Creamy Cucumber Salad Recipe
If you’re looking for a dish that’s as refreshing as a cool breeze on a summer day, Creamy Cucumber Salad is your answer. This recipe balances crunchy cucumbers, a handful of dill, and a luscious, tangy dressing that’s impossible to resist. It’s the kind of side that quietly steals the show at every picnic or barbecue, and its irresistible mix of flavors and textures means you’ll want to make a double batch every time. Ready to discover why this classic salad deserves a permanent spot in your recipe lineup?
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Creamy Cucumber Salad shines because of its handful of fuss-free ingredients—each chosen for the way it adds flavor, freshness, or that signature creamy texture. No fancy shopping trips required—just simple groceries that truly count.
- 2 large cucumbers (thinly sliced): The star of the show, providing a crisp, hydrating crunch in every bite.
- ½ small red onion (thinly sliced): Adds a sharp, savory bite and beautiful color to the salad.
- ½ cup sour cream: Brings tangy creaminess that forms the irresistible base of the dressing.
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise: Boosts richness and helps create that silky smooth texture.
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill (chopped): Delivers classic herby flavor that beautifully complements cucumbers.
- 1 tablespoon white vinegar or lemon juice: Brightens the dish and balances out the creamy ingredients.
- 1 teaspoon sugar: A subtle sweetness that rounds out the flavors and keeps the dressing mellow, not too sharp.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Essential for bringing out all the other flavors—don’t skip it!
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper: Adds a gentle kick to the creamy dressing and ties everything together.
How to Make Creamy Cucumber Salad
Step 1: Prep and Slice the Vegetables
Start by grabbing your freshest cucumbers and that vibrant red onion. Take a few extra moments to slice them as thinly as possible; this helps every mouthful of Creamy Cucumber Salad feel light and delicate. If you want to avoid a watery salad (especially with homegrown or farmers’ market cucumbers), sprinkle the slices with a touch of salt and let them rest for 10 minutes, then blot with paper towels before moving on. It’s a tiny trick for perfect texture!
Step 2: Whisk Up the Creamy Dressing
While your cucumbers are doing their thing, whisk together the sour cream, mayo, chopped dill, vinegar or lemon juice, sugar, salt, and pepper in a medium bowl. Be generous with the dill—its bright, herby zing is what gives this Creamy Cucumber Salad its signature flavor. Whisk until the dressing is completely smooth and glossy. At this point, you’ll probably want a quick taste-test (no judgment!).
Step 3: Combine and Toss
Now for the fun part: pour the creamy, dill-flecked dressing right over your sliced cucumbers and onions. With clean hands or a gentle spatula, toss everything together until every piece is evenly coated. Take care not to break up the cucumber slices—gentle tossing keeps the salad looking gorgeous and appetizing.
Step 4: Chill and Marinate
Cover your bowl and slide it into the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving. This step is non-negotiable! Sitting in the fridge gives the Creamy Cucumber Salad time to meld—the vegetables soak up all that tangy dressing, and the flavors bloom into something truly special. Patience here means magic later.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
When you’re ready to eat, give everything another light toss. The final salad is crisp, creamy, and wonderfully chilled—just waiting to be scooped generously onto plates. Don’t be surprised if this dish disappears faster than you expected!
How to Serve Creamy Cucumber Salad
Garnishes
For a finishing touch, shower your Creamy Cucumber Salad with more fresh dill or even a scattering of thinly sliced radishes. A pinch of flaky sea salt just before serving brings out the flavors and adds a bit of crunch. If you love a little color, try a sprinkle of chopped chives or a few cranks of black pepper for a bistro-worthy presentation.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs effortlessly with just about anything hot off the grill—think smoky chicken, juicy burgers, or charred vegetables. It’s also fantastic alongside classic picnic fare like potato salad, corn on the cob, or a juicy tomato galette. Whenever you serve it, Creamy Cucumber Salad pops against heartier mains and brightens up the entire table.
