If you are searching for a fresh, zesty, and effortlessly delicious side dish, this Creamy Cucumber Salad Recipe is an absolute must-try. The crispness of the cucumbers paired with the cool, tangy dressing creates a refreshing harmony that’s perfect for hot days, family barbecues, or whenever you need a little bright, creamy crunch on your plate. Every bite delivers a wonderful balance of flavors and textures that you’ll find yourself craving again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe comes alive with only a handful of simple yet essential ingredients. Each one is carefully chosen: crunchy cucumbers for body and color, the sharp bite of red onion, the rich creaminess of sour cream, and a touch of dill for an herbal note guaranteed to uplift the salad. The white vinegar and sugar bring in just the right amount of tang and sweetness to perfectly balance the flavors.
- 2 large English cucumbers (or 6–8 small garden cucumbers): Crisp and refreshing, English cucumbers have fewer seeds and thinner skins for a tender bite.
- ½ small red onion, thinly sliced: Adds a mild sharpness and a gorgeous purple hue that brightens the salad.
- ¾ cup sour cream: The creamy base that gives the salad its signature velvety texture.
- 2 tablespoons white vinegar: Provides a lively acidity to cut through the richness.
- 1 tablespoon sugar: Balances vinegar’s tang with a hint of gentle sweetness.
- 1 teaspoon dried dill (or 1 tablespoon fresh dill): Infuses a fragrant herbal note that elevates every bite.
- Salt and black pepper, to taste: Essential seasoning to enhance all the natural flavors.
- Optional: A dash of garlic powder or finely minced garlic: For a subtle savory kick if you like a little extra punch.
How to Make Creamy Cucumber Salad Recipe
Step 1: Slice the Vegetables
Start by slicing the cucumbers into super-thin rounds—using a mandoline slicer works wonders here for even, delicate slices. Don’t forget to thinly slice the red onion as well, which adds just the right bite and crunch to the salad.
Step 2: Salt and Drain
Place the cucumber slices in a colander and sprinkle them lightly with salt. This crucial step helps draw out excess moisture, preventing a watery salad later. Let the cucumbers sit for 20 to 30 minutes, then gently blot them dry with a paper towel to remove the released liquid and extra salt.
Step 3: Make the Dressing
In a large mixing bowl, combine the sour cream, white vinegar, sugar, dill, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together until smooth and well incorporated, creating that signature creamy dressing for our salad.
Step 4: Mix and Chill
Add the drained cucumbers and the sliced red onion to the dressing. Toss gently to coat every slice in that luscious creaminess. Cover the salad and refrigerate it for at least one hour. This chill time lets the flavors marry beautifully, resulting in a refreshingly cool dish that’s ready to serve.
How to Serve Creamy Cucumber Salad Recipe
Garnishes
To add a bit of extra flair and flavor, sprinkle some fresh dill sprigs or chopped chives over the top just before serving. A few cracked black pepper flakes or a pinch of smoked paprika can also add a nice touch of color and subtle spice that complements the creamy dressing.
Side Dishes
This creamy cucumber salad makes an ideal companion to grilled chicken, barbecued ribs, or even a fresh fish dinner. Its cool crunch and tang cut through rich and smoky flavors perfectly, making it a staple side dish in your summer meals rotation.
Creative Ways to Present
For a unique presentation, serve the salad in crisp cucumber cups hollowed out with a melon baller. You can also layer it in clear glasses for individual servings, perfect for parties or picnics. Adding a dollop of the dressing on the side as a dip for veggie sticks can turn it into a crowd-pleasing snack.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can store leftover creamy cucumber salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Because the cucumbers release moisture, the salad is best enjoyed fresh or within this short window to maintain its delightful texture.
Freezing
Freezing this salad is not recommended, as the high water content in cucumbers will cause them to become mushy when thawed, losing all that wonderful crispness.
Reheating
This salad is best served cold and should not be reheated. Chilling it enhances the flavors and keeps the creamy dressing fresh and appetizing.
FAQs
Can I use regular cucumbers instead of English cucumbers?
Yes, you can use regular garden cucumbers, but they often have thicker skins and more seeds. Peeling and seeding them before slicing can help maintain a similar texture and flavor experience.
Is there a dairy-free alternative to sour cream for this recipe?
Absolutely! You can substitute sour cream with coconut yogurt or a dairy-free sour cream option to make this salad vegan-friendly without sacrificing creaminess.
How long should the salad chill before serving?
Chilling the salad for at least one hour allows the flavors to meld beautifully. If you have more time, letting it sit for up to 3 hours intensifies the taste even further.
Can I add other herbs or spices?
Definitely! Fresh basil, mint, or parsley can add new flavor notes. Just be careful not to overpower the delicate balance of the dressing. A pinch of garlic powder is also a popular addition.
What makes this Creamy Cucumber Salad Recipe stand out?
The magic lies in the simple, fresh ingredients combined with the creamy dressing that perfectly balances tang, sweetness, and herbs, creating an easy yet elegant salad that suits any occasion.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about this Creamy Cucumber Salad Recipe that keeps me coming back to it in every season. It’s incredibly refreshing, simple to prepare, and utterly versatile. I wholeheartedly encourage you to try making it yourself—the crisp crunch with that velvety dressing is a match made in salad heaven. Whether for a quick lunch side, a summer potluck, or just because you deserve something delicious, this recipe will not disappoint!
Print
Creamy Cucumber Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This creamy cucumber salad is a refreshing and easy-to-make side dish, featuring thinly sliced cucumbers and red onion tossed in a tangy sour cream and dill dressing. Perfectly chilled, it offers a crisp, cool complement to any meal, ideal for summer gatherings or light lunches.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 2 large English cucumbers (or 6–8 small garden cucumbers)
- ½ small red onion, thinly sliced
Dressing
- ¾ cup sour cream
- 2 tablespoons white vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon dried dill (or 1 tablespoon fresh dill)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Optional: A dash of garlic powder or finely minced garlic
Instructions
- Slice the Vegetables: Use a mandoline or a sharp knife to slice the cucumbers into thin rounds. Thinly slice the red onion to ensure all ingredients blend well for a balanced flavor.
- Salt and Drain: Place the sliced cucumbers in a colander and sprinkle lightly with salt. Let them sit for 20–30 minutes to draw out excess moisture, then gently blot dry with a paper towel to keep the salad crisp.
- Make the Dressing: In a large bowl, combine sour cream, white vinegar, sugar, dill, salt, and black pepper. Stir the mixture until smooth and well-blended, adjusting seasoning to taste. Add garlic powder or minced garlic if desired for a flavorful twist.
- Mix and Chill: Add the drained cucumbers and sliced red onions to the dressing. Toss gently to coat all pieces evenly. Cover the bowl and refrigerate the salad for at least 1 hour before serving to allow flavors to meld and the salad to chill nicely.
Notes
- Using English cucumbers reduces bitterness and seediness compared to regular cucumbers, but garden cucumbers can also be used.
- Salting and draining the cucumbers prevents the salad from becoming watery.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute sour cream with a vegan alternative like coconut cream or cashew cream.
- Fresh dill provides a brighter flavor, but dried dill works well if fresh is unavailable.
- The salad is best served chilled to maintain its refreshing quality.
