This Creamy Cucumber Tomato Salad is a staple summer salad in my house and the perfect way to showcase in-season fresh tomatoes and cucumbers from the garden (or the produce aisle). The dressing is just sour cream, mayonnaise, and pressed garlic, but it’s seriously delicious. You’ll love this crunchy, creamy, fresh salad!

Classic cucumber tomato salad with creamy dressing in a white bowl with fresh tomatoes

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Helpful Reader Review

“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!” – Natalie ★★★★★

Creamy Cucumber and Tomato Salad

My sisters and I loved to eat this Ukrainian cucumber tomato salad growing up, since my mom made it all the time, and now, so do I. It takes just a few minutes to prepare and pairs really well with Roasted Potatoes, Sour Cream Mashed Potatoes and just about anything (see more serving ideas below).

This salad always reminds me of the time my Mom asked me to babysit over 30-something tomato plants, along with cucumbers and melons in a portable greenhouse. Well, you can imagine my horror when gusty wind knocked it over, and I had to scramble to save her beloved plants (and our entire family’s organic vegetable supply for the season). We replanted them the best we could and even though they initially looked rather limp, after some TLC and a few desperate prayers, I’m happy to report all but two of the tomato plants survived. Phew!

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.

Anyway, I think about that story every time I chop up the veggies for this salad. There’s nothing like showcasing the fruits of our labor from the garden, like in our Panzanella Salad, Caprese, or Strawberry Salad recipes. So, when tomatoes and cucumbers are in season–you have to try this creamy salad!

Cucumber and tomato salad with creamy dressing

Ingredients

With a few pantry staples, it’s easy to make this salad with vegetables from the garden, a farmers market, or the produce section of the grocery store. I included some variations below that we’ve enjoyed over the years.

  • Tomatoes – any kind of tomatoes will work, from beef steak to cherry tomatoes. Cut up large fruit into bite-sized pieces.
  • Cucumbers– cut these in half lengthwise and then chop. You can use English cucumbers or smaller garden cucumbers. It’s best to pick cucumbers while they are about 6-8″ long so there aren’t too many seeds. Again, any variety will do, but if it has a waxy exterior, you will want to peel it.
  • Onion – thinly slice 1/2 of a medium onion. I use yellow onions, but you can use red or white.
  • Garlic – press the clove or smash it to evenly distribute it in the dressing. I wouldn’t hold it against you if you up it to 2 cloves if you love garlic.
  • Creamy dressing – sour cream, mayonnaise, pepper, and salt.

Substitutions and Variations

  • Herbs – add some fresh dill, fresh basil, parsley, or even red pepper flakes
  • Veggies – add or substitute sliced radishes, green peppers, or red onion
  • Sour Cream – try Greek yogurt instead and omit the mayo for a healthier dressing
  • Mayo – substitute with more sour cream, or substitute smashed avocado
ingredients for summer salad with fresh garden veggies, mayo, sour cream, salt, pepper, garlic and onion

How to Make Creamy Cucumber Tomato Salad

There’s no fuss when making my cucumber, tomato, and onion salad. Just chop, mix the dressing, and toss for the perfect lunch or side dish.

  1. Cut the vegetables – Chop all the veggies into bite-sized pieces and place in a medium bowl.
Salad bowl filled with Ingredients for cucumber tomato onion salad including fresh chopped tomatoes, sliced cucumbers and sliced onions.
  1. Make the dressing – Mix the dressing ingredients in a separate bowl.
side-by-side photos of mixing salad dressing in a glass bowl using a spoon
  1. Mix – Pour the dressing onto the veggies and toss until coated. Taste and add salt just before serving.
tomato cucumber salad in a white bowl with salad dressing on top

Pro Tip:

Wait to add the salt just before serving because it will draw the water out of the vegetables, making the dressing thinner and less creamy over time.

Serve With

This is one of my go-to summer salads since it has that fresh-from-the-garden taste, and the creamy dressing is so refreshing! Try it with these favorite summer entrees:

creamy cucumber tomato salad with sour cream-based dressing and pepper

Growing up, my mother’s creamy cucumber and tomato salad was the epitome of farm-to-table eating. You’ll love the fresh veggies coated in cool, creamy dressing because it’s the perfect side dish for a summer meal. Grab some ripe veggies, and serve this delicious salad in minutes!

