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This Creamy Cucumber and Tomato Salad is a recipe that’s pure nostalgia for me. My Granny would make something similar to this all the time with produce from her garden during the spring and summer months. It’s as simple as can be with about less than 10 ingredients and can be prepped in advance. My kids actually request this salad, which tells you everything you need to know
My Granny’s secret was to always use produce that’s in season and as ripe as possible. Serve it alongside Grilled Chicken or Grilled Pork Chops for the ultimate summer meal.
Reader Review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“This is the perfect summertime salad, I have so many cucumbers right now! YUM!!!” — Deb
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Classic side dish that’s best for summer produce. This dish is a simple Southern classic that really shines when you’ve got beautiful, ripe tomatoes and fresh cucumbers.
- Fresh and creamy salad with less than 10 ingredients. The bright dill, tangy vinegar, and the smooth combo of mayo and sour cream brings it all together. It’s fresh, it’s flavorful, and it’s light enough to serve with just about anything.
- Easy to serve with so many main courses. Chicken, steak, salmon, and more! It’s easy to pair. You can also pack it up for your next potluck or picnic easily, too—it’s always a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
- Cucumbers: You can make this salad with regular cucumbers or English cucumbers. If you are using regular, I recommend scooping out the seeds to prevent the salad from becoming watery.
- Tomatoes: Make sure they are the ripest you can find for the best flavor. Roma or grape tomatoes hold up beautifully and release less liquid, but any fresh, in-season tomato will shine. If they’re extra juicy, just give them a gentle pat dry after chopping.
- Sweet Onion (optional): Adds a mild bite and hint of sweetness. Red onions work too if you prefer a bit more sharpness. If you’re worried about them overpowering the dish, soak sliced onion in cold water for 10 minutes to mellow them out.
- Fresh Dill: This herb gives the salad its signature fresh, garden flavor. Fresh is best, but in a pinch, dried dill can be used (just use less!).
- Mayonnaise: Adds creaminess and richness. Use a good-quality mayo for the best flavor—Duke’s is always my go-to choice for that classic Southern base.
- Sour Cream: Brings tang and creaminess that balances out the richness of the mayo. You can also use plain Greek yogurt for a lighter substitute.
- Vinegar: White vinegar keeps the flavor clean and bright with a little tang.
- Salt: Don’t skip this simple step. It really makes the flavors come alive! A little salt helps pull out the natural juices from the veggies and balances the creamy dressing just right.
- Pepper: It adds a little kick of warmth that ties everything together. Season it how you like it—just taste as you go!
How to Make Creamy Cucumber and Tomato Salad
✱ Below shows step-by-step photos and instructions. For the complete recipe, along with ingredient amounts, scroll down to the recipe card.
Step 1: Prep the Veggies
Start by chopping your cucumbers and tomatoes into bite-sized pieces. If you’re using regular cucumbers, peel them first, and remove the seeds if you like. Place everything into a large salad bowl. Add in your sliced onion, if you’re using it, and sprinkle the chopped fresh dill over the top.
Step 2: Make the Creamy Dressing
In a separate bowl or measuring cup, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, vinegar, salt, and pepper until smooth and well combined.
Step 3: Toss and Chill
Pour the dressing over your chopped veggies and gently stir or toss everything together with tongs until it’s nicely coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and pop it in the fridge for about 30 minutes to chill and let those flavors come together.
Step 4: Serve
Give it a gentle stir just before serving and enjoy! It’s cool, creamy, and perfect for pairing with just about anything.
Expert Tips
- Cut your cucumbers and tomatoes the same size. This helps coat them evenly in the dressing and makes for the most flavorful bite.
- Chill the salad at least 30 minutes before serving. You won’t regret it, and it also makes dinner prep so much easier! Chilling the salad allows the flavors to marinate for maximum freshness.
