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!

This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy.
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!

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

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.
- Cut the vegetables – Chop all the veggies into bite-sized pieces and place in a medium bowl.

- Make the dressing – Mix the dressing ingredients in a separate bowl.

- Mix – Pour the dressing onto the veggies and toss until coated. Taste and add salt just before serving.

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:
- Hamburgers or Smash Burgers
- Lobster Tails
- Grilled Shrimp Skewers
- Carnitas recipe
- Popcorn Chicken
- Grilled Steak, or Beef Kabobs
- Lamb Chops

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

Ingredients
- 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
Nutrition Per Serving
Filed Under
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:
- Greek Pasta Salad
- Creamy Cucumber Salad
- Tomato Burrata Salad
- Avocado Corn Salad
- Chicken Mango Avocado Salad
- Maroulosalata Greek Lettuce Salad
- Greek Chicken Bowls
- Tomato Cucumber Mozzarella Salad
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! 😉