Creamy Cucumber and Tomato Salad
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I was given charge over babysitting all 30-something tomato plants this spring while my parents were on a two-week vacation. I didn’t realize how important the tomatoes were until I almost killed the lot of them. Ok, it wasn’t me, it was a very gusty wind!
The tomato plants (along with the cucumbers, melons and peppers) were brought to my house in a portable greenhouse. I noticed that the wind was picking up so I set David down to play with some toys and went outside to pull the greenhouse into the garage.
You can imagine my horror when I saw that the whole greenhouse had tipped over, all of the plants had come out of their pots and were scattered across the lawn. The entire families organic vegetable crops ruined!! I frantically tried to rescue the tomatoes, but realized I couldn’t do it myself, not with David in the house by himself; who knows what kind of wails he would be producing. (Good thing he was not yet mobile!) Anyway, I called my sisters to come help.
We replanted them best we could; they looked rather limp. I even prayed over the tomatoes that night (God cares about our tomatoes too). Long story short, all but two of the tomato plants survived. Funny though, the cucumbers and melons looked the same, so when they got planted in the garden, there were some cucumbers springing up with the melons.
Now that the tomatoes and cucumbers are finally ripe, its time to enjoy the fruit of our labor, ok mostly moms labor. This is a Ukrainian cucumber and tomato salad (Салат с огурцами и помидорами). It’s so simple to make, its ridiculous! My mom makes it all the time and so do I. The dressing is just sour cream, mayo and pressed garlic but it’s simply delicious. It takes just a few minutes to prepare and pairs really well with mashed potatoes. Great for lunch on the fly.
Ingredients for Creamy Cucumber and Tomato Salad:
3 medium tomatoes, cut into 1″ pieces
2 medium cucumbers, cut in half and sliced
1/2 medium onion, thinly sliced
1 large garlic clove, pressed (2 cloves if you love garlic!)
3 Tbsp mayo
2 Tbsp sour cream
1/8 tsp pepper
Salt to taste
How to Make Cucumber and Tomato Salad:
1. Combine 3 medium tomatoes, cut into 1″ pieces, 2 medium cucumbers, cut in half and sliced, 1/2 medium onion, thinly sliced and 1 large garlic clove, pressed in a medium bowl.
2. In a small bowl, combine mayo, sour cream, garlic and pepper. Mix well.
3. Mix the dressing into the vegetables. Add salt to taste just before serving.
Creamy Cucumber and Tomato Salad
Ingredients
- 3 medium tomatoes
- 1 English cucumber
- 1/2 medium onion
- 1 large garlic clove
- 3 Tbsp mayo
- 2 Tbsp sour cream
- 1/8 tsp pepper
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Cut 3 tomatoes into 1" pieces, cut 2 cucumbers in half and slice and thinly slice 1/2 of the onion. Combine all of the prepared vegetables in a medium bowl.
- In a small bowl, combine 3 Tbsp of mayo, 2 Tbsp of sour cream, 1 pressed garlic clove and pepper. Mix well.
- Mix the dressing into the vegetables. Add salt to taste just before serving.
Nutrition Per Serving
Here’s the Pinterest Friendly. P.S. Thanks for pinning! So awesome of you to share! 🙂
Natasha Kravchuk
Hi! I'm Natasha Kravchuk. Here you'll find delicious, trusted recipes with easy step-by-step photos and videos. 
I eat a similar salad. But I cut the vegetables smaller especially the onion. Add dill or green onion tops. I don’t use mayonaise because the taste is too pungent, but I always dress my salads with sour cream. In a pinch, sweet cream works too.
The cuisine is probably not American because I’ve not seen the using cream in salad. They always use oil/vinegar or mayonaise.
Thank you for sharing, Jason!
This is just excellent. I’ll be making it for our Happy Hour. I added a tbsp of fresh dill…Makes it pop… Thanks for this.
Thanks for sharing, Joseph. Happy to hear that you enjoyed this recipe!
OOOPS, how FAR in advance can I make ahead? Sounds to me like the creamy, and the acid of the tomato will marinate really well. Thoughts?
This one is really best right after it is mixed. Once salt touches the cucumber and tomato, they start to soften and get juicy, which makes this not ideal for a make-ahead recipe.
Thanks for posting.
I’ve made this for years with a couple of additions…
Add juice of 1/2 medium lemon, red chili peppers, touch of white sugar, & top with poppy seeds…
Just my take but super easy, fresh, great recipe. Ty
Sounds delicious! Thank you for sharing. 🙂
Hi there….I lovevthis recipe, and I would definitely do it. Thanks for sharing. R. E.
You’re so welcome, Rosa. Good to know that you liked this recipe. Thank you for sharing that with us!
Very tasty. Thank you.
This was amazing and it’s the perfect side dish for any meal. Light and fresh.
