Nothing says summer quite like gathering around a bowl of the Creamy Cucumber Salad Recipe, marveling at those crisp slices hugged by a tangy, herby dressing. This classic dish is light, refreshing, and brings a lovely balance of cool and creamy to any table, whether you’re preparing a backyard barbecue or need an effortless sidekick for a weeknight dinner. With just a handful of ingredients and almost no prep time, this is one of those recipes you’ll find yourself turning to again and again, especially when cucumbers are at their glorious peak.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The best part about this Creamy Cucumber Salad Recipe is how spectacularly simple the essentials are. Each ingredient pulls serious flavor weight, adding freshness, creaminess, or a pop of texture, and all together, they create a salad that feels like something much fancier than it is.
- Cucumbers: For ultimate crunch, use seedless cucumbers or English cucumbers; regular cukes also work great but consider scooping out the seeds for a less watery salad.
- Red Onion: Thin slices provide a bit of sharpness and gorgeous color contrast—soak briefly in cold water if you prefer a milder taste.
- Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt: This forms the luxuriously creamy base of the dressing and can be swapped with Greek yogurt for a protein boost and tang.
- White Vinegar: Lifts and brightens the dressing, enhancing the flavor of the cucumbers and keeping the salad refreshing.
- Sugar: Just a kiss of sweetness balances the acidity and makes the salad sing.
- Garlic Powder: Adds gentle garlic depth without overpowering the delicate veggies.
- Fresh Dill: The secret superstar—incredibly aromatic and essential for that classic cucumber salad flavor.
- Salt: Draws out water from the cucumbers and enhances all the other flavors.
- Black Pepper: A few twists brings warmth and rounds out the salad beautifully.
How to Make Creamy Cucumber Salad Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Veggies
Start by thinly slicing your cucumbers and red onion. For extra crunch and less water, you can salt the cucumber slices and let them sit for about 10 minutes, then pat them dry. This little trick keeps your Creamy Cucumber Salad Recipe from getting watery while intensifying the fresh cucumber taste.
Step 2: Mix the Creamy Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together the sour cream (or Greek yogurt), white vinegar, sugar, garlic powder, chopped dill, salt, and pepper. The mixture should be smooth and flecked with fresh herbs. This is where all the magic happens—the tangy, creamy dressing brings all the ingredients together in heavenly harmony.
Step 3: Combine and Toss
Pour your dreamy dressing over the bowl of sliced cucumbers and onions. Using gentle hands or salad tongs, toss everything until each slice glistens with dressing. The goal is to coat every piece without bruising those delicate cucumber slices.
Step 4: Chill and Meld the Flavors
Cover the bowl and let the salad hang out in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This step transforms a good dish into a great one—allowing the flavors to meld and the dressing to infuse every veggie bite with zesty, creamy goodness.
How to Serve Creamy Cucumber Salad Recipe
Garnishes
For a pretty finish, sprinkle a little extra fresh dill or some finely sliced green onions right before serving. A whisper of cracked black pepper on top can also add a welcoming touch of color and subtle spice.
Side Dishes
This Creamy Cucumber Salad Recipe hits its stride alongside grilled meats—think juicy chicken, smoky sausages, or perfectly charred ribs. It’s also fantastic as part of a picnic spread, next to sandwiches, wraps, or simple roasted veggies.
Creative Ways to Present
Spoon the salad into individual mason jars for a picnic, or use a shallow platter for family-style serving. For an elegant twist, arrange cucumber slices in overlapping circles and dollop the creamy dressing over the top, then scatter herbs for a chef-worthy finish.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers (which is rare!), transfer the salad to an airtight container and refrigerate. It will keep well for up to two days, though the cucumbers may release more water as time goes on. Just give the salad a quick stir to re-combine before serving.
Freezing
Freezing is not recommended for the Creamy Cucumber Salad Recipe as the creamy dressing separates and the cucumbers lose their crisp texture once thawed. Always make this salad fresh for the best results.
Reheating
This recipe is designed to be enjoyed chilled or at room temperature, so there’s no need to reheat. If the salad has been in the fridge for a while, simply stir and let it sit out for a few minutes to take the chill off before serving, for peak flavor.
FAQs
Can I make this Creamy Cucumber Salad Recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! Making it a few hours in advance actually improves the flavor as the dressing permeates the cucumbers and onions. Just give it a quick stir before serving to awaken all the flavors.
How can I keep the salad from getting watery?
Salting the cucumbers and letting them sit for 10 minutes before draining and patting dry really helps control excess moisture. Using seedless cucumbers also keeps the salad crisp.
Can I substitute other herbs for dill?
Fresh dill is truly classic, but you can try fresh mint or parsley for a different take. Each provides its own unique flavor—just use a light hand so it doesn’t overpower the salad.
Is this Creamy Cucumber Salad Recipe gluten-free?
Yes, as written the recipe is gluten-free, which makes it perfect for a variety of guests and dietary preferences. Just double-check that all your packaged ingredients (like sour cream) are certified gluten-free if cross-contamination is a concern.
What protein goes well with this salad?
Grilled chicken, salmon, and steak all pair beautifully with the creamy tanginess of the salad. It’s also a lovely vegetarian side dish next to bean burgers or quinoa patties.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a crowd-pleasing, easy, and exceptionally refreshing side, this Creamy Cucumber Salad Recipe delivers every single time. Give it a try, and don’t be surprised if it becomes the star of your summer gatherings!
Print
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 creamy side dish perfect for summer gatherings. Crisp cucumbers and red onions are coated in a tangy, creamy dressing with hints of dill and garlic, making it a flavorful addition to any meal.
Ingredients
Cucumbers:
- 3 cups cucumber, thinly sliced (about 2 large cucumbers)
Dressing:
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon white vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Combine Cucumbers and Onions: In a large bowl, mix the cucumbers and red onions.
- Prepare Dressing: In a separate bowl, whisk together sour cream, vinegar, sugar, garlic powder, dill, salt, and pepper.
- Toss and Chill: Pour the dressing over the cucumbers, toss to coat. Chill for at least 30 minutes.
- Serve: Stir gently before serving.
Notes
- For the best texture, use seedless cucumbers or scoop out seeds before slicing.
- You can salt the cucumbers and let them sit for 10 minutes, then pat dry to reduce excess moisture.
- This salad pairs well with grilled meats or as a refreshing summer side.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad, Side Dish
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 230mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
