Creamy Cucumber Tomato Salad is one of those recipes that feels like summer in a bowl. It's fresh, easy to make, and my go-to summer side dish for BBQs and picnics when I'm craving something light but flavorful.
This salad is a staple in my kitchen, especially when I want a quick side dish to pair with grilled chicken or fish.
Want more cucumber salad inspiration? My Best Cucumber Salad Recipes roundup has plenty more to try.
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Why I Like This Salad
Having a couple of easy side salad options, like this cabbage cucumber salad or marinated salad, is essential whenever we are doing summer BBQ. They're quick to make and perfectly complement any meal!
You can always make it your own by adding extras like fresh dill, crumbled feta, or even a handful of bacon bits.
Ingredients
Every delicious dish starts with quality ingredients. Our creamy cucumber tomato salad recipe is no exception.
Here's what you'll need to make this tasty homemade salad:
- Cucumbers - Opt for English cucumbers for fewer seeds and a milder flavor, or use regular ones with the seeds scooped out.
- Tomatoes - Cherry or grape tomatoes work great here, but feel free to use any ripe, juicy tomatoes you have on hand.
- Onion - A sweet onion adds a mild tang, but red onion works too if you prefer a sharper taste (however in my opinion, for this salad, it will overpower all the flavors).
📋 You can find the full ingredient list in the Recipe Card below the article.
How To Make This Creamy Cucumber Tomato Salad
- Prep the veggies: Slice the cucumbers, halve the tomatoes, and thinly slice the onion.
- Mix the dressing: Whisk together sour cream, and your favorite seasonings like salt, pepper. If you like, mix in the parsley as well or leave for garnish.
- Combine and toss: Add the veggies to a large bowl, add the dressing, squeeze the lemon juice on top and toss until everything is coated.
- Chill and serve: Let the salad chill in the fridge for 15-20 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld together.
For leftovers, you might need to add a pinch of salt after the salad sits in the fridge. The veggies release liquid, which can dilute the flavor. This salad is best enjoyed fresh!
Variations
This Creamy Cucumber Tomato Salad is super versatile. You can make it your own by adjusting it to your taste and dietary needs!
Here are a few creative salad ideas:
- Vegan Option: Use plant-based yogurt like almond or coconut instead of sour cream. It's a great way to make the salad vegan.
- Add More Tang: For more flavor, add more lemon juice or white wine vinegar. It adds a nice tang.
- Mediterranean Twist: Add feta cheese, olives, and capers for a Mediterranean taste and pair it with Mediterranean Chicken Thighs (oh, so good!). It brings bold, savory flavors.
- Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for spice. It makes the salad exciting!
Looking to Switch it Up?
- Add a teaspoon of sugar (or more) for a hint of sweetness.
- Try 1-2 teaspoons of mild vinegar instead of lemon juice for tangy kick.
- Swap parsley for fresh dill or cilantro for a flavorful twist.
What To Serve With This Salad
This Creamy Cucumber Tomato Salad is perfect with many dishes. It goes well with grilled meats like steak, turkey breast or chicken.
One of my favorite childhood memories is when my mom served this salad with beef or Chicken Stroganoff and silky mashed potatoes (hands down, my favorite dinner of all time!).
It's also great for picnics with sandwiches or wraps.
Tips
- Use the freshest ingredients. Choose the freshest cucumbers for the best crunch. Keep the skin on for extra texture.
- Onion prep. Don't like the strong taste of raw onions? Soak them in cold water first. This trick makes them milder.
- Creamiest dressing. For a smooth dressing, let your sour cream or yogurt warm up. This makes it silky.
- Flavor development. Let your salad chill in the fridge for a bit. This lets all the flavors mix and get better.
More Yummy Salads You'll Love
- Cucumber Carrot Salad
- Marinated Cucumber Tomato Salad
- Creamy Cucumber Radish Salad
- Creamy Beet Goat Cheese Salad
- Cucumber Strawberry Salad
Before You Head Out
If you gave this recipe a try, I'd be so thankful if you could leave a ★★★★★ rating and review below. It helps other readers, supports my work, and means the world to me. Thank you for being part of The Yummy Bowl family. Happy cooking! ❤️
Recipe Card
Creamy Cucumber Tomato Salad
Ingredients
Method
- Prep the veggies: Slice the cucumbers, halve the tomatoes, and thinly slice the onion.1 English cucumber, 1 cup brown onion, 1 large beefsteak tomato
- Mix the dressing: Whisk together sour cream, and your favorite seasonings like salt, pepper.5 tablespoons sour cream, salt and black pepper to tast
- Combine and toss: Add the veggies to a large bowl, add the dressing, squeeze the lemon juice on top and toss until everything is coated.1 half of a small lemon
- Chill and serve: Let the salad chill in the fridge for 15-20 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld together.parsley for garnish
Nutrition
Notes
- Serves 5-6 side portions.
- Use the freshest ingredients. Choose the freshest cucumbers for the best crunch. Keep the skin on for extra texture.
- Creamiest dressing. For a smooth dressing, let your sour cream or yogurt warm up. This makes it silky.
- Flavor development. Let your salad chill in the fridge for a bit. This lets all the flavors mix and get better.
- Onion prep. Don't like the strong taste of raw onions? Soak them in cold water first. This trick makes them milder.
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!Note: Nutrition information is estimated and varies based on the products used.
Full Nutrition Disclaimer can be found here.
FAQs
For a dairy-free option, use coconut or cashew-based alternatives instead of sour cream. Greek yogurt is also a great low-calorie substitute.
English cucumbers are the top choice. They're seedless and have a thin skin, making them crunchy without peeling.
Cherry or grape tomatoes are sweet and juicy, keeping your salad crisp. For larger tomatoes like Roma, remove seeds to avoid moisture.
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Kenny
Wonderful summertime side
Bib
I haven't made it yet. The rating is for the difficulty with your site due to the pile of ads.
Julia
Hi Bib! I'm sorry the ads made your experience frustrating. I completely understand they're not everyone's favorite. The reality is that this website is my full-time job, and the ad revenue is what helps feed my family and allows me to keep creating, testing, photographing, and sharing free recipes during these uncertain times. ❤️
If you'd prefer an ad-free experience, I'd love to welcome you to TYB Insider. Members get an ad-free site, exclusive weekly meal plans, printable grocery lists, and other extras. I truly appreciate your support in whatever way works best for you, and I hope you'll still give the recipe a try—it means a lot to me. Thanks for stopping by! 😊
Marlene
I have not tried it due to going to print the recipe and there is no amount or mention of mayo. How much do you use?
Julia
it should be sour cream, no mayo here