Ensaladang Pipino at Kamatis (Cucumber–Tomato Salad)

This vibrant Filipino side salad is a refreshing medley of crisp cucumbers, juicy cherry tomatoes, and pungent red onions, all tossed in a tangy-sweet vinaigrette with garlic and fiery chilies. It’s the perfect palate-cleansing accompaniment to rich, savory dishes like lechon kawali, pork tocino, grilled meats, or fried fish

Traditionally served chilled, the salad’s lively aroma and bold flavors bright vinegar, a touch of sugar, salty fish sauce, and peppers make it a beloved staple in Filipino gatherings, a flavorful burst that balances heavier mains .

Full Recipe

Ingredients:

• ⅓ cup white distilled vinegar

• 1 Tbsp fish sauce

• 2 Tbsp sugar

• 2 Thai bird chiles, thinly sliced

• 1 clove garlic, finely chopped

• 2 tsp kosher salt & 1 tsp black pepper

• 2 lb Persian (or Japanese) cucumbers, quartered lengthwise and sliced ¼‑inch

• 12 oz cherry tomatoes, quartered (or diced regular tomatoes)

• 1 small red onion, finely diced

Directions:

1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together vinegar, fish sauce, sugar, chiles, garlic, salt, and pepper until most of the sugar dissolves.

2. Add cucumbers, tomatoes, and onion; stir until well coated.

3. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (up to 2 hours) to allow flavors to meld. Stir before serving, then serve chilled.

• Active prep is minimal; most of the time is chilling

• Light and healthy zero fat, low sugar, 462 mg sodium, about 11 g carbs .

• Drain excess liquid: Cucumbers release moisture toss out liquid before serving to keep the salad crisp

• Customize spices: Adjust sugar, vinegar, chiles, or salt to your taste. Some opt for red wine vinegar or omit fish sauce for a milder, vegetarian version

• Add flair: Include thinly sliced bell peppers, unripe mango, green chilies, or avocado for extra crunch, sweetness, and color

• Make-ahead friendly: Chill up to a day in advance; flavors deepen, but salad becomes slightly pickled over time

Prep Time: 15 min | Cooking Time: 0 min | Total Time: 45 min | Kcal: 46 kcal | Servings: 8

Ensaladang Pipino at Kamatis: A Classic Filipino Cucumber and Tomato Salad

In Filipino cuisine, freshness plays a key role in balancing out the rich, savory, and often deep-fried dishes that dominate the country’s culinary landscape. Among the many beloved side dishes in the Philippines, Ensaladang Pipino at Kamatis stands out for its vibrant flavors, simplicity, and cultural significance. This cucumber and tomato salad is not just a refreshing addition to the Filipino dining table; it’s a vibrant symbol of the archipelago’s connection to fresh produce, home-style cooking, and culinary ingenuity.

The Cultural Roots of Ensalada in the Philippines

“Ensalada” is the Spanish word for “salad,” and the name is a nod to the Philippines’ long colonial history under Spanish rule, which lasted for over 300 years. During this time, many Spanish cooking techniques and dishes were integrated into local food culture. However, Filipinos have a knack for indigenizing foreign influences, and Ensaladang Pipino at Kamatis is a prime example of that fusion. Unlike leafy green salads popular in the West, this Filipino salad is based on locally abundant ingredients—cucumber (pipino), tomato (kamatis), red onions, and a distinctively Pinoy dressing made from vinegar, fish sauce (patis), sugar, garlic, and sometimes chili for a spicy kick.

This salad is commonly served as a side dish or sawsawan (dipping accompaniment) during lunch or dinner, particularly alongside grilled meats, fried fish, or other flavorful mains like lechon kawali or pork tocino. It reflects the traditional Filipino food philosophy of contrast—pairing something tangy, cool, and crunchy with something rich, fatty, and hot. In doing so, it refreshes the palate and enhances the overall meal experience.

Flavor Profile: A Dance of Sweet, Sour, and Savory

At its heart, Ensaladang Pipino at Kamatis is a harmony of five fundamental Filipino flavors: sour, sweet, salty, spicy, and umami. The sharp acidity of white vinegar or cane vinegar cuts through the mellow sweetness of ripe tomatoes and the refreshing crispness of cucumber. Fish sauce adds a deep salty umami flavor that is unmistakably Southeast Asian, while a bit of sugar helps balance the acidity and saltiness. Fresh garlic and Thai bird chilis provide pungency and heat, adding layers of complexity.

The vegetables absorb the dressing and become slightly pickled over time, enhancing their flavor. This quality makes the salad taste even better after sitting for 30 minutes to an hour in the refrigerator, making it an excellent make-ahead dish for gatherings and everyday meals.

Health Benefits: Light, Fresh, and Nutritious

One of the standout features of this dish is its nutritional value. It’s low in calories just around 45–50 kcal per serving and loaded with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Cucumbers are over 95% water, making them incredibly hydrating. They also contain vitamin K, magnesium, and a small amount of fiber. Tomatoes are rich in vitamin C, potassium, and the antioxidant lycopene, known for its heart health and anti-inflammatory properties.

Red onions offer their own benefits as a source of quercetin, a flavonoid with potential anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. Vinegar has been linked to modest improvements in blood sugar levels and digestion, while fish sauce, used in moderation, contributes to the intake of essential amino acids.

If you’re looking for a plant-based, gluten-free, and dairy-free side dish that also happens to be delicious and easy to make, this salad ticks all the boxes.

Versatility in the Kitchen

One of the greatest strengths of Ensaladang Pipino at Kamatis is its versatility. While the base ingredients are simple and accessible, the recipe is incredibly flexible, making it easy to personalize or enhance based on availability and taste preferences.

Here are some popular variations:

• With Green Mango: Add thin slices of sour green mango for a fruity tang and added texture.

• With Bagoong: Substitute or complement the fish sauce with bagoong (fermented shrimp paste) for a funkier, deeper umami kick.

• With Avocado: Add diced ripe avocado for creaminess and a luxurious contrast to the acidity.

• With Lettuce or Kangkong (Water Spinach): Some households mix in leafy greens for a more substantial salad.

• With Grilled Eggplant: Known as Ensaladang Talong, grilled eggplant can be combined with cucumber and tomato for a smoky twist.

You can also adjust the level of sweetness, spiciness, or acidity depending on your personal preference, making this salad approachable to many palates.

Perfect Pairings: When to Serve Ensaladang Pipino at Kamatis

This salad shines most when served with rich and hearty Filipino dishes. It provides a cooling contrast to oily or heavily seasoned foods. Here are some great pairings:

• Grilled pork barbecue skewers

• Crispy lechon kawali or bagnet

• Fried or grilled bangus (milkfish)

• Tinapa (smoked fish)

• Adobo with rice

• Inihaw na liempo (grilled pork belly)

For everyday meals, it’s a fast and reliable side that doesn’t require cooking perfect for hot weather, busy schedules, or health-conscious eaters. For parties or potlucks, it’s a crowd-pleaser that can be scaled up easily and prepared ahead of time.

A Staple in the Filipino Home and Heart

Ask any Filipino about meals from their childhood, and many will recall a plate of rice with fried fish and a side of cucumber-tomato salad drenched in vinegar. It’s a food memory deeply embedded in the culture, especially in rural areas where vegetables are grown in backyard gardens and meals are centered around rice and simple ingredients.

This dish is also an example of how Filipino home cooking celebrates balance not just in taste but in nutritional content and preparation effort. It doesn’t require fancy tools or exotic spices, just fresh ingredients and a good sense of flavor. It’s a reminder that good food doesn’t have to be complicated.

Conclusion:

Ensaladang Pipino at Kamatis is more than just a cucumber and tomato salad. It is a cultural touchstone, a nutritional powerhouse, and a versatile side dish that can elevate any Filipino meal. Its refreshing flavor profile, quick prep time, and flexible ingredient list make it a must-try for home cooks looking to explore Filipino cuisine or add more fresh dishes to their menus.

Whether you’re enjoying it with a hearty pork dish, a grilled fish, or simply a bowl of steaming white rice, this ensalada brings brightness, crunch, and a burst of Filipino flavor to every bite. Try it once, and you may find it becoming a permanent part of your recipe rotation