There’s something magical about a classic creamy cucumber salad that instantly transports you back to family gatherings and summer picnics. This refreshing side dish, just like Grandma made, combines crisp cucumbers with a tangy-sweet dressing that perfectly complements any meal. Whether you’re grilling outdoors, hosting a potluck, or simply craving a light and delicious side, this easy cucumber salad delivers every time.
Table of contents
- Why You’ll Love This Easy Creamy Cucumber Salad Recipe
- What You’ll Need: Simple Ingredients for Creamy Cucumber Salad
- How to Make Creamy Cucumber Salad: Step-by-Step Instructions
- Make-Ahead & Storage Tips for Your Cucumber Salad
- Creative Recipe Variations & Additions
- What to Serve with Creamy Cucumber Salad
- Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Creamy Cucumber Salad
- More Delicious Cucumber Recipes You’ll Love
Why You’ll Love This Easy Creamy Cucumber Salad Recipe
This nostalgic recipe has been winning hearts for generations, and for good reason. The combination of fresh, crunchy cucumbers with creamy dressing creates the perfect balance of textures and flavors. What makes this recipe truly special is its simplicity – using just a handful of pantry staples, you can create a side dish that’s both elegant enough for entertaining and casual enough for everyday meals.
The beauty of this creamy cucumber salad lies in its versatility. It’s naturally light and refreshing, making it an ideal complement to rich, grilled meats. The tangy dressing cuts through heavy foods while the cucumbers provide a satisfying crunch that keeps you coming back for more. Plus, it’s incredibly quick to prepare – perfect for those busy summer days when you want something delicious without the fuss.
What You’ll Need: Simple Ingredients for Creamy Cucumber Salad
The magic of this recipe lies in its simplicity. You’ll need just a few fresh ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen:
For the Salad:
- 3-4 large cucumbers (about 2 pounds)
- 1/2 medium red onion
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
- 1 teaspoon salt (for salting cucumbers)
For the Creamy Dressing:
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 2 tablespoons white vinegar
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Choosing Your Cucumbers: Slicing, English, or Persian?
Not all cucumbers are created equal when it comes to salad-making. English cucumbers are your best bet for this recipe – they have fewer seeds, thinner skin, and a crisp texture that holds up beautifully in the creamy dressing. Their mild flavor won’t overpower the other ingredients.
Persian cucumbers are another excellent choice, offering similar benefits with a slightly smaller size that’s perfect for uniform slicing. Traditional slicing cucumbers work well too, but you may want to peel them if the skin seems tough or waxy.
Onion Varieties: Red, White, Green, or Chives?
Red onions are the classic choice for cucumber salad, providing a beautiful color contrast and a sharp bite that mellows beautifully when dressed. Their natural sweetness complements the tangy dressing perfectly.
Sweet white onions or Vidalia onions offer a milder flavor if you prefer less bite. Green onions or chives work wonderfully for a more subtle onion flavor and add a lovely green color to the mix.
The Creamy Base: Sour Cream, Greek Yogurt, or Mayonnaise?
Sour cream creates the classic tangy, creamy base that defines this traditional recipe. Its rich texture and slight tartness perfectly balance the sweetness of the dressing.
For a lighter version, substitute Greek yogurt for all or half of the sour cream. This adds protein and probiotics while maintaining that creamy texture. Mayonnaise can also be used for an even richer dressing, though it will change the flavor profile slightly.
The Tangy Kick: Vinegar Options for Perfect Acidity
White vinegar is the traditional choice, providing clean acidity that brightens the entire salad without competing with other flavors. White wine vinegar offers a slightly more refined taste, while apple cider vinegar adds a subtle fruity note.
For something special, try golden balsamic vinegar – it adds complexity while maintaining the light color of the dressing.
Fresh Herbs: Dill and Other Flavorful Alternatives
Fresh dill is absolutely essential for authentic flavor. Its bright, slightly tangy taste is what makes this salad truly special. If fresh dill isn’t available, you can substitute with dried dill, using about 1 teaspoon instead of the 2 tablespoons fresh.
Fresh mint creates a refreshing twist, while parsley adds color and freshness. Fresh basil works beautifully for an Italian-inspired variation.
Sweetness & Seasoning: Sugar, Salt, & Garlic Powder Tips
The granulated sugar balances the acidity of the vinegar, creating that perfect sweet-tangy flavor profile. You can reduce the sugar to 1/2 tablespoon if you prefer less sweetness, or omit it entirely for a more tangy salad.
