Refreshing Cucumber and Tomato Salad with Cream

This delightful cucumber and tomato salad with cream is a refreshing and easy-to-prepare dish that's perfect for any occasion. Packed with fresh vegetables like cucumbers, tomatoes, radishes, and lettuce, it's not only delicious but also nutritious. The addition of sour cream and optional kefir gives it a creamy texture, balancing the crispness of the veggies. This salad is ideal as a light lunch or a side dish to accompany your favorite meat dishes. The preparation is simple, requiring just a few minutes to wash, chop, and mix the ingredients. The flavors meld together beautifully, offering a taste of summer in every bite. It's versatile enough to tweak for various dietary preferences, whether you like it creamier with more kefir or prefer it as it is. Try it once, and it might just become a staple in your salad repertoire!

Ingredients

Main Ingredients:

• 5 small cucumbers
• 2 tomatoes
• A generous handful of radishes
• A bunch of lettuce leaves
• Green onions

Sauces and Seasonings:

• 4 tablespoons of sour cream
• Kefir (amount as desired)
• 3 pinches of salt

Preparation Time

Total time: Approximately 15 minutes

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Start by thoroughly washing and drying all the vegetables. This ensures cleanliness and removes any unwanted residues.
2. Peel the cucumbers and cut them into slices. Transfer the slices into a large mixing bowl, setting the stage for your salad.
3. Thinly slice the radishes. If they feel particularly spicy, you can peel them to reduce their intensity. Add them to the bowl with the cucumbers.
4. For the lettuce, it’s best to tear the leaves gently by hand. This helps maintain their texture and color. Add the torn lettuce to the bowl.
5. Next, slice the tomatoes into small wedges and toss them into the salad mixture.
6. Chop the green onions finely and add these for a mild onion flavor.
7. Sprinkle the salt over the vegetables to enhance their natural flavors.
8. Add the sour cream, which will act as the primary dressing for the salad, giving it a rich creaminess.
9. If you like your salad slightly more liquid, pour in a desired amount of kefir. This is optional but recommended for a tangy twist.
10. Mix all the ingredients thoroughly until everything is well combined and the dressing coats the vegetables evenly.
11. Taste the salad and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Add more salt if needed, but if it's too salty, a bit more sour cream or kefir can balance it out.
12. Let the salad rest for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld together harmoniously.
13. Serve as a standalone dish or as a complement to grilled meats.
14. For an even more refreshing experience, you could chill the salad in the refrigerator for about 10 minutes before serving.
15. Consider garnishing with extra green onions or dill if available for added freshness.
16. Pair with fresh bread or croutons for a crunchy contrast.
17. This salad can be enjoyed immediately or prepared a few hours in advance for more pronounced flavors.
18. Remember to store any leftovers in the refrigerator to keep them fresh.
19. Keep any leftover salad stored in an airtight container in the fridge.
20. Enjoy your dish with family and friends, savoring every bite of freshness and flavor!

Tips

• Use fresh, firm vegetables for the best flavor and texture.
• Radishes can be substituted with similar crunchy vegetables like bell peppers if desired.
• Adjust kefir according to preference for a thicker or thinner dressing.
• For a creamier texture, consider blending the sour cream with a bit of yogurt.

Nutrition

• Calories: Approx. 120 kcal per serving
• Protein: 3g
• Fats: 7g
• Carbs: 10g

Variations

• Add a bit of fresh garlic for a new dimension of flavor.
• Substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream to make it lighter.
• Incorporate extra herbs like dill or parsley for an aromatic twist.

Serving Suggestions

• Pairs well with grilled chicken, beef, or fish.
• Serve alongside warm, crusty bread for a complete meal.
• Garnish with fresh herbs to enhance presentation and flavor.

Best Places

Salad Heaven - A cozy spot offering fresh, innovative salads with a twist. Location: 123 Fresh Lane, San Francisco, USA.

Greens & More - Known for its wide variety of organic salads. Location: 456 Healthy Ave, London, UK.

Leafy Delights - Offers vibrant salads with local ingredients. Location: 789 Natural St, Auckland, New Zealand.

Garden Eats - Renowned for its farm-to-table salad creations. Location: 101 Green Blvd, Toronto, Canada.

Cucumber Bliss - A quaint cafe specializing in cucumber-based dishes. Location: 202 Crispy Rd, Sydney, Australia.

Veggie Paradise - Provides a delightful salad bar experience. Location: 303 Plant Plz, Cape Town, South Africa.

Herbivore Haven - Known for plant-based culinary excellence. Location: 404 Herb Blvd, Berlin, Germany.

Sprout & Chop - Offers a unique take on traditional salads. Location: 505 Salad St, Tokyo, Japan.

The Green Bowl - A bustling spot for fresh veggie dishes. Location: 606 Leaf Ln, New York, USA.

Salad Symphony - Celebrates seasonal greens and bold flavors. Location: 707 Fresh Ct, Paris, France.