Cucumber Tomato Salad With Creamy Herb Dressing: A Fresh Take on a Classic Summer Favorite
Garden-fresh veggies in a tangy yogurt blend bring vibrant crunch to summer meals.
Cucumber Tomato Salad With Creamy Herb Dressing
There’s something magical about the last haul of fresh cucumbers, tomatoes, and herbs. This cucumber tomato salad with creamy herb dressing is inspired by the essence of late summer, bringing out the best of local produce in a dish that’s crisp, tangy, and loaded with herbal freshness. Whether you’re savoring the last bounty of your garden or just love a delicious, easy side, this salad is a year-round staple destined for your table.
Why You’ll Love This Salad
- Peak freshness: Utilizes seasonal cucumbers, tomatoes, and fragrant herbs for maximum flavor.
- Versatile and easy: Ready in under 15 minutes and adaptable to any occasion—picnics, barbecues, or weekday lunches.
- Creamy, tangy dressing: Made with Greek yogurt and fresh herbs for a light, healthy finish.
- Customizable: Swap in your favorite tomatoes, add extras, and make it your own.
Ingredients For Cucumber Tomato Salad With Creamy Herb Dressing
| Salad | Dressing |
|---|---|
|
|
Ingredient Notes:
- Cucumbers: English and Persian cucumbers are ideal for their tender skin and minimal seeds. If using conventional slicing cucumbers, peel away most of the skin and scoop out the seeds for best results.
- Tomatoes: Grape or cherry tomatoes are sweet and less watery, making the salad less soggy. Larger tomatoes (Roma or heirloom) can also work if chopped into chunks and seeded.
- Herbs: Dill and parsley add classic garden flavor. Feel free to increase herb quantities or mix in basil, mint, or tarragon for variations.
- Greek Yogurt: Use full-fat for richness or substitute with sour cream for a tangier option.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prep the Vegetables:
- Wash and dry the cucumbers and tomatoes thoroughly to avoid excess water in the salad.
- Chop the cucumbers into half-moons or quarters, slice the tomatoes, and finely dice the red onion.
- Add the prepared vegetables to a large mixing bowl.
- Make the Creamy Herb Dressing:
- In a separate small bowl, combine Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, lemon juice, white wine vinegar, olive oil, grated garlic, chives, salt, and black pepper.
- Stir well until smooth and the herbs are evenly distributed. Taste and adjust salt or acid as desired.
- Toss and Serve:
- Pour the creamy dressing over the combined vegetables.
- Sprinkle in chopped dill and parsley.
- Gently toss with a rubber spatula or wide spoon until all pieces are well coated—but don’t overmix to preserve the crunch.
- Serve immediately, or refrigerate up to 1 hour to let flavors meld. Garnish with extra herbs just before serving.
Expert Tips For Perfect Salad Every Time
- Chill ingredients first: Cold vegetables always taste fresher and have more crunch.
- Dry veggies completely: Any moisture will thin the dressing and water down the flavor.
- Dress just before serving: Especially true for gatherings or make-ahead prep, as the salad will release liquid as it sits. Save a little dressing for a final toss at the table, if desired.
- Balance the acid: If the dressing is too tangy, add a small pinch of sugar or drizzle of honey. Too bland? Add more lemon juice or a tiny splash of white wine vinegar.
- Adjust herbs: Taste and toss in more fresh herbs based on your preferences and what’s in season.
Recipe Variations And Add-Ins
- Cheese: Toss in crumbled feta or mini mozzarella balls for richness and a creamy contrast.
- Crunch: Sprinkle toasted pine nuts or sunflower seeds for crunch and nutty flavor.
- Spice: Add a pinch of crushed red pepper or diced jalapeño for a little heat.
- Protein: Turn it into a meal with shredded rotisserie chicken, canned tuna, or cooked chickpeas.
- Leafy greens: Serve over a bed of arugula or baby spinach for a heartier salad.