Garlic powder adds depth without the sharp bite of fresh garlic, which could overpower the delicate cucumber flavor. Salt not only seasons the dressing but also helps draw moisture from the cucumbers when used in the preparation step.
How to Make Creamy Cucumber Salad: Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing Cucumbers & Onions (Preventing Watery Salad!)
This crucial step is what separates good cucumber salad from great cucumber salad. Start by washing and drying your cucumbers thoroughly. Using a sharp knife or mandoline, slice the cucumbers into thin, uniform rounds – about 1/8 inch thick is perfect.
Here’s the secret to preventing watery salad: Place the sliced cucumbers in a large colander and sprinkle them generously with 1 teaspoon of salt. Toss to coat evenly, then let them sit for 15-20 minutes. This process, called “salting,” draws out excess moisture that would otherwise dilute your dressing.
While the cucumbers are draining, slice your red onion into paper-thin half-moons. If the onion seems particularly sharp, you can soak the slices in ice water for 10 minutes to mellow the flavor.
After the salting time is up, rinse the cucumbers thoroughly under cold running water to remove the excess salt, then pat them completely dry with paper towels or a clean kitchen towel. This step is crucial – any remaining moisture will make your salad watery.
Whisking Together the Creamy Dressing
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the sour cream, white vinegar, sugar, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until smooth and well combined. The dressing should be creamy and pourable but thick enough to coat the cucumbers nicely.
Taste the dressing and adjust seasonings as needed. Some prefer a bit more vinegar for tang, while others like an extra pinch of sugar for sweetness. This is your chance to customize the flavor to your liking.
Combining and Garnish for Serving
Add the dried cucumbers and sliced onions to the bowl with the dressing. Gently fold everything together until the vegetables are evenly coated. Sprinkle the fresh dill over the top and give it one final gentle stir.
For the best flavor, cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and the vegetables to absorb some of the dressing.
Make-Ahead & Storage Tips for Your Cucumber Salad
This cucumber salad is perfect for make-ahead preparation, making it ideal for entertaining and meal prep. You can prepare it up to 24 hours in advance, though it’s at its absolute best within the first 4-6 hours after making.
Store leftover salad in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in an airtight container. The cucumbers will release more liquid over time, so you may want to drain off excess liquid before serving leftovers. Give the salad a good stir and taste for seasoning – you might need to add a pinch more salt or a splash of vinegar to brighten the flavors.
For the best texture, avoid freezing cucumber salad, as the cucumbers will become mushy when thawed.
Creative Recipe Variations & Additions
The beauty of this classic recipe is how easily it adapts to different flavors and dietary needs:
Mediterranean Twist: Add halved cherry tomatoes, crumbled feta cheese, and a handful of Kalamata olives. Replace the dill with fresh oregano.
Avocado Addition: Fold in diced avocado just before serving for extra creaminess and healthy fats.
Protein Boost: Top with flaked smoked salmon, diced hard-boiled eggs, or grilled chicken for a more substantial dish.
Asian-Inspired: Replace the dill with fresh cilantro, add a splash of rice vinegar and sesame oil, and garnish with toasted sesame seeds.
Spicy Kick: Add thinly sliced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the dressing.
For a lighter version, substitute Greek yogurt for the sour cream and reduce or eliminate the sugar for a healthier option. If you’re looking for more refreshing drinks to complement your meal, try our Lemon Ginger Water or Sassy Water Recipe for additional hydration and digestive benefits.
What to Serve with Creamy Cucumber Salad
This versatile side dish pairs beautifully with a wide variety of main courses. It’s particularly wonderful with rich, grilled meats where its fresh, tangy flavor provides a perfect counterpoint.
Perfect Pairings:
- Kung Pao Beef – The cool, creamy salad balances the spicy heat
- Honey Sriracha Salmon Bowl – Fresh cucumbers complement the sweet-spicy salmon
- Spicy Shrimp Tacos – Perfect cooling side for Mexican flavors
- Cilantro Lime Chicken Bowl – Great addition to healthy bowl meals
- Greek Chicken Bowls – Classic Mediterranean pairing
- Black Pepper Chicken – Cooling contrast to peppery dishes
- Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl – Fresh side for hearty grain bowls
The salad also shines at potluck dinners, picnics, and family gatherings alongside other classic sides like potato salad, coleslaw, and corn on the cob.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
Based on 8 servings:
- Calories: 45
- Total Fat: 3g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Cholesterol: 6mg
- Sodium: 190mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 5g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 4g
- Protein: 1g
This light, refreshing salad is naturally low in calories and provides hydration, vitamin K, and antioxidants from the cucumbers and herbs. For those focused on weight management, this pairs wonderfully with other healthy options from our collection of protein-rich recipes and detox beverages.
