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There is nothing quite as delightful on a warm day as enjoying a cool, luscious salad that feels effortless yet full of flavor. The Creamy Cucumber Salad – A Refreshing Summer Side Dish Recipe is just that kind of dish. It combines the crisp crunch of thinly sliced cucumbers with a tangy, velvety dressing that dances between sour cream, dill, and a hint of garlic. This salad not only refreshes your palate but also adds a splash of bright green and subtle zest to any summer meal, making it the perfect side dish to bring to barbecues, picnics, or any sunny afternoon gathering.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Preparing this salad requires simple, everyday ingredients that work beautifully together to create a refreshing balance of creaminess, acidity, and crunch. Each element plays an essential role—whether it’s the crisp cucumbers providing hydration and texture or the dill offering that fresh, herbal note that ties everything together.
- 2 large cucumbers: Thinly sliced for that perfect crunch; peel or leave the skin on depending on your texture preference.
- ½ cup sour cream: Adds creamy richness; Greek yogurt can be used as a tangier, lighter alternative.
- ¼ cup mayonnaise (optional): Enhances creaminess for those who love a richer dressing.
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar: Injects a refreshing acidity that keeps the salad bright and vibrant.
- 1 teaspoon sugar (optional): A touch of sweetness to balance the tang of the vinegar and sour cream.
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill: Chopped finely, dill brings a subtle but unmistakable herbaceous aroma and flavor.
- 1 clove garlic (optional): Minced for a slight punch of savoriness that lifts the dish.
- Salt and pepper: To taste; they enhance every flavor and make the salad sing.
- 1 small red onion (optional): Thinly sliced for a mild sharpness and a pop of color.
- Fresh parsley (optional): Used as a garnish to add fresh, green brightness on presentation.
How to Make Creamy Cucumber Salad – A Refreshing Summer Side Dish Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Salt the Cucumbers
Start by washing your cucumbers thoroughly. Depending on your preference, peel them or leave the skin on for extra texture and nutrients. Slice them as thinly as possible to ensure they soak up the dressing well. To remove excess moisture and prevent the salad from getting watery, sprinkle the slices with salt and let them sit for about 10 minutes before patting them dry with a paper towel.
Step 2: Whisk Together the Creamy Dressing
In a small bowl, combine the sour cream with mayonnaise if you’re using it. Add apple cider vinegar, sugar, and freshly chopped dill, then whisk everything until smooth. Season with salt and pepper to your liking. If you’re feeling adventurous, mix in the minced garlic here for an extra layer of aroma and flavor.
Step 3: Toss the Salad
Add the cucumber slices into the dressing bowl and gently fold them together so every crisp slice is coated in that creamy, flavorful dressing. If you enjoy the bite and sweetness of red onion, fold those in now to add a delicate contrast both visually and taste-wise.
Step 4: Chill to Let Flavors Meld
For the best taste experience, cover the salad and refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes. This resting time allows the cucumbers to soak up the dressing, softening the edges and blending the flavors into a harmonious whole.
Step 5: Serve and Garnish
Before serving, give the salad a gentle toss again to redistribute the dressing evenly. Garnish with finely chopped fresh parsley or additional dill for a vibrant finish. Serve chilled and enjoy the cool burst of flavor.
How to Serve Creamy Cucumber Salad – A Refreshing Summer Side Dish Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like parsley or dill add the perfect fragrant finishing touch and enhance the salad’s visual appeal. For a little crunch, consider sprinkling some toasted nuts or seeds on top. Thin slices of radish or a sprinkle of finely diced fresh chili can add a delightful twist as well.
Side Dishes
This creamy cucumber salad pairs beautifully with classic summer mains like grilled chicken, juicy burgers, or flaky fish. It also complements heavier dishes by bringing a light, refreshing contrast that cleanses the palate between bites. Think of it as a cooling partner for spicy barbecue or rich casseroles.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving this salad in individual glass cups for an elegant picnic or party presentation. Layered with a sprinkle of smoked paprika or a swirl of olive oil, it can also become a standout appetizer. For an interactive meal, offer the salad as a topping station alongside flatbreads or tacos.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This salad keeps well in the refrigerator for up to two days. Store it in an airtight container to retain freshness and prevent odors from mingling with other foods. Give it a gentle stir before serving again to refresh the texture and coat any liquid that may have separated.
