Growing up, summer meant family barbecues and backyard gatherings filled with laughter, sunshine, and, of course, delicious food. One dish that always brings me back to those cherished memories is the Creamy Cucumber Tomato Salad. It’s a simple yet refreshing dish that captures the essence of summer. The crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, and creamy dressing come together to create a delightful salad that’s as pleasing to the eyes as it is to the palate. I remember sitting at my grandmother’s table, watching her whip this up in no time. It’s a dish perfect for gatherings, and it’s so easy to make—you’ll want to add it to your repertoire!
Process for preparing Creamy Cucumber Tomato Salad:
- Total time: 30 minutes
- Difficulty: Easy
- Preparation time: 15 minutes
- Cooking time: 0 minutes
- Cost: Approximately $8
- Servings: 4
- Course: Side dish
- Cuisine: Hispanic
- Calories: About 150 per serving
Ingredients for preparing Creamy Cucumber Tomato Salad:
- Cucumbers: These crisp vegetables add a refreshing crunch to the salad.
- Tomatoes: Juicy and vibrant, they bring color and sweetness.
- Onions: A bit of zest and flavor to elevate the dish.
- Creamy dressing (e.g., sour cream, mayonnaise): This is what makes our salad creamy and rich!
- Salt: Enhances the flavors of the fresh ingredients.
- Pepper: A little kick to add depth.
Personal note: A little trick I love is to use Greek yogurt in place of sour cream for an extra creamy finish!
Steps to prepare Creamy Cucumber Tomato Salad:
Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables
- Start by slicing the cucumbers, tomatoes, and onions into bite-sized pieces. I love to use a sharp knife for clean cuts!
Step 2: Combine Ingredients
2. In a large bowl, combine those fresh slices of cucumbers, tomatoes, and onions. Just looking at the colors will make you smile!
Step 3: Create the Dressing
3. In a separate bowl, mix your creamy dressing—be it sour cream or mayonnaise—with a sprinkle of salt and pepper to taste. This is where the magic happens!
Step 4: Mix It All Together
4. Pour your dressing over the salad and gently toss everything together to combine. I like to make sure every piece is coated!
Step 5: Chill Before Serving
5. Lastly, chill the salad in the refrigerator for a bit before serving—it makes a world of difference in flavor!
Why I love making this dish:
This Creamy Cucumber Tomato Salad is not only a breeze to make, but it also transports me back to sunny afternoons spent with my family. It never fails to impress my friends when served at gatherings, and I love how it complements a variety of main dishes. Plus, it’s a great way to incorporate fresh vegetables into your meal!
What you’ll need:
- A sharp knife
- A cutting board
- A large mixing bowl
- A whisk for the dressing
Step-by-step guide to preparing Creamy Cucumber Tomato Salad:
- Slice those cucumbers, tomatoes, and onions with care.
- Combine all the fresh ingredients in a mixing bowl.
- Prepare the creamy dressing, adjusting salt and pepper to your liking.
- Pour and mix easily—make sure everything is well-coated.
- Finally, chill for maximum flavor!
Tips for the best results:
- For an extra burst of flavor, consider adding a splash of lemon juice or fresh herbs like dill or cilantro!
- Be sure to serve this salad cold; it tastes so much better!
Serving suggestions:
Pair this salad with grilled chicken or fish for a complete meal. It’s also delightful with tortilla chips for a picnic or potluck.
What to pair Creamy Cucumber Tomato Salad with:
I often serve it alongside soft tacos or even spicy grilled steak—it’s a versatile dish that can tame even the spiciest of flavors.
What to do with leftovers:
Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. It can last for a couple of days, but trust me—you might find it disappearing before then!
(FAQ) Frequently Asked Questions:
-
Can I use other vegetables?
Yes! Feel free to add bell peppers or radishes for extra crunch. -
What dressing can I substitute?
You can use Greek yogurt or even a light vinaigrette if you prefer a lighter option. -
How can I make this salad ahead of time?
You can prep the veggies a day in advance and mix everything just before serving for the freshest taste.
As I finish writing this, my heart fills with warmth thinking of the laughter and joy that comes when I serve this Creamy Cucumber Tomato Salad. I encourage you to try this recipe—the simplicity, the flavors, and the memories it brings are truly something special. Happy cooking, and I can’t wait for you to enjoy it as much as I do!
Creamy Cucumber Tomato Salad
Ingredients
Fresh Vegetables
- 2 medium Cucumbers These crisp vegetables add a refreshing crunch.
- 4 medium Tomatoes Juicy and vibrant, they bring color and sweetness.
- 1 small Onion Adds zest and flavor to elevate the dish.
Dressing
- 1 cup Creamy dressing (e.g., sour cream or mayonnaise) Makes the salad creamy and rich.
- to taste Salt Enhances the flavors of the fresh ingredients.
- to taste Pepper Adds a little kick.
Instructions
Preparation
- Slice the cucumbers, tomatoes, and onions into bite-sized pieces.
- In a large bowl, combine the fresh slices of cucumbers, tomatoes, and onions.
- In a separate bowl, mix the creamy dressing with a sprinkle of salt and pepper to taste.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and gently toss everything together to combine.
- Chill the salad in the refrigerator before serving for best flavor.