Creamy Cucumber Tomato Salad

4.91 from 53 votes
This CLASSIC creamy cucumber and tomato salad is so simple to make and is our go-to summer salad. An easy, excellent cucumber tomato salad. KEEPER! | natashaskitchen.com
Make my mother's Creamy Cucumber and Tomato Salad with a creamy homemade dressing in just a few minutes for a fresh lunch or side dish for dinner. I grew up eating this salad when we had cucumbers and tomatoes fresh from the garden. It's the perfect way to showcase your harvest–but produce from the grocery store works too!
Chop the fresh veggies and toss with the easy dressing–it doesn't get any easier. Make this just before serving for the best taste.
Makes about 6 cups of salad with 1 cup of salad per serving.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes

Ingredients 

Servings: 6 people as a side dish
  • 3 medium tomatoes
  • 1 English cucumber, or 3-4 small cucumbers
  • 1/2 medium onion
  • 1 large garlic clove
  • 4 Tbsp sour cream
  • 1 Tbsp mayonnaise, optional
  • 1/8 tsp pepper
  • salt to taste

Instructions

  • Cut the veggies – 3 tomatoes into 1" pieces, cut cucumbers in half and slice and thinly slice 1/2 of the onion. Combine all of the prepared vegetables in a medium bowl.
  • Make the dressing – In a small bowl, combine sour cream, mayonnaise, garlic, and black pepper. Mix well.
  • Mix the dressing into the vegetables. Add salt to taste just before serving.

Notes

Storage – This salad is best eaten within a couple of hours of stirring in the dressing. Add salt just before serving since it will cause the veggies to lose moisture and will make the dressing watery over time. 

Nutrition Per Serving

50kcal Calories6g Carbs1g Protein3g Fat1g Saturated Fat1g Polyunsaturated Fat1g Monounsaturated Fat0.01g Trans Fat4mg Cholesterol26mg Sodium253mg Potassium1g Fiber3g Sugar593IU Vitamin A11mg Vitamin C29mg Calcium0.3mg Iron
Nutrition Facts
Creamy Cucumber Tomato Salad
Amount per Serving
Calories
50
% Daily Value*
Fat
 
3
g
5
%
Saturated Fat
 
1
g
6
%
Trans Fat
 
0.01
g
Polyunsaturated Fat
 
1
g
Monounsaturated Fat
 
1
g
Cholesterol
 
4
mg
1
%
Sodium
 
26
mg
1
%
Potassium
 
253
mg
7
%
Carbohydrates
 
6
g
2
%
Fiber
 
1
g
4
%
Sugar
 
3
g
3
%
Protein
 
1
g
2
%
Vitamin A
 
593
IU
12
%
Vitamin C
 
11
mg
13
%
Calcium
 
29
mg
3
%
Iron
 
0.3
mg
2
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Course: Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine: American, Ukrainian
Keyword: creamy cucumber tomato salad, cucumber tomato salad recipe
Skill Level: Easy
Cost to Make: $
Calories: 50
Natasha's Kitchen Cookbook

Can I Make Creamy Cucumber Tomato Salad Ahead?

Sour cream-based salad recipes like this cucumber tomato salad are best enjoyed just after making, since the veggies release water after they are salted and cause the dressing to thin. Add salt just before serving the salad.

More Summer Salad Recipes

Fresh veggies and summer heat just go together, so I love serving veggie dishes, like this creamy cucumber tomato salad, all summer long. Here are a few more of my go-to summer salads:

4.91 from 53 votes (27 ratings without comment)

Leave a Comment

Recipe Rating




Comments

  • Rick Benson
    August 24, 2017

    Really easy to put together and absolutely delicious! Nice variation on the old oil & vinegar dressing! Love it!

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      August 24, 2017

      I’m so glad to hear that Rick! Thanks for sharing your fantastic review! 🙂

      Reply

  • Doniree
    August 13, 2017

    How long do you think this would keep in the fridge after it’s all put together?

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      August 14, 2017

      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.

      Reply

  • Sue
    August 5, 2017

    Very tasty and easy to make!

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      August 6, 2017

      I’m so glad you enjoyed the recipe!

