Creamy Cucumber Tomato Salad with Fresh Dill & Red Onion

A Refreshing, Creamy Summer Salad Bursting with Garden-Fresh Flavor

If you’re searching for a quick, refreshing, and incredibly flavourful side dish, this creamy cucumber tomato salad with fresh dill & red onion is the perfect recipe. Made with crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, thinly sliced red onion, and fragrant fresh dill, all tossed in a rich, tangy, creamy dressing, this salad is simple yet elegant enough for both weeknight dinners and holiday gatherings.

This classic salad celebrates the best of fresh vegetables. The cool crunch of cucumbers pairs beautifully with the sweetness of ripe tomatoes, while red onion adds a mild bite and fresh dill infuses every bite with bright herbal flavour. The creamy dressing, made with sour cream, Greek yoghurt, mayonnaise, lemon juice, and seasonings, coats the vegetables without overpowering their natural freshness.

Perfect for barbecues, picnics, potlucks, family dinners, or meal prep, this versatile salad complements grilled chicken, fish, steak, burgers, sandwiches, and even baked potatoes. Best of all, it comes together in just 15 minutes with everyday ingredients.

Recipe Information
Recipe Name: Creamy Cucumber Tomato Salad with Fresh Dill & Red Onion
Cuisine: American / Mediterranean-Inspired
Course: Salad / Side Dish
Difficulty: Easy
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Chilling Time: 20 minutes (optional)
Total Time: 15–35 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients
For the Salad
2 large English cucumbers, sliced into half-moons
2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved (or 3 medium tomatoes, chopped)
½ medium red onion, thinly sliced
¼ cup fresh dill, finely chopped
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
For the Creamy Dressing
½ cup sour cream
½ cup plain Greek yogurt
2 tablespoons mayonnaise
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon sea salt
¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
½ teaspoon dried Italian seasoning (optional)
1 teaspoon honey (optional, for balance)
Optional Garnishes
Extra chopped dill
Fresh cracked black pepper
Thin cucumber slices
Lemon wedges
Equipment Needed
Large mixing bowl
Small bowl for dressing
Whisk
Sharp knife
Cutting board
Salad spoon
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables

Wash all vegetables thoroughly under cold running water.

Slice the cucumbers into thin half-moons. If using regular cucumbers, peel them if the skin is thick and remove large seeds if necessary.

Halve the cherry tomatoes or chop larger tomatoes into bite-sized pieces.

Thinly slice the red onion. For a milder flavour, soak the onion slices in ice water for 10 minutes, then drain well.

Finely chop the fresh dill and parsley.

Place all prepared vegetables into a large mixing bowl.

Step 2: Make the Creamy Dressing

In a separate bowl, whisk together:

Sour cream
Greek yogurt
Mayonnaise
Lemon juice
Dijon mustard
Garlic powder
Onion powder
Salt
Black pepper
Italian seasoning
Honey (if using)

Whisk until the dressing is smooth, creamy, and well combined.

Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Add a little more lemon juice for brightness or a pinch of salt to enhance the flavours.

Step 3: Assemble the Salad

Pour the creamy dressing over the vegetables.

Using a large spoon or spatula, gently toss everything until the cucumbers, tomatoes, onions, and herbs are evenly coated.

Be gentle to avoid crushing the tomatoes.

Step 4: Chill (Optional)

For the best flavour, cover the bowl and refrigerate for 20–30 minutes before serving. This allows the vegetables to absorb the dressing while remaining crisp.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Transfer the salad to a serving bowl or platter.

Top with extra fresh dill, a sprinkle of cracked black pepper, and a few lemon wedges if desired.

Serve chilled and enjoy!

Serving Suggestions

This creamy salad pairs beautifully with:

Grilled chicken breasts
Baked salmon
Grilled shrimp
Steak or roast beef
Burgers and sandwiches
Barbecue ribs
Roasted potatoes
Garlic bread
Rice dishes
Quinoa bowls

It also makes a refreshing addition to summer picnics, potlucks, and holiday buffets.

Recipe Notes
English cucumbers are ideal because they have thinner skin and fewer seeds.
Use ripe but firm tomatoes to prevent the salad from becoming watery.
Fresh dill gives the best flavour; dried dill can be used in a pinch, but reduce the amount to about 1 tablespoon.
Greek yoghurt adds extra protein and a lighter texture while keeping the dressing creamy.
Chill the salad briefly before serving for the freshest taste.
Helpful Tips
1. Keep the Cucumbers Crisp

If your cucumbers release a lot of water, lightly salt them and let them sit for 15 minutes. Pat them dry before adding them to the salad.

