Creamy Cucumber Tomato Salad Recipe

Refreshingly Simple Creamy Cucumber Tomato Salad Recipe

Summer’s heat calls for a refreshing cucumber tomato salad that brings crisp, cool flavors right to your plate.

Mediterranean gardens inspire this simple yet stunning combination of ingredients.

Fresh cucumbers and ripe tomatoes create a vibrant canvas of colors and textures.

Salt and herbs awaken the natural sweetness hiding in each vegetable slice.

Delicate dressing coats every morsel with a silky smooth embrace that makes each bite memorable.

Chopped herbs scattered across the top add bright green accents and intense aroma.

Enjoy this light, elegant dish that feels like a culinary escape to sunny coastal regions.

Ingredients to Toss Together Creamy Cucumber Tomato Salad

Fresh Vegetables:
  • Cucumbers: Crisp and refreshing base vegetable, best when firm and bright green. English or Persian cucumbers work wonderfully.
  • Tomatoes: Juicy sweet component that adds vibrant color and fresh taste. Ripe Roma or cherry tomatoes recommended.
  • Red Onion: Sharp flavor enhancer that provides a subtle zesty kick. Optional but adds great depth.
Creamy Dressing Ingredients:
  • Sour Cream, Greek Yogurt: Smooth, tangy base for creating rich creamy texture. Full-fat versions provide best results.
  • Mayonnaise: Adds extra creaminess and subtle richness to the dressing.
  • Lemon Juice, Vinegar: Bright acidic element that balances the creamy dressing. White wine or apple cider vinegar work great.
Seasoning and Herbs:
  • Garlic Powder: Provides subtle background warmth and aromatic flavor.
  • Dried Dill: Classic herb that complements cucumber and adds traditional European touch.
  • Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings for enhancing overall flavor profile.
Garnish:
  • Fresh Parsley, Fresh Dill: Optional green herbs for adding color and fresh finishing touch.

Quick Prep for Creamy Cucumber Tomato Salad at Home

Step 1: Chop Fresh Vegetables

  • Slice cucumbers into thin half-moons
  • Dice ripe tomatoes into bite-sized chunks
  • Thinly slice red onion (optional)
  • Select crisp, firm vegetables for best results

Tip: Leave cucumber skin on for extra nutrition and crunch

Step 2: Create Silky Dressing

  • Grab sour cream or Greek yogurt
  • Add mayonnaise
  • Pour in fresh lemon juice
  • Sprinkle garlic powder
  • Include dried dill
  • Season with salt and pepper

Whisk ingredients until smooth and creamy

Step 3: Combine And Blend

Gently fold vegetables with prepared dressing

Ensure every piece gets thoroughly coated

Use soft turning motions to prevent crushing delicate vegetables

Step 4: Chill And Enhance

Place salad in refrigerator for 30 minutes

Allows flavors to mingle and develop

Before serving, garnish with fresh chopped herbs like parsley or additional dill

Step 5: Serve And Enjoy

Transfer to serving bowl

Enjoy immediately

Perfect as side dish or light lunch

Keeps well in refrigerator for 1-2 days

Pro Tips to Keep Your Cucumber Tomato Salad Crisp

  • Customize Cucumber Texture: Peel or keep the skin on cucumbers based on personal preference, creating varied textures and visual appeal.
  • Boost Dressing Flexibility: Swap sour cream with Greek yogurt for a lighter, tangier option or use low-fat alternatives to reduce calories.
  • Enhance Flavor Depth: Experiment with fresh herbs like chopped dill or parsley to elevate the salad's taste profile and add vibrant green color.
  • Control Salad Consistency: Let the salad chill for 30 minutes to allow ingredients to marinate, intensifying the overall flavor and creating a more cohesive dish.
  • Adjust Seasoning Intelligently: Taste and modify salt, pepper, and garlic powder levels to match individual preferences, ensuring a perfectly balanced dressing.

Store Creamy Cucumber Tomato Salad the Right Way

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. The salad might become slightly watery as vegetables release moisture.
  • Before serving refrigerated salad, gently drain any excess liquid and stir to redistribute the dressing.
  • This salad tastes best when served chilled, directly from the refrigerator. Avoid freezing as it will negatively impact the vegetables' texture.
  • If the salad seems too watery, add a sprinkle of fresh herbs or a small amount of additional dressing to revive its appearance and flavor before serving.

What to Serve with Creamy Cucumber Tomato Salad

  • Serve alongside grilled chicken or fish for a light and refreshing summer meal that balances the creamy salad's tangy profile.
  • Pair with a crisp sauvignon blanc or light pilsner beer to mirror the salad's fresh dill and bright citrus undertones.
  • Combine with grilled lamb chops or warm pita bread to create a cohesive Mediterranean-inspired dining experience that highlights the salad's creamy texture and vegetable freshness.
  • Add a side of quinoa or grilled shrimp to transform this side dish into a complete, satisfying meal with added protein and nutritional balance.

Swaps and Mix-Ins for Creamy Cucumber Tomato Salad

  • Greek Yogurt Protein Boost: Replace sour cream with high-protein Greek yogurt and add diced grilled chicken for a more substantial, protein-rich meal.
  • Vegan Cucumber Salad: Swap dairy ingredients with cashew cream, use vegan mayonnaise, and add nutritional yeast for a creamy, plant-based version.
  • Mediterranean Herb Remix: Incorporate chopped mint, oregano, and crumbled feta cheese to transform the salad with authentic Mediterranean flavors.
  • Low-Carb Keto Alternative: Omit tomatoes, use extra cucumber, and increase healthy fats by adding sliced avocado and extra virgin olive oil for a keto-friendly option.

Creamy Cucumber Tomato Salad That’s Light and Fresh

  • Lightning-Fast Prep transforms this cucumber tomato salad into a delightful dish everyone will love.
  • Create restaurant-quality flavors with just 10 minutes of chopping and mixing, perfect for busy home cooks who want delicious results without complicated techniques.
  • Chilled salad provides instant relief during hot summer days, making it an ideal side dish for backyard barbecues, picnics, and potluck gatherings.
  • Packed with fresh vegetables and a protein-rich creamy dressing, this recipe works beautifully as a light lunch, quick side dish, or healthy snack that satisfies without weighing you down.
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Creamy Cucumber Tomato Salad Recipe

Creamy Cucumber Tomato Salad Recipe


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4.9 from 37 reviews

  • Total Time: 25 hours 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Cool summer nights call for Creamy Cucumber Tomato Salad, a refreshing Mediterranean-inspired dish that blends crisp vegetables with a tangy dressing. Signature herbs and creamy texture make this salad perfect for backyard gatherings where you’ll enjoy each delightful bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Vegetables:

  • 2 large cucumbers, thinly sliced
  • 2 cups (473 milliliters) cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
  • 1 small red onion, thinly sliced (optional)

Creamy Dressing Ingredients:

  • ½ cup (120 milliliters) sour cream (or Greek yogurt for a lighter version)
  • 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) mayonnaise
  • 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) white vinegar (or lemon juice)
  • 1 teaspoon (5 milliliters) Dijon mustard

Seasonings:

  • 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) fresh dill, chopped (or 1 teaspoon (5 milliliters) dried dill)
  • ½ teaspoon (2.5 milliliters) garlic powder
  • Salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Slice cucumbers into thin, uniform rounds, removing the skin if desired for a more delicate texture. Dice tomatoes into bite-sized pieces and thinly slice red onions to enhance the salad’s flavor profile.
  2. Craft a velvety dressing by whisking together sour cream, mayonnaise, tangy lemon juice, aromatic garlic powder, and dried dill in a mixing bowl. Season with salt and pepper, adjusting to personal taste preferences.
  3. Transfer the prepared vegetables into a spacious mixing bowl, ensuring gentle handling to maintain their fresh appearance and texture.
  4. Drizzle the creamy dressing over the vegetables, using a soft folding technique to coat each ingredient thoroughly without crushing the delicate produce.
  5. Allow the salad to rest in the refrigerator for a minimum of 30 minutes, enabling the flavors to harmonize and intensify. This chilling period helps the dressing penetrate the vegetables.
  6. Before serving, sprinkle fresh herbs like parsley or additional dill on top to elevate the visual appeal and introduce a vibrant, aromatic finish to the dish.

Notes

  • Swap Greek yogurt for sour cream to lighten the dressing and boost protein content for a healthier version.
  • Dice vegetables uniformly to ensure even coating and consistent texture throughout the salad.
  • For a low-carb option, replace traditional mayo with avocado or olive oil-based mayonnaise to reduce calories and add healthy fats.
  • Drain excess cucumber liquid before mixing to prevent the salad from becoming watery and maintain a crisp, fresh consistency.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1530 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Blending
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 130
  • Sugar: 4 g
  • Sodium: 200 mg
  • Fat: 9 g
  • Saturated Fat: 3 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 10 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 15 mg
Daves Miller

Daves Miller

Contributing Chef & Culinary Educator

Expertise

  • American Southern cuisine with a modern twist.
  • Instruction in culinary fundamentals and advanced techniques.
  • Development of recipes that highlight seasonal and local produce.​
  • Mastery of artisanal bread and pastry techniques, from laminated doughs to decorative sugar artistry.

Education

Sullivan University, Louisville, Kentucky

  • Degree: Associate of Science Degree in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Specialized in cooking techniques and culinary sciences, hands‑on externships, professional kitchen lab training, and career preparation for restaurants, entrepreneurship, and global culinary opportunities.

White Mountains Community College, Berlin, New Hampshire

  • Program: Baking and Pastry Arts degree
  • Focus: Specialized in comprehensive baking and pastry arts, including bread making, artisan breads, cake decorating and design, chocolates, confections, and decorative centerpieces; product development and baking theory; and career preparation for baker and pastry chef roles in many places.

Daves is the friendly face guiding you through flavorful, fuss-free recipes at Picture Perfect Meals. 

He studied culinary arts at Sullivan University and embraced Baking and Pastry Arts at White Mountains Community College. Daves specializes in comforting meals with vibrant flavors, highlighting fresh, seasonal ingredients.

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