Creamy Cucumber Salad with Tomatoes is a fresh, cool side dish that takes about 10 minutes to throw together and goes with just about everything. Crisp cucumbers, juicy grape tomatoes, and thinly sliced onion tossed in a tangy sour cream and dill dressing make this the perfect summer salad.
Creamy Cucumber Salad
What I love most is how refreshing this cucumber tomato salad is, especially on a hot day. The creamy dressing has just enough tang from the apple cider vinegar and a little sweetness that balances everything out. It’s one of those easy cucumber salads that pairs perfectly with grilled chicken, burgers, or anything off the BBQ.
Ingredients & Equipment
- Mini cucumbers
- White onion
- Grape tomatoes
- Sour cream
- Mayonnaise
- Fresh dill
- Apple cider vinegar
- Sugar
- Salt and pepper
Full measurements for each ingredient can be found in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.
You’ll also need a few things from your kitchen:
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Large bowl
- Small bowl
- Spoon
Step By Step Directions
This recipe makes 8 servings. It takes 10 minutes of prep time.
Step 1. Combine the cucumber, onion, and tomatoes in a large bowl.
Step 2. Mix the dressing ingredients together until well blended.
Step 3. Pour the dressing over the top of the salad ingredients and stir until fully coated.
Step 4. Serve immediately or chill until ready to serve.
Variations
- Skip the tomatoes: If you want a simpler cucumber onion salad, leave the tomatoes out and it’s still delicious with just the cucumbers and onion in the creamy dill dressing.
- Add fresh herbs: Chopped fresh chives or parsley alongside the dill add even more freshness.
- Use Greek yogurt: Swap the sour cream for Greek yogurt for a lighter version that still has that creamy, tangy base.
- Toss in some feta: Crumbled feta cheese on top adds a salty bite that goes really well with the cucumbers and tomatoes.
- Add avocado: Diced avocado stirred in right before serving makes this even creamier and more filling.
- Make it with red onion instead: Red onion has a slightly sharper flavor and adds a pop of color if you prefer it over white.
Leftovers & Storage
Store leftover creamy cucumber salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Cucumbers release water as they sit, so the dressing will thin out a bit overnight. Give it a good stir before serving leftovers and drain off any excess liquid if needed. This one is best made the same day you plan to serve it.
Tips & Tricks
- Slice the cucumbers thin. Thin slices soak up more dressing and give you a better texture in every bite.
- Halve the grape tomatoes. Cutting them in half lets them release a little juice that mixes into the dressing and adds flavor.
- Slice the onion thin too. You want delicate slices that blend into the salad, not thick chunks that overpower the other flavors.
- Use fresh dill, not dried. Fresh dill makes a huge difference in this recipe. It’s brighter and more flavorful than dried dill weed, and since it’s one of the main flavors, it’s worth using fresh.
- Mix the dressing separately before adding. This makes sure the sour cream, mayo, vinegar, and sugar are fully blended so the dressing coats everything evenly.
- Serve it cold. This salad is best when it’s nice and chilled. Even 15-20 minutes in the fridge before serving makes a difference.
Recipe FAQs
Can I make creamy cucumber salad ahead of time? You can make it a few hours ahead, but it’s best served the same day. Cucumbers release water as they sit, which thins out the dressing. If you need to prep ahead, keep the dressing separate and toss everything together right before serving.
Can I use regular cucumbers instead of mini cucumbers? Yes, but I’d recommend seeding them first. Regular cucumbers have more seeds and water content, which can make the salad watery. Scoop the seeds out with a spoon, then slice and proceed as usual.
What’s the difference between this and a cucumber tomato onion salad with vinegar? The vinegar version uses a clear vinaigrette-style dressing, while this one has a creamy base from the sour cream and mayo. Both are great, but this version is richer and more like a classic creamy cucumber dill salad.
Can I leave out the mayo? You can, but the mayo adds richness and helps the dressing cling to the vegetables better. If you skip it, add a little extra sour cream to make up for the lost creaminess.
What should I serve this with? It goes with pretty much anything off the grill: burgers, chicken, steaks, hot dogs. It’s also great alongside sandwiches, grilled fish, or as part of a BBQ spread with other sides.
Can I use dried dill instead of fresh? Fresh dill is really the way to go for this one. If you absolutely have to use dried, use about one tablespoon of dried dill weed, but the flavor won’t be quite as bright.
More Salad Side Dish Recipes
- Spaghetti Salad
- Bowtie Pasta Salad
- Broccoli Pasta Salad
- Greek Pasta Salad
- Easy Macaroni Salad
- Cucumber Pasta Salad
- Avocado Pasta Salad
- Hawaiian Macaroni Salad
- Broccoli Salad
Ingredients
- 8 mini cucumbers thinly sliced
- ½ white onion thinly sliced
- 2 cups grape tomatoes halved
- ½ cup sour cream
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup fresh dill finely chopped
- 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- Salt and pepper
Instructions
- Combine the cucumber, onion, and tomatoes in a large bowl.
- Mix the dressing ingredients together until well blended.
- Pour the dressing over the top of the salad ingredients and stir until fully coated.
- Serve immediately or chill until ready to serve.
Notes
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