2. Slice Evenly

Uniform slices ensure every bite has a balanced mix of vegetables and dressing.

3. Don’t Overmix

Gently toss the salad to keep the tomatoes intact and prevent the dressing from becoming watery.

4. Add Dressing Just Before Serving

If making ahead, store the dressing separately and combine it with the vegetables shortly before serving for maximum freshness.

5. Customize the Flavor

Add crumbled feta cheese, sliced avocado, chopped olives, or diced bell peppers for extra variety.

6. Make It Lighter

Replace the mayonnaise with additional Greek yoghurt for a lighter version without sacrificing creaminess.

Storage Instructions
Refrigerator

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Because cucumbers and tomatoes naturally release moisture, the salad is best enjoyed within the first day.

Freezer

This salad is not suitable for freezing, as the vegetables and creamy dressing will lose their texture after thawing.

Nutritional Information (Approximate Per Serving)
Calories: 170
Protein: 6 g
Carbohydrates: 9 g
Fat: 12 g
Saturated Fat: 4 g
Fiber: 2 g
Sugar: 5 g
Sodium: 280 mg
Cholesterol: 20 mg
Calcium: 90 mg
Vitamin A: 15% DV
Vitamin C: 25% DV
Potassium: 420 mg

Nutrition values are estimates and may vary depending on ingredient brands and portion sizes.

Health Benefits
1. Rich in Hydration

Cucumbers are made up of about 95% water, making this salad a refreshing way to stay hydrated, especially during warm weather.

2. Excellent Source of Vitamins

Tomatoes provide vitamin C, vitamin A, and lycopene, while fresh dill contributes vitamin K and beneficial plant compounds.

3. High in Antioxidants

Tomatoes are rich in lycopene, an antioxidant associated with supporting overall health, while fresh herbs add additional protective plant nutrients.

4. Good Source of Protein

Greek yoghurt contributes protein that helps support muscle maintenance and increases satiety.

5. Supports Digestive Health

Fresh vegetables and herbs supply fibre that promotes healthy digestion and supports a balanced diet.

6. Heart-Conscious Ingredients

Olive oil (if used instead of part of the mayonnaise), tomatoes, and cucumbers can fit well into a heart-friendly eating pattern.

7. Calcium for Bone Health

Greek yoghurt and sour cream provide calcium, which supports strong bones and teeth.

8. Naturally Low in Refined Sugar

This salad relies on fresh vegetables and herbs for flavour, making it a wholesome side dish with minimal added sugar.

Frequently Asked Questions (Q&A)
Q1. Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes. You can prepare the vegetables and dressing separately up to one day in advance. Combine them just before serving for the freshest texture.

Q2. Can I use regular cucumbers?

Absolutely. Peel them if the skin is thick and remove large seeds if needed.

Q3. Can I substitute Greek yoghurt?

Yes. You can use all sour cream, plain yoghurt, or a dairy-free yoghurt alternative if preferred.

Q4. How can I make this salad dairy-free?

Use dairy-free yoghurt and dairy-free sour cream alternatives while keeping the rest of the ingredients the same.

Q5. Can I add cheese?

Yes. Crumbled feta, goat cheese, or fresh mozzarella pearls pair wonderfully with the creamy dressing.

Q6. Why is my salad watery?

Cucumbers and tomatoes naturally release moisture over time. Salting and drying cucumbers before mixing and serving the salad soon after dressing helps reduce excess liquid.

Q7. Is this salad gluten-free?

Yes. All the ingredients listed are naturally gluten-free, but always check packaged ingredients like mayonnaise and mustard for certified gluten-free labelling if needed.

Q8. What herbs can I substitute for dill?

Fresh parsley, chives, basil, or a combination of herbs can be used if dill isn’t available, though the flavour profile will change slightly.

Q9. Can I make it more filling?

Certainly. Add grilled chicken, cooked shrimp, chickpeas, quinoa, or sliced avocado to turn it into a satisfying main-course salad.

Q10. What dishes pair best with this salad?

It complements grilled meats, seafood, roasted vegetables, baked potatoes, sandwiches, wraps, and barbecue favourites, making it a versatile side dish for almost any meal.

Final Thoughts

This creamy cucumber tomato salad with fresh dill & red onion is the perfect combination of crisp vegetables, aromatic herbs, and a smooth, tangy dressing. Easy to prepare, colourful on the table, and packed with fresh flavour, it’s an ideal recipe for summer gatherings, everyday family meals, or healthy meal prep. Whether served alongside grilled favourites or enjoyed on its own, this refreshing salad is sure to become a staple in your recipe collection.