Creative Ways to Present
Try piling this salad into glass jars for picnic-ready portions, or serve it over a bed of butter lettuce for a pretty, composed starter. For a buffet, fill tiny cups for easy, grab-and-go servings. You can even use Creamy Cucumber Salad as a cool, crunchy filling for pita pockets or on top of open-faced sandwiches for a playful twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Creamy Cucumber Salad holds up surprisingly well in the fridge! Just transfer it to an airtight container and it’ll stay fresh for up to 2 days. If the dressing gets a little watery (thanks to the cucumbers), just give it a quick stir before serving. The flavors only deepen and get more delicious with time.
Freezing
Though tempting, freezing isn’t recommended for Creamy Cucumber Salad. Cucumber’s high water content means it’ll thaw limp and soggy, and the creamy dressing can separate or become grainy after a trip to the freezer. It’s best to enjoy this salad fresh or straight from the fridge while that texture is at its peak.
Reheating
This salad is made to be enjoyed cold, straight from the fridge! If it’s been sitting out for a bit, just give it a quick stir and serve it chilled. Reheating won’t do it any favors, so treat Creamy Cucumber Salad as a cool, refreshing companion to your meal.
FAQs
Can I make Creamy Cucumber Salad ahead of time?
Absolutely! In fact, letting the salad sit in the fridge for an hour or more allows the flavors to blend and mellow. It’s a great make-ahead side for busy days or entertaining—just stir gently before serving to refresh the texture.
What cucumber varieties work best?
English cucumbers or regular garden cucumbers are both terrific, but the key is to find ones that are firm and not overly seedy. If your cucumbers have a lot of seeds, you can scoop them out to keep the salad crisp and not watery.
Can I use dried dill instead of fresh?
Yes, dried dill will work in a pinch! Use about one-third the amount of dried dill as fresh, since dried herbs pack a bit more punch. Still, if you have access to fresh dill, it’s worth it for that classic, aromatic finish.
Is there a way to lighten up the dressing?
Absolutely—swap in Greek yogurt for some or all of the sour cream and mayo if you’d like a lighter or tangier taste. It keeps the Creamy Cucumber Salad dreamy and creamy, with just a fraction of the richness.
Why does my salad get watery?
Cucumbers naturally release water as they sit. For the best results, salt your cucumber slices and blot them before adding the dressing. If things get a little runny, just give your Creamy Cucumber Salad a good stir before serving; the flavors will still shine!
Final Thoughts
There’s something magical about a bowl of Creamy Cucumber Salad—cool, creamy, and bursting with bright flavors that always bring people back for seconds. Give it a try, and don’t be surprised if it becomes your new summertime staple. Happy salad making!
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Creamy Cucumber Salad Recipe
- Total Time: 10 minutes (plus chilling)
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free
Description
This Creamy Cucumber Salad is a refreshing and simple side dish that’s perfect for summer gatherings. The cool, crisp cucumbers combined with a creamy dressing make for a delightful addition to any meal.
Ingredients
Cucumbers:
- 2 large cucumbers (thinly sliced)
Dressing:
- ½ small red onion (thinly sliced)
- ½ cup sour cream
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill (chopped)
- 1 tablespoon white vinegar or lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare Vegetables: Place the sliced cucumbers and red onion in a large bowl.
- Make Dressing: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the sour cream, mayonnaise, dill, vinegar (or lemon juice), sugar, salt, and black pepper until smooth.
- Combine: Pour the dressing over the cucumbers and onion, tossing gently to coat evenly.
- Chill: Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld. Serve chilled.
Notes
- For a lighter version, substitute Greek yogurt for the sour cream and mayonnaise.
- Add thinly sliced radishes for extra crunch and color.
- If cucumbers are watery, sprinkle with salt, let sit for 10 minutes, then pat dry before dressing to avoid a watery salad.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: about 1 cup
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 210 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 6 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg
