There’s something comforting about a dish that tastes like sunshine and summer memories, and Creamy Cucumber Tomato Salad delivers just that. With juicy tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, and a dreamy, tangy dressing, this salad is refreshing, light, and incredibly satisfying. It’s the kind of recipe that brings people together—whether at a backyard cookout or a casual family meal. And the best part? It takes almost no time to make!
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Why You’ll Love This Creamy Cucumber Tomato Salad
This salad is a lifesaver when you’re short on time but want something fresh, flavorful, and crowd-pleasing. It comes together in under 15 minutes, requires just a handful of ingredients, and pairs beautifully with everything from grilled meats to picnic sandwiches. Its creamy dressing brings all the ingredients together into one delicious bite after another!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s everything you need to make this crisp and creamy summer salad:
- Cucumbers: Choose English or Persian cucumbers for fewer seeds and a crisp bite.
- Cherry tomatoes: Juicy and sweet—halve them for the perfect texture.
- Red onion: Thinly sliced for a bit of zing and crunch.
- Sour cream: The creamy base that gives this salad its signature texture.
- Mayonnaise: Adds richness and helps smooth out the tang.
- White vinegar or lemon juice: Adds brightness and acidity.
- Dill (fresh or dried): The classic herb for this salad—fragrant and slightly grassy.
- Salt & pepper: To season everything to perfection.
- Optional: Garlic powder, feta cheese, or chopped parsley for extra flair.
Feel free to adjust the ingredients to suit your taste—add avocado for creaminess, or swap sour cream for Greek yogurt for a healthier twist.
How to Make Creamy Cucumber Tomato Salad
Making this salad is as simple as it gets—just slice, mix, and chill! Let’s break it down:
Step 1: Prep the Veggies
Wash and slice your cucumbers into rounds or half-moons. Halve your cherry tomatoes and thinly slice your red onion. Combine everything in a large mixing bowl.
Step 2: Make the Creamy Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together sour cream, mayonnaise, vinegar (or lemon juice), salt, pepper, and dill. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed—more vinegar for brightness, more mayo for richness.
Step 3: Combine & Toss
Pour the dressing over the vegetables and gently toss to coat. Make sure every piece is covered in that creamy goodness!
Step 4: Chill and Serve
Cover the bowl and refrigerate the salad for at least 20–30 minutes. This helps the flavors blend and makes the salad even more refreshing. Serve chilled, garnished with extra dill if desired.
Tips for the Best Salad
- Use firm, ripe tomatoes: Soft tomatoes will get mushy quickly.
- Salt the cucumbers beforehand: If using regular cucumbers, salt and drain them for 10 minutes to reduce wateriness.
- Double the dressing: Love it creamy? Make extra dressing and stir it in just before serving.
- Let it rest: Give the salad time in the fridge—at least 30 minutes to soak in all that flavor.
- Fresh dill > dried: If you can get your hands on fresh dill, it elevates the whole dish!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large mixing bowl: To toss everything together.
- Small bowl: For whipping up the dressing.
- Sharp knife: For slicing veggies with precision.
- Whisk or fork: To blend the dressing until smooth.
Creative Variations
| Variation | Description |
|---|---|
| Feta Flavor Bomb | Add crumbled feta cheese for a salty twist. |
| Zingy Garlic | Mix in a pinch of garlic powder or a fresh minced clove. |
| Greek-Style | Add olives, oregano, and lemon juice instead of vinegar. |
| Spicy Kick | Toss in a few red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños. |
| Avocado Cream Dream | Add chopped avocado for an extra layer of creaminess. |
Serving Suggestions
- Serve alongside grilled chicken, steak, or fish.
- Add to wraps or pitas for a fresh veggie boost.
- Scoop it up with crackers or pita chips as an appetizer.
- Pair with lemonade or iced tea for the ultimate summer vibe.
- Make it the star of a picnic or potluck spread!
Creamy Cucumber Tomato Salad: A Summer Classic You’ll Crave
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A light, creamy, and refreshing summer salad made with cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and a tangy dill dressing. Perfect for barbecues, picnics, or a quick meal.
Ingredients
2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
2 large cucumbers, sliced thin
1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
1/2 cup sour cream
1/4 cup mayonnaise
1 tbsp white vinegar or lemon juice
1 tsp dried dill or 1 tbsp fresh
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the sliced cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, and red onion.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the sour cream, mayonnaise, vinegar or lemon juice, dill, salt, and pepper.
3. Pour the dressing over the vegetables and toss gently to coat everything evenly.
4. Cover and chill the salad in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to let the flavors meld.
5. Garnish with extra dill and serve chilled.
Notes
Swap sour cream with Greek yogurt for a healthier option.
Add crumbled feta, avocado, or grilled chicken to make it a complete meal.
Salting cucumbers before mixing can reduce extra moisture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 130
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 240mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: summer salad, creamy cucumber tomato salad, BBQ side
FAQs
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes! It’s best when chilled for at least 30 minutes and stays fresh for up to 2 days in the fridge.
What can I substitute for sour cream?
Greek yogurt is a great alternative if you want a healthier, protein-rich option.
Is this salad keto-friendly?
Absolutely! Just check the label on your mayo and sour cream to avoid added sugars.
Can I add protein?
Totally—try grilled chicken, cooked shrimp, or even a hard-boiled egg on top!
Final Thoughts
Creamy Cucumber Tomato Salad is more than a recipe—it’s a summertime essential. Its simple ingredients, bold flavor, and refreshing texture make it a favorite for every occasion. Whether you’re preparing a quick lunch, impressing guests, or enjoying dinner on the patio, this salad is sure to impress. So grab those fresh veggies and get tossing—because this dish belongs on your table all summer long!
