There’s something magical about biting into a crisp, chilled salad on a hot summer day. And when that salad happens to be creamy, crunchy, and packed with garden-fresh flavor? That’s what we call perfection. Enter: the Creamy Cucumber Tomato Salad.
This recipe has been a go-to in my family for generations. It started as something my grandma would whip up from the veggies she grew in her backyard. Now, I make it for just about every summer BBQ, lazy Sunday lunch, or when I just want a no-fuss, feel-good kind of dish. It’s fresh, tangy, a little creamy, and totally addictive.
This creamy cucumber tomato salad recipe is made with simple ingredients, many of which you probably already have in your kitchen. It’s low-carb, low-effort, and always a crowd favorite. And the best part? It doubles as a perfect side dish or a light lunch. Let me show you how easy it is to throw this one together.
Why You’ll Love This Salad
If you’ve got cucumbers, tomatoes, and a bit of sour cream, you’re already halfway there. But let’s break down why this salad is about to be your new favorite:
- It’s fast – You can toss it together in under 15 minutes.
- Super flexible – Throw in what you have, tweak the dressing, and call it your own.
- It goes with everything – Burgers? Yes. Grilled salmon? Also yes. All-day snacking? Oh yeah.
- Light but satisfying – It hits that creamy craving without being heavy.
- Diet-friendly – Naturally gluten-free and low-carb, but still super flavorful.
Perfect for home cooks, students, busy parents, or honestly anyone who just wants to eat something delicious without breaking a sweat. This refreshing summer side dish is here to save your lunch plans and your sanity.
Ingredients Breakdown
Let’s walk through what goes into this creamy cucumber tomato salad and why each ingredient matters.
The Veggies:
- Cucumbers: You can’t really mess this up, but English cucumbers or Persian cucumbers are ideal. They’re thin-skinned, have fewer seeds, and hold up beautifully in creamy dressings. Slice them thin for best results.
- Tomatoes: Cherry tomatoes are my go-to for sweetness and minimal mess. Roma tomatoes work well too. Just make sure to de-seed them if they’re extra juicy.
- Red Onion: Thinly sliced red onion adds the perfect punch. If you’re onion-sensitive, soak them in cold water for 10 minutes before adding to tone down the sharpness.
The Creamy Dressing:
- Sour Cream: The base of the dressing. It gives this salad a creamy, tangy richness without feeling too heavy. You can go full sour cream or mix in some mayo for extra creaminess.
- Mayonnaise (optional): A spoonful adds smoothness and helps mellow out the tang from the sour cream.
- Dill: Fresh dill is what makes this a dill-flavored salad and gives it that classic cool taste. If you only have dried dill, that’s fine—just use less.
- Acid: Apple cider vinegar or lemon juice. This brightens everything and balances the creaminess.
- Salt & Pepper: Because nothing works without them.
Optional Add-ins:
- Feta cheese for a Mediterranean twist.
- Avocado if you want something richer.
- Boiled eggs or grilled chicken to make it a meal.
- Cold pasta for a creamy cucumber tomato pasta salad situation.
Basically, this is your salad, your way. But the cucumber and tomato pairing is where the magic starts.
How to Make Creamy Cucumber Tomato Salad
This recipe could not be easier. Seriously. Even if you’ve never made a salad in your life, trust me—you got this.
Step 1: Prep the Veggies
Wash and dry your cucumbers and tomatoes. Slice the cucumbers into thin rounds or half-moons, whatever feels right. Halve your cherry tomatoes, or chop larger tomatoes into bite-sized chunks. Thinly slice your red onion. I like mine super thin—like see-through thin.
Step 2: Make the Dressing
In a separate bowl, mix together your sour cream, mayo (if using), dill, vinegar or lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Taste it. Too tangy? Add a bit more mayo. Too thick? Splash in a bit of milk or water.
Step 3: Combine It All
Toss your prepped veggies into a large bowl. Pour the dressing over the top and gently stir to combine. Be gentle here—you don’t want to crush the tomatoes.
Step 4: Chill Out
Let the salad sit in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This is where the magic happens. The flavors marry, the cucumbers chill, and you end up with a perfectly refreshing summer side dish.
And that’s it. You’ve just made a creamy cucumber tomato salad that’ll steal the spotlight at your next BBQ.
Serving Suggestions
This salad is the ultimate sidekick. It’s cool, creamy, and goes with practically everything. Try serving it with:
- Grilled chicken or steak
- Salmon or shrimp
- Veggie skewers
- Sandwiches or wraps
Or eat it straight out of the bowl like I do while standing in front of the fridge. No judgment.
It’s also the kind of salad you’ll want to bring to every picnic or BBQ. Need ideas? Check out our Easy Cucumber Tomato Salad and bring a double batch!
Recipe Variations
You can totally make this salad your own. Here are a few fun twists:
- No Mayo: Not a fan? Just go all-in on the sour cream or swap in plain Greek yogurt.
- Add Pasta: Turn this into a full meal by tossing in some chilled rotini or penne. Boom—creamy cucumber tomato pasta salad.
- Add Protein: Grilled chicken, tuna, or chickpeas are all great choices.
- Go Mediterranean: Add kalamata olives, crumbled feta, and swap dill for oregano.
The combinations are endless. And if you’re loving the cucumber vibes, check out the Viral Cucumber Salad Trend for more inspiration.
Tips & Tricks
Here’s how to take your salad from good to legendary:
- Salt your cucumbers: Toss them in a little salt and let them sit for 10 minutes. Then blot with paper towels. This draws out excess moisture so your salad doesn’t get watery.
- Chill before serving: Trust me, this makes a huge difference.
- Use fresh dill if you can. The flavor is way more vibrant.
- Adjust seasoning at the end: Taste before serving and add salt or acid as needed.
Storage & Make-Ahead Info
This salad is best eaten the day it’s made, but it will keep in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just give it a good stir before serving. If it seems a little watery, you can spoon off the excess or add a bit more dressing.
Perfect for meal prep, potlucks, or making ahead for easy picnic recipes.
Related Recipes
Still hungry? Here are a few more garden-fresh salad ideas you might love:
- Watermelon Salad with Cucumber and Feta
- Thai-inspired cucumber salad
- German-style cucumber onion salad
- Corn, tomato, and cucumber salad
Mix and match, or make them all and call it a salad party.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for the best salad for summer, this creamy cucumber tomato salad is it. It’s easy, refreshing, and downright delicious. Whether you’re making it for your family, a BBQ, or just yourself, it’s the kind of dish that makes healthy eating feel indulgent.
Give it a try, and let me know how it goes! Leave a comment, share your twists, or tag us in your salad pics. We love seeing your creations.
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