Creamy Cucumber Tomato Salad Recipe
This Creamy Cucumber Tomato Salad Recipe is perfect for summer gatherings, picnics, or as a refreshing side dish for any meal. With its vibrant flavors and creamy dressing, this salad brings a delightful blend of textures and tastes to your table. It’s easy to prepare and pairs wonderfully with grilled meats, making it an ideal choice for outdoor barbecues or casual family dinners.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: This salad takes just 10 minutes to make, allowing you to spend more time enjoying your meal.
- Fresh Ingredients: Utilizing fresh cucumbers and tomatoes ensures a burst of flavor in every bite.
- Versatile Side Dish: Great with grilled steak, chicken, or seafood, this salad fits various occasions and cuisines.
- Creamy Texture: The combination of sour cream and mayonnaise creates a rich and satisfying dressing.
- Nutritious Choice: Packed with vitamins from the vegetables, this salad is a healthy addition to your diet.
Tools and Preparation
To make this creamy cucumber tomato salad successfully, you’ll need some basic kitchen tools. Having the right tools will streamline your process and enhance your experience.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Measuring cups
- Spoon
Importance of Each Tool
- Mixing bowl: A large mixing bowl allows you to combine all ingredients without making a mess.
- Sharp knife: A sharp knife ensures clean cuts for even-sized vegetables, which helps in uniform mixing.
Ingredients
This creamy and fresh Cucumber Tomato Salad is sure to become one of your favorite summer salad recipes. For a completely scrumptious meal, serve with grilled steak, chicken, and seafood.
Dressing Ingredients
- 1/3 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon dried dill
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
Vegetable Ingredients
- 2 medium cucumbers sliced in half lengthwise and thin sliced
- 3 small tomatoes cut into thin wedges or cherry tomatoes halved
- 1/2 sweet onion thinly sliced
Seasoning
- Kosher salt and fresh ground black pepper to taste
How to Make Creamy Cucumber Tomato Salad Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dressing
In a large bowl, stir together the sour cream, mayonnaise, dried dill, and garlic powder until well blended.
Step 2: Add the Vegetables
Add the sliced cucumbers, tomatoes, and onion to the dressing mixture. Gently stir until all ingredients are coated evenly.
Step 3: Season
Taste the salad and add kosher salt and fresh ground black pepper according to your preference.
Step 4: Serve or Refrigerate
You can serve the creamy cucumber tomato salad immediately or refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for freshness. Enjoy!
How to Serve Creamy Cucumber Tomato Salad Recipe
This creamy cucumber tomato salad is a versatile dish that complements many meals. It’s perfect for summer gatherings or casual weeknight dinners.
With Grilled Proteins
- Steak: The rich flavor of grilled steak pairs beautifully with the refreshing salad.
- Chicken: A simple grilled chicken breast allows the creamy salad to shine as a side.
- Seafood: Grilled shrimp or fish adds a light, beachy touch to your meal.
As a Standalone Dish
- Light Lunch: Enjoy it on its own for a quick and healthy lunch option.
- Picnic Favorite: Pack it in a container for a refreshing addition to any picnic spread.
Accompanied by Bread
- Crusty Bread: Serve with slices of crusty bread or baguette for dipping.
- Pita Chips: Crunchy pita chips add an exciting texture contrast to the creamy salad.
How to Perfect Creamy Cucumber Tomato Salad Recipe
To make your creamy cucumber tomato salad truly exceptional, consider these helpful tips.
- Chill before serving: Allow the salad to sit in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This enhances the flavors and makes it extra refreshing.
- Use fresh ingredients: Fresh cucumbers and tomatoes give the best taste. Choose ones that are firm and vibrant.
- Adjust seasoning: Taste your salad before serving. You may want to add more salt or pepper based on personal preference.
- Experiment with herbs: Try adding fresh herbs like parsley or basil for an extra layer of flavor.
- Make it ahead of time: This dish can be prepared a few hours in advance. Just keep it refrigerated until you’re ready to serve.
Best Side Dishes for Creamy Cucumber Tomato Salad Recipe
Pairing side dishes with your creamy cucumber tomato salad can elevate your meal. Here are some fantastic options that work well together.
- Grilled Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn complements the freshness of the salad.
- Roasted Potatoes: Crispy roasted potatoes provide a hearty contrast.
- Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad adds a nutty flavor and extra protein.
- Coleslaw: Crisp coleslaw brings crunch and tanginess to your plate.
- Caprese Skewers: These skewers offer a delightful taste of mozzarella, basil, and tomatoes.
- Garlic Bread: The rich garlic flavor enhances the overall dining experience.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
To make the most of your Creamy Cucumber Tomato Salad Recipe, avoid these common pitfalls.
- ingredients: Not using fresh ingredients can dull the flavor. Always opt for ripe cucumbers and tomatoes for the best taste.
- neglecting seasoning: Forgetting to season can lead to a bland salad. Taste and adjust with salt and pepper for a flavorful kick.
- overmixing: Overmixing can turn your salad mushy. Gently fold the ingredients together to maintain their texture.
- skipping refrigeration: Serving immediately without chilling can reduce freshness. Allow it to sit in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving.
- ignoring leftovers: Not storing leftovers properly can waste food. Refrigerate in an airtight container to keep it fresh for up to three days.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing Creamy Cucumber Tomato Salad Recipe
- It is not recommended to freeze this salad as the texture will change when thawed.
Reheating Creamy Cucumber Tomato Salad Recipe
- Oven: You do not need to reheat this salad; serve cold for best flavor.
- Microwave: Not suitable; salad should be enjoyed chilled.
- Stovetop: Again, this dish is best served cold, so no reheating is necessary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about the Creamy Cucumber Tomato Salad Recipe that might help you.
How long does the Creamy Cucumber Tomato Salad last?
This salad stays fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days when stored properly in an airtight container.
Can I customize my Creamy Cucumber Tomato Salad?
Yes! You can add ingredients like bell peppers or avocado for extra flavor and nutrition.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! The Creamy Cucumber Tomato Salad is great for meal prep and can be made ahead of time.
What should I serve with my Creamy Cucumber Tomato Salad?
This refreshing salad pairs well with grilled meats like steak, chicken, or seafood dishes.
Final Thoughts
The Creamy Cucumber Tomato Salad Recipe is a delightful blend of flavors and textures that makes it perfect for summer gatherings. Its versatility allows you to customize it according to your preferences. So, grab those fresh veggies and give this delicious recipe a try!
Creamy Cucumber Tomato Salad Recipe
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: Serves approximately 4 people 1x
Description
This Creamy Cucumber Tomato Salad is a refreshing addition to your summer gatherings, picnics, or any casual meal. Combining crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, and a rich dressing made with sour cream and mayonnaise, this dish delivers a burst of flavor with every bite. It takes just 10 minutes to prepare, making it an ideal side for grilled meats like steak or chicken. Enjoy the delightful blend of textures and tastes that make this salad not only easy to make but also a nutritious choice packed with vitamins.
Ingredients
- 1/3 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 medium cucumbers, thinly sliced
- 3 small tomatoes, cut into wedges
- 1/2 sweet onion, thinly sliced
- 1 teaspoon dried dill
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- Kosher salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine sour cream, mayonnaise, dill, and garlic powder; stir until well blended.
- Add the sliced cucumbers, tomatoes, and onion; gently mix until all vegetables are coated.
- Season with kosher salt and black pepper according to your taste.
- Serve immediately or refrigerate for at least 30 minutes for enhanced flavors.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: N/A
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (150g)
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