Serving Suggestions
This cucumber tomato salad is a classic side for nearly any summer meal, potluck, or picnic. Here are popular ways to serve it:
- Next to grilled meats: chicken, steak, fish, or shrimp
- With crusty bread: serve with baguette slices or pita to soak up excess dressing
- As a sandwich filling: pile into pita bread or wraps with extra greens
- With Mediterranean spreads: pair with hummus, olives, and roasted veggies for a vibrant summer platter
What others are reading
Make-Ahead And Storage Tips
- Prep ahead: Chop cucumbers and tomatoes, and mix the dressing up to one day in advance. Store separately in airtight containers in the fridge.
- Final assembly: Toss together just before serving to prevent sogginess. If leftovers sit in the fridge, stir briefly before serving to redistribute the dressing.
- Shelf-life: Best eaten the same day for maximum crunch, but will keep up to 2 days in the refrigerator. Expect the salad to soften a bit over time due to water released by cucumbers and tomatoes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use different types of cucumbers?
Absolutely! English, Persian, Kirby, or garden-variety slicing cucumbers all work. If your cucumbers have thick skins or big seeds, peel and de-seed them for the best texture.
Can the salad be made dairy-free?
Yes, substitute a dairy-free plain yogurt or a blend of vegan sour cream and vegan mayo for the creamy base.
What other herbs work well in the dressing?
Fresh basil, mint, and tarragon are delicious additions or substitutions for dill and parsley. Mix and match based on your tastes and what’s in your garden.
How do I keep the salad from becoming soggy?
Toss the salad right before serving and salt the cucumbers just before assembly. If making ahead, store veggies and dressing separately.
Is this salad gluten-free?
Yes, as written, the salad and all dressing components are naturally gluten-free. Always check ingredient labels to confirm.
Nutrition Information
This salad is rich in vitamins A and C, potassium, and antioxidants thanks to cucumbers, tomatoes, and fresh herbs. The Greek yogurt base adds a touch of protein, calcium, and beneficial probiotics, while the overall fat content is moderate due to the use of healthy oils and optional light mayonnaise.
| Nutrient | Per Serving (approximate) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 140 |
| Protein | 4g |
| Fat | 9g |
| Carbohydrates | 13g |
| Fiber | 2g |
| Sugar | 6g |
| Sodium | 340mg |
* Nutrition will vary depending on exact ingredients and serving sizes.
More Tips for Delicious Cucumber Tomato Salads
- Don’t skip the herbs: They are what transforms this salad from good to great. Use at least two kinds for the most flavor.
- Extra tang: Add capers or chop in a few pickles for a briny punch.
- Best tomatoes: Use tomatoes at peak ripeness for the sweetest, juiciest flavor. In winter, cherry and grape tomatoes are best as they tend to be flavorful year-round.
Summary
With the last harvest of cucumbers and tomatoes or store-bought favorites, this cucumber tomato salad with creamy herb dressing is a vibrant, refreshing, and nutritious way to showcase the flavors of the season. Quick to prepare and endlessly customizable, it’s a crowd-pleaser that belongs in every home cook’s summer playbook—and is delicious enough to make year-round.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I make the creamy herb dressing in advance?
A: Yes, the dressing can be refrigerated for up to 3 days in an airtight jar. Shake before using as the herbs may settle.
Q: What’s the best way to slice cucumbers for salad?
A: For the best texture, slice them thinly for a delicate bite or chop into half moons for a chunkier salad. Use a mandoline for even slices if you prefer.
Q: Can leftover salad be stored?
A: Yes, but the salad is best enjoyed within one day of tossing with dressing. Store in a covered container in the refrigerator and stir before serving.
Q: How can I add more protein?
A: Top the salad with grilled chicken, hard-boiled eggs, or chickpeas to make it a full meal.
References
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a61207926/tomato-cucumber-feta-salad-recipe/
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a40254322/cucumber-salad-recipe/
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a78903/cucumber-tomato-salad-with-creamy-herb-dressing/
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZGHNjicry8I
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/meals-menus/g64411208/recipes-with-cucumbers/
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