Contents
- 1 🥗 Why This Keto Cucumber Tomato Salad Belongs in Your Meal Plan
- 2 🧾 Ingredients for Keto Cucumber Tomato Salad
- 3 🍽️ How to Make Keto Cucumber Tomato Salad
- 4 🧊 Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving – Serves 4)
- 5 🍴 How to Serve Keto Cucumber Tomato Salad
- 6 🌿 Why This Salad Works for Keto Diets
- 7 🧠 Pro Tips & Variations
- 8 ❓FAQs About Keto Cucumber Tomato Salad
- 9 🌞 Final Thoughts
🥗 Why This Keto Cucumber Tomato Salad Belongs in Your Meal Plan
When you’re on a ketogenic or low-carb diet, it can be tricky to find side dishes that are both light and satisfying. This Keto Cucumber Tomato Salad is the ultimate answer—packed with flavor, nutrients, and crunch, while keeping your macros in check.
Made with simple, fresh ingredients like cucumbers, tomatoes, olive oil, and herbs, this salad is:
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Low in carbs
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High in fiber
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Free from dairy, pork, alcohol, and added sugars
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Quick to prepare in under 15 minutes
Perfect for meal prep, BBQs, weight-loss meal plans, or even just a refreshing summer lunch.
🧾 Ingredients for Keto Cucumber Tomato Salad
For the Salad:
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2 large cucumbers (English or Persian), sliced or diced
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1½ cups cherry tomatoes, halved
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¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced (optional for extra flavor)
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¼ cup chopped fresh parsley or dill
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Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Keto Vinaigrette:
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3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
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1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar or lemon juice
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½ teaspoon Dijon mustard (ensure no added sugars)
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½ teaspoon garlic powder or 1 small clove, minced
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¼ teaspoon pink salt or sea salt
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Pinch of black pepper
🥄 Optional Add-Ons for Healthy Fats: sliced avocado, olives, or a few pumpkin seeds.
🍽️ How to Make Keto Cucumber Tomato Salad
Step 1 – Prep the Vegetables
Wash and dry your cucumbers and tomatoes. Slice cucumbers into rounds or half-moons and halve the tomatoes. Thinly slice the red onion if using, and chop the herbs.
Step 2 – Make the Dressing
In a small bowl or mason jar, whisk together olive oil, vinegar (or lemon juice), mustard, garlic, and seasonings until well combined.
✅ Pro Tip: Let the dressing sit for 5 minutes to allow flavors to develop, especially if using fresh garlic.
Step 3 – Combine and Toss
Add the chopped vegetables and herbs into a large bowl. Pour the vinaigrette over the salad and toss gently to coat. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
🧊 Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving – Serves 4)
Macronutrient | Amount |
---|---|
Net Carbs | ~4g |
Fat | ~11g |
Protein | ~1g |
Calories | ~120 |
Fiber | ~1.5g |
🥗 This recipe is keto-friendly, gluten-free, dairy-free, vegan, and paleo-compatible.
🍴 How to Serve Keto Cucumber Tomato Salad
This salad is light enough to serve as a side dish but can also be transformed into a more filling main with a few tweaks.
Perfect Keto Pairings:
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Grilled chicken breast or salmon
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Hard-boiled eggs or grilled halloumi (if including dairy)
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Seared tofu or tempeh
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Keto lettuce wraps or zucchini noodles
Meal Prep Tips:
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Prepare the vegetables in advance but store the dressing separately to keep things crisp
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Add avocado right before eating to avoid browning
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Keeps fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days
🌿 Why This Salad Works for Keto Diets
Many salads are healthy—but not all are keto-compliant. This one is:
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Low in net carbs thanks to high-fiber cucumbers and moderate tomato use
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High in healthy fats from olive oil
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Completely sugar-free (no honey, sugar, or fruit-based dressings)
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No dairy unless you add optional cheese like feta or mozzarella
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No processed meats, bacon, or alcohol
It’s refreshing, hydrating, and won’t knock you out of ketosis.
🧠 Pro Tips & Variations
Want More Zing?
Add ½ tsp grated lemon zest or a splash of red wine vinegar (check for no alcohol content).
Add More Healthy Fats:
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¼ avocado, diced
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A handful of toasted sunflower seeds
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A spoonful of tahini whisked into the dressing
Craving Crunch?
Top with raw pepitas, crushed roasted almonds, or sliced celery.
❓FAQs About Keto Cucumber Tomato Salad
Are tomatoes allowed on keto?
Yes—in moderation. Cherry tomatoes contain ~3–4g net carbs per half cup. Used in the right quantity, they add flavor without carb overload.
Is cucumber good for keto?
Absolutely. Cucumbers are low in carbs, high in fiber, and contain 95% water—ideal for hydration and gut health.
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes! Just store the dressing separately and add it when ready to eat. This helps the veggies stay crisp and flavorful.
Is Dijon mustard keto?
Most Dijon mustard is keto-safe, but check the label to ensure there’s no added sugar or wine.
Can I use lemon juice instead of vinegar?
Definitely. Lemon juice is bright, fresh, and works beautifully with cucumber and tomato.
🌞 Final Thoughts
This Keto Cucumber Tomato Salad proves that low-carb living doesn’t mean sacrificing freshness or flavor. It’s:
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Bright and refreshing
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Quick to make and easy to store
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Perfect for summer and weight-loss goals
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Customizable for a wide range of preferences and dietary needs
Whether you’re meal prepping, packing lunch, or just need a light dinner side, this salad fits seamlessly into your keto lifestyle—with absolutely no pork, dairy, or alcohol involved.
🥒 Ready to crunch your way to clean eating? This salad is your new keto kitchen staple.