Authentic Creamy Ukrainian Cucumber Tomato Salad: An Easy Summer Staple

The arrival of summer brings with it an abundance of fresh, vibrant produce, and in many Ukrainian households, this signals the season for a beloved classic: the Creamy Cucumber Tomato Salad. More than just a side dish, this salad is a culinary tradition, cherished for its simplicity, refreshing taste, and the way it perfectly captures the essence of a bountiful harvest. It’s a staple that graces almost every Ukrainian table, from casual family dinners to festive gatherings, especially when garden tomatoes and cucumbers are at their peak.

What makes this salad so universally adored? It’s the delightful combination of crisp cucumbers, juicy ripe tomatoes, and a tangy, creamy dressing that coats every bite. This recipe offers a unique creamy take, contrasting with the equally popular oil-based versions. It’s so straightforward to prepare that even children, like my own son, often declare it one of their favorites. If you find yourself with an overload of garden-fresh vegetables, this recipe is the easiest and most delicious way to utilize them.

Why This Creamy Cucumber Tomato Salad is a Summer Must-Try

This Ukrainian creamy cucumber tomato salad isn’t just a recipe; it’s a celebration of fresh, seasonal ingredients and simple flavors. Its enduring popularity stems from several key factors:

Effortless Preparation: With minimal chopping and mixing, this salad comes together in mere minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights or impromptu gatherings.
Garden Freshness: It shines brightest when made with sun-ripened tomatoes and freshly picked cucumbers, highlighting the natural sweetness and crunch of summer produce.
Family Favorite: The mild, creamy dressing and familiar vegetable flavors appeal to all ages, often becoming a household staple that even picky eaters enjoy.
Versatile Side Dish: It pairs beautifully with virtually any main course, from grilled meats and poultry to hearty casseroles and traditional Eastern European fare.
Cultural Connection: For many, it evokes memories of home-cooked meals and family traditions, offering a taste of authentic Ukrainian comfort food.

While an oil-based version is also common, our family’s take on this classic incorporates a rich blend of mayonnaise and sour cream, creating an irresistible creamy texture that is both satisfying and refreshing. Don’t forget to share your own variations of this timeless salad in the comments below!

Looking for more ways to enjoy your harvest overload? Try my mom’s pickled tomatoes for another delicious Ukrainian specialty!

Ingredients for Creamy Cucumber Tomato Salad

The magic of this salad lies in its simplicity and the quality of its components. Choosing fresh, high-quality ingredients will elevate your salad from good to unforgettable.

Fresh Vegetables:

4 Medium Tomatoes, Chopped: Opt for ripe, firm tomatoes that are heavy for their size. Garden-fresh varieties like beefsteak, Roma, or even a mix of heirloom tomatoes will provide the best flavor and juiciness. Chop them into bite-sized pieces, ensuring a good balance of flesh and seeds.
2 Cucumbers, Halved and Sliced: Look for firm, crisp cucumbers. English or Persian cucumbers are excellent choices as they often have thinner skins and fewer seeds. If using regular field cucumbers, you might consider peeling them partially or fully to remove any bitterness or tough skin. Halve them lengthwise, then slice into crescent moon shapes, about 1/4-inch thick.
1/2 Onion, Sliced: A small amount of onion adds a pleasant sharpness and depth. Red onion offers a milder flavor and beautiful color, while yellow or white onions provide a more pungent kick. Slice it very thinly for an even distribution and to avoid overpowering the delicate flavors of the other vegetables. For an even milder taste, you can soak the sliced onion in cold water for 10-15 minutes before adding it to the salad.

Creamy Dressing Components:

3 tbsp Mayonnaise: The base of our creamy dressing, mayonnaise provides richness and a smooth texture. Use a good quality, full-fat mayonnaise for the best flavor, or a lighter version if preferred.
1/4 cup Sour Cream: Sour cream adds a delightful tanginess and a lighter, more refreshing quality to the dressing compared to using only mayonnaise. It also contributes to the salad’s signature creaminess. Full-fat sour cream is recommended, but Greek yogurt can be a fantastic substitute for a protein boost and a slightly different tang.
1 tsp Vinegar: White vinegar or apple cider vinegar works perfectly here. It brightens the flavors of the vegetables and balances the richness of the mayonnaise and sour cream.
1/8 tsp Sugar: Just a touch of sugar is crucial to round out the flavors, enhancing the natural sweetness of the tomatoes and cutting through the acidity of the vinegar. It’s a secret ingredient that brings all the elements into harmony.
Salt & Pepper to Taste: Essential seasonings that elevate all the other flavors. Start with a pinch and adjust as needed, tasting periodically to achieve your desired balance.

How to Make Creamy Cucumber Tomato Salad: A Step-by-Step Guide

Creating this delicious creamy cucumber tomato salad is incredibly simple and takes just a few minutes, making it a perfect last-minute addition to any meal.

