Contents
A Sweet-Savory Summer Stunner
When summer produce is at its peak, the best recipes are the ones that let it shine—no heat, no fuss, just bright, bold flavor. This Peach & Tomato Salad with Cucumber Ribbons is the perfect way to celebrate seasonal fruits and veggies in their freshest form.
This dish combines juicy heirloom tomatoes, sweet ripe peaches, and refreshing cucumber ribbons, all tied together with a light, zesty honey vinaigrette. Served cold, it’s hydrating, wholesome, and utterly gorgeous on the table. It’s the kind of salad you’ll want to make on repeat—whether it’s for a backyard brunch, al fresco dinner, or a simple weeknight side.
🌟 Why You’ll Love This Salad
-
✅ Bursting with fresh summer produce
-
✅ Naturally gluten-free, vegetarian, and refined sugar-free
-
✅ No mayo, no dairy, no meat, no alcohol—clean and garden-fresh
-
✅ Beautifully elegant for entertaining, easy enough for a quick lunch
-
✅ Comes together in under 15 minutes with no cooking required
If you’re a fan of sweet-and-savory combinations, this one’s for you.
🍑 Ingredients
🥗 Salad Base
-
1 large ripe peach, thinly sliced
-
1½ cups heirloom tomatoes, chopped or sliced (use multicolor for visual flair)
-
1 medium English or Persian cucumber, shaved into ribbons
-
¼ small red onion, very thinly sliced (optional)
-
Fresh basil leaves, to garnish
🍯 Honey-Lemon Vinaigrette
-
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
-
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
-
1 teaspoon lemon zest
-
1 teaspoon raw honey (or maple syrup for vegan option)
-
Salt and black pepper, to taste
👩🍳 How to Make Peach & Tomato Salad with Cucumber Ribbons
Step 1: Ribbon the Cucumber
Use a vegetable peeler or mandolin to create long, thin ribbons of cucumber. Set them aside on a paper towel to remove excess moisture.
💡 Tip: Avoid the seedy center when making ribbons. You’ll get the best texture and look from the firmer outer flesh.
Step 2: Slice and Dice
-
Wash and slice the peach into thin wedges.
-
Chop or slice tomatoes to your desired size.
-
Thinly slice red onion, if using.
Step 3: Mix the Vinaigrette
In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, zest, honey, salt, and pepper until emulsified.
Step 4: Assemble the Salad
On a serving platter or in a wide shallow bowl, gently arrange cucumber ribbons, tomato slices, and peach wedges. Drizzle with the vinaigrette and toss lightly, or serve the dressing on the side.
Finish with a scatter of fresh basil leaves and a crack of black pepper.
🌿 Recipe Variations & Add-Ins
This salad is totally customizable! Try these creative upgrades:
🧀 Add Creaminess
-
Crumbled feta or fresh mozzarella (if not avoiding dairy)
-
Vegan cheese crumbles or avocado slices for plant-based richness
🍋 Boost the Flavor
-
Add a few drops of pomegranate molasses or a drizzle of balsamic reduction
-
Try orange zest instead of lemon for a citrus variation
💪 Add Protein
-
White beans or chickpeas
-
Grilled tofu or tempeh strips
-
Toasted nuts or seeds (pumpkin seeds or slivered almonds work beautifully)
🧊 Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
-
Best enjoyed fresh, within an hour of assembly
-
If prepping ahead, keep dressing separate until serving
-
Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 24 hours, though cucumber may soften
-
Not freezer-friendly due to high water content
🥒 Meal Prep Tip: Ribbon cucumbers and slice peaches ahead, but keep them refrigerated and dry until ready to plate.
🍽️ What to Serve With This Salad
This salad works as a fresh side or a light entrée. Pair it with:
-
Grilled lemon chicken or baked fish
-
Falafel or grain-based patties
-
Whole grain couscous, farro, or quinoa
-
Iced tea or fruit-infused sparkling water
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this salad vegan?
Yes! Just substitute the honey with maple syrup or agave nectar, and skip any optional dairy additions.
Can I use canned peaches or tomatoes?
Fresh is highly recommended for the texture and flavor, but jarred peaches in natural juice (not syrup) can be used in a pinch. Avoid canned tomatoes for this dish.
What’s the best cucumber for ribboning?
English cucumbers or Persian cucumbers work best. Their skin is tender and their shape is ideal for long ribbons.
Can I add greens to this salad?
Absolutely. Try a bed of arugula, baby spinach, or butter lettuce underneath for extra volume and nutrients.
Can kids enjoy this salad?
Yes! The sweetness of the peaches and the colorful presentation make it appealing to kids. If they’re sensitive to raw onion, simply leave it out.
💬 Final Thoughts: Summer in Every Bite
This Peachy Tomato Cucumber Ribbon Salad is everything summer should taste like—crisp, cool, colorful, and effortlessly elegant. It’s a simple way to showcase seasonal fruits and veggies without overpowering them. Serve it at a picnic, bring it to a potluck, or enjoy it solo with your favorite chilled drink.
One bite and you’ll understand why this sweet-savory combo deserves a spot in your weekly rotation all summer long.
