly sliced
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Optional: 1–2 tablespoons fresh herbs dill, basil, or chives, chopped
Instructions
- Cook the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy, about 8–10 minutes.
- Transfer bacon to paper towels to drain. Reserve 3 tablespoons of bacon drippings.
- Allow bacon to cool slightly, then crumble into pieces.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the reserved bacon fat and ranch dressing.
- Add cherry tomatoes and sliced cucumbers to a large serving bowl.
- Pour the dressing mixture over the vegetables and add the crumbled bacon.
- Gently toss until everything is evenly coated.
- Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed.
- If using, sprinkle with chopped fresh herbs before serving.
- Let the salad sit for 10–15 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
