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. 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 may 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
  • 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 2 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)

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Recipe Rating




Comments

  • Jason Peterson
    June 16, 2023

    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.

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      June 16, 2023

      Thank you for sharing, Jason!

      Reply

  • Joseph Chambers
    May 11, 2023

    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.

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      May 11, 2023

      Thanks for sharing, Joseph. Happy to hear that you enjoyed this recipe!

      Reply

  • Chris
    August 16, 2022

    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?

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      August 16, 2022

      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

  • Gp
    August 3, 2022

    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

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      August 3, 2022

      Sounds delicious! Thank you for sharing. 🙂

      Reply

  • Rosa
    June 19, 2022

    Hi there….I lovevthis recipe, and I would definitely do it. Thanks for sharing. R. E.

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      June 19, 2022

      You’re so welcome, Rosa. Good to know that you liked this recipe. Thank you for sharing that with us!

      Reply

  • Shennon Black
    August 16, 2021

    Very tasty. Thank you.

    Reply

  • Kimberly Batts
    April 26, 2020

    This was amazing and it’s the perfect side dish for any meal. Light and fresh.

    Highly recommended

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      April 26, 2020

      Love it! Thanks for your recommendation, Kimberly!

      Reply

  • Lyn McNairn
    April 1, 2020

    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!

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      April 1, 2020

      Thank you so much for sharing that with me, Lyn! I’m so glad you enjoyed that.

      Reply

  • Sylvia
    January 19, 2020

    Loved this salad refreshing flavor even my picky husband liked it

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      January 20, 2020

      That’s so great, Sylvia! Thank you for that great feedback!

      Reply

  • Nicole Williams
    July 24, 2019

    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.

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      July 24, 2019

      Awww that’s the best! Thank you so much for sharing that with me, Nicole. I’m all smiles!

      Reply

  • Jeanne H.
    March 11, 2019

    Can I use Miracle Whip instead of Mayo? Would I have to omit sour cream? Thanks

    Reply

    • Natasha
      March 11, 2019

      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.

      Reply

  • Dennis
    September 4, 2018

    How many servings per recipe?

    Reply

    • Natasha
      September 4, 2018

      Hi Dennis, the serving sizes are listed on all of the recipe cards which are located towards the bottom of the post 🙂

      Reply

  • Sally Marvin
    March 31, 2018

    Yummy and so fresh! I added feta cheese and mint.

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      March 31, 2018

      I’m glad you enjoy the recipe Sally! Those additions sound delicious, I’ll have to try that. Thanks for sharing!

      Reply

      • Trudy
        March 24, 2020

        During these difficult times, I’m out of fresh garlic, ca, I used garlic that comes in jar if I pat them dry?

        Reply

        • Natashas Kitchen
          March 24, 2020

          Hi Trudy, I imagine that should work. If you experiment please let me know how you like that.

          Reply

  • Tracy
    March 23, 2018

    Can’t this be made a day ahead of time? Just wondering if it would get watery.

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      March 24, 2018

      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.

      Reply

    • Joe Heinz
      July 3, 2022

      Great sounding recipe. I plan to add some jar packed tuna to make it a full meal with some crusty bread.

      Reply

  • Sally
    March 20, 2018

    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!

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      March 21, 2018

      I hope you like the recipe Sally, please let me know what you think!

      Reply

  • Marina Landman
    February 17, 2018

    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.

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      February 19, 2018

      I’m glad to hear how much you enjoy the recipe Marina! Thanks for sharing! 🙂

      Reply

  • Judith McCarthy
    January 28, 2018

    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!

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      January 28, 2018

      My pleasure Judith! I’m glad to hear the recipes bring back fond memories! 🙂

      Reply

  • Food, Faith, and Other Fabulous Finds
    September 5, 2017

    This is a new favorite side for me and my hubby. Thank you so much for sharing such a tasty recipe!!!

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      September 5, 2017

      You’re welcome! I’m glad you both love the recipe!

      Reply

  • Pat Lagace
    September 5, 2017

    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.

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      September 5, 2017

      I’m glad you enjoy the recipe Pat! Thanks so much for sharing your fantastic review! 🙂

      Reply

  • Caryn
    August 25, 2017

    I added dill and feta, love it!

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      August 25, 2017

      Yum, that sounds great Caryn! Thanks for sharing your review!

      Reply

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