Easy 15-Minute Creamy Cucumber Tomato Salad

Creamy Cucumber Tomato Salad : If you’re searching for a refreshing, easy-to-make, and healthy salad that’s ready in just 15 minutes, you’re in the right place. This creamy cucumber tomato salad is a crowd-pleasing classic, perfect for hot summer days, backyard barbecues, or even light solo lunches. It’s creamy without being heavy, tangy yet subtly sweet, and brimming with crisp textures and garden-fresh flavors.

Whether you’ve got a fridge full of garden cucumbers or a last-minute gathering coming up, this dish is a fast solution that doesn’t skimp on taste or nutrition. Thanks to hydrating cucumbers and antioxidant-rich tomatoes, it’s also an ideal recipe for warm weather. Not only is this salad simple, it’s also packed with nutrients. In fact, cucumbers are more than 95% water, making them a great low-calorie addition to your diet. Check out the full list of cucumber health benefits here.

Freshness is key to this dish, especially when it comes to herbs. If you’re not sure how to keep your dill or basil vibrant and crisp, take a look at this guide on storing fresh herbs properly. These small details help elevate a simple salad into a next-level side dish.

Why You’ll Love This Salad

• Ready in 15 minutes or less
• No cooking required
• Uses ingredients you likely have on hand
• Vegetarian and low-carb friendly
• Pairs with almost any main dish

Whether you’re feeding a family or meal-prepping for the week, this salad hits every mark.

Ingredients Breakdown & Substitutions

🥒 Cucumbers

• English cucumbers or Persian cucumbers are preferred. They have thin skins and small seeds, meaning less prep.
• Field cucumbers work too—just peel them and remove seeds.

🍅 Tomatoes

• Cherry or grape tomatoes are best for their sweetness and low moisture.
• Roma or heirloom tomatoes can be used—just de-seed to avoid excess liquid.

🧅 Onions

• Optional but flavorful.
• Red onions add sharpness and color.
• Soaking onion slices in cold water for 10 minutes mellows the flavor.

🌿 Herbs

• Fresh dill is the go-to.
• You can mix in basil, parsley, or chives for added depth.

🥣 Dressing

• ½ cup sour cream (or plain Greek yogurt for a healthier twist)
• 3 tbsp mayonnaise
• 3 tbsp white vinegar
• ¼ cup fresh dill, chopped
• ½ tsp granulated sugar
• Salt and pepper to taste

Step-by-Step Preparation

1. Slice the cucumbers into ¼-inch rounds. If using a mandoline slicer, aim for even cuts. For the best slicing tool options, see this roundup of mandoline slicers.
2. Halve or quarter the tomatoes, depending on size.
3. Thinly slice the onion and soak if needed.
4. In a large bowl, whisk together the dressing ingredients until smooth.
5. Toss the cucumbers, tomatoes, and onions in the dressing.
6. Refrigerate for 1 hour before serving for best flavor and texture.
7. Garnish with additional herbs if desired.

Tips for Best Texture and Flavor

• Salt the cucumbers lightly and let them sit for 10 minutes to draw out excess water. Pat them dry before mixing.
• Use fresh herbs whenever possible.
• Taste and adjust seasoning before serving.
• Chill for at least an hour to let the flavors meld.

Nutritional Profile

This salad is not only delicious but packed with health benefits:

• Low in calories and carbs
• Great source of vitamins A, C, and K
• High in hydration
• Rich in antioxidants from tomatoes

You can make it even healthier by swapping sour cream for Greek yogurt and skipping the mayo.

Delicious Variations to Try

This base recipe is super adaptable. Here are some tasty variations:

• Spicy kick: Add crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeño
• Vegan version: Use plant-based sour cream and mayo
• Mediterranean twist: Mix in kalamata olives, feta cheese, and a pinch of oregano
• Protein boost: Toss in grilled chicken, canned tuna, or chickpeas

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

This salad is perfect for meal prep or parties:

• Best made up to 4 hours ahead to maintain freshness
• Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days
• Stir well before serving
• If liquid separates, drain excess and refresh with a spoonful of dressing

Pro tip:

Keep cucumbers and dressing separate until ready to serve if making more than a day ahead.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even the easiest recipes can go sideways. Watch out for:

• Using watery cucumbers – always pat dry
• Overmixing – gentle tossing preserves texture
• Not tasting before serving – adjust seasoning last-minute

Serving Suggestions & Pairings

This salad is extremely versatile:

• Serve alongside grilled steak, chicken, or salmon
• Perfect as a BBQ side dish
• Enjoy in wraps or pita pockets
• Pairs beautifully with crusty bread

Make it a full meal by adding protein and some toasted nuts or seeds on top.

FAQs – Quick Answers

Can I make cucumber tomato salad the night before?
Yes, but store components separately for best texture. Combine an hour before serving.

How do you keep creamy cucumber salad from getting watery?
Salt and pat cucumbers dry before mixing. Store in a container with a paper towel on the lid.

What’s the best dressing for tomato cucumber salad?
A mix of sour cream, mayo, vinegar, and dill offers perfect creaminess with tang.

Can you use yogurt instead of sour cream?
Absolutely. Plain Greek yogurt is a high-protein, low-fat alternative.

Is this recipe keto-friendly or low-carb?
Yes. Use full-fat Greek yogurt and skip the sugar for a keto version.

How long will creamy cucumber salad last in the fridge?
Up to 3 days, though best enjoyed within 24 hours for optimal crunch.

Final Thoughts

With just a handful of ingredients and a few minutes of prep, this easy 15-minute creamy cucumber tomato salad might become your new go-to summer side dish. It’s creamy, crunchy, herby, and endlessly customizable. Best of all, it’s proof that the most satisfying recipes are often the simplest.

Give it a try, make it your own, and don’t forget to share your version!

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