Highly recommended
Love it! Thanks for your recommendation, Kimberly!
This is my new favourite dish to get some freshness in my meals this winter. Easier than a regular salad and I do really prefer the creaminess of this one with just a couple ingredients. I’ve added garlic and a couple other minor things to change it up. Thanks!
Thank you so much for sharing that with me, Lyn! I’m so glad you enjoyed that.
Loved this salad refreshing flavor even my picky husband liked it
That’s so great, Sylvia! Thank you for that great feedback!
My son took an interest in gardening this year and grew cucumbers. This is what I made with his very first cucumber. Delicious! We also grew tomatoes and I made my own sour cream.
Awww that’s the best! Thank you so much for sharing that with me, Nicole. I’m all smiles!
Can I use Miracle Whip instead of Mayo? Would I have to omit sour cream? Thanks
Hi Jeanne, I honestly haven’t tried this with miracle whip – it has a certain flavor to it so if you prefer miracle whip, you might test a small batch of the salad, adding miracle whip to it. I just haven’t tried that combo to be able to recommend it.
How many servings per recipe?
Hi Dennis, the serving sizes are listed on all of the recipe cards which are located towards the bottom of the post 🙂
Yummy and so fresh! I added feta cheese and mint.
I’m glad you enjoy the recipe Sally! Those additions sound delicious, I’ll have to try that. Thanks for sharing!
During these difficult times, I’m out of fresh garlic, ca, I used garlic that comes in jar if I pat them dry?
Hi Trudy, I imagine that should work. If you experiment please let me know how you like that.
Can’t this be made a day ahead of time? Just wondering if it would get watery.
Hi Tracy, this one is really best right after it is mixed. Once salt touches the cucumber and tomato, they start to soften and get juicy, which makes this not ideal for a make-ahead recipe.
Great sounding recipe. I plan to add some jar packed tuna to make it a full meal with some crusty bread.
Make one similar to this…..I never added mayo but I’m going to next time and being Ukrainian……we must add dill…..for sure. I would probably add more garlic….my family loves garlic!
I hope you like the recipe Sally, please let me know what you think!
This is what my mom made since I was little. We are Russian. Now we use only vegenaise as a dressing. The salad is always eaten in one day, lol.
I’m glad to hear how much you enjoy the recipe Marina! Thanks for sharing! 🙂
Natasha,
thank you for the recipes that my beloved Polish grandmother baked and cooked. She used to make this salad all summer long and taught my mother (who was an awesome cook too) how to make. You’re wonderful!
My pleasure Judith! I’m glad to hear the recipes bring back fond memories! 🙂
This is a new favorite side for me and my hubby. Thank you so much for sharing such a tasty recipe!!!
You’re welcome! I’m glad you both love the recipe!
Five Stars!!! Sometimes the simplest recipes are the absolute best! This salad is so delicious and takes only 5-10 minutes to make, including the dressing. Don’t eat it if unless you are staying home for the evening … the garlic is pretty strong. After my initial try, I used less onion the second time around. It is absolutely delicious.
I’m glad you enjoy the recipe Pat! Thanks so much for sharing your fantastic review! 🙂
I added dill and feta, love it!
Yum, that sounds great Caryn! Thanks for sharing your review!
Really easy to put together and absolutely delicious! Nice variation on the old oil & vinegar dressing! Love it!
I’m so glad to hear that Rick! Thanks for sharing your fantastic review! 🙂
How long do you think this would keep in the fridge after it’s all put together?
Hi Doniree, this one is really best right after it is mixed. Once salt touches the cucumber and tomato, they start to soften and get juicy, which makes this not ideal for a make-ahead recipe.
Very tasty and easy to make!
I’m so glad you enjoyed the recipe!
Fresh pressed garlic makes the salad. My husband told me to make sure I make this again. More please!
I’m glad you both enjoy the recipe! Thanks for sharing your great review!
Oooo I’ve made this alot but without the sour cream! I’ll have to try that next time!
It’s so good! Please let me know what you think!
All of the best ingredients in this salad. This has become our go-to for summer and my kids love the creamy dressing. Thank you!
I’m so glad to hear that!! Thank you for the amazing review! 🙂
Made it tonight. Left out garlic added dill. Very tasty can’t wait to try again tomorrow after it sits over night
I’m glad you enjoy the recipe Robin! Thanks for sharing 😀
This salad is amazing! I used this recipe as a base, but than I added a few things. Orange peppers, tons of dill, lemon, and a tiny bit of sugar, with some grated cheese on the top. I could eat the whole thing to myself.
