Creamy Cucumber Salad Recipe
If you’re craving a fresh, crisp side that perfectly balances tangy, creamy, and herbaceous flavors, this Creamy Cucumber Salad Recipe is absolutely what you need. It’s a humble dish that transforms simple ingredients like cucumbers, red onions, and fresh dill into a refreshing delight with the help of a luscious sour cream dressing. This salad is not just quick and easy to whip up in about 15 minutes, but it’s also a crowd-pleaser that brightens up any meal, from barbecues to weeknight dinners. The cool crunch of cucumbers coated in a creamy, slightly tangy dressing makes each bite irresistibly satisfying—trust me, once you try it, this recipe will become your new go-to for a vibrant, light side dish.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to nailing this salad. Each one plays a crucial role, whether it’s adding creaminess, a hint of acidity, or fresh garden herbs to elevate the dish’s flavor and texture. The simplicity here is key, highlighting each element beautifully without overwhelming the palate.
- 3 cups thinly sliced cucumbers: The star ingredient, providing a cool crunch and refreshing base.
- 1 cup thinly sliced red onion: Adds a sharp, slightly sweet bite that complements the creamy dressing perfectly.
- 1/2 cup sour cream: Creates that rich, creamy texture that coats every cucumber slice beautifully.
- 1 Tablespoon white vinegar: Brings brightness and tang to balance the creaminess of the sour cream.
- 2 Tablespoons minced fresh dill: Infuses herby, fresh notes that make the salad irresistibly fragrant.
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar: Just a touch of sweetness to round out the flavors.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors without overpowering.
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds a subtle depth of flavor and a hint of savory warmth.
How to Make Creamy Cucumber Salad Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Vegetables
Begin by slicing your red onion into thin, delicate rings using a sharp knife or mandoline—this will keep the texture light and crunchy without being overpowering. Wash your cucumbers thoroughly and slice them thinly as well. Patting these slices dry with paper towels is essential to remove excess moisture so your salad doesn’t become watery later on.
Step 2: Whisk the Dressing
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the sour cream, white vinegar, fresh dill, sugar, salt, and garlic powder. Stir them together until the mixture is smooth and well blended. This dressing is the heart of the salad, lending its creamy, tangy, and aromatic qualities to every bite.
Step 3: Toss Vegetables with Dressing
Add the thinly sliced cucumbers and red onions to your dressing bowl, then gently toss everything together. Be careful not to bruise the delicate cucumber slices—light tossing ensures even coating of the creamy dressing while keeping the cucumbers crisp.
Step 4: Garnish and Chill
Finally, sprinkle extra fresh dill and freshly ground black pepper on top if desired. Serve immediately for a vibrant crunch, or cover and chill for a bit if you prefer chilled, melded flavors. This resting time makes the salad even more refreshing and allows the flavors to marry beautifully.
How to Serve Creamy Cucumber Salad Recipe
Garnishes
Extra fresh dill is the ultimate finishing touch, offering a burst of herbal freshness that elevates the salad’s classic flavor. You can also add a light sprinkle of cracked black pepper for a tiny hint of spice that balances the creaminess wonderfully.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs amazingly with grilled meats like chicken, pork chops, or salmon. It also shines alongside roasted potatoes or rice dishes, where its freshness cuts through richer, heavier flavors. Think of it as the perfect cooling companion on hot summer days or for holiday meals that need a crisp, clean contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this salad in a beautiful glass bowl to show off its vibrant colors, or layer it in individual jars for a charming picnic or potluck presentation. For a fun twist, try serving it in cucumber cups by hollowing out thick cucumber slices for bite-sized, edible bowls that add a wow factor to your table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers of this Creamy Cucumber Salad Recipe keep well when covered and refrigerated for up to 3 days. Make sure to store the salad in an airtight container to maintain its crispness and freshness. Give it a light stir before serving again to redistribute the dressing.
Freezing
Freezing this salad is not recommended because cucumbers release a lot of water when frozen and thawed, which would make the salad soggy and less enjoyable. Fresh is best to preserve that signature crunch.
Reheating
This salad is best served cold or at room temperature and is not suited for reheating. The creamy dressing and fresh vegetables are meant to be enjoyed chilled to maintain their texture and refreshing taste.
FAQs
Can I use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream?
Absolutely! Greek yogurt makes a fantastic substitute if you want a slightly tangier and lighter version of this salad without losing that creamy texture.
What kind of cucumbers are best for this salad?
English cucumbers or Kirby cucumbers are ideal because they have fewer seeds and thinner skins, which keeps the salad less bitter and more tender.
How long should I slice the cucumbers and onions for?
Thin slices are key to achieving the perfect balance of texture and flavor absorption. Aim for slices about 1/8-inch thick to keep them delicate but sturdy enough to hold the dressing.
Can I make this salad vegan?
Yes! You can substitute sour cream with a vegan alternative like coconut or cashew-based sour cream to keep the creamy consistency while maintaining the vegan aspect.
Should I salt the cucumbers before adding the dressing?
Usually, the salt in the dressing is enough, but if you want to avoid excess water, lightly salting and draining cucumbers before mixing can help keep your salad from becoming watery.
Final Thoughts
You really can’t go wrong with this Creamy Cucumber Salad Recipe. It’s quick to make, refreshingly delicious, and the perfect side to brighten any meal. Give it a try the next time you want something simple yet extraordinary, and watch it quickly become a new favorite for you and your loved ones!
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Creamy Cucumber Salad Recipe
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Creamy Cucumber Salad is a refreshing and quick side dish, perfect for warm days or as a cool complement to any meal. It features thinly sliced cucumbers and red onions tossed in a tangy, creamy dressing made with sour cream, white vinegar, fresh dill, and subtle seasonings. Ready in just 15 minutes, this salad balances crisp textures with smooth, herbaceous flavors.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 3 cups thinly sliced cucumbers
- 1 cup thinly sliced red onion
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
Garnish (optional)
- Additional fresh dill
- Freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Slice the vegetables: Using a sharp knife or mandoline, cut the red onion into thin slices. Wash the cucumbers thoroughly, then slice them thinly as well. Use paper towels to pat the cucumber slices dry to remove excess moisture and prevent a watery salad.
- Prepare the dressing: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the sour cream, white vinegar, minced fresh dill, granulated sugar, salt, and garlic powder. Stir the ingredients together until the dressing is smooth and well blended.
- Toss the salad: Add the sliced cucumbers and red onions into the dressing bowl. Gently toss everything together to evenly coat the vegetables with the creamy mixture without bruising the slices.
- Garnish and serve: Optionally, sprinkle additional fresh dill and freshly ground black pepper over the salad for extra flavor. Serve the salad immediately or cover and chill it in the refrigerator to allow the flavors to meld. Store leftovers covered in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Notes
- Patting cucumbers dry helps keep the salad from becoming watery.
- For extra crunch and color, you can add sliced radishes or bell peppers.
- Chilling the salad before serving enhances the flavors and makes it more refreshing.
- This salad is best enjoyed within 3 days as the cucumbers soften over time.
- Use fresh dill for the best herbal flavor; dried dill can be substituted but use less.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
