Creamy Cucumber Salad

Name: Creamy Cucumber Salad
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 cups thinly sliced cucumbers; 1 cup thinly sliced red onion; 1/2 cup sour cream; 1 tablespoon white vinegar; 2 tablespoons minced fresh dill; 1 teaspoon granulated sugar; Salt and garlic powder to taste

Published: July 4, 2025

by Emilia

Pinterest Facebook WhatsApp X Yummly

Creamy Cucumber Salad is the perfect side dish that adds a refreshing touch to any meal. Bursting with flavor and lightness, this salad features crisp cucumbers and zesty red onions, all enveloped in a deliciously creamy dressing. Ideal for picnics, potlucks, or summer grilling, it’s easy to prepare and sure to please everyone at the table. Whether you’re revisiting a childhood favorite or trying it for the first time, this easy summer salad will become a staple in your recipe collection.

Remember it later

Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!

PIN IT NOW!

PIN THIS!PIN THIS!

Jump to:

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: This Creamy Cucumber Salad takes only 15 minutes to prepare, making it an ideal choice for busy days.
Versatile Serve: Perfect as a side dish for grilled meats, sandwiches, or even as a light lunch on its own.
Refreshing Flavor: The combination of fresh cucumbers, bright dill, and tangy sour cream creates an irresistible flavor profile.
Healthy Ingredients: Packed with fresh veggies and low in calories, this salad is a guilt-free addition to your meals.
Make Ahead Option: Prepare it in advance to allow the flavors to meld together for an even tastier experience.

Tools and Preparation

To whip up this delightful Creamy Cucumber Salad, you’ll need just a few essential tools. Having the right equipment can make the preparation quicker and simpler.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Sharp knife or mandoline
Medium mixing bowl
Measuring cups and spoons
Serving dish

Importance of Each Tool

Sharp knife or mandoline: Ensures clean cuts for uniform slices of cucumbers and onions for better texture.
Medium mixing bowl: A spacious bowl makes it easier to mix all ingredients thoroughly without spills.
Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurements help maintain the desired flavor balance in the creamy dressing.

Ingredients

For the Salad

3 cups thinly sliced cucumbers
1 cup thinly sliced red onion

For the 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

How to Make Creamy Cucumber Salad

Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables

Cut the onion into thin slices using a sharp knife or mandoline.
Wash the cucumbers thoroughly, then slice them thinly. Pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.

Step 2: Make the Dressing

In a medium mixing bowl, combine the sour cream, white vinegar, minced fresh dill, granulated sugar, salt, and garlic powder.
Stir until all ingredients are well mixed.

Step 3: Combine Salad Ingredients

Add the sliced cucumbers and red onion into the bowl with the dressing.
Toss gently until everything is evenly coated.

Step 4: Serve

Garnish with additional fresh dill and black pepper if desired.
Serve immediately or cover and chill before serving for enhanced flavor.

Notes

Make Ahead & Storage Tips
This salad tastes best when made at least 1 hour in advance so that flavors can meld together. If you wish to prepare it even earlier, slice and store vegetables separately; combine with dressing just before serving. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Nutrition

How to Serve Creamy Cucumber Salad

Creamy Cucumber Salad is a versatile dish that pairs well with many meals. Here are some delightful serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience.

As a Side Dish

Grilled Meats: This salad complements grilled chicken or steak perfectly, adding a refreshing crunch.
Sandwiches: Serve alongside your favorite sandwiches for a light and tasty contrast.
Fish Tacos: The creamy texture balances the spices in fish tacos, making it a great addition.

In a Wrap

Veggie Wraps: Add a scoop of this salad into wraps for extra flavor and creaminess.
Chicken Salad Wraps: Mix with shredded chicken for a quick and satisfying meal on the go.

At Potlucks

Party Favorite: This creamy salad is always a hit at potlucks. Its bright flavors attract everyone’s attention.
Buffet Style: Set it out in a bowl at buffets – it’s easy to serve and enjoy!

