Creamy Tomato Cucumber Salad

Introduction

This Creamy Tomato Cucumber Salad is a light yet satisfying dish that’s perfect for your Super Bowl spread! With refreshing cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, and a creamy, tangy dressing, this salad is a refreshing contrast to the heavier game-day snacks. It’s simple, healthy, and full of flavor, making it a perfect addition to your party table. Plus, it’s free from pork, bacon, and alcohol, so everyone can enjoy it! This salad is ideal for snacking or as a side to complement other dishes.

I remember the first time I made this salad for a Super Bowl gathering. It was the perfect refreshing contrast to all the savory, heavier snacks, and everyone loved how light and flavorful it was. What’s great about this salad is how versatile it is—you can adjust the dressing to your taste, add fresh herbs, or even mix in a bit of feta cheese for extra flavor. The creamy, tangy dressing combined with the crisp cucumbers and juicy tomatoes creates a delicious balance that’s sure to be a hit at any gathering.

This salad is incredibly easy to make, too. With just a few fresh ingredients and a simple homemade dressing, you can prepare a batch in no time. Whether you’re serving it at a big game day celebration or enjoying it as a healthy snack, this creamy tomato cucumber salad is sure to be a crowd-pleaser!

Perfect for:

• Super Bowl parties
• Game-day gatherings
• Refreshing side dish
• Healthy snacks
• Vegetarian and gluten-free-friendly

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here’s why Creamy Tomato Cucumber Salad is a must-try:

• Refreshing and Light: The combination of cucumbers and tomatoes creates a crisp, refreshing base that’s perfect for a heavy day of snacking.
• Creamy and Tangy Dressing: The creamy dressing adds richness and a slight tang, making the salad more indulgent without being overwhelming.
• Easy to Make: Quick to prepare and doesn’t require cooking, making it an ideal last-minute addition to your party spread.
• Healthy and Fresh: Full of vegetables and light on heavy ingredients, this salad keeps things light while still being satisfying.
• Versatile: You can adjust the ingredients to your taste, adding herbs or swapping in a dairy-free option for the dressing.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Chilling Time: Optional (30 minutes for better flavor)
• Servings: 6-8 servings
• Calories per serving: Approximately 150-180 calories
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 2g, Carbs: 12g, Fat: 12g

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make Creamy Tomato Cucumber Salad:

For the Salad:

• 2 medium cucumbers, peeled and sliced
• 2 cups cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
• ¼ red onion, thinly sliced
• 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped (optional)
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Dressing:

• ½ cup plain Greek yogurt (or dairy-free yogurt)
• 2 tablespoons mayonnaise (or dairy-free mayo)
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon honey or agave syrup (optional)
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Ingredient Highlights

• Cucumbers: Crisp and hydrating, cucumbers add a refreshing crunch to the salad.
• Tomatoes: Juicy, sweet tomatoes provide a burst of flavor, complementing the crunch of cucumbers.
• Greek Yogurt: Adds creaminess and a tangy flavor to the dressing while providing extra protein.
• Lemon Juice and Vinegar: These ingredients bring brightness and balance to the dressing.
• Dill: Offers a fresh, herbal note that enhances the flavors of the salad.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to make Creamy Tomato Cucumber Salad:

Prepare the Vegetables:

1. Slice the Cucumbers: Peel and slice the cucumbers into thin rounds or half-moons, depending on your preference.
2. Halve the Tomatoes: Cut the cherry or grape tomatoes in half for bite-sized pieces.
3. Slice the Red Onion: Thinly slice the red onion to add a touch of sharpness to the salad.
4. Chop Fresh Dill (Optional): If you’re using fresh dill, chop it finely and set it aside.

Make the Dressing:

5. Combine Dressing Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey or agave syrup (if using), minced garlic, salt, and pepper.
6. Adjust to Taste: Taste the dressing and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or lemon juice as needed.

Assemble the Salad:

7. Combine Vegetables: In a large mixing bowl, combine the sliced cucumbers, halved tomatoes, and red onions.
8. Toss with Dressing: Pour the creamy dressing over the vegetables and gently toss to coat everything evenly.
9. Add Fresh Dill (Optional): If using fresh dill, sprinkle it over the salad and give it one final toss.

