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
Scale
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.