- If you are using a regular cucumber rather than an English cucumber, remove the seeds. I just use a spoon to scoop them out. This prevents the salad from becoming too wet or soggy.
- Always stir before serving to revive the dressing. It keeps this refreshing salad crunchy and delicious.
Variations For Tomato Cucumber Salad with Mayo
This creamy cucumber and tomato salad is one of those recipes that you can really customize as you please. Use other ingredients you already have in your garden or fridge at home to make endless flavor combinations! Here are some suggestions:
- Add Cheese – Crumbled feta, goat cheese, or even little mozzarella pearls add creaminess and a nice salty bite.
- Toss in Avocado – Diced avocado brings richness and a buttery texture. Just add it right before serving.
- Use Up Other Veggies – Got bell peppers, radishes, or even a leftover ear of corn? Dice ’em up and toss them in! This salad loves company.
- Switch the Herbs – Dill is the classic, but parsley, basil, or chives can change the whole flavor profile in a fun way.
- Garlic: Garlic lovers add a clove or two of minced garlic.
- Make it a Meal – Add chopped grilled chicken, shrimp, or even a handful of chickpeas to turn this into a light and satisfying main.
- Vinegar Variations – White vinegar keeps it traditional, but apple cider or red wine vinegar adds a nice twist.
- Lighter Swap – Greek yogurt is a great stand-in for sour cream if you’re looking for something a little lighter.
What to Serve with Creamy Cucumber and Tomato Salad
I’ve served this at more meals than I can count…so I can easily say this salad pairs wonderfully with so many mains. Here are some of my go-tos:
Storage
If you have any leftovers (which is rare in my house), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This salad is best enjoyed within 1 to 2 days, as the cucumbers and tomatoes will release moisture over time, making it a bit watery.
To refresh it the next day, give it a gentle toss and add a spoonful of sour cream or mayo if needed to bring back some creaminess.
You can easily prep this cucumber and tomato salad ahead of time. I usually mix up the dressing a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Chop your veggies the morning of, and then toss everything together about 30 minutes before serving.
FAQs
Not in this salad, just be sure to remove the seeds or use seedless cucumbers to avoid excess moisture.
Of course! If you don’t like raw onions, try soaking them in ice water for 10 minutes, then patting them dry before adding them to the salad.
Always season with salt! This brings out their fresh, natural flavor.
More Easy Side Dishes:
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Creamy Cucumber and Tomato Salad Recipe
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Ingredients
- 2 medium cucumber
- 3 medium ripe tomatoes
- ½ sweet or red onion - (optional)
- 2 tsp fresh dill - chopped
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup sour cream
- 1 tablespoon vinegar
- salt - (to taste)
- ¼ black pepper - (or to taste)
Instructions
- Chop cucumber and tomatoes into bite size pieces or slices. Place in a large salad bowl.
- Add in sliced or chopped onion, if desired, and fresh chopped dill.
- In a bowl or large measuring cup, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, vinegar, salt, pepper and dill. Pour over vegetables.
- Gently toss to coat.
- Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes, gently toss and serve.
Notes
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Tasty, light, and refreshing summer side salad. I take care of a disabled wife, work full time and always looking for quick simple recipes for dinner after I come in from work. This tomato and cucumber salad fits the bill perfectly. A nice addition to a slow cooker dinner on any summer evening. Thanks for sharing Nikki.
Michael, I am thrilled you enjoyed. Simple recipes make things a little easier but still so delicious. These are just perfect for summer. Thank you for being here and following along.
This is one of my favorite summer sides! It’s so simple and good and refreshing!
Thank you Amy!
This is the perfect summertime salad, I have so many cucumbers right now! YUM!!!
This is probably a stupid question, but what kind of vinegar do you use in this recipe?
Not at all. I used Distilled White Vinegar.
Pretty soon our garden will be bustling and this will be on our menu for sure! It looks perfect for summer!
Thank you Carlee! Fresh garden tomatoes are absolutely the best!