There’s something incredibly refreshing and delicious about a creamy cucumber salad, especially when it comes together with just the right balance of tang, sweetness, and herbaceous freshness. This Creamy Cucumber Salad Recipe is a go-to salad that feels like a cool breeze on a warm day, perfect as a light side or an easy, make-ahead dish for any meal. Creamy, crisp, and bursting with vibrant flavors, it’s one of those salads that you’ll find yourself craving again and again. Let me walk you through how simple it is to create this delightful dish in your own kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step toward a perfect Creamy Cucumber Salad Recipe. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity—each component playing a vital role in building the salad’s refreshing taste, crisp texture, and beautiful color.
- 3 cups thinly sliced cucumbers: Use fresh, firm cucumbers for the best crunch and mild flavor.
- 1 cup thinly sliced red onion: Adds a sharp bite and lovely purple hue, balancing the creaminess.
- 1/2 cup sour cream: The creamy base that binds the salad together with its tangy richness.
- 1 Tablespoon white vinegar: Brings a zingy acidity that brightens the entire dish.
- 2 Tablespoons minced fresh dill: Fresh dill is essential for that signature herbaceous flavor.
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar: Just a touch to mellow the vinegar and enhance the natural flavors.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Elevates all the ingredients and seasons the salad perfectly.
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds a subtle depth without overpowering the freshness.
How to Make Creamy Cucumber Salad Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables
Start by thinly slicing your cucumbers and red onion. The thin slices make it easier for the dressing to coat every bite and ensure the salad is crisp yet tender. Using a sharp knife or a mandoline slicer can really speed up this step and give you those perfect, delicate slices.
Step 2: Whisk the Dressing
In a medium bowl, combine the sour cream, white vinegar, freshly minced dill, granulated sugar, salt, and garlic powder. Whisk everything until smooth and creamy. This dressing is where the magic begins—it’s tangy, creamy, and herby all at once!
Step 3: Toss Cucumbers and Onions
Gently toss your thinly sliced cucumbers and onions in the creamy dressing until every piece is well coated. Be careful not to bruise the delicate cucumbers; a light hand will keep everything looking fresh and appetizing.
Step 4: Chill and Garnish
Finally, garnish with a sprinkle of fresh dill and a few cracks of black pepper. Pop the salad into the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving. The chilling step lets the flavors meld and the cucumbers soak up that luscious dressing, making each bite more flavorful than the last.
How to Serve Creamy Cucumber Salad Recipe
Garnishes
A few extra sprigs of fresh dill or a light dusting of freshly ground black pepper add a lovely finishing touch to your creamy cucumber salad. For a little color contrast and texture, consider a sprinkle of chopped chives or a handful of toasted sunflower seeds.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs wonderfully with grilled meats like chicken, pork, or fish, making it a perfect companion for barbecue or picnic meals. It also serves as a cooling side alongside spicy food or hearty sandwiches, adding a crisp and creamy balance to your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress guests or simply make your salad more fun? Serve this creamy cucumber salad in small mason jars for individual portions, or layer it over a bed of crunchy lettuce leaves for extra texture. You can even use it as a light topping for baked potatoes or as a spread on toast for a refreshing snack.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover creamy cucumber salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It stays fresh and crisp for up to 2 days, although it’s best enjoyed sooner to maintain that perfect cucumber crunch.
Freezing
This Creamy Cucumber Salad Recipe is not suitable for freezing because the cucumbers will lose their crispness and the dressing can separate after thawing. For best texture, stick to fresh or refrigerated leftovers.
Reheating
Since this is a cold salad, reheating isn’t necessary or recommended. Instead, give it a quick stir after taking it out of the fridge to reincorporate the dressing and freshen the flavors before serving again.
FAQs
Can I use regular cream instead of sour cream?
Sour cream adds a tangy richness to this creamy cucumber salad that regular cream won’t replicate. If you want a lighter option, try using Greek yogurt, but regular cream might make the salad too runny and lose that signature tang.
What’s the best cucumber type for this salad?
English cucumbers or Kirby cucumbers work best since they have fewer seeds and thinner skins, resulting in a crisp texture without bitterness or excess moisture.
Can I make this salad vegan?
Absolutely! Substitute the sour cream with a plant-based yogurt or vegan sour cream alternative, and replace the sugar with a vegan-friendly sweetener if needed. The dill and vinegar will still shine through beautifully.
How long should I chill the salad before serving?
At least 30 minutes is ideal to allow the flavors to mingle and the cucumbers to absorb the dressing, but you can refrigerate it for up to 2 hours for even better results.
Can I add other vegetables to this salad?
Definitely! Thinly sliced radishes or cherry tomatoes can add color and variety. Just be mindful not to overwhelm the delicate balance of this creamy cucumber salad recipe.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Cucumber Salad Recipe is a simple yet incredibly satisfying dish that brings together freshness, creaminess, and a little touch of brightness. Whether you’re making it for a quick weeknight dinner or to elevate your summer gatherings, it’s a recipe that never fails to impress. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite way to enjoy cucumbers!
Print
Creamy Cucumber Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This creamy cucumber salad is a refreshing and tangy side dish perfect for summer gatherings or a light meal. Made with thinly sliced cucumbers and red onions, tossed in a flavorful sour cream and dill dressing, it combines crisp textures with a smooth, herbaceous finish. The dish requires no cooking and is quick to prepare, making it an ideal no-fuss addition to any menu.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 3 cups thinly sliced cucumbers
- 1 cup thinly sliced red onion
Dressing
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 Tablespoon white vinegar
- 2 Tablespoons minced fresh dill
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
- Slice Vegetables: Cut the cucumbers and red onions into thin, even slices to ensure they absorb the dressing well and provide a crisp texture.
- Prepare Dressing: In a mixing bowl, combine the sour cream, white vinegar, minced fresh dill, granulated sugar, salt, and garlic powder. Whisk thoroughly until the dressing is smooth and well blended.
- Toss Salad: Add the sliced cucumbers and red onions into the dressing bowl. Toss gently but thoroughly so that every slice is evenly coated with the creamy dressing.
- Chill and Garnish: Garnish the salad with additional fresh dill and a sprinkle of black pepper if desired. Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld and the salad to chill.
Notes
- For a tangier flavor, increase the amount of white vinegar slightly to taste.
- Use fresh dill rather than dried for the best herbaceous flavor.
- The salad is best served chilled; prepare at least 30 minutes ahead of serving.
- Substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream to reduce fat content or adapt to dietary preferences.
- Adjust salt and sugar according to personal taste.
