This creamy cucumber tomato salad is a refreshing treat! With crisp cucumbers and juicy tomatoes mixed in a smooth, tangy dressing, it’s perfect for warm days or any meal.
I love serving this salad as a side dish at barbecues. It’s so simple to make, and you can just toss it together in minutes. Plus, who can resist that creamy goodness? 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cucumbers: Opt for large cucumbers for crispness and flavor. If you prefer a different texture or want to add a bit of crunch, try using Persian or English cucumbers. They’re often seedless and taste great too!
Tomatoes: I recommend using medium tomatoes for this salad. Roma or vine-ripened tomatoes are fantastic, but if they’re not in season, cherry tomatoes can add a fun burst of sweetness as a substitute.
Red Onion: Red onions provide a nice color and a mild, sweet flavor. If you prefer less bite, consider using green onions or shallots instead for a lighter taste.
Sour Cream & Mayonnaise: I love the combo for creaminess! If you’re dairy-free, swap sour cream for a plant-based yogurt and use a vegan mayo. Both will keep that creamy goodness!
Dill: Fresh dill gives a bright flavor, but dried dill works in a pinch. Just remember, dried is more potent, so use about a third of the amount. I often use fresh herbs for their flavor, but dried is perfect when fresh isn’t available!
How Do I Make the Perfect Creamy Dressing?
The dressing is key to this salad’s creamy delight. Here’s how to ensure it comes out perfectly smooth and flavorful:
- In a smaller bowl, start by mixing the sour cream and mayonnaise together first. This helps them blend well.
- Add the chopped dill and lemon juice next. Lemon juice brightens the flavors!
- Season with salt and pepper to your taste. If you want a bit of zing, feel free to add a dash of garlic powder or a pinch of sugar if your tomatoes are tart.
- Mix until everything is combined smoothly, and taste to adjust the seasonings.
How to Make a Creamy Cucumber Tomato Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salad:
- 2 large cucumbers, diced
- 3 medium tomatoes, diced
- 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
For the Creamy Dressing:
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped (or 1 tsp dried dill)
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious salad takes about 15 minutes to prepare, plus at least 30 minutes to chill in the refrigerator before serving. All in all, you’ll need around 45 minutes to enjoy your refreshing side dish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Vegetables:
In a large mixing bowl, add the diced cucumbers, diced tomatoes, and thinly sliced red onion. Gently combine them so they are well mixed but not squished.
2. Make the Creamy Dressing:
In a separate smaller bowl, mix together the sour cream, mayonnaise, chopped dill, lemon juice, and a bit of salt and pepper. Use a whisk or a fork to blend everything together until it’s nice and smooth.
3. Combine and Mix:
Pour the creamy dressing over the vegetable mixture. Gently toss everything together using a spatula or wooden spoon until the vegetables are well coated with the dressing.
4. Adjust Seasoning:
Now, it’s time to taste your salad! If you think it needs a little more flavor, feel free to add in more salt or pepper to your liking.
5. Chill Before Serving:
Cover the salad with plastic wrap or a lid and place it in the refrigerator. Let it chill for at least 30 minutes. This helps all the flavors blend beautifully!
6. Serve and Enjoy!
When you’re ready to serve, take the salad out of the fridge and give it a little stir. Enjoy it chilled as a refreshing side dish with your meal!
Can I Use Greek Yogurt Instead of Sour Cream?
Absolutely! Greek yogurt is a great substitute for sour cream, providing a similar creaminess with a bit of tang. You can use it in equal amounts. If you want a milder flavor, you might consider adding a splash of milk to thin it out slightly.
What If I Don’t Have Fresh Dill?
No problem! You can use dried dill instead; just keep in mind that dried herbs are more concentrated, so you’ll want to use about one-third of the amount. In this case, start with 1 teaspoon and adjust to your taste.
Can I Prepare This Salad the Night Before?
Yes! This salad actually benefits from sitting overnight in the refrigerator as it allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Just be sure to store it in an airtight container to keep it fresh. If you’re concerned about the vegetables getting too watery, you can dice the cucumbers and tomatoes separately, then combine everything right before serving.
How Long Can I Store Leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 2-3 days. Make sure to keep it in an airtight container to maintain freshness. If you notice excess moisture from the cucumbers, you can drain some liquid before serving to keep the salad from becoming watery.
