On a hot summer day in Ukraine, you might find someone tending their garden, harvesting tomatoes, cucumbers and plenty of dill to make a simple yet beloved summer dish: a garden salad.

With Ukraine’s fertile soil, it’s no surprise that gardening is a cherished hobby. One of the country’s most iconic dishes is made from just a few common garden ingredients, as well as a generous amount of sour cream as dressing. This salad is common in the summer months with its natural flavors, but even in the winter, everyone craves a fresh bite. 

Depending on your preference, there are two separate dressing options for this garden salad.

UKRAINIAN GARDEN SALAD

Prep time: 15 to 20 minutes

Serves 3 to 4 people

SALAD INGREDIENTS

1 large cucumber or 3 small cucumbers

4 medium-sized tomatoes

1 bunch of radishes

1 sweet yellow onion

3 green onions

1 handful of dill

1 handful of parsley

DRESSING 1 INGREDIENTS

3 tablespoons of sunflower seed oil

1 tablespoon of white vinegar

Pinch of salt

Pinch of black pepper

DRESSING 2 INGREDIENTS

¼ cup of sour cream

¼ cup of mayonnaise 

½ teaspoon of salt

DIRECTIONS

Wash the vegetables and herbs. Cut the cucumbers into slices and then in half. Cut the tomatoes into 1 inch cubes. Thinly slice the onions into strips. Slice the radishes. Chop the parsley, dill and green onions.

Mix the vegetables and herbs in a large bowl.

For the first dressing, add sunflower seed oil, white vinegar, salt and pepper to a small bowl. Mix until combined. 

For the second dressing, add sour cream, mayonnaise and salt in a small bowl. Mix until combined.

Pour your dressing into the salad. Mix until combined and enjoy.