The Creamy Cucumber and Tomato Salad is a perfect blend of freshness and creaminess, making it an ideal side dish for warm-weather meals or a light lunch. This salad is not only quick and easy to prepare but also packed with vibrant flavors that complement a variety of main dishes. Crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, and a tangy, creamy dressing make this salad a go-to recipe for any occasion.
The Creamy Cucumber and Tomato Salad is a simple yet flavorful dish that brings a burst of freshness to your table. The creamy dressing perfectly complements the crisp cucumbers and juicy tomatoes, making this salad a hit for any meal. Whether you’re enjoying it as a standalone dish or pairing it with your favorite grilled meats, this salad is sure to delight your taste buds. Enjoy this classic summer favorite!
INGREDIENTS:
- 2 large cucumbers, thinly sliced
- 4 medium tomatoes, cut into wedges or diced
- 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon white vinegar or lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried dill)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled, for extra flavor
INSTRUCTIONS:
Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables
- Start by washing the cucumbers and tomatoes thoroughly.
- Thinly slice the cucumbers, leaving the skin on for added texture and color, or peeling them if you prefer.
- Cut the tomatoes into wedges or dice them, depending on your preference. The size of the tomato pieces can be adjusted to suit your taste.
- Thinly slice the red onion into rings or half-rings, depending on the size of your onion. This adds a bit of bite to the salad.
Step 2: Make the Creamy Dressing
- In a medium-sized bowl, combine the sour cream, mayonnaise, and white vinegar (or lemon juice).
- Add the chopped fresh dill, which gives the dressing a lovely herby flavor. If you don’t have fresh dill, dried dill works just as well.
- Season the dressing with salt and pepper to taste. Stir the mixture until all the ingredients are well combined, creating a smooth and creamy dressing.
Step 3: Combine the Salad
- In a large salad bowl, place the sliced cucumbers, tomatoes, and red onions.
- Pour the creamy dressing over the vegetables.
- Gently toss everything together until the cucumbers, tomatoes, and onions are evenly coated with the dressing. Be careful not to over-mix, as you want the vegetables to maintain their shape and crispness.
Step 4: Chill and Serve
- For the best flavor, cover the salad and refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
- Just before serving, you can sprinkle some crumbled feta cheese over the top for an extra layer of flavor, though this is optional.
- Serve the salad chilled, either as a refreshing side dish or a light and healthy lunch.
Tips and Variations:
- Extra Crunch: For additional texture, consider adding sliced radishes or bell peppers to the salad.
- Herb Substitutes: If dill isn’t your favorite, you can use fresh parsley, chives, or even basil for a different herbaceous note.
- Lighter Version: To reduce the calorie content, you can use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream and light mayonnaise.