This Cool & Creamy Cucumber Tomato Salad combines the crisp freshness of garden cucumbers and sweet cherry tomatoes with a luscious, tangy dressing that brings a light creaminess to every bite. The addition of fresh dill adds a fragrant herbal note, enhancing the salad’s vibrant colors and refreshing flavors.
Perfectly chilled, this salad is an effortless way to brighten any meal, especially on warm days when you crave something light yet satisfying. It pairs wonderfully with grilled dishes or can stand alone as a simple, healthy snack. Its creamy texture balanced by crisp veggies makes it irresistible for both casual lunches and elegant summer gatherings.
Full Recipe
Ingredients:
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2 large cucumbers, peeled and thinly sliced
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2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
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1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
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1/2 cup sour cream
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1 tablespoon mayonnaise
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1 tablespoon white vinegar
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1 teaspoon sugar
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1/2 teaspoon salt
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1/4 teaspoon black pepper
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2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
Directions:
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In a large bowl, combine the sliced cucumbers, halved cherry tomatoes, and red onion.
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In a separate small bowl, whisk together the sour cream, mayonnaise, white vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy.
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Pour the creamy dressing over the vegetables and toss gently until everything is evenly coated.
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Sprinkle fresh chopped dill on top and give a light stir.
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Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld. Serve chilled.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 0 minutes | Total Time: 10 minutes + chilling
Kcal: Approximately 90 kcal per serving | Servings: 4 servings
A Closer Look at the Creamy Cucumber Tomato Salad: A Refreshing Favorite for All Seasons
Salads have evolved far beyond simple side dishes, and among the most versatile and refreshing options is the Creamy Cucumber Tomato Salad. Originating from the need for quick, vibrant meals that don’t compromise on flavor, this salad has carved a special place in the hearts of home cooks everywhere. Whether you’re enjoying it as a quick lunch, a potluck staple, or a dinner side dish, the Creamy Cucumber Tomato Salad offers balance, nutrition, and satisfaction in every bite.
While the ingredients and step-by-step method may appear straightforward, the story and strategy behind this dish make it much more than just a mix of cucumbers and tomatoes. Let’s explore the nuances that make this salad a standout, beloved by readers of Spend With Pennies and countless home cooks.
A Salad Designed for Year-Round Enjoyment
What sets this salad apart is its year-round adaptability. Although it’s a quintessential summer dish thanks to the crisp cucumbers and juicy tomatoes it holds its own in every season. Whether you’re working with peak summer produce or winter grocery store selections, the recipe accommodates various quality levels of ingredients while maintaining flavor integrity.
During summer, when fresh produce is abundant, this salad shines brightest. Garden tomatoes, freshly snipped herbs, and cool cucumbers turn this salad into a celebration of freshness. But even in cooler months, when the produce isn’t at its peak, this salad still works beautifully thanks to its creamy dressing and thoughtful preparation.
Texture: The Silent Star of the Dish
One of the most overlooked aspects of this salad is the play of textures. Crisp cucumber slices contrast against the softness of ripe tomatoes, creating a textural harmony. The creamy dressing acts as the unifying force, enveloping each bite in richness while still allowing the raw ingredients to speak for themselves.
A notable technique mentioned by recipe author Holly Nilsson is keeping the cucumber skins on. This isn’t just a time-saving tip; it’s a deliberate choice that adds subtle bitterness, chewiness, and fiber to the salad. This makes every bite more interesting, adding complexity to a simple dish.
Furthermore, while many traditional salads lean on leafy greens as their base, this recipe breaks the mold by using chunky vegetables as the star. This gives the salad greater body and makes it more filling, edging into main dish territory for light meals.
The Flavor Symphony: Ranch Dressing Meets Fresh Herbs
What truly elevates this cucumber and tomato salad is the creamy dressing, which combines mayonnaise, sour cream, and herbs with just a touch of vinegar and sugar. Originally developed in partnership with Hidden Valley® Ranch, this salad once featured their now-discontinued Cucumber Basil Ranch dressing. However, Holly provides a homemade alternative that’s arguably even better. The DIY approach also ensures greater control over the flavor profile and ingredients ideal for those seeking fresh, preservative-free meals.