      Reply

  • Rk
    August 3, 2017

    Fresh pressed garlic makes the salad. My husband told me to make sure I make this again. More please!

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      August 4, 2017

      I’m glad you both enjoy the recipe! Thanks for sharing your great review!

      Reply

  • Pixie B
    July 28, 2017

    Oooo I’ve made this alot but without the sour cream! I’ll have to try that next time!

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      July 28, 2017

      It’s so good! Please let me know what you think!

      Reply

  • Natalie
    July 6, 2017

    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!

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      July 6, 2017

      I’m so glad to hear that!! Thank you for the amazing review! 🙂

      Reply

  • Robin
    July 3, 2017

    Made it tonight. Left out garlic added dill. Very tasty can’t wait to try again tomorrow after it sits over night

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      July 5, 2017

      I’m glad you enjoy the recipe Robin! Thanks for sharing 😀

      Reply

  • Raven
    April 25, 2017

    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.

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      April 26, 2017

      Oh my goodness that sounds amazing!! What kind of cheese did you use?

      Reply

  • sana
    April 21, 2017

    this is a typic polish salad. specialy on early summer,when vegetables are sweet and yummy.

    Reply

  • vera bentley
    April 1, 2017

    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 🙂

    Reply

    • vera bentley
      April 1, 2017

      oops – i forgot to say – i had 1 lonely purple onion so i sliced it & used that too!

      Reply

      • Natasha's Kitchen
        April 2, 2017

        Perfecto! 😀

        Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      April 2, 2017

      You’re welcome Vera! I’m happy to hear how much you enjoy the recipe! Thanks for sharing <3

      Reply

  • Frank Mosher
    September 15, 2016

    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!

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      September 15, 2016

      Ha ha! Mid-comment, eh? 🙂 That’s pretty funny! I’m so glad you enjoyed it!

      Reply

  • Tom
    September 12, 2016

    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.

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      September 12, 2016

      Tom, thank you for sharing your modifications with us, I’m glad you liked it.

      Reply

  • KalynsKitchen
    September 2, 2016

    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!

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      September 2, 2016

      Kalyn, thank you so much for sharing this salad on your blog 😀.

      Reply

  • Sarah Beth
    August 17, 2016

    Will a white onion work ok for this recipe? What kind did you use? I’d love to try this tonight.

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      August 17, 2016

      Sarah, I used a yellow onion but white onion will work great too. Let me know how it turns out 😄.

      Reply

  • Fatima
    August 11, 2016

    Hey Natasha ,
    I can’t find sour cream what should I use? Can I use heavy cream ?

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      August 11, 2016

      Hi Fatima, Do grocery stores in your area not carry it? You could also try plain Greek yogurt.

      Reply

      • Fatima
        August 12, 2016

        Nope they don’t carry it , okay I’ll try looking for Greek yogurt . Thanks

        Reply

    • diane ward
      August 24, 2016

      you can use only mayo my kids liked it that way.Diane

      Reply

  • Katrina Peebles
    July 31, 2016

    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!

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      July 31, 2016

      You’re so welcome 🙂

      Reply

  • Wendy Morgan
    July 23, 2016

    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

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      July 23, 2016

      Wendy, thank you so much for your awesome review! I really appreciate it 🙂

      Reply

    • Teri Townshend
      August 30, 2016

      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.

      Reply

      • Natasha
        natashaskitchen
        August 30, 2016

        I’ve never tried those add-ins but I’m excited to give it a whirl! thanks for sharing 🙂

        Reply

  • Karen Jones
    July 21, 2016

    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!

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      July 21, 2016

      I’m so glad you enjoyed it! I hope your church members love it too 🙂

      Reply

  • Ira
    July 16, 2016

    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.

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      July 16, 2016

      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.

      Reply

  • Phillip Ferrell
    July 12, 2016

    This salad looks absolutely delicious. Got it copied and pasted in my saved files, and I’m gonna throw one together tomorrow night..

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      July 13, 2016

      I hope you love it! 🙂

      Reply

      • Phillip Ferrell
        July 13, 2016

        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.

        Reply

        • Natasha
          natashaskitchen
          July 14, 2016

          Yes definitely the mashed potatoes! 😉

          Reply

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