Grandma Jane's Flavor-Packed Tomato and Cucumber Salad

A refreshing salad combines juicy tomatoes and crisp cucumbers with a burst of vibrant flavors that will brighten up any meal. It’s a simple, wholesome dish that’s perfect for warm days or as a tasty side.

★★★★★5(1 reviews)Updated: Mar 31, 2026

Prep Time 15 min

Cook Time 10 min

Total Time 25 min

Difficulty Easy

Ingredients 0/8

½ pound thick-sliced peppered bacon 1 tablespoon bacon drippings 1 cup mayonnaise 3 large tomatoes, diced 2 large cucumbers, diced kosher salt to taste freshly cracked five-peppercorn seasoning to taste ¼ teaspoon ground cumin (Optional)

Why This Recipe Is So Flavorful

This salad is a refreshing blend of juicy tomatoes and crisp cucumbers, bursting with vibrant flavors. It’s light, healthy, and perfect for warm days or as a side dish to your favorite meals. The simple ingredients come together to create a bright and satisfying taste that everyone will enjoy.

Expert Cooking Tips

- Use ripe, fresh tomatoes for the best flavor and sweetness.
- Chill the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld.
- Add a pinch of salt gradually and taste as you go to balance the seasoning perfectly.

Step 1

Cook the bacon in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Keep turning it now and then until it’s nicely browned and crispy, which should take about 10 minutes. Once done, transfer the bacon to a plate lined with paper towels to drain off the excess grease. Let it cool, then crumble it into a big salad bowl.

Step 2

Spoon out about a tablespoon of the bacon drippings from the pan and let it cool slightly. Mix the drippings into the crumbled bacon along with some mayonnaise until everything is well combined. Then, add in the chopped tomatoes and cucumbers.

Step 3

Season the salad with kosher salt, a bit of five-peppercorn blend, and a pinch of cumin to taste. Give everything a good stir, cover the bowl, and pop it in the fridge to chill for at least an hour. If you have time, letting it sit overnight really helps the flavors develop.

Serving Guide

Serve this salad alongside grilled meats, roasted vegetables, or fresh bread. It also pairs wonderfully with light dishes like fish or chicken. For a complete meal, add some crumbled feta or olives for extra texture and flavor.

Leftover Storage Guide

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s best eaten within 1-2 days to keep the vegetables crisp and fresh. Avoid storing for too long as cucumbers can release water and make the salad watery.

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By Ayesha Khan

Home Cooking Expert

Ayesha shares simple recipes with clear steps to help you cook confidently at home.