Creamy Cucumber Salad
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- colander
- sharp knife or mandoline slicer
- whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients
- 3-4 large cucumbers about 2 pounds, thinly sliced
- 1/2 medium red onion thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill chopped
- 1 teaspoon salt for salting cucumbers
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 2 tablespoons white vinegar
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare Cucumbers: Wash and slice cucumbers into thin rounds (1/8 inch thick). Place in a large colander and sprinkle with 1 teaspoon salt. Toss to coat and let drain for 15-20 minutes.
- Prepare Onion: While cucumbers drain, slice red onion into thin half-moons.
- Rinse and Dry: After salting time, rinse cucumbers thoroughly under cold water to remove excess salt. Pat completely dry with paper towels or clean kitchen towel.
- Make Dressing: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together sour cream, white vinegar, sugar, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until smooth and well combined.
- Combine: Add dried cucumbers and sliced onions to the dressing. Gently fold together until vegetables are evenly coated.
- Add Herbs: Sprinkle fresh dill over the top and give one final gentle stir.
- Chill: Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.
- Serve: Give a final stir before serving. Store leftovers covered in refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Notes
- Sour cream can be replaced with Greek yogurt for lighter version or mayonnaise for richer flavor
- White vinegar can be substituted with white wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar
- Fresh dill can be replaced with dried dill (use 1 teaspoon) or fresh herbs like mint or parsley
- Sugar can be reduced or omitted for less sweet version
Nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Creamy Cucumber Salad
The key is salting the cucumbers before adding the dressing. Slice your cucumbers, sprinkle them with salt, and let them drain in a colander for 15-20 minutes. This draws out excess moisture. Rinse off the salt and pat the cucumbers completely dry before mixing with the dressing. This simple step prevents the watery mess that can ruin cucumber salad.
Absolutely! The sugar balances the acidity of the vinegar, but you can reduce it or omit it entirely if you prefer a more tangy salad. Start by cutting the sugar in half, taste, and adjust from there. Some people prefer the purely savory version, especially when serving it alongside sweet main dishes.
Greek yogurt is the best substitute – use the same amount and you’ll get similar creaminess with added protein and probiotics. Mayonnaise works well too, though it creates a richer, different flavor profile. For dairy-free options, try cashew cream or a high-quality vegan sour cream substitute.
Properly stored in an airtight container, cucumber salad will keep for up to 3 days in the refrigerator. However, it’s at its best within the first 4-6 hours when the cucumbers are still crisp and haven’t released too much liquid. If storing overnight, you may need to drain excess liquid and re-season before serving.
More Delicious Cucumber Recipes You’ll Love
If you enjoyed this creamy cucumber salad, you might also love these fresh and healthy recipes:
Light & Refreshing Options:
- Green Goddess Smoothie – Another cooling, nutrient-packed option
- Chickpea Tuna Salad – Plant-based protein salad with similar freshness
- Detox Island Green Smoothie – Perfect for cleansing alongside light salads
Healthy Bowl Combinations:
- Turkey Burrito Bowls – Add cucumber salad as a fresh topping
- Lentil Bowl High Protein – Complement with cooling cucumber side
- Ground Beef Burrito Bowl – Perfect pairing for hearty meals
Healthy Wraps & Light Meals:
- Chicken Avocado Wrap – Add cucumber salad inside for extra crunch
- Black Bean Quinoa Burger – Serve as a cooling side
Hydrating Beverages:
- Electrolyte Water – Perfect hydration companion
- Iced Honeydew Mint Tea – Refreshing drink pairing
This classic creamy cucumber salad is more than just a side dish – it’s a taste of summer memories and family traditions. With its perfect balance of creamy, tangy, and fresh flavors, it’s no wonder this recipe has stood the test of time. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or just because you’re craving something light and delicious, this easy cucumber salad never disappoints.
Did you make this recipe? Leave a comment below and let us know how it turned out! Don’t forget to rate the recipe and share your favorite variations.
