A refreshing, creamy, and flavour-packed salad made with crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, and a tangy herb dressing. This timeless side dish pairs beautifully with grilled meats, sandwiches, seafood, or summer barbecues.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Chill Time: 20 minutes (optional)
Total Time: 15–35 minutes
Servings: 6

Ingredients

For the Salad

• 2 large English cucumbers, thinly sliced
• 3 medium ripe tomatoes, cut into wedges or bite-sized pieces
• ½ small red onion, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

For the Creamy Dressing

• ¾ cup (180 g) sour cream
• ¼ cup (60 g) mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, omit for low-carb or sugar-free)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon dried dill (optional, for extra flavour)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

Equipment

• Large mixing bowl
• Small bowl
• Whisk
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife

Instructions

1. Prepare the Vegetables

• Wash the cucumbers and tomatoes thoroughly.
• Slice the cucumbers into thin rounds.
• Cut the tomatoes into wedges or chunks.
• Thinly slice the red onion.
• Chop the fresh herbs.

2. Make the Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together:

• Sour cream
• Mayonnaise
• Lemon juice
• Dijon mustard
• Sugar (if using)
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Dried dill
• Salt and pepper

Whisk until smooth and creamy.

3. Assemble the Salad

• Add cucumbers, tomatoes, onions, dill, and parsley to a large bowl.
• Pour the dressing over the vegetables.
• Toss gently until evenly coated.

4. Chill (Optional)

Refrigerate for 20–30 minutes to allow the flavours to meld.

5. Serve

Garnish with extra fresh dill and cracked black pepper before serving.

---

Serving Suggestions

This salad pairs wonderfully with:

• Grilled chicken
• Steak
• Burgers
• Barbecue ribs
• Grilled salmon
• Roast chicken
• Baked potatoes
• Fresh crusty bread

---

Storage

Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.

Note: Tomatoes naturally release juice over time. Stir before serving.

Not recommended for freezing, as the vegetables and dressing will lose their texture.

---

Tips for the Best Salad

• Use firm, ripe tomatoes for the best flavour.
• English or Persian cucumbers stay crisp longer.
• Salt the cucumber slices lightly and let them sit for 10 minutes, then pat dry to reduce excess moisture.
• Fresh dill gives the most authentic flavour.
• Add the dressing just before serving for maximum freshness.

---

Variations

• Add sliced avocado.
• Mix in crumbled feta cheese.
• Stir in chopped chives.
• Add diced bell peppers for extra crunch.
• Replace sour cream with plain Greek yoghurt for a lighter version.
• Sprinkle with crispy bacon bits for extra flavour.

---

Nutrition (Approximate per serving)

• Calories: 170
• Protein: 3 g
• Carbohydrates: 7 g
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Fibre: 2 g
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 180 mg

---

Nut Information

Nut-Free Ingredients

• Cucumbers
• Tomatoes
• Red onion
• Fresh dill
• Fresh parsley
• Sour cream
• Mayonnaise
• Lemon juice
• Dijon mustard
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Salt and pepper

Contains

• ✔ Milk (from sour cream)
• ✔ Eggs (from most mayonnaise brands)

Does NOT Contain

• Peanuts
• Tree nuts
• Wheat (if using gluten-free Dijon mustard and mayonnaise)
• Soy (depending on the mayonnaise brand)
• Fish
• Shellfish
• Sesame

Cross-Contamination Note:
If preparing this salad for someone with a severe nut allergy, check the labels on mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, and seasonings to ensure they are produced in a nut-free facility.

---

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes. Prepare the vegetables and dressing separately, then combine them just before serving for the freshest texture.

Can I use Greek yoghurt instead of sour cream?

Absolutely. Plain full-fat Greek yoghurt provides a tangy, lighter alternative.

How do I keep the salad from becoming watery?

Salt the cucumber slices, let them rest for 10 minutes, then pat them dry. Also, add the dressing shortly before serving.

What type of cucumber works best?

English and Persian cucumbers are ideal because they have thin skins, fewer seeds, and a crisp texture.

Can I make it low-carb?

Yes. Simply omit the optional sugar and use a low-carb mayonnaise.

Can I add cheese?

Yes. Crumbled feta, goat cheese, or fresh mozzarella are delicious additions.

Is this salad gluten-free?

Yes, as long as your mayonnaise and Dijon mustard are certified gluten-free.

What can I serve with this salad?

It complements grilled meats, fish, sandwiches, roasted vegetables, baked potatoes, or picnic and barbecue meals.