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Creamy Cucumber Tomato Onion Salad

Creamy Cucumber Tomato Onion Salad

This Creamy Cucumber Tomato Onion Salad is a refreshing and incredibly easy side dish perfect for any occasion. Its simplicity and vibrant flavors make it a go-to recipe when you need something delicious without a lot of fuss.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Chill Time 15 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course: Salad
Cuisine: American

Ingredients
  

  • 2 large cucumbers peeled, seeded, and thinly sliced
  • 1 pint cherry tomatoes (or grape tomatoes), halved
  • 1 small red onion thinly sliced
  • 0.5 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons sour cream (or plain Greek yogurt)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh dill chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried dill)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried parsley)
  • 1 teaspoon white vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
  • 0.5 teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
  • to taste salt
  • to taste black pepper freshly ground

Equipment

  • Mandoline slicer (optional)
  • Medium-sized bowl
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Whisk
  • Spoon
  • Spatula
  • Airtight container

Method
 

  1. Begin by preparing your main salad components. Take your two large cucumbers, peel them thoroughly to remove the waxy skin, and then slice them in half lengthwise. Use a spoon to gently scoop out and discard the watery seeds from the center of each cucumber half. Once seeded, slice the cucumber halves into thin, uniform rounds. Aim for slices that are about 1/8 to 1/4 inch thick for the best texture. Next, wash your pint of cherry tomatoes and halve them. If you’re using grape tomatoes, halving them will also work well. Finally, take your small red onion and slice it as thinly as possible. A mandoline slicer can be very helpful here for achieving even, delicate slices.
    2 large cucumbers, 1 pint cherry tomatoes, 1 small red onion
  2. In a medium-sized bowl, combine the creamy elements of your dressing. Add 1/2 cup of mayonnaise to the bowl. Next, spoon in 2 tablespoons of sour cream. For a lighter option, you can substitute the sour cream with plain Greek yogurt, which will add a pleasant tanginess. To bring in fresh, herbal notes, add 1 tablespoon of freshly chopped dill. If fresh dill isn't available, 1 teaspoon of dried dill will work. Similarly, add 1 tablespoon of finely chopped fresh parsley. If using dried parsley, use 1 teaspoon.
    0.5 cup mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons sour cream, 1 tablespoon fresh dill, 1 tablespoon fresh parsley
  3. Now it's time to add the signature flavors to your dressing. Pour in 1 tablespoon of white vinegar. This provides a crucial acidic bite that brightens the entire salad. If you prefer a slightly sweeter dressing to balance the vinegar, stir in 1/2 teaspoon of sugar at this stage. Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. The amount of salt will depend on your preference and the saltiness of your other ingredients. Start with about 1/4 teaspoon of each and adjust as needed later.
    1 teaspoon white vinegar, 0.5 teaspoon sugar, to taste salt, to taste black pepper
  4. Using a whisk or a fork, thoroughly combine all the dressing ingredients. Whisk vigorously until the mayonnaise, sour cream (or yogurt), herbs, vinegar, sugar (if using), salt, and pepper are fully incorporated into a smooth, creamy, and uniform dressing. Ensure there are no pockets of unincorporated ingredients. This thorough whisking will create a well-emulsified dressing that coats the vegetables beautifully.
  5. In a large mixing bowl, gently add your prepared sliced cucumbers, halved cherry tomatoes, and thinly sliced red onion. Pour the prepared creamy dressing over the vegetables.
    2 large cucumbers, 1 pint cherry tomatoes, 1 small red onion
  6. Using a large spoon or spatula, carefully toss the salad ingredients to ensure that every piece of cucumber, tomato, and onion is evenly coated with the creamy dressing. Be gentle to avoid mashing the vegetables, especially the tomatoes. Ensure the dressing is distributed throughout the salad for consistent flavor in every bite.
  7. For the best flavor, allow the Creamy Cucumber Tomato Onion Salad to chill in the refrigerator for at least 15-20 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together and the vegetables to slightly marinate in the dressing, enhancing their taste and texture. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste just before serving, if necessary.
    to taste salt, to taste black pepper

Notes

Best enjoyed fresh. Stores well in an airtight container for 2-3 days. Reheating is not recommended. Freezing is not advised.