Cucumber Tomato Salad with Creamy Lemon Tahini

🥗 Why You’ll Love This Cucumber Tomato Salad

When summer hits and temperatures soar, we all crave something crisp, fresh, and nourishing. This Cucumber Tomato Salad with Creamy Lemon Tahini is the perfect cooling side dish or light main course. Inspired by Middle Eastern flavors, it features crunchy cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, and a lusciously creamy tahini dressing with zesty lemon and garlic.

It’s naturally vegan, gluten-free, and incredibly easy to make in under 15 minutes. Whether you’re preparing a casual backyard lunch or a mezze-style dinner spread, this salad adds a pop of color and nutrition to your table.

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📝 Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Salad:

• 2 large cucumbers (Persian or English), diced

• 1½ cups cherry tomatoes, halved

• ¼ red onion, thinly sliced

• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley or mint (optional)

• Sea salt and cracked black pepper to taste

For the Creamy Lemon Tahini Drizzle:

• ¼ cup tahini (sesame seed paste)

• 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice

• 1 teaspoon lemon zest

• 1 small garlic clove, finely grated or minced

• 2 tablespoons cold water (adjust for consistency)

• 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil

• ½ teaspoon maple syrup or date syrup (optional, for balance)

• Salt to taste

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🥣 How to Make Cucumber Tomato Salad with Creamy Lemon Tahini

Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables

Wash and dry your cucumbers and cherry tomatoes. Dice the cucumbers and halve the tomatoes. Thinly slice the red onion. Add all vegetables to a large salad bowl.

💡 Tip: If raw red onion is too sharp for your taste, soak it in cold water for 5–10 minutes before adding to the salad.

Step 2: Whisk the Lemon Tahini Drizzle

In a small bowl, whisk together tahini, lemon juice, zest, garlic, olive oil, and maple syrup. Add cold water one tablespoon at a time until the dressing reaches a smooth, pourable consistency. Season with salt to taste.

🍋 Lemon zest adds depth and a vibrant citrus note that balances the rich tahini perfectly.

Step 3: Combine and Serve

Drizzle the tahini sauce over the salad and gently toss to coat, or serve the dressing on the side for dipping. Garnish with chopped parsley or mint if desired. Finish with a sprinkle of cracked black pepper.

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🧂 Variations and Add-Ins

Add Some Crunch:

• Toasted pine nuts or sunflower seeds

• Crispy chickpeas

• Thinly sliced radish

Make It a Meal:

• Add cooked quinoa or couscous

• Top with grilled tofu or falafel

• Pair with warm pita or flatbread

Herb Options:

• Swap parsley for cilantro or fresh dill

• Add za’atar or sumac for a regional twist

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🌿 Nutritional Highlights

This salad is a powerhouse of fresh, plant-based ingredients:

• Cucumbers provide hydration and fiber.

• Tomatoes bring antioxidants like lycopene.

• Tahini is rich in healthy fats, calcium, and protein.

• Lemon and garlic support digestion and immune health.

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🧊 Storage Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. The salad may release some liquid over time—just give it a quick toss before serving. If making ahead, consider storing the tahini dressing separately and drizzling it just before serving.

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❓FAQs About Cucumber Tomato Salad with Tahini Dressing

Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh?

Fresh lemon juice is highly recommended for its bright flavor, but bottled will work in a pinch. Always taste and adjust seasoning.

Is this salad keto-friendly?

It’s relatively low in carbs, but tomatoes do contain some natural sugars. For strict keto diets, reduce the quantity of tomatoes and eliminate maple syrup from the dressing.

Can I make the tahini dressing ahead of time?

Yes! You can make the dressing 3–4 days ahead and store it in the fridge. It may thicken; just stir in a bit of cold water to loosen it.

What type of tahini should I use?

Use runny, light-colored tahini made from hulled sesame seeds. Middle Eastern or Mediterranean brands tend to be creamier and less bitter.

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🍴 Serving Suggestions

• Serve as a starter alongside warm hummus and olives.

• Make it part of a mezze platter with baba ghanoush, dolmas, and tabbouleh.

• Perfect alongside grilled dishes like herb-marinated chicken thighs or roasted eggplant (for those who eat meat or are vegetarian).

🌞 Final Thoughts

This Cucumber Tomato Salad with Creamy Lemon Tahini is more than just a side dish—it’s a celebration of fresh, seasonal produce and bold, zesty flavor. It’s quick, nourishing, and makes a delicious impression at any summer gathering.

With no alcohol, no bacon, and no pork, this dish is perfect for a wide variety of dietary needs, and it’s sure to become a regular in your warm-weather meal rotation.