Freezing
Because of the high water content in cucumbers and the creamy nature of the dressing, freezing this salad is not recommended. It will become watery and lose its crisp texture once thawed.
Reheating
This salad is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature. Reheating is not suitable, as it may cause the dressing to separate and the cucumbers to become limp.
FAQs
Can I make this salad vegan?
Absolutely! Swap out the sour cream and mayonnaise for plant-based alternatives like coconut yogurt or vegan mayo, and you’ll have a delightful vegan version of Creamy Cucumber Salad – A Refreshing Summer Side Dish Recipe that still tastes amazing.
What if I don’t have fresh dill?
Dried dill works just fine, but use about one-third of the amount since it’s more concentrated. If neither is available, fresh parsley or chives can add a nice flavor, though the salad will have a slightly different herbal profile.
Can I add other vegetables?
Yes, thinly sliced radishes or cherry tomatoes make beautiful and tasty additions. Just keep in mind that the more vegetables you add, the more it changes the salad’s traditional texture and flavor balance.
How long should I salt the cucumbers?
10 minutes is ideal to draw out excess water without compromising the cucumbers’ crispness. If you’re in a hurry, even 5 minutes can help reduce some moisture, but longer is generally better.
Is this salad suitable for meal prep?
Definitely! Because it stores well in the fridge, you can prepare it a few hours ahead or even the night before. Just stir well before serving to redistribute the dressing evenly.
Final Thoughts
If you want a side dish that screams summer freshness and is incredibly easy to whip up, the Creamy Cucumber Salad – A Refreshing Summer Side Dish Recipe is a must-try. It’s simple but so satisfying, bringing together crisp textures and vibrant flavors in every bite. Be sure to make this a staple during warmer months—you’ll wonder how you ever enjoyed summer meals without it!
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Creamy Cucumber Salad – A Refreshing Summer Side Dish Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Creamy Cucumber Salad is a refreshing and light summer side dish that’s easy to prepare. Featuring thinly sliced cucumbers tossed in a smooth dressing of sour cream, mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, and fresh dill, it offers a perfect balance of creaminess and tang. Optional ingredients like red onion, garlic, and parsley add extra flavor and freshness, making it an ideal accompaniment to grilled meats, sandwiches, or a light meal on its own.
Ingredients
Salad
- 2 large cucumbers, thinly sliced (peeled or unpeeled based on preference)
- 1 small red onion, thinly sliced (optional)
Dressing
- ½ cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt for a lighter version)
- ¼ cup mayonnaise (optional, for extra creaminess)
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (or white vinegar)
- 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, for sweetness)
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried dill)
- 1 clove garlic, minced (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Garnish
- Fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare Cucumbers: Wash the cucumbers thoroughly. Peel them if desired, then slice thinly. Place the slices in a large mixing bowl. Optionally, sprinkle with salt and let sit for 10 minutes to draw out excess moisture, then pat dry with a paper towel.
- Make Dressing: In a small bowl, combine sour cream, mayonnaise (if using), apple cider vinegar, sugar, and chopped dill. Whisk everything together until smooth. Season the dressing with salt and pepper to taste. If you like a hint of garlic, stir in the minced garlic as well.
- Toss Salad: Add the cucumber slices to the bowl with the dressing. Toss gently to ensure all slices are evenly coated. If using red onion, add it at this stage and mix carefully to combine.
- Chill: For optimal flavor, refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes. This resting time allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
- Serve: Give the salad a final gentle toss before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley or additional dill if desired. Serve chilled and enjoy this crisp, creamy side dish!
Notes
- For a lighter version, substitute mayonnaise with extra Greek yogurt or omit it entirely.
- Peeling cucumbers is optional; leaving the skin on adds texture and nutrients.
- Salt the cucumbers and let them sit to prevent excess water from diluting the dressing.
- Adjust sugar quantity or omit it based on personal taste and dietary needs.
- Adding minced garlic enhances flavor but can be skipped for a milder salad.
- Use fresh dill for the best flavor, but dried dill works in a pinch.
- This salad is best served chilled and consumed within 24-48 hours for freshness.
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