The dressing is the flavor engine behind the dish. Its creamy tanginess offsets the natural sweetness of tomatoes and the cool neutrality of cucumbers. Meanwhile, garlic powder, apple cider vinegar, and just a hint of sugar lend the dressing depth and a hint of sharpness.
The herbs a mix of parsley, dill, and basil bring brightness and color, transforming a basic combination of vegetables into something far more sophisticated. Fresh herbs are strongly recommended over dried versions to maintain that garden-fresh taste and aroma. The flexibility to swap herbs based on preference or availability further demonstrates the recipe’s versatility.
Versatility: The Ultimate Strength of the Recipe
The beauty of this salad lies not just in its flavor, but in its adaptability. You can easily:
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Swap cherry tomatoes for heirloom slices.
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Use red onions if white onions are unavailable, with a quick soak in ice water to tame the bite.
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Add feta cheese for a Mediterranean twist.
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Use yogurt instead of sour cream for a lighter, tangier version.
This adaptability extends to the occasions it’s suited for. The salad makes a delightful side dish at barbecues, a cool addition to holiday spreads, or a light meal on its own when paired with grilled protein. It stores well for up to three days, and in fact, many say the flavors deepen after a night in the fridge. That makes it an ideal make-ahead option for busy weeks or party planning.
Pairing Ideas: From Grilled Meats to Pasta Favorites
This salad doesn’t exist in a vacuum it pairs exceptionally well with a wide range of main courses:
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Grilled chicken or steak: The creamy dressing balances the smokiness of charred meats.
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Pasta: Serve alongside lasagna, ravioli, or pasta primavera for a refreshing contrast.
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Sandwiches: Great with cucumber tea sandwiches for a luncheon, or turkey sandwiches for lunch.
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Seafood: Its lightness makes it a great companion to grilled shrimp or baked salmon.
Its compatibility with various dishes makes it a menu planner’s dream, especially when cooking for a crowd with different dietary preferences.
Storage, Meal Prep, and Leftover Tips
A practical aspect of this recipe is its storage potential. The salad remains good in the fridge for up to three days, although it’s worth noting that cucumbers and tomatoes naturally release water over time. To combat excess moisture:
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Drain before serving if the salad appears watery.
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Consider slightly salting and draining cucumbers before assembling.
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Add herbs just before serving if you’re making the salad in advance, to preserve their color and potency.
Meal preppers will appreciate the minimal chopping involved and the short list of ingredients, most of which are household staples.
The Community Reaction: Tried, Tested, and Loved
With a high rating (4.97 out of 5) and glowing reviews from home cooks, it’s clear this recipe resonates with its audience. Common themes in the reviews include:
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Appreciation for the fresh flavor.
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Success with ingredient substitutions.
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Enthusiastic response from family and guests.
Notably, users frequently mention scaling up the recipe due to its popularity, with one commenter noting that “everyone who ate this wanted the recipe.” That level of endorsement is rare and speaks volumes about the dish’s crowd-pleasing appeal.
A Touch of Nostalgia
Creamy cucumber and tomato combinations have roots in many traditional cuisines from Eastern European sour cream salads to American Southern cooking. This modern rendition by Holly Nilsson retains that comforting, familiar quality while introducing a contemporary ranch twist. For many, it evokes childhood memories of family barbecues and potlucks, making it not just delicious, but emotionally resonant.
Conclusion:
The Creamy Cucumber Tomato Salad is more than just a side it’s a versatile, easy-to-make, and deeply satisfying dish that checks all the boxes for modern home cooking. It brings together simplicity and sophistication, comfort and freshness, with ingredients you likely already have on hand.
Whether you’re meal prepping for the week, planning a family picnic, or looking for a dish that impresses with minimal effort, this salad delivers. Its balance of creamy and crisp, sweet and tangy, makes it a recipe worth returning to again and again.
By adding this salad to your recipe collection, you’re not just adopting a dish you’re embracing a style of cooking that values quality, adaptability, and simplicity. And sometimes, that’s exactly what great food should be.