How to Perfect Creamy Cucumber Salad

To ensure your Creamy Cucumber Salad turns out delicious every time, follow these helpful tips.

Chill Before Serving: Refrigerate the salad for at least an hour to let flavors meld beautifully.
Use Fresh Ingredients: Opt for fresh cucumbers and herbs for the best taste and texture.
Adjust Seasoning: Taste and adjust salt or sugar according to your preference for balance.
Slice Thinly: Thinner cucumber slices absorb the dressing better, enhancing flavor in every bite.

Best Side Dishes for Creamy Cucumber Salad

Creamy Cucumber Salad can elevate any meal, but it shines alongside these delightful sides.

Grilled Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn adds a smoky flavor that pairs wonderfully with the salad’s creaminess.
Coleslaw: A crunchy and tangy slaw offers a nice textural contrast to the smooth salad.
Roasted Potatoes: Crispy roasted potatoes provide heartiness, making the meal more filling.
Pasta Salad: A light pasta salad with cherry tomatoes and basil complements the freshness of cucumbers.
Caprese Skewers: These skewers add a burst of flavor with mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil, enhancing your meal’s freshness.
Grilled Vegetables: Smoky vegetables bring depth, balancing out the creamy elements of your dish.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When preparing your Creamy Cucumber Salad, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes. Here are some tips to ensure your salad turns out perfectly every time.

Skipping the drying step – Not patting the cucumbers dry can lead to a watery salad. Always dry them with paper towels after slicing to keep the dressing intact.
Using stale ingredients – Freshness matters! Ensure your cucumbers and dill are fresh for the best flavor. Check expiration dates on sour cream and vinegar.
Skipping the chilling time – For maximum flavor, allow the salad to chill for at least one hour before serving. This helps all the flavors meld together beautifully.
Overdressing the salad – Less is more! Start with a smaller amount of dressing and add more if needed. You can always adjust, but you can’t take away excess dressing.
Neglecting seasoning – A pinch of salt and pepper enhances the taste significantly. Don’t forget to season according to your preference!

Refrigerator Storage

Store your creamy cucumber salad in an airtight container.
It will last for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
Keep it chilled until serving to maintain its freshness.

Freezing Creamy Cucumber Salad

It is not recommended to freeze this salad due to its creamy texture and high water content in cucumbers.
Freezing may cause separation of ingredients when thawed, affecting flavor and texture.

Reheating Creamy Cucumber Salad

Oven – This salad is best served cold, so reheating isn’t necessary. If you must warm it, use a low temperature briefly.
Microwave – Use caution! Heat on low power for short bursts if absolutely necessary, but ideally serve cold or at room temperature.
Stovetop – Again, avoid heating this salad on the stovetop as it’s intended to be enjoyed fresh and cool.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes this Creamy Cucumber Salad special?

This Creamy Cucumber Salad stands out due to its fresh ingredients and simple preparation. It’s a nostalgic recipe that brings back memories of family gatherings.

Can I customize my Creamy Cucumber Salad?

Absolutely! Feel free to add ingredients like cherry tomatoes, radishes, or even feta cheese for added flavor and texture.

How do I make this salad healthier?

To make a lighter version of your Creamy Cucumber Salad, consider using Greek yogurt instead of sour cream or reducing the amount of sugar.

How long does Creamy Cucumber Salad last?

When stored properly in an airtight container, this salad lasts about 3 days in the refrigerator.

Can I use different herbs in my Creamy Cucumber Salad?

Yes! While dill is traditional, you can experiment with herbs like parsley or mint for a unique twist.

Final Thoughts

The Creamy Cucumber Salad is not just light and refreshing; it’s also incredibly versatile. Perfect for picnics or summer barbecues, this dish allows for plenty of customization. Try adding your favorite veggies or herbs to make it uniquely yours!

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

📖 Recipe Card