Creamy Cucumber Salad Recipe

Creamy Cucumber Salad Recipe, Summer salad recipe

When the summer sun starts shining and backyard get-togethers fill up your weekends, there’s nothing better than reaching for a cool, crisp, and creamy side dish that brings freshness to the table. 


The Creamy Cucumber Salad—a timeless favorite and the ultimate crowd-pleaser for picnics, barbecues, potlucks, or even a light weekday lunch. 


This salad is a staple in my summer kitchen, and once you try it, it just might become one in yours too.


What makes this salad so special is its perfect balance of creamy and tangy, fresh and flavorful. 


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It all starts with crisp slices of cucumber, delicately tossed in a light and luscious sour cream dressing that doesn’t overpower, but rather enhances, the natural flavor of the cucumbers. 


With a few simple ingredients—sour cream, red wine vinegar, fresh dill, garlic powder, and thinly sliced red onions—you can transform basic produce into a side dish that feels refreshing yet indulgent.


One of the best parts about this recipe is its simplicity. 


It takes just five minutes to chop everything up and mix it all together. Whether you're in a rush or just want to keep things easy, this salad delivers flavor without fuss. 


I often find myself turning to this recipe throughout the summer because it’s just that quick and reliable. And the flavor payoff is huge.


Let’s talk ingredients. I like to use English cucumbers for this salad because they’re tender, have fewer seeds, and a thinner skin than regular slicing cucumbers. 


However, Persian cucumbers work beautifully as well. Red onions bring a hint of sweetness and vibrant color to the dish, while fresh dill adds a delicate, herbaceous note that’s truly the soul of the salad. 


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If you can’t find fresh dill, don’t worry—a small amount of dried dill will still do the trick (just go easy, as it’s more concentrated).


The creamy base is traditionally made with full-fat sour cream, which lends a rich texture. But feel free to customize it—light sour cream, Greek yogurt, or even non-dairy alternatives like plain coconut or almond yogurt all work well depending on your preferences. 


A splash of red wine vinegar adds brightness, but if you're out of it, white wine vinegar, apple cider vinegar, or lemon juice are all excellent substitutes.


You can also jazz things up with optional mix-ins. Crumbled feta adds a salty, tangy touch, while sun-dried or cherry tomatoes bring in sweetness and color. 


Want it even creamier? 


Toss in some diced avocado. And if you’re a fan of briny flavors, a spoonful of capers will elevate this salad in a whole new way.


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Here are a few tips to ensure your salad comes out perfect every time:


  • Slice your cucumbers and onions thinly. A mandolin is ideal for uniform slices, but a sharp knife works just as well if that’s what you have.

  • Use fresh dill whenever possible. Its bright, citrusy flavor adds so much to the dish and sets it apart from dried herbs.

  • Taste as you go. Don’t be afraid to adjust the salt, pepper, or vinegar to suit your taste. Every cucumber is a little different in water content and flavor, so a quick taste test before serving helps you get it just right.

  • Serve immediately. While this salad can rest in the fridge for a short while, it’s best enjoyed fresh. If it sits too long, the cucumbers will begin to release water, diluting the dressing and making the salad soggy.


Creamy, crunchy, tangy, and bright—this creamy cucumber salad is a classic for good reason. 


It’s the kind of dish that quietly steals the spotlight at the table without trying too hard. So the next time you're looking for a fast, fresh side that everyone will rave about, give this one a try. It might just become your new summer go-to.


Here's the ultimate and popular creamy cucumber salad!

INGREDIENTS

  • 2 large English cucumbers thinly sliced
  • ¼ red onion thinly sliced
  • ½ cup sour cream
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill
  • 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon sugar (optional)
  • ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper

Creamy Cucumber Salad Recipe, Summer salad recipe

RECIPE INSTRUCTIONS


1. Wash the cucumber (obviously!) and cut it into slices ¼-inch thick. Don't cut too thick!

2. In a medium bowl, mix the sour cream, vinegar, dill, sugar, and garlic powder until well combined.

3. Season with salt and pepper.

4. Add the sliced cucumbers and red onions on top of the sour cream dressing and stir to coat.

5. Gently toss well to coat every single slice.

6. Serve immediately at room temperature or refrigerate for 1 hour before serving.




Tips - FAQ

A. Want a different taste?

Q. Add some Italian seasoning to the mixture as it will give a different taste to your usual cucumber salad. And you can alter the taste of your salad by using any kind of seasoning you like.


A. Want to make it healthier?

Q. Don't add sour cream and sugar!


A. Want to make it extra crunchy?

Q. Just bake the cucumber slices to make cucumber chips, and make a crunchy creamy cucumber salad.


A. How to clean the cumbers?

Q. Gently wash with baking soda or salt water. Or else you can peel them too.


A. Herbs alternative?

Q. You can use any fresh herbs of your choice. Such as like basil, parsley, and coriander can be added.


A. How to store?

 Q. Cucumber salad is best served immediately for the best quality. Cucumbers will start to weep and make the salad watery. Store leftover salad in the fridge for up to 2-3 days. Drain any juices and stir before serving.