Ethiopian Tomato and Cucumber Salad with Lemon-Mint Dressing

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A refreshing salad combining diced tomatoes and cucumbers with a zesty lemon and fresh mint dressing for a light side dish. This african-inspired salads ready in about 15 minutes blends medium, diced ripe tomatoes, large, peeled and diced cucumber, small, finely chopped red onion into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 90 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Serves 4 African cuisine 90 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 3 medium diced ripe tomatoes, 1 large peeled and diced cucumber, and 1 small finely chopped red onion.
  2. Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp lemon juice, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper until well emulsified.
  3. Step 3: Pour the lemon-olive oil dressing over the vegetables and toss gently to coat.
  4. Step 4: Add 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint leaves and mix lightly.
  5. Step 5: Refrigerate the salad for at least 20 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Ethiopian Tomato and Cucumber Salad with Lemon-Mint Dressing take to make?

Total time is about 15 minutes (15 min prep + 0 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Ethiopian Tomato and Cucumber Salad with Lemon-Mint Dressing?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Ethiopian Tomato and Cucumber Salad with Lemon-Mint Dressing?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Ethiopian Tomato and Cucumber Salad with Lemon-Mint Dressing for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Ethiopian Tomato and Cucumber Salad with Lemon-Mint Dressing?

African salads like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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