If you are on the hunt for a fresh and luscious side dish that perfectly balances cool crispness with rich, tangy creaminess, this Creamy Cucumber Salad Recipe is an absolute must-try. Imagine thinly sliced cucumbers enveloped in a velvety dressing made from sour cream, mayonnaise, and fresh dill, with just the right hint of white vinegar and a touch of sweetness. This salad is incredibly simple but so satisfying, making it the perfect companion to everything from summer barbecues to weeknight dinners. Once you try this Creamy Cucumber Salad Recipe, it will quickly become your go-to for an easy, refreshing salad that feels homemade and wholesome.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Creamy Cucumber Salad Recipe plays a crucial part in delivering a harmony of flavor and texture. These simple, fresh ingredients come together to create a salad that is crisp, creamy, and bright—the kind of dish that highlights the natural goodness of cucumbers while adding depth and richness with dairy and herbs.
- 2 English cucumbers or 6-8 small cucumbers: English cucumbers are ideal because they have fewer seeds and thinner skin, keeping the salad tender and refreshing.
- ½ cup of sour cream or full fat plain Greek yogurt: Adds a creamy, tangy base that beautifully complements the cucumbers.
- ¼ cup of mayonnaise: Brings a luscious, smooth texture that enriches the dressing without overpowering.
- ¼ cup of fresh dill plus extra for garnish (minced): Fresh dill infuses the salad with its aromatic, slightly citrusy notes, making it incredibly vibrant.
- 3 tablespoons of white vinegar: Provides the perfect acidity to balance the creaminess and brighten every bite.
- ½ teaspoon of granulated white sugar: Softens the tang, giving a subtle sweetness that enhances the overall flavor.
- Salt to taste: Essential for bringing out the flavors of the cucumbers and dressing.
- Fresh cracked pepper to serve: Adds a bit of warmth and bite to finish the salad perfectly.
How to Make Creamy Cucumber Salad Recipe
Step 1: Slice the Cucumbers
Begin by washing your cucumbers thoroughly, then slice them into even ¼ inch rounds. This thickness ensures every bite has a crisp snap without being too thick or watery. Add these slices directly into a large bowl, ready to be dressed and transformed.
Step 2: Whisk the Creamy Dressing
In a medium bowl, combine the sour cream (or Greek yogurt), mayonnaise, fresh minced dill, white vinegar, and granulated sugar. Whisk everything together until you have a smooth, creamy dressing with no lumps. This mixture is the heart of your salad, so take your time to get the balance just right.
Step 3: Season the Dressing
Now it’s time to taste and season with salt. Add a pinch at a time, stirring well between additions. Salt enhances the natural sweetness of the cucumbers and the tang of the dressing, so don’t rush—adjust until the flavor sings perfectly to your taste buds.
Step 4: Toss Cucumbers with Dressing
Pour the luscious dressing over your cucumber slices and toss gently to coat every piece evenly. The goal is to have the dressing lightly clinging to each cucumber slice without drowning them, keeping that signature creamy crunch.
Step 5: Chill and Marinate
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least one hour. This time allows the cucumbers to soak up all the wonderful flavors from the dressing and dill, enhancing the salad’s texture and taste.
Step 6: Final Toss and Serve
After chilling, give the salad one last gentle toss. Sprinkle extra minced dill on top along with freshly cracked pepper for an aromatic finish and a little spicy kick. Now your Creamy Cucumber Salad Recipe is ready to impress!
How to Serve Creamy Cucumber Salad Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a few extra fresh dill sprigs and a crack of fresh black pepper right before serving amplifies the freshness and visual appeal. For a twist, a sprinkle of thinly sliced red onions or a few toasted sunflower seeds can add delightful texture contrasts.
Side Dishes
This Creamy Cucumber Salad Recipe pairs perfectly with grilled meats like chicken, pork chops, or fish. It also lends a refreshing touch alongside potato dishes or hearty sandwiches, balancing out richer flavors with lightness and creaminess.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the salad in individual clear glasses or cucumber cups carved out from cucumbers themselves to impress guests with a delightful presentation. Alternatively, layering the salad in a mason jar gives it a rustic, charming vibe that’s perfect for picnics or potlucks.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Creamy cucumber salad keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The cucumbers will soften slightly but remain tasty. For best texture, consume it within the first day if you prefer crispness.
Freezing
Because of the creamy dressing and fresh cucumbers, freezing this salad is not recommended. The texture and flavor will degrade, leaving a watery, mushy result.
Reheating
This salad is best enjoyed cold or chilled. It does not require reheating as it is a fresh, crisp dish designed to be cool and vibrant. Just give it a gentle stir before serving after refrigeration.
FAQs
Can I use regular cucumbers instead of English cucumbers?
Yes, you can use regular cucumbers, but they have more seeds and thicker skin, which might add bitterness or extra wateriness. If you use them, consider peeling and deseeding for the best results.
Is Greek yogurt a good substitute for sour cream in this recipe?
Absolutely! Full fat plain Greek yogurt works beautifully as a healthier alternative to sour cream and still maintains that creamy tanginess essential to this salad.
How long should the salad chill before serving?
At least one hour in the refrigerator is ideal. This chilling allows the flavors to meld beautifully and the cucumbers to soak up the dressing, making every bite flavorful.
Can I add other herbs besides dill?
Dill is traditional and iconic here, but you can experiment by adding fresh mint or chives for a different herbal note. Just keep it light to not overpower the cucumber’s delicate flavor.
Is this salad suitable for a keