If you are looking for a refreshing and vibrant side dish that’s bursting with flavor and comes together in minutes, this Creamy Cucumber Tomato Salad Recipe is an absolute winner. It perfectly balances the cool crunch of cucumbers with juicy tomatoes, all enveloped in a luscious, tangy dressing that’s creamy but never heavy. This salad not only brightens up any meal but also feels like a little celebration of fresh garden goodness in every bite. Whether you’re craving a quick lunch addition or a show-stopping summer side, this recipe is a delightful way to enjoy simple ingredients with incredible taste.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering a handful of fresh, simple ingredients is all you need to make this salad sing. Each component plays an important role in creating a harmonious blend of creaminess, tang, and crunch that makes this dish so memorable.
- Sour cream: Adds a smooth, tangy base that makes the dressing rich yet light.
- Mayonnaise: Brings creaminess and binds the salad together beautifully.
- Dried dill: Imparts a bright, herbaceous note that perfectly complements cucumbers and tomatoes.
- Garlic powder: Introduces a mild savory depth without overpowering the fresh veggies.
- Medium cucumbers: Thinly sliced for crunch and cool freshness in every mouthful.
- Small tomatoes: Cut into wedges or halved, they bring vibrant color and juicy sweetness.
- Sweet onion: Thinly sliced to add a mild tangy bite and enhance texture.
- Kosher salt and pepper: Essential seasonings to elevate all the flavors to their fullest potential.
How to Make Creamy Cucumber Tomato Salad Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Creamy Dressing
Start by combining the sour cream, mayonnaise, dried dill, and garlic powder in a large bowl. Stir gently until everything is blended into a smooth, creamy dressing. This mix is what gives the salad its signature luscious texture and flavorful kick, so take your time making sure it’s nice and even.
Step 2: Add the Fresh Vegetables
Next, fold in your thinly sliced cucumbers, wedges or halves of small tomatoes, and sweet onion slices. The freshness of the veggies shines here, and gently combining them with the dressing helps them soak up all those delicious flavors without getting crushed.
Step 3: Season with Salt and Pepper
Season the salad with kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste. This simple final touch brightens the overall flavor profile and balances the creamy richness perfectly. Be generous with the seasoning because it really brings the dish alive.
Step 4: Chill Before Serving
Cover your salad and refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes. This resting period allows the ingredients to mingle and the dressing to infuse every slice and wedge. When served chilled, the Creamy Cucumber Tomato Salad Recipe tastes even more refreshing and satisfying.
How to Serve Creamy Cucumber Tomato Salad Recipe
Garnishes
For a little extra flair, sprinkle freshly chopped fresh dill or chives on top right before serving. A dash of paprika can add a handsome pop of color too. These garnishes enhance both the look and the fresh herbal notes of the salad.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs wonderfully with grilled meats like chicken or fish, making it a lovely complement for barbecue dinners. It’s also fantastic alongside sandwiches or as a zesty addition to picnic spreads or potlucks. Think of it as the cool, creamy counterpoint to richer main courses.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to jazz things up, serve the salad in hollowed-out tomatoes or cucumber boats for a charming presentation. Layer it in clear glass bowls for a colorful visual effect that lets the salad’s vibrant colors shine through. The Creamy Cucumber Tomato Salad Recipe is super versatile and perfect for impressing guests with minimal effort.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This salad keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. The veggies will stay crisp if you don’t leave it sitting out too long. Give it a gentle stir before serving leftovers to redistribute the dressing.
Freezing
Because of the fresh vegetables and creamy dressing, freezing this salad is not recommended. The cucumbers and tomatoes will become watery and lose their texture when thawed, so it’s best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated.
Reheating
This salad is ideally served cold and does not require reheating. In fact, warming it up would spoil the crispness and freshness that make it so delightful. Simply take it out of the fridge a few minutes before serving to take the chill off if desired.
FAQs
Can I use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream?
Absolutely! Greek yogurt is a fantastic substitute that will give the salad a lighter tang while still maintaining creaminess. Just be sure to use plain Greek yogurt for the best flavor balance.
Is this salad suitable for vegans?
The traditional recipe includes sour cream and mayonnaise, which are not vegan. However, you can easily make it vegan by using plant-based mayo and a dairy-free sour cream alternative.
How long should I let the salad chill before serving?
Refrigerating for at least 30 minutes is ideal as it allows the flavors to meld beautifully. If you’re short on time, even 15 minutes will still produce a tasty salad.
Can I add other vegetables to this salad?
Definitely! Feel free to toss in some chopped bell peppers, radishes, or fresh herbs like parsley for additional flavor and texture. Just keep in mind it may alter the signature taste slightly.
What’s the best way to slice cucumbers for this salad?
Thin slicing is key to ensure the cucumbers absorb the creamy dressing well and blend nicely with the other veggies. Use a sharp knife or mandoline for uniformly thin slices.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Cucumber Tomato Salad Recipe is one of those magical dishes that proves simple ingredients can deliver extraordinary flavor. It’s quick to make, endlessly refreshing, and the perfect way to celebrate fresh produce any time of year. I hope you enjoy making it and sharing it as much as I do—it’s sure to become a fast favorite in your recipe collection!
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Creamy Cucumber Tomato Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes (including chilling time)
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This creamy cucumber tomato salad is a refreshing and easy-to-make side dish featuring crisp cucumbers and juicy tomatoes tossed in a smooth, tangy dressing made with sour cream and mayonnaise. Enhanced with dried dill and garlic powder, it offers a perfect balance of flavors, making it ideal for summer meals or as a crisp addition to any gathering.
Ingredients
Dressing
- 1/3 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon dried dill
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
Salad
- 2 medium cucumbers, thinly sliced
- 3 small tomatoes, cut into wedges or halved
- 1/2 sweet onion, thinly sliced
- Kosher salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the dressing: In a large bowl, thoroughly mix the sour cream, mayonnaise, dried dill, and garlic powder until you achieve a smooth, creamy consistency.
- Add the vegetables: Incorporate the thinly sliced cucumbers, wedge-cut or halved tomatoes, and thinly sliced sweet onion into the bowl with the dressing. Gently toss everything together to coat the vegetables evenly without bruising them.
- Season the salad: Sprinkle kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper over the mixture according to your taste preferences. Stir lightly to distribute the seasoning.
- Chill and serve: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes. This resting time allows the flavors to blend and the salad to chill before serving.
Notes
- For a lighter version, use low-fat sour cream and mayonnaise.
- You can substitute dried dill with fresh dill if available; use about 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill.
- The salad is best served chilled, making it a great make-ahead side dish for barbecues or picnics.
- Adjust salt and pepper according to your dietary needs or preference.
- Optional: Add a splash of lemon juice or vinegar for extra tanginess if desired.
