Creamy Cucumber Salad Recipe

Get ready to fall in love with the ultimate summer side: Creamy Cucumber Salad. This cool, tangy, and ridiculously refreshing dish is everything you crave on hot afternoons or at easygoing family barbecues. With crisp cucumber, a pop of red onion, and a cloud of velvety, dill-flecked dressing, it’s as simple as it is satisfying. Whether you dish it up with grilled favorites or munch it solo, you’ll return to this recipe again and again—promise!

Ingredients You’ll Need

This quick Creamy Cucumber Salad proves that you don’t need a complicated ingredient list for huge flavor. Each element brings something important: freshness, tang, creaminess, crunch, or a touch of sweetness. Grab these fridge and pantry staples, and let’s build something beautiful!

• 3 cups thinly sliced cucumbers: Opt for seedless if you can, or scoop out the seeds for the crunchiest, juiciest texture.
• 1 cup thinly sliced red onion: Adds rosy color and a gentle bite that balances the creamy dressing.
• 1/2 cup sour cream: This gives richness and a dreamy, velvet-like texture to the salad.
• 1 Tablespoon white vinegar: Brings brightness, making the flavors pop and adding a gentle tang.
• 2 Tablespoons minced fresh dill: Fresh dill is what makes this salad sing—don’t be shy with it!
• 1 teaspoon granulated sugar: Just a pinch of sweetness rounds out all the sharp and tangy notes.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances and unifies all the crisp, creamy, and fresh flavors.
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder: Delivers a subtle depth that keeps you coming back for more.

How to Make Creamy Cucumber Salad

Step 1: Slice the Veggies

Begin by thinly slicing the red onion and cucumbers. A sharp knife does the trick, but if you have a mandoline or food processor, now’s your time to shine! Cut your veggies as evenly as possible so every bite has just the right crunch. After slicing, pat the cucumbers dry with a paper towel. This step is key to keeping your Creamy Cucumber Salad from turning watery.

Step 2: Whisk Up the Creamy Dressing

In a mixing bowl, combine your sour cream, tangy white vinegar, minced fresh dill, sweet granulated sugar, salt, and a bit of garlic powder. Stir everything together until the dressing is smooth and all the dill is dotted throughout. This is your flavor-packed base!

Step 3: Toss It All Together

Add your sliced cucumbers and onions to the creamy dressing. Gently toss everything to coat the veggies in that irresistible dressing. Take care not to overmix—you want the slices to stay crisp and intact. The salad should look fresh and glossy, coated but not swimming in dressing.

Step 4: Taste and Adjust

Give your Creamy Cucumber Salad a quick taste! If you want a bit more brightness, add a splash more vinegar. Craving a stronger dill flavor? Sprinkle in extra. Adjust the seasoning to suit your personal taste—this salad loves customization.

Step 5: Chill and Serve

For the freshest, snappiest taste, chill your salad for at least 15 minutes, or even longer if you can wait. When you’re ready to serve, garnish with a little more fresh dill and a generous crack of black pepper. Enjoy the cool, creamy deliciousness!

How to Serve Creamy Cucumber Salad

Garnishes

A flourish of fresh dill and a dusting of cracked black pepper bring out every note in this salad. For a pop of color, scatter on thinly sliced radishes or microgreens. Don’t be afraid to drizzle just a touch more vinegar or even a sprinkle of flaky sea salt right before serving for that wow factor!

Side Dishes

Creamy Cucumber Salad absolutely loves to buddy up with grilled meats, flaky salmon, or spicy kebabs. It’s also the perfect companion to hearty sandwiches, picnic classics like fried chicken, or simply a basket of fresh bread for soaking up that delicious dressing!

Creative Ways to Present

Try piling your Creamy Cucumber Salad into pretty glass jars for a picnic-ready treat, or spooning it over a bed of peppery arugula for a composed salad. For parties, serve it in endive leaves, cucumber cups, or on toasted baguette slices for an unforgettable appetizer.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover Creamy Cucumber Salad in an airtight container in the fridge. It’ll keep its flavor and crunch for up to three days, though the cucumbers may soften a bit after the first day. A good stir just before serving will freshen it right up!

Freezing

Unfortunately, this salad isn’t a fan of the freezer—the creamy dressing tends to separate and the cucumbers lose their signature crunch. For best results, enjoy fresh or well-chilled from the fridge whenever possible.

Reheating

There’s no need to reheat Creamy Cucumber Salad; it’s meant to be served cold or at room temperature. If your salad has chilled for a while, let it sit out for 10 to 15 minutes before serving for the best texture and taste.

FAQs

Can I use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream?

Yes! Greek yogurt is a fantastic substitute for sour cream if you want to lighten things up a bit or add extra protein. Just use the same amount, and your Creamy Cucumber Salad will still be deliciously tangy and smooth.

What kind of cucumbers work best?

English cucumbers or Persian cucumbers are ideal because they have few seeds and thin skins, which means you don’t even need to peel them. Regular cucumbers will also work—just peel them and scoop out the seeds for the best texture.

How do I keep my salad from getting watery?

Patting the cucumber slices dry after cutting makes a big difference. You can also lightly salt the cucumbers and let them sit for 10 minutes, then drain off excess liquid before mixing with the dressing.

Can I make Creamy Cucumber Salad ahead?

Definitely—it actually tastes even better once it’s chilled and the flavors have mingled. Just remember that the cucumbers will soften the longer it sits, so try to serve within a day or two if possible for that perfect crispness.

Is this salad gluten-free?

Absolutely! Creamy Cucumber Salad is naturally gluten-free, making it a safe and tasty option for anyone avoiding gluten. Just double-check your garlic powder and other seasonings to be sure they’re gluten-free as well.

Final Thoughts

I hope this Creamy Cucumber Salad finds a happy spot in your rotation of must-make favorites. It’s so simple, versatile, and bursting with flavor, I can’t wait for you to try it. Don’t be surprised when everyone asks you for the recipe—just send them this way!

Print