Tangy BBQ Cucumber Tomato Salad

🥒 Why This Tangy Cucumber Tomato Salad Is a BBQ Must-Have

When the grill is hot and the sun is shining, you need a side dish that’s just as bold and bright as your main. This Tangy BBQ Cucumber Tomato Salad delivers big flavor with no heavy ingredients, making it the perfect contrast to sizzling grilled dishes like chicken, beef skewers, or plant-based patties.

This salad is:

• Crisp and cooling (ideal for hot days)

• Free of dairy, pork, bacon, wine, or alcohol

• Naturally gluten-free

• Quick to prep and perfect for picnics or cookouts

Whether you’re hosting a backyard BBQ or contributing to a potluck, this is the kind of dish people pile high on their plates.

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🍅 Ingredients for the Salad

Fresh and Simple Salad Base:

• 2 large English cucumbers or 4 Persian cucumbers, diced or sliced

• 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved

• ¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced

• ¼ cup fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped

• ½ teaspoon sea salt

• Cracked black pepper to taste

Tangy BBQ-Ready Dressing:

• 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar or fresh lemon juice

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (check label for no wine)

• ½ teaspoon garlic powder

• ½ teaspoon maple syrup or agave (optional for balance)

• ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika (adds a subtle BBQ-friendly flavor)

🍋 This dressing is bold and tangy but light—no cream or mayo in sight!

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👨‍🍳 How to Make Tangy Cucumber Tomato Salad

Step 1 – Prep Your Produce

Wash and dry your vegetables thoroughly. Cut the cucumbers into half-moons or bite-sized chunks. Halve the cherry tomatoes and thinly slice the onion. Add everything to a large mixing bowl.

Step 2 – Whisk the Dressing

In a small bowl or jar, whisk together vinegar or lemon juice, olive oil, mustard, garlic powder, smoked paprika, maple syrup (if using), salt, and pepper. Mix until emulsified.

🔥 Pro Tip: Smoked paprika brings that subtle grill-flavored depth without actual BBQ sauce.

Step 3 – Toss and Chill

Pour the dressing over your chopped veggies and toss gently to combine. Let the salad sit for 10–15 minutes to absorb the flavors. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

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🍴 What to Serve This Salad With at a BBQ

This salad is extremely versatile and balances out the richness of grilled dishes beautifully. Here’s how to pair it:

Great With:

• Grilled chicken thighs or wings

• Turkey burgers or beef burgers

• BBQ veggie skewers or grilled tofu

• Grilled corn or baked sweet potatoes

Use It As:

• A topping for grilled pita or flatbreads

• A base for protein bowls

• A side for rice, couscous, or cauliflower rice

It also works great in picnic boxes or potluck platters—you can scale it up and double the batch easily.

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🧊 Storage & Make-Ahead Tips

Fridge Life:

• Keeps well for up to 3 days

• Store in an airtight container

• Toss again before serving to redistribute dressing

Make-Ahead Tip:

• Prep the veggies and dressing separately

• Combine just before serving to keep cucumbers crisp

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🌿 Customization Ideas

This salad is incredibly flexible. Here’s how to tweak it for different flavor profiles or dietary needs:

Want More Crunch?

• Add sliced radishes or shredded carrots

• Try chopped celery or bell peppers

Need More Bulk?

• Add cooked quinoa or chickpeas

• Serve over a bed of arugula or spinach

Love Heat?

• Toss in a pinch of chili flakes or diced jalapeño

• Add a dash of hot sauce to the dressing

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📊 Nutritional Highlights (Per Serving – Serves 4)

🥗 This recipe is low-carb, vegan, and suitable for Whole30 and Paleo (if omitting sweetener).

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❓FAQs About Tangy BBQ Cucumber Tomato Salad

Can I make this salad the day before?

Yes, but for best results, keep the dressing separate until right before serving to maintain crunch.

Is this recipe suitable for keto?

It’s moderately low in carbs. If keeping very strict keto, reduce tomatoes to 1 cup and skip the maple syrup.

Can I add protein to this salad?

Absolutely! Add grilled chicken, tuna, chickpeas, or hard-boiled eggs for a more filling meal.

What vinegar works best?

Apple cider vinegar is ideal here—it’s bright, mild, and slightly fruity. Lemon juice also works well for a citrus twist.

Is Dijon mustard safe if I avoid alcohol?

Many Dijon brands contain trace amounts of wine. Look for wine-free or mustard powder as a substitute.

☀️ Final Thoughts

This Tangy BBQ Cucumber Tomato Salad is a guaranteed hit at any summer get-together. It’s refreshing, flavorful, and brings out the best in grilled mains without overpowering them. Plus, it checks all the right boxes:

• ✅ Dairy-free

• ✅ Gluten-free

• ✅ No pork, bacon, or alcohol

• ✅ Vegan and low-carb friendly

• ✅ Ready in 15 minutes or less

With its bold flavor and beautiful color, this salad isn’t just a side dish—it’s a standout at any table.

So grab your grill tools, your favorite playlist, and this salad. Your next BBQ just got a whole lot brighter 🔥🥒🍅