Cool, crisp, and delightfully tangy, this Creamy Cucumber Salad Recipe is the ultimate side dish for sunny days, potlucks, or whenever your meal needs a fresh and creamy lift. With juicy cucumbers and slivers of red onion tossed in a dreamy dressing of sour cream, mayo, dill, and a splash of vinegar, every bite is an irresistible blend of crunch and creaminess. Whether you’re a fan of nostalgic flavors or on the lookout for easy, zesty recipes, you’ll fall in love with how this crowd-pleaser brightens any table.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Creamy Cucumber Salad Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Creamy Cucumber Salad Recipe is in its simplicity: each ingredient is thoughtfully chosen for maximum flavor, texture, and freshness. Nothing fancy here — just everyday ingredients that come together to create magic in a bowl.

2 large cucumbers (thinly sliced): Choose firm, fresh cucumbers for the best satisfying crunch and flavor.
½ small red onion (thinly sliced): Adds a gentle zing and lovely color contrast that makes the salad pop.
½ cup sour cream: The creamy foundation that delivers tang and silkiness to the dressing.
2 tbsp mayonnaise: Lends extra richness and pulls the creamy texture together.
1 tbsp white vinegar: Brings a bright, fresh bite that wakes up all the flavors.
1 tsp sugar: Just enough sweetness to balance out the tang from the vinegar and creaminess of the dressing.
½ tsp garlic powder: Subtle savory depth that ties it all together — don’t skip it!
½ tsp salt: Essential for enhancing all the other flavors and drawing out moisture from the cucumbers.
¼ tsp black pepper: Adds a mild heat for a little kick without overpowering the salad.
1 tbsp fresh dill (or 1 tsp dried dill): Fragrant and herbaceous, dill is the heart and soul of this salad.

How to Make Creamy Cucumber Salad Recipe

Step 1: Prep the Vegetables

Start by slicing your cucumbers and red onion as thinly as possible — a mandolin works magic, but a sharp knife and steady hand do the trick. The thin slices ensure every bite is delicate and evenly coated in that luscious dressing. Place these veggies in a large serving bowl so there’s room to toss everything together later.

Step 2: Whisk the Creamy Dressing

In a small bowl, combine the sour cream, mayonnaise, white vinegar, sugar, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and dill. Whisk it all together until smooth and fluffy. This dreamy mixture is what gives the Creamy Cucumber Salad Recipe its irresistible tangy richness, so be sure the dressing is well-blended with no lumps.

Step 3: Toss to Coat

Pour the creamy dressing over the cucumber and onion slices in your serving bowl. Using tongs or clean hands, toss everything gently but thoroughly. You want every slice to be slicked in that dressing without breaking up the delicate cucumber rounds.

Step 4: Chill and Marinate

Cover your bowl and pop the salad into the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This short rest is crucial — it gives the flavors time to mingle and mellow, and ensures the salad is served refreshingly chilled. If you have extra time, even an hour is better; the cucumbers soak up the dressing and turn addictively flavorful.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

When you’re ready to serve, give the salad a gentle final toss to redistribute any dressing that’s settled at the bottom. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed — sometimes a pinch more salt or a sprinkle of dill is just what it needs. Spoon into bowls or onto plates, and let the compliments roll in.

How to Serve Creamy Cucumber Salad Recipe

Garnishes

Sprinkle extra chopped fresh dill or a light dusting of cracked black pepper over the top right before serving. If you want a little color, add a few thin rings of red onion or even a scatter of sliced radishes for an extra visual pop. These garnishes add fragrance and make your Creamy Cucumber Salad Recipe look stunning in any setting.

Side Dishes

This salad makes the perfect cool counterpoint to grilled meats like chicken, salmon, or steak, and it’s equally at home beside classics like burgers or sandwiches. For a plant-based plate, pair it with roasted potatoes or alongside a hearty grain salad. The creamy tang balances out anything spicy, smoky, or rich, making it super versatile.

Creative Ways to Present

Get fancy by layering your Creamy Cucumber Salad Recipe into individual mason jars or small glass cups for parties. Or spread some crisp lettuce leaves on a platter and spoon the salad on top for a pretty, picnic-ready presentation. For a truly summery touch, try serving it in a hollowed-out cucumber boat or as a topping for open-faced sandwiches.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftovers (good luck!), transfer the Creamy Cucumber Salad Recipe into an airtight container and refrigerate. It will keep well for up to two days. The cucumbers may release a bit of extra liquid, so simply give it another quick stir before serving.

Freezing

Unfortunately, this dish isn’t a good candidate for freezing — cucumbers have a very high water content and will turn mushy when thawed, and the creamy dressing can break. For best texture and flavor, enjoy this salad fresh or within a couple of days from the fridge.

Reheating

No reheating needed here! This Creamy Cucumber Salad Recipe is best served cold, straight from the fridge. In fact, the chilled temperature really brings out the crunch and refreshing flavors that make this salad so beloved.

FAQs

Can I use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream and mayo?

Absolutely! For a lighter twist, swap out the sour cream and mayonnaise for plain Greek yogurt. You’ll still get a lovely creamy texture with a slight tang, and it makes the Creamy Cucumber Salad Recipe a bit more protein-packed and lower in fat.

How do I keep the cucumbers from getting watery?

If you want your salad extra crisp, sprinkle the sliced cucumbers with salt and let them sit in a colander for about 15 minutes. Drain off the excess moisture, pat dry, then proceed with the recipe. This simple step really helps maintain crunch!

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Definitely! The Creamy Cucumber Salad Recipe actually gets better after a bit of chilling. Just prep and mix everything up to a day ahead, then give it a good stir before serving to redistribute the dressing.

What’s the best way to slice cucumbers for this recipe?

For the prettiest and most refreshing salad, slice your cucumbers as thin as possible. A mandolin makes quick and uniform work of this, but a sharp knife works too. You can peel the cucumbers or leave the skin on for extra color and nutrients—it’s up to you!

Is this Creamy Cucumber Salad Recipe vegetarian and gluten free?

Yes, this recipe ticks both boxes! All the ingredients are vegetarian and completely gluten free as written, so anyone can enjoy it without worry.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve been looking for a side dish that reinvents the ordinary, this Creamy Cucumber Salad Recipe will bring a refreshing and creamy crunch to your table. It’s the kind of dish you’ll make once, then crave all summer long. Go ahead, give it a try — your taste buds (and your friends) will thank you!

Creamy Cucumber Salad Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 29 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 40 minutes (includes chilling)
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free

Print Recipe

Description

This Creamy Cucumber Salad recipe is a refreshing and simple side dish perfect for summer gatherings. Crisp cucumbers and red onions are coated in a creamy, tangy dressing with a hint of dill, creating a flavorful and satisfying dish.

Ingredients

Scale

Cucumbers:

2 large cucumbers (thinly sliced)

Red Onion:

½ small red onion (thinly sliced)

Dressing:

½ cup sour cream
2 tbsp mayonnaise
1 tbsp white vinegar
1 tsp sugar
½ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper
1 tbsp fresh dill (chopped, or 1 tsp dried dill)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Prepare Vegetables: Place the sliced cucumbers and red onion in a large bowl.
Make Dressing: In a separate small bowl, whisk together sour cream, mayonnaise, vinegar, sugar, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and dill until smooth.
Combine: Pour the dressing over the cucumbers and onion, and toss gently to coat.
Chill: Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to blend. Stir again before serving.