Creamy Cucumber Tomato Salad

Creamy cucumber tomato salad is such a refreshing summer side dish and it only has 4 ingredients. It’s a perfect picnic and BBQ side to make in a few minutes. All you need is fresh tomatoes, juicy cucumbers, aromatic dill weed, and tangy sour cream to make this delicious fresh salad.

This is a perfect side dish for grilled meats like Jerk Chicken, Grilled Salmon, and Grilled Steaks. 

CREAMY TOMATO SALAD RECIPE

This simple tomato salad brings me the warmest memories every time I eat it. I grew up eating this salad each and every summer because it’s so easy and delicious. My grandmother had several nice gardens full of fruit and vegetables we enjoyed all summer long. To this day, my favorite scent was opening the green house doors in the morning. 

Aroma of ripe tomatoes and cucumbers hitting me in the face was overwhelming. Tasting these fresh vegetables right off the vine was even better. Half of the picked tomatoes and cucumber always went to making this fresh creamy salad for lunch or dinner. I was always done with my salad before I touched anything else. The best part though was dipping pieces of bread into the dressing leftover in the bowl. 

It only has 4 ingredients and a simple salt and pepper seasoning. When the recipe is this simple, the best flavor will always come with the freshest ingredients. If you have a garden, this is a perfect recipe for your harvest. Visit a farmer’s market if you don’t have a garden or pick out the best produce at the store. You won’t regret it!

WHAT TOMATOES SHOULD I USE?

I am partial to using tomatoes on a vine. Even when I can’t get my hands on freshly picked tomatoes, I buy tomatoes on the vine. The scent and taste of these tomatoes is very nice and refreshing. 

Heirloom tomatoes is another excellent choice for a tomato salad because they have much stronger tomato taste and a little sweetness to them. 

When the previous two options are not available, go with cherry or Roma tomatoes.  

Choosing Tomatoes:

Make sure to choose tomatoes that are plump, fully ripened, and firm. Don’t get tomatoes that are too soft, have unripe parts, or have soft spots and broken skin. 

HOW TO MAKE IT

Wash – make sure to wash your produce before making the salad and dry each one with a paper towel.

Slice – use a sharp knife to slice cucumbers and tomatoes thinly and add it to a mixing bowl. Mince fresh dill weed as well and add it to the vegetables. 

Mix – add sour cream, salt, and pepper and gently fold the vegetables and sour cream with a mixing spoon. Keep mixing gently so tomatoes and cucumbers don’t bruise until it’s all evenly coated. 

Serve – serve the salad right away or within an hour after preparing. 

CAN I MAKE IT AHEAD OF TIME?

Unfortunately, this salad is not a good dish to make ahead. Tomatoes and cucumbers both have high water content and will get soggy and mushy fast. Once you cut it and introduce salt and dressing, both tomatoes and cucumbers will give out liquids and soften. So it’s best to make the salad right before serving.

MORE SALADS FOR PICNICS AND BBQ:

If you’re looking for light and refreshing sides, go with Corn Salad, Cucumber Salad, Broccoli Salad, and Corn Salsa. 

Potato salads are great to make ahead of time and great for picnics and BBQs so try my Southern Potato Salad or Loaded Baked Potato Salad.

Pasta salad is yet another cookout classic side dish and my Macaroni Salad, Greek Tortellini Salad, and Antipasto Pasta Salad never disappoint. 

If you made any of my recipes and shared them on Instagram, make sure to tag me @willcookforsmiles and #willcookforsmiles so I can see all the things you tried!

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