Oh my goodness that sounds amazing!! What kind of cheese did you use?
this is a typic polish salad. specialy on early summer,when vegetables are sweet and yummy.
i had everything in the fridge so thought id give it a go – taste so much like 1 of the salads mum would do, on special occasions. we just had garden salads during our dinner. found some ‘caper & dill mayo’ after id used the plain stuff so i added that too. so far ive eliminated the salt completely but by tonite i may add it. so yummy & brings back great memories! thanx natasha 🙂
oops – i forgot to say – i had 1 lonely purple onion so i sliced it & used that too!
Perfecto! 😀
You’re welcome Vera! I’m happy to hear how much you enjoy the recipe! Thanks for sharing <3
Darn Good!!! Haven’t eaten a cucumber in 45 years, except for Gerkin pickles. Because they make me burp. LOL. This was excellent, and no burps yet, whoops, just starting. Doesn’t matter, great recipe!
Ha ha! Mid-comment, eh? 🙂 That’s pretty funny! I’m so glad you enjoyed it!
Made it as a side dish to a periperi grilled chicken I made on sunday. Great stuff. I skipped the mayo and mixed in some tahini. Make sure to toss just before service or it will turn runny.
Tom, thank you for sharing your modifications with us, I’m glad you liked it.
Happy Friday! Just letting you know I am featuring this recipe today for Low-Carb Recipe Love on Fridays! I hope a lot of my readers will come and check it out, looks amazing!
Kalyn, thank you so much for sharing this salad on your blog 😀.
Will a white onion work ok for this recipe? What kind did you use? I’d love to try this tonight.
Sarah, I used a yellow onion but white onion will work great too. Let me know how it turns out 😄.
Hey Natasha ,
I can’t find sour cream what should I use? Can I use heavy cream ?
Hi Fatima, Do grocery stores in your area not carry it? You could also try plain Greek yogurt.
Nope they don’t carry it , okay I’ll try looking for Greek yogurt . Thanks
you can use only mayo my kids liked it that way.Diane
Very refreshing on a hot summer day in Texas and a great use of my fresh tomatoes, cucumber and onion from the garden! Thanks for sharing!
You’re so welcome 🙂
I get a bit annoyed when people change a recipe they are commenting on. I made this exactly how you presented this recipe and I have to tell you this was an absolute hit! A twist of the old boring and in with the new. Thank you for sharing this recipe
Wendy, thank you so much for your awesome review! I really appreciate it 🙂
Please do not get annoyed when people make changes. I cut up some black olives and grated some fresh cheddar cheese and added them. I know it would have been good without them but I know what my husband and I like. Did not ruin, only enhanced.
I’ve never tried those add-ins but I’m excited to give it a whirl! thanks for sharing 🙂
Absolutely love the cucumber salad thanks!
Also we go to a Ukranian Catholic Church, so i will make for them-
Glory be to Jesus Christ!
I’m so glad you enjoyed it! I hope your church members love it too 🙂
Wow, thank you for this, Natasha! This post took me back in time – my mom used to make this salad for us too. And we did love it with mashed potatoes! I’ll need to make it again soon, so many fond memories.
Ira, I’m so happy to hear that this recipe brings back some great memories from the childhood 😀. This recipe never gets old, especially when made with home grown vegetables.
This salad looks absolutely delicious. Got it copied and pasted in my saved files, and I’m gonna throw one together tomorrow night..
I hope you love it! 🙂
I’m sure I will. Everybody keeps saying that it compliments mashed potatoes real well, so, I believe I’ll do the mashed potato thing too.
Yes definitely the mashed potatoes! 😉
This is one of my favorite salad.
One thing that I am not adding to that salad is mayo. I only making this salad with sour cream. OH and I love to eat this salad with mashed potato…
We grew up eating this salad with mashed potatoes, a great combination 😀.
I guess it is Ukrainian style eating this salad with mashed potato.
You are right. Mayo is no-no. I did grow up in Odessa. The recipe is:
Tomatoes, cucumbers, onion, sour cream and salt. That is it !!!
Have a great day!
Inna
Could you make this the night before?
Hi Julie, this one is really best fresh. I gets too soft and juicy if made ahead.
Yo I made this salad on weds eve for break the fast for when we would come home from synagogue I didn’t add onions pr garlic but I used some fresh dill which is a very Russian thing made it with mayo and sour cream a little salt pepper and garlic powder and wow it came out really very yummmm
That’s great Tzivia 😀. Reading your comment is making me hungry!
Ditto Natasha it sure was then go on make some darlin lol btw happy blessed Easter cheers
Thank you and happy and blessed Easter to you also! 🙂
Everything looks so fresh and beautiful. My husband is Ukrainian lol but doesn’t like onions or peppers or anything like it. I love to entertain so I get to still get to make all those nice beautiful salads that you show. I’d love to join your website and get your updates on your new things. Everything looks so nice and fresh. And pretty simple.
Thank you Sheryl, welcome to the site and feel free to subscribe to the latest recipes by clicking here :).
