A refreshing, creamy salad made with crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, red onion, and a tangy herb dressing. It’s quick, simple, and perfect for summer lunches, BBQs, picnics, or as a side dish.
Ingredients
For the Salad
- 3 medium cucumbers, thinly sliced
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- ½ small red onion, thinly sliced
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
- 2 tbsp green onions, sliced, optional
For the Creamy Dressing
- ½ cup sour cream
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 small garlic clove, minced
- ½ tsp dried dill
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp sugar or honey, optional
Instructions
1. Prepare the vegetables
Wash and dry the cucumbers and tomatoes thoroughly.
Slice the cucumbers into thin rounds or half-moons. Halve the cherry tomatoes and thinly slice the red onion.
Place everything in a large mixing bowl.
2. Make the creamy dressing
In a separate bowl, whisk together the sour cream, mayonnaise, lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic, dill, salt, pepper, and optional sugar.
Whisk until smooth and creamy.
3. Combine
Pour the dressing over the vegetables.
Add the fresh parsley and dill.
Gently toss until all the vegetables are coated.
4. Chill
Cover and refrigerate for 20–30 minutes before serving.
This gives the flavors time to blend.
5. Serve
Give the salad a gentle toss just before serving.
Garnish with additional fresh dill or parsley and serve chilled.
Tips for the Best Salad
- Don’t over-dress: Cucumbers release water as they sit, so start with about ¾ of the dressing and add more if needed.
- For a less watery salad, lightly salt the sliced cucumbers and let them sit for 10–15 minutes, then drain and pat dry.
- Use English cucumbers for a crisp texture and fewer seeds.
- For the best flavor, use ripe, juicy tomatoes.
- Make the salad shortly before serving for maximum crunch.
All Nut Information
Does this recipe contain nuts?
No. The basic recipe contains no nuts.
Can I add nuts?
Yes. For extra crunch, try:
- ¼ cup toasted chopped walnuts
- ¼ cup toasted pecans
- ¼ cup sliced almonds
- 2 tbsp sunflower seeds for a nut-free crunchy option
Add nuts just before serving so they stay crisp.
Can I make it completely nut-free?
Yes. Simply don’t add any nuts or seeds.
Nut allergy
If serving someone with a tree-nut allergy, check packaged mayonnaise, mustard, and other prepared ingredients for allergen and cross-contact information.
Approximate Nutrition
Per serving, based on 6 servings:
- Calories: 150
- Protein: 2 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fat: 12 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 350 mg
Nutrition is approximate and varies depending on the mayonnaise, sour cream, and portion size.
Recipe Q&A
Can I make this with Greek yogurt?
Yes! Replace the sour cream with plain Greek yogurt for a lighter, higher-protein dressing.
Can I skip the mayonnaise?
Absolutely. Use ¾ cup Greek yogurt or sour cream instead.
Can I use regular tomatoes?
Yes. Roma, vine-ripened, or beefsteak tomatoes all work. Dice them into bite-size pieces.
Can I use English cucumbers?
Yes. They’re an excellent choice because they’re crisp and have smaller seeds.
Why does my salad become watery?
Cucumbers and tomatoes naturally release water. Salting and draining the cucumbers before mixing can help, and it’s best not to let the dressed salad sit for too long.
Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes, but for the best texture, prepare the vegetables and dressing separately and combine them about 30 minutes before serving.
How long does it last?
Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The vegetables will become softer and more watery over time.
Can I add cheese?
Definitely! Crumbled feta cheese is especially delicious with the cucumber, tomato, dill, and creamy dressing.
Can I add avocado?
Yes. Add diced avocado immediately before serving to prevent it from becoming brown and mushy.
Can I make it spicy?
Yes. Add sliced jalapeño, red pepper flakes, or a small amount of hot sauce to the dressing.
What herbs work best?
Fresh dill and parsley are classic choices. Fresh basil also works beautifully with tomatoes.
Is this salad low-carb?
Yes, it can fit a low-carb meal plan. For an even lower-carb version, omit the optional sugar or honey.
Is it keto-friendly?
It can be. Use a low-carb mayonnaise and omit the sugar or honey.
Is it gluten-free?
The basic ingredients are naturally gluten-free, but check packaged mayonnaise, mustard, and seasonings if cross-contact is a concern.
What can I serve it with?
It’s excellent alongside grilled chicken, steak, burgers, grilled fish, kebabs, sandwiches, or BBQ dishes.
Can I use only sour cream?
Yes. Replace the mayonnaise with an equal amount of sour cream for a tangier, simpler dressing.
