If you’re on the lookout for a fresh, delicious side that feels creamy and cooling yet isn’t heavy, this Creamy Cucumber Salad Recipe is going to become your new go-to. It’s incredibly simple but bursting with flavor, marrying crisp cucumber slices with a tangy, herby dressing that’s smooth and slightly sweet. This salad isn’t just a perfect light addition to a summer dinner—it’s downright addictive, refreshing, and easy to whip up in just a few minutes, making it a total crowd-pleaser every time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients for this salad is straightforward but essential. Each one plays a starring role in creating that perfect balance of crispness, creaminess, and tang. Fresh cucumbers bring the cool crunch, while red onion adds a sharp bite that is mellowed by the creamy, dill-infused dressing.
- English cucumbers: They’re seedless and less watery, perfect for maintaining salad crunch without sogginess.
- Red onion: Adds a vibrant color and a subtle sharpness that complements the cucumbers beautifully.
- Kosher salt: Essential for drawing out excess moisture, which keeps the salad crisp rather than watery.
- Sour cream: Creates that luscious creamy texture with a hint of tanginess that lifts the entire dish.
- White vinegar: Brings a bright, acidic note to balance the richness of the sour cream.
- Sugar: Just a touch to mellow the tartness and bring all flavors into harmony.
- Fresh dill: This herb is a classic pairing with cucumbers, infusing the salad with an aromatic freshness and a little herbal zing.
How to Make Creamy Cucumber Salad Recipe
Step 1: Slice the Veggies Thinly
Start by slicing your English cucumbers and red onion as thinly as you can. Using a mandolin slicer can make them perfectly uniform and paper-thin, which helps the salad absorb dressing better and makes every bite delightful. If you prefer a bit more rustic texture, a sharp knife works just fine too.
Step 2: Salt and Rest
Place the sliced cucumbers and onions in a colander and sprinkle with kosher salt, tossing well to coat every slice. Allow them to sit for 30 minutes. This step is a game-changer—it pulls excess water out of the cucumbers, preventing the salad from becoming soggy and helping retain that satisfying crunch.
Step 3: Whisk Up the Dressing
While your veggies are resting, mix together the sour cream, white vinegar, sugar, and dill in a bowl until smooth and creamy. This dressing is the heart of the Creamy Cucumber Salad Recipe—its balance of tang, sweetness, and herbaceousness is what makes this salad unforgettable.
Step 4: Dry the Cucumbers
After the resting period, use a clean towel or paper towels to gently pat the cucumbers and onions dry. Do this without rinsing, as rinsing would wash away the salt that’s been helping to draw out moisture and season the veggies subtly.
Step 5: Combine and Chill
Transfer the dried cucumber and onion slices into a large bowl and pour your luscious dressing over them. Toss everything together gently but thoroughly so every bite is coated in creamy goodness. If you have the patience, refrigerate the salad for at least 10-15 minutes—it lets all those flavors marry beautifully!
How to Serve Creamy Cucumber Salad Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a sprinkle of fresh dill or a few cracked black peppercorns right before serving gives the salad an extra pop of flavor and makes it look even more inviting. For some crunch, consider toasted sunflower seeds or thinly sliced radishes as a colorful garnish.
Side Dishes
This salad is fantastic alongside grilled chicken, pork chops, or fish, offering a refreshing contrast to smoky or savory mains. It also pairs wonderfully with picnic fare like sandwiches and barbecued ribs, making any meal feel lighter and more balanced.
Creative Ways to Present
For a charming presentation, serve it in a clear glass bowl so guests can admire the colorful layers of cucumbers and red onions swimming in creamy dressing. You can also hollow out cucumbers and make mini salad boats for a fun appetizer twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Creamy cucumber salad holds up well in the fridge for up to 2 days. Store it in an airtight container to keep it fresh and crisp. Remember, the cucumbers may release some liquid over time, so give the salad a gentle toss before serving again.
Freezing
Because cucumbers have high water content, freezing this salad is not recommended. Freezing will cause the texture to become mushy and unappealing once thawed.
Reheating
This salad is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature. Reheating will spoil the fresh, crisp qualities you love in this Creamy Cucumber Salad Recipe, so keep it chilled for maximum enjoyment.
FAQs
Can I use different types of cucumbers in this salad?
English cucumbers are ideal because they have fewer seeds and less water, but you can use regular cucumbers if that’s what’s on hand. Just be sure to remove seeds if they are large and slice them thinly to avoid excess water in the salad.
Is it possible to make this salad vegan?
Absolutely! Swap the sour cream for a plant-based alternative like vegan sour cream or coconut yogurt. The flavors will be slightly different but still deliciously creamy and fresh.
How long can I prepare this salad ahead of time?
You can prepare and dress the salad a few hours ahead for the best flavor, but it’s recommended to add the dressing closer to serving time to keep the cucumbers crisp. If prepping the salad earlier, keep it undressed until just before serving.
Can I add other vegetables to the Creamy Cucumber Salad Recipe?
Yes! Thinly sliced radishes, cherry tomatoes, or fresh herbs like parsley or chives can be added to give the salad an extra dimension of color and flavor.
Why is salting the cucumbers important?
Salting draws out excess moisture, which prevents the salad from becoming watery and helps maintain that crisp texture. It also enhances the natural flavor of the cucumbers.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Creamy Cucumber Salad Recipe enough—it’s one of those simple dishes that feels effortlessly elegant and truly refreshing. Perfect for warm days, picnics, or anytime you need a quick, flavorful side dish, it’s bound to become a favorite in your recipe collection. Give it a try, and I promise it will bring a smile to your face with every crunchy, creamy bite!
Print
Creamy Cucumber Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 40 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 40 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 featuring thinly sliced English cucumbers and red onions tossed in a smooth sour cream and dill dressing. The cucumbers are lightly salted and rested to retain a crisp texture, making this salad perfect for warm weather meals or as a cool accompaniment to grilled foods.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 2 English cucumbers
- 1/4 medium red onion
Other Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/3 cup white vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill (or 1 tablespoon dried dill)
Instructions
- Slicing the Vegetables: By hand or using a mandolin slicer, thinly slice the English cucumbers and the quarter of a medium red onion to create uniform, delicate pieces for the salad.
- Salting and Resting: Place the sliced cucumbers and onions in a colander set over the sink. Sprinkle the kosher salt evenly over the vegetables and toss gently to coat. Let them sit for 30 minutes. This process helps draw out excess moisture from the cucumbers, ensuring the salad remains crisp and not soggy.
- Preparing the Dressing: While the vegetables rest, combine the sour cream, white vinegar, sugar, and fresh or dried dill in a bowl. Whisk these ingredients together until the dressing is smooth and well blended.
- Drying the Vegetables: After the resting period, use a clean towel or paper towels to pat the cucumbers and onions dry, removing any residual liquid. Do not rinse off the salt, as it is essential for flavor and texture.
- Combining and Serving: Transfer the dried vegetables to a large mixing bowl. Pour the dressing over them and mix thoroughly to coat all slices evenly. If possible, allow the salad to chill and let flavors meld before serving for best taste.
Notes
- Using a mandolin slicer provides evenly thin slices for better texture and presentation.
- Allowing the cucumbers to rest with salt is crucial to avoid a watery salad.
- Fresh dill gives a more vibrant flavor compared to dried dill, but either works well.
- For a lighter version, Greek yogurt can substitute sour cream.
- This salad is best served chilled and can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
