The first time I made this salad, it was mid-July and the AC was broken. The fridge was my best friend, and anything cold was dinner. One bite of this creamy cucumber and tomato salad, and the stress melted. Crunchy, juicy, cooling it’s summer in a bowl.
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Why You’ll Love This Salad
This creamy cucumber and tomato salad is the answer to hot days and lazy lunches. It’s cool, crisp, and comes together in just 15 minutes. With a tangy garlic dressing and juicy tomatoes, it feels like something special even though it’s incredibly simple.
It also plays well with others. You can pair it with grilled steak, shrimp skewers, or roasted potatoes and call it a meal. It’s light, refreshing, and full of crunch.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll want on hand:
- Tomatoes: 3 medium, chopped into bite-size pieces
- Cucumber: 1 English cucumber, halved and sliced
- Onion: 1/2 medium, sliced thin
- Garlic: 1 large clove, minced or pressed
- Sour Cream: 4 tablespoons
- Mayonnaise (optional): 1 tablespoon
- Black Pepper: 1/8 teaspoon
- Salt: Add just before serving
Ingredient Tips
Tomatoes: Go for vine-ripened or Roma tomatoes. They’re firm and hold their shape better.
English cucumber: These are seedless, mild, and don’t need peeling. Plus, they don’t water down the salad as quickly.
Garlic: Pressed garlic blends more smoothly into the dressing. If you’re not a fan of raw garlic’s bite, let it sit in the dressing for 5 minutes before mixing.
Easy Customizations
This salad is flexible. You can tweak it to match your fridge or mood.
Lighter and Healthier Swaps
- Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for extra protein and less fat.
- Don’t like mayo? Skip it, or try mashed avocado for a creamy twist.
Add-Ins and Fresh Herbs
- Stir in chopped dill, parsley, or basil for freshness.
- Sprinkle red pepper flakes for a gentle kick.
- Add sliced radishes, red onion, or green bell pepper for more crunch and color.
How to Make Creamy Cucumber Tomato Salad
This salad only takes three quick steps:
Chop the veggies: Cut your tomatoes, cucumber, and onion. Add them to a bowl.
Mix the dressing: In a small bowl, combine sour cream, mayo (if using), garlic, and black pepper.
Combine: Pour the dressing over the vegetables. Toss well to coat everything evenly.
Pro Tip
Hold off on the salt until just before serving. Salt draws water out of the veggies and can make the dressing runny if added too soon.
Serving Suggestions
This salad loves company. Try it with:
- Juicy burgers, grilled lamb, or seared steak
- Garlic shrimp, baked salmon, or buttery lobster tails
- Crispy chicken thighs or creamy mashed potatoes
Or honestly, just grab a fork and eat it straight from the bowl. It’s that good.
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
This salad shines when fresh. The crunch and creaminess are best in the first couple of hours.
If you need to prep ahead, store the chopped vegetables and dressing separately. Combine them right before serving.
Leftovers are safe in the fridge for up to 24 hours, but the texture will soften. Stir again before eating to refresh it.
Creamy Cucumber and Tomato Salad Recipe
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Creamy Cucumber and Tomato Salad | Quick & Refreshing
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Cool, creamy, and fresh — this easy salad combines crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, and a tangy garlic dressing. A quick summer side that’s ready in just 15 minutes.
Ingredients
3 medium tomatoes, chopped into 1″ pieces
1 English cucumber, halved and sliced
1/2 medium onion, thinly sliced
1 large garlic clove, pressed or minced
4 Tbsp sour cream
1 Tbsp mayonnaise (optional)
1/8 tsp black pepper
Salt to taste (add just before serving)
Instructions
1. Chop the tomatoes, cucumber, and onion. Place in a medium bowl.
2. In a small bowl, stir together sour cream, mayonnaise, garlic, and black pepper.
3. Pour the dressing over the vegetables and toss to coat evenly. Add salt just before serving.
Notes
For a lighter option, use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream.
Avoid adding salt early to prevent the dressing from getting watery.
Add fresh herbs like dill or basil for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Summer Veggies Recipes
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 50
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 80mg
- Fat: 3g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
More Such Recipes
If you’re loving the combo of crisp cucumbers and juicy tomatoes, you’ll also enjoy these:
- Try this tangy marinated cucumber tomato and onion salad
- Or this creamy twist on a classic creamy cucumber salad
- Want a Greek-style version? Check out this greek cucumber salad
- Or go bold and briny with cucumber and onion in vinegar
FAQs About Creamy Cucumber Tomato Salad
What are the ingredients in creamy cucumber salad?
A basic creamy cucumber salad includes cucumber, sour cream, garlic, pepper, and salt. Some recipes (like this one) add tomato, onion, and a spoonful of mayo for extra richness.
How to keep creamy cucumber salad from getting watery?
Salt pulls water from veggies, so add it just before serving. You can also pat the chopped cucumbers and tomatoes with a paper towel before mixing.
Is eating cucumber and tomato salad healthy?
Yes! It’s low in calories and full of hydration, fiber, and vitamins. You can make it even lighter by using Greek yogurt instead of sour cream.
How do you make tomato cucumber salad?
Chop your veggies. Stir together a creamy dressing. Mix it all up. That’s it — simple and delicious.
Final Thoughts
Creamy cucumber and tomato salad is quick, cool, and absolutely delicious. It’s a great last-minute side, a refreshing lunch, or an easy way to use up summer produce.
Once you try it, it’ll be one of those recipes you come back to every time the tomatoes are ripe and the weather’s hot. Feel free to make it your own the base is simple, and the possibilities are endless.
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