How to Make 5-Minute Ensalada de Pepino y Tomate

This ensalada de pepino y tomate is one of the easiest salads you’ll ever make. I prepare it several times a week for my family. Aside from being nutritious, it’s also beautiful when plated!

WHAT IS ENSALADA DE PEPINO Y TOMATE

This easy cucumber and tomato salad is a recipe I’ve been making for as long as I can remember. I typically make it with Persian cucumbers and tomatoes (any variety), and then top it with olive oil, red wine vinegar, and Maldon salt. Sometimes I’ll add pepper and thin slices of red onion for an additional burst of flavor, too.

NUTRITIONAL BENEFITS

• Cucumbers are low in calories, rich in vitamins K and C, and contain compounds like beta-carotene that combat free radicals.
• Tomatoes are rich in lycopene, a powerful antioxidant linked to reduced risk of heart disease and some cancers. They also contain vitamins A and C, which help support immune health and vibrant skin.
• Olive oil contains healthy fats, is rich in antioxidants like vitamin E, and helps your body absorb fat-soluble vitamins in the salad.
• Red wine vinegar aids in digestion and supports gut health.

WHY I LOVE THIS RECIPE

• Super easy to make: You can make this salad in 5 to 10 minutes, it really just depends on how quickly you chop! I make it at least 4 to 5 times a week.
• Loaded with nutrients: As noted in the list above.
• Beautiful and delicious: This cucumber tomato salad is not only delicious, it’s also beautiful when served.

Once you try my fresh Ensalada de Pepino y Tomate, be sure to check out my Tijuana Caesar Salad and Ensalada de Lentejas recipes.

INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED

The ingredients for my ensalada de pepino y tomate are quite simple. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Cucumbers: Any variety will work, but I prefer Persian cucumbers because they maintain their crunch. English cucumbers also work well in this salad. If using regular cucumbers, I recommend that you peel them.
• Tomatoes: I have used every variety of tomatoes for this salad. Colorful cherry tomatoes always look the prettiest!
• Red onion (optional): I love the flavor that red onion adds to this salad, but my kids don’t so sometimes I leave it out.
• Olive oil and red wine vinegar: this simple combination creates a delicious dressing.
• Salt: I prefer Maldon salt or Crystal Diamond Kosher Salt to top my salads.
• Pepper: Pepper is optional, but adds nice flavor, too.

RECOMMENDED BY LOLA FOR THIS RECIPE

Maldon Sea Salt Flakes

I like using good seasoning salt to top my salads and love flavor and texture of this Maldon salt. VIEW PRODUCT

STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS

1. Prepare ingredients

• Cut cucumbers into thin rounds
• Cut cherry tomatoes in half, or slice into half moons if using larger tomatoes
• Cut red onion into very thin slices

2. Add olive oil and vinegar

• Arrange cucumber, tomato, and optional onion in a pretty bowl or plate.
• Dress salad with olive oil, vinegar, salt, and optional pepper just before serving.
• PRO TIP: Adding salt too early can result in a soggy salad.

3. Serve and enjoy

• Mix and serve immediately.

TIPS, TRICKS, AND SUBSTITUTIONS

• You can use any type of cucumber or tomato (or a mix of different ones) in this recipe and it’ll still be delicious. If you’re using regular cucumbers, I recommend peeling them because they have thicker skin than Persian and English cucumbers.
• I like using good salt in a salad that’s this simple. Maldon Sea Salt or Diamond Kosher Salt go-to salts for most recipes. Maldon Sea Salt is a great seasoning salt and I like Diamond Kosher salt for cooking.

WHAT TO PAIR WITH ENSALADA DE PEPINO Y TOMATE

If you’re hosting a special occasion or just want to create a memorable Mexican fiesta menu, here are a few ideas from appetizers and drinks, to main dishes and salsas.

• Appetizers: Nopales Asados, Cebollitas Asadas, Chiles Toreados, Jalapeño Deviled Eggs, Totopos
• Main dishes: Easy Breakfast Tostadas, Turkey Picadillo Tostadas, Tacos Dorados, Tacos de Papa, Tacos de Huevos a la Mexicana, Milanesa de Pollo, Mole Negro, Tacos de Barbacoa
• Sides: Arroz Rojo, Arroz a la Primavera,  Arroz Verde con Cilantro
• Aguas frescas: Agua de Piña, Agua de Papaya, Agua de Naranja, Agua de Tamarindo, Mexican Sparkling Limonada, Agua de Melón, Agua de Piña, Agua de Limón, Agua de Limón con Chía, Agua de Tuna Roja, Agua de Tuna Verde, Agua de Limón y Pepino

LOOKING FOR MORE SALAD RECIPES?

• Tijuana Caesar Salad
• Ensalada de Lentejas (Easy and Refreshing Lentil Salad)
• How to Make Ensaladas de Nopales (Mexican Cactus Salad)

Lola’s Cocina is a small business that earns various revenue streams. This includes sponsored posts and affiliate commissions from linked products, which I use and love. This commission is an agreement between Lola’s Cocina and retailers, with no extra cost to readers. This income helps sustains the site.