Chill and Serve:

10. Chill (Optional): For best flavor, let the salad chill in the fridge for about 30 minutes before serving, allowing the flavors to meld.
11. Serve: Serve the salad chilled or at room temperature. Garnish with extra fresh dill or a sprinkle of pepper if desired.

How to Serve

• As a Side Dish: Pair with other Super Bowl snacks like chips, wings, or veggie platters.
• With Grilled Meats: This salad pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, steak, or shrimp.
• With Sandwiches: Serve alongside sandwiches or wraps for a complete meal.
• As a Snack: Perfect for a light, healthy snack during the game.
• Garnished with Fresh Herbs: Add more fresh dill, parsley, or chives for an extra burst of flavor.

Additional Tips

• Use English cucumbers if you prefer less seeds and a thinner skin.
• For an extra creamy dressing, you can blend the yogurt and mayonnaise together for a smoother consistency.
• If you want to make it vegan, simply swap the yogurt and mayo for plant-based alternatives.
• Add feta cheese or crumbled goat cheese for extra richness, but avoid if serving to guests with dairy restrictions.
• For a crunchy element, consider adding some chopped nuts like almonds or walnuts.

Recipe Variations

1. Greek-style Cucumber Tomato Salad – Add feta cheese and olives.
2. Avocado Tomato Cucumber Salad – Add cubed avocado for extra creaminess.
3. Spicy Cucumber Tomato Salad – Add red pepper flakes or jalapeños for heat.
4. Herb-infused Cucumber Tomato Salad – Use basil, parsley, and mint for a herb-packed twist.
5. Lemon Dill Cucumber Tomato Salad – Extra lemon juice and dill for a zesty punch.
6. Vegan Cucumber Tomato Salad – Replace yogurt and mayo with vegan yogurt and vegan mayo.
7. Cucumber Tomato Salad with Roasted Garlic – Roast garlic for a deep, savory flavor in the dressing.
8. Cucumber Tomato Salad with Red Bell Pepper – Add diced bell peppers for extra crunch and sweetness.
9. Spicy Yogurt Dressing – Mix sriracha or chili paste into the dressing for a spicy kick.
10. Lemon Tahini Dressing – Use tahini instead of mayo for a nutty twist on the dressing.

Freezing and Storage

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. The salad may lose some crispness over time but will still be delicious.
• Freezing: Not recommended as the cucumbers and tomatoes do not freeze well.

Special Equipment

• Mixing bowl
• Whisk or fork for the dressing
• Knife and cutting board
• Grater or citrus zester for lemon zest (if using fresh zest)

FAQ Section

1. Can I make this salad ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare it a few hours before serving for the flavors to meld.
2. Can I make it dairy-free? Yes, substitute the yogurt and mayo with plant-based alternatives like coconut yogurt and vegan mayo.
3. How do I make the dressing creamier? Blend the yogurt and mayo together or add more yogurt for extra thickness.
4. Can I add other vegetables? Yes! Try adding bell peppers, radishes, or carrots for extra crunch and color.
5. How do I keep the cucumbers from getting soggy? Salt the cucumbers before using them and let them sit for 10-15 minutes to release excess water, then pat dry with paper towels.

Print

Conclusion

Creamy Tomato Cucumber Salad is the ultimate light and refreshing dish for your Super Bowl celebration! It’s quick, easy, and full of vibrant flavors, offering a perfect balance to heavier snacks. The cool, crisp cucumbers and juicy tomatoes are coated in a creamy dressing that adds a tangy twist, making it the perfect side or snack for your game-day spread.

This salad is not only delicious but also super versatile, so you can easily customize it to suit your taste. Whether you’re serving it as a refreshing side, a snack, or a light meal, this creamy salad will be a crowd-pleaser that everyone will enjoy.

I’d love to see how your Creamy Tomato Cucumber Salad turns out! Snap a photo, share it on social media, and don’t forget to tag me—I can’t wait to see your tasty creations. Enjoy the game and the food!