Refreshing Creamy Cucumber Tomato Salad Recipe You’ll Love!

Introduction to Creamy Cucumber Tomato Salad

Ah, the joys of summer – long days, backyard barbecues, and an abundance of fresh, vibrant produce. One dish that perfectly captures the essence of the season is the Creamy Cucumber Tomato Salad. This cool, tangy, and oh-so-refreshing side dish is a summertime staple that’s sure to delight your taste buds and keep you coming back for more.

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What is Creamy Cucumber Tomato Salad?

The Creamy Cucumber Tomato Salad is a simple yet flavorful combination of crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, and a creamy, dill-infused dressing. It’s the perfect balance of cool, crunchy vegetables and a luscious, tangy sauce that complements the fresh produce beautifully.

Why This Salad is Perfect for Summer

When the temperatures soar and the sun shines bright, the last thing you want is a heavy, complicated dish. That’s where the Creamy Cucumber Tomato Salad shines. This no-cook recipe comes together quickly, requiring minimal effort but delivering maximum flavor. It’s the ideal light and refreshing accompaniment to grilled meats, burgers, or as a standalone lunch or snack. Plus, the vibrant colors and crisp texture make it a visually stunning addition to any summer spread.

Ingredients for Creamy Cucumber Tomato Salad

Dressing Ingredients

• 1/3 cup sour cream
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 1 teaspoon dried dill
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

Cucumber Tomato Salad Ingredients

• 2 medium cucumbers, sliced in half lengthwise and thinly sliced
• 3 small tomatoes, cut into wedges or halved if using cherry tomatoes
• 1/2 sweet onion, thinly sliced
• Kosher salt and fresh ground black pepper, to taste

Ingredient Spotlight: Nutritional Benefits

The star ingredients in this Creamy Cucumber Tomato Salad – cucumbers, tomatoes, and onions – are not only delicious but also packed with essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Cucumbers are hydrating and rich in vitamin K, while tomatoes are a fantastic source of lycopene, a powerful antioxidant. Onions bring their own unique flavor and health benefits, including sulfur compounds that may help support immune function. Together, these fresh veggies create a nutritious and satisfying salad that’s perfect for the warmer months.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Make the Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together the sour cream, mayonnaise, dried dill, and garlic powder until smooth and creamy. This simple yet flavorful dressing will be the base for your Creamy Cucumber Tomato Salad.

Prepare the Vegetables

In a large bowl, combine the sliced cucumbers, tomatoes, and sweet onion. The key to this salad is thinly slicing the cucumbers and onion to ensure a consistent texture throughout.

Combine and Season

Pour the creamy dressing over the prepared vegetables and toss gently to coat everything evenly. Season the salad with a generous amount of kosher salt and fresh ground black pepper to bring out the flavors.

Chill and Serve

Refrigerate the Creamy Cucumber Tomato Salad for 20-30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together. When ready to enjoy, serve the salad chilled for a truly refreshing taste that’s perfect for summer.

Tips for Making the Best Creamy Cucumber Tomato Salad

Choosing the Right Vegetables

For the best texture and flavor, opt for crisp, fresh cucumbers and juicy, ripe tomatoes. English or Persian cucumbers work well, as they have fewer seeds and a crisper texture. Cherry or grape tomatoes also make a great choice, as they hold their shape better than larger varieties.

Adjusting the Dressing to Your Taste

Feel free to tweak the dressing to suit your personal preferences. If you prefer a tangier flavor, add a bit more sour cream. For a creamier texture, increase the mayonnaise. You can also experiment with different herbs, such as fresh dill or chopped chives, to create your own unique take on the Creamy Cucumber Tomato Salad.

Serving Suggestions

This versatile salad pairs beautifully with grilled meats, burgers, or as a side to any summer meal. It also makes a fantastic light lunch when served on its own or atop a bed of leafy greens. For a heartier option, consider adding diced avocado or crumbled feta cheese to the mix.

Variations of Cucumber Tomato Salad

Adding Avocado for Creaminess

Take your Creamy Cucumber Tomato Salad to the next level by adding diced avocado. The creamy texture of the avocado complements the other ingredients beautifully and adds a satisfying richness to the dish.

Incorporating Feta Cheese

For a delightful twist, stir in crumbled feta cheese to the salad. The salty, tangy feta pairs perfectly with the fresh vegetables and creamy dressing, creating a flavor explosion in every bite.

Herb Variations: Parsley, Basil, and More

Experiment with different fresh herbs to customize the flavor profile of your Creamy Cucumber Tomato Salad. Try adding chopped parsley, basil, or even a touch of oregano for an Italian-inspired twist. The possibilities are endless when it comes to elevating this simple yet satisfying dish.

More Related Recipes You Might Enjoy

• Cucumber Feta Salad
• Cucumber Avocado Salad
• Cowboy Caviar

FAQs about Creamy Cucumber Tomato Salad

What are the ingredients in creamy cucumber salad?

The main ingredients in a creamy cucumber tomato salad are cucumbers, tomatoes, onion, sour cream, mayonnaise, dried dill, and garlic powder. The cucumbers and tomatoes provide the fresh, crunchy base, while the creamy dressing brings everything together with a tangy, herbal flavor.

How to keep creamy cucumber salad from getting watery?

To prevent your creamy cucumber tomato salad from becoming watery, there are a few tips to keep in mind. First, be sure to slice the cucumbers thinly and evenly, which helps them release less moisture. Secondly, don’t dress the salad until right before serving, as the dressing can cause the vegetables to release more liquid over time. Finally, you can gently pat the cucumber and tomato slices dry with a paper towel before tossing them with the dressing.

What ingredients do you need for a cucumber and tomato salad?

The essential ingredients for a basic cucumber and tomato salad include sliced cucumbers, chopped or halved tomatoes, and a simple vinaigrette or dressing. Common additions include thinly sliced onion, fresh herbs like basil or dill, and a splash of lemon juice or red wine vinegar to brighten the flavors.

How do you make Ina Garten creamy cucumber salad?

Ina Garten’s creamy cucumber salad recipe includes sliced cucumbers, sour cream, mayonnaise, white wine vinegar, dill, salt, and pepper. To make it, you would whisk together the sour cream, mayonnaise, vinegar, dill, salt, and pepper, then toss with the sliced cucumbers and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.

Conclusion

The Creamy Cucumber Tomato Salad is a summertime classic that’s sure to delight your taste buds and keep you cool on the hottest days. With its crisp vegetables, creamy dressing, and bright, tangy flavors, this salad is the perfect accompaniment to any outdoor gathering or light meal. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy the refreshing taste of summer in every bite!

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