Prepare the Vegetables: Start by washing your tomatoes and cucumbers thoroughly. Chop the tomatoes into medium, bite-sized pieces. Halve the cucumbers lengthwise, then slice them into crescent shapes, approximately 1/4 inch thick. Peel and thinly slice half an onion.
Combine the Vegetables: Place the chopped tomatoes, sliced cucumbers, and sliced onions into a large mixing bowl. At this stage, if you’re preparing the salad ahead of time, you can cover the bowl and store it in the refrigerator. This allows the vegetables to chill and keeps them fresh until serving.
Prepare the Creamy Dressing: In a separate smaller bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper. Mix until all ingredients are well combined and the dressing is smooth. This ensures an even distribution of flavors when added to the vegetables.
Dress and Serve: Just before serving, pour the creamy dressing over the combined vegetables in the large bowl. Gently toss everything together until all the vegetables are evenly coated with the dressing. Serving immediately ensures the cucumbers remain crisp and prevents the salad from becoming watery.

Tips for the Perfect Creamy Cucumber Tomato Salad

Chill Your Ingredients: For the most refreshing salad, make sure your cucumbers and tomatoes are well-chilled before you start.
Don’t Over-Mix: Toss gently to combine the dressing with the vegetables. Over-mixing can bruise the ingredients and release excess water.
Adjust Seasoning: Always taste and adjust salt, pepper, and sugar levels before serving. The ripeness of your tomatoes can affect the required amount of sugar.
Prevent Wateriness: Tomatoes and cucumbers release water when salted. To minimize sogginess, especially if making a large batch, you can lightly salt and drain the sliced cucumbers for 15-30 minutes before adding them to the salad. Pat them dry before mixing. Alternatively, simply toss the salad with dressing just before serving.

Variations and Enhancements

While the classic recipe is perfect on its own, feel free to experiment with these additions to suit your taste:

Fresh Herbs: A generous sprinkle of fresh dill or parsley, finely chopped, adds an authentic Ukrainian touch and vibrant flavor. Chives are also a great addition.
Other Vegetables: For extra crunch and color, consider adding thinly sliced bell peppers (red, yellow, or orange), radishes, or even a handful of finely shredded cabbage.
Lighter Dressing: For a lighter version, swap half of the mayonnaise for Greek yogurt or buttermilk.
Spicy Kick: A tiny pinch of red pepper flakes can introduce a subtle warmth if you enjoy a touch of heat.
Oil-Based Alternative: If you prefer an oil-based dressing, simply omit the mayonnaise and sour cream, and instead dress the vegetables with a good quality sunflower oil (a staple in Ukrainian cooking), a splash of vinegar or lemon juice, salt, and pepper.

Serving and Storage Suggestions

This creamy cucumber tomato salad is incredibly versatile and can be paired with a wide array of dishes. It’s an excellent accompaniment to grilled chicken or fish, roasted pork, or any BBQ fare. It also complements traditional Ukrainian dishes like Ukrainian Potato Salad (Olivye) or simply served with fresh, crusty bread. For best results, serve this salad immediately after preparing and dressing it to enjoy its optimal freshness and crisp texture.

While this salad is best enjoyed fresh, leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1-2 days. Be aware that the vegetables will release more water over time, and the salad may become slightly less crisp. For meal prepping, you can prepare the vegetables and the dressing separately, then combine them just before eating.

Frequently Asked Questions About Creamy Cucumber Tomato Salad

Q: Can I make this salad ahead of time?: A: While you can chop the vegetables and prepare the dressing a few hours in advance, it’s highly recommended to combine them just before serving. This prevents the vegetables from becoming watery and ensures the salad stays crisp.
Q: What kind of tomatoes are best for this salad?: A: Ripe, firm garden tomatoes with good flavor are ideal. Varieties like Roma, beefsteak, or even smaller cherry tomatoes (halved) work wonderfully. Avoid overly soft or under-ripe tomatoes.
Q: Can I use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream?: A: Yes, absolutely! Greek yogurt is an excellent substitute for sour cream. It will provide a similar tang and creaminess, and it can also make the dressing a bit lighter and higher in protein.
Q: How do I prevent the salad from becoming watery?: A: The key is to dress the salad right before serving. You can also lightly salt the sliced cucumbers and let them sit for 15-20 minutes, then drain any released water before adding them to the salad. Patting them dry can also help.
Q: Is this salad healthy?: A: Yes, it’s packed with fresh vegetables, providing vitamins and minerals. While mayonnaise and sour cream add richness, they are used in moderation. It’s a much healthier option than many processed side dishes.

Other Ukrainian Salads To Explore:

Cabbage Salad with Cucumbers
Herring Beet Salad (Shuba)
Ukrainian Potato Salad (Olivye)