Looks healthy and easy for a senior. You are my new COOK and I will enjoy…
Helen you’re so nice. Thank you! 🙂
Thank you so much. Can you send a recipe for pasta tuna salad thank you for sharing.
Vs
You’re very welcome! I’ll start brainstorming 🙂
This is the recipe my grandmother, who is part Danish used to make. 1 bag shell macaroni, 1 head lettuce, 1 bag frozen green peas, 1 can tuna, drained , mayonnaise or Miracle whip(grandma used miracle whip) to moisten the salad. Cook the macaroni shells in boiling salted water. Add the green peas one minute before it is done. Drain and cool under cold running water.Drain again. Wash and shred the lettuce.Spin dry. Put the macaroni, shredded lettuce, and drained tuna in a bowl. Mix well and add mayonnaise until creamy, about 1/2 cup. Add salt and pepper to taste. Refrigerate until dinner time. When I make it, to cut down on the fat content, I usually make it with 1/4 cup mayo and 1/4 cup yogurt.
Thank you so much for sharing that with us, Elyse!
now i want the salad, I don’t like the mayo, so I omit it, the best and easy salad ever, my 8 year old makes it all the time, thanks for such great recipes
It is still really good with just the sour cream. I’m so happy you like it. It sounds like you have a little chef on your hands! 🙂
My favorite salad! We also make it with Olive oil instead of the mayo & sour cream 😉 makes it more fresh & juicy 😉 yum!
Hmmmm that sounds healthier too! Thanks for the tip! Do you add anything else into it?
We make it with olive oil instead of mayo and sour cream, too. I like adding my favorite herbs, like parsley and dill. Best herbs are fresh, of course, but dry herbs work, too; especially out of season. To make it a meal, I often add a can of garbanzo peas.
Growing up, my family referred to this salad as simply “Salat,” since we made it almost every day. However, making this salad with cheap store-bought tomatoes and cucumbers is a waste of time (I know I don’t have to convince you, Natasha!). If you don’t have access to fresh vegetables, at least buy vine-ripened tomatoes. I always smell tomatoes if I have to buy them from the store.
I can’t wait to try your version, Natasha. It looks scrumptious, thank you!
I love your idea of adding garbanzo beans! That’s a great way to add protein!!
What a fantastic story! You are so sweet! I always enjoy reading your little introductions. Will be making this salad soon!
Thank you Oksana :). Let me know how it turns out.
Hi,
I love this salad.I have been eating it since childhood but sadly this year I had to stop.My holistic healer says no tomatoes and no diary.I am told it is unhealthy for me. Now I just eat cucumbers.Have a great day.
hi Natasha! i came around your website, and i love it! thank you
Thank you so much for this recipe! I am completely in love with the cream, it’s so exquisite and authentic. Btw, I have found your site about a week ago, and I love all the different recipes for the russian/Ukraine food. Thank you so much for putting your time and effort into putting down all the recipes and even showing step by step pictures-they have helped me a lot. God bless 🙂
We are hosting an orphan from Ukraine in our home for a month and tonight his chaperone came over for dinner. I served this salad and they both said it was wonderful and very authentic. We loved it too and I will be making it again as well as looking around your site for more recipes. Thank you.
That’s awesome! Thank you for sharing 🙂
Wonderful salad! Thank you for sharing this easy, delicious recipe!
this is identical to the salad my Baba used to make for us! she used kraft creamy cucumber dressing, but i can never find it, this dressing was perfect. thank you!
I haven’t tried that dressing, but I’m glad you tried it and liked it 🙂
love this salad! along with white onion I also add green onions and dill.. it gives the salad a very fresh taste!
you are awsome!
Oh, its nice to be called “awesome” once in awhile 🙂 I’ll try the green onion an dill next time. We make this salad regularly.
Yum! Tomato and cucumber salad is a true Russian and Ukrainian classic. I posted a similar recipe on my site in July:
Our tomatoes are finally ripening (the first cucumbers came in about a month ago) and we can now make this salad from homegrown ingredients!
Hi Irina, thanks for the link, I will add dill next time I make this salad. I always have a tub of dill in the freezer. We make this salad pretty much daily with all the fresh cucumbers and tomatoes from my moms yard.
Wow, this looks better than what I used to make. I always ended up with lots of fluid. I guess I don’t need to use vegetable oil. Thanks for the recipe.
I go easy on the salt. Salt makes the tomatoes juice out.
This salad brings me memories, my Baba and Aunt always made this for us when we were small…..I’ll be making this myself as we have lots of tomatoes and cucmbers in the backyard. Thanks you for sharing. 🙂 Irina
I was hoping it would bring back memories for someone. It’s a classic – enjoy!
beautiful salad
thanks
val
Your welcome!! I just checked out your site. Wish I spoke and could read your language. Your recipe for Cake au chèvre et tomates confites looks soo good!