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On warm days, when turning on the stove feels like too much, I always find myself reaching for this creamy cucumber tomato salad. There’s something especially satisfying about slicing crisp cucumbers and juicy tomatoes, then stirring together a simple dressing that comes together in minutes.

This salad is light yet comforting, with just enough creaminess to feel indulgent while still letting the fresh vegetables shine. It’s cool, refreshing, and perfect when you want something homemade without any fuss.

It’s the kind of recipe you make once and then return to all summer long—easy, reliable, and right at home alongside grilled dinners, picnic spreads, or simple weekday lunches.

For the Creamy Cucumber Tomato Salad

• Cucumbers – English cucumbers work best here because they’re crisp, mild, and have fewer seeds. You can peel them or leave the skin on for extra texture.
• Tomatoes – Grape or cherry tomatoes add a burst of sweetness and hold their shape well once mixed with the dressing.
• Red Onion – Thinly sliced for a little bite and color without overpowering the salad.

For the Creamy Dressing

• Sour Cream – This creates the base of the dressing and gives the salad its signature creamy texture.
• Mayonnaise – Adds richness and helps smooth out the dressing.
• Olive Oil – A small amount adds body and balances the tangy ingredients.
• Apple Cider Vinegar – Brings brightness and a subtle tang that keeps the salad from feeling heavy.
• Sugar – Just enough to balance the acidity and enhance the natural sweetness of the vegetables.
• Dill – Fresh dill adds a clean, herby flavor, but dried works well if that’s what you have.
• Garlic Powder – Gives gentle garlic flavor without being too sharp.
• Salt & Black Pepper – Simple seasonings that pull everything together and let the fresh ingredients shine.

Easy Creamy Cucumber & Tomato Salad

Cool, crisp, and lightly tangy, this simple salad comes together in minutes and complements everything from grilled meats to weeknight dinners. It’s an easy side dish that delivers fresh flavor without any fuss.

Print Pin

Course: Salad, Side Dish

Cuisine: American

Keyword: Easy Creamy Cucumber & Tomato Salad

Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes

Total Time: 10 minutes minutes

Servings: 6

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Ingredients

• 4 cups sliced English cucumber (about 1½ to 2 cucumbers)
• ½ cup sliced red onion
• 1 pint grape or cherry tomatoes, sliced in half
• ⅓ cup sour cream
• 3 tablespoons mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• ¾ teaspoon granulated sugar
• 1½ teaspoons chopped fresh dill or ½ teaspoon dried
• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
• ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

1. Place the sliced cucumbers, red onion, and halved tomatoes into a large bowl and gently toss to combine. Set aside.
2. In a large measuring cup or small mixing bowl, whisk together the sour cream, mayonnaise, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, sugar, dill, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until smooth.
3. Pour the dressing over the vegetables and stir carefully until everything is evenly coated. Taste and adjust seasoning with extra salt or pepper if needed.

Notes

• Cucumbers may be used with the skin on or peeled, depending on preference.
• If needed, substitute 2 cups of chopped or diced tomatoes for grape or cherry tomatoes.
• White onion works well in place of red onion.
• Seasonings can be adjusted to suit your taste.

 

Nutrition
Calories: 126 kcal | Carbohydrates: 8 g | Protein: 2 g | Fat: 10 g | Saturated Fat: 3 g | Trans Fat: 1 g | Cholesterol: 10 mg | Sodium: 158 mg | Potassium: 332 mg | Fiber: 2 g | Sugar: 5 g | Vitamin A: 817 IU | Vitamin C: 14 mg | Calcium: 37 mg | Iron: 1 mg

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1. Can I make this salad ahead of time?
   Yes! You can prep the cucumbers, tomatoes, and onions in advance. Keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to serve so everything stays crisp and fresh.
2. What if I don’t have English cucumbers?
   No worries! Regular slicing cucumbers work fine. If they’re very seedy, scoop out some of the seeds so the salad isn’t watery.
3. Can I skip the red onion?
   Absolutely. White onion, sweet onion, or even shallots work well. For a milder flavor, soak the slices in cold water for a few minutes before adding.
4. Can I lighten the dressing?
   Yes, swap part of the sour cream or mayonnaise with Greek yogurt. It keeps the creamy texture but makes the salad a little lighter.
5. How do I prevent the salad from getting watery?
   Lightly salt the cucumber slices and let them sit in a colander for 10–15 minutes, then drain. This draws out excess moisture so your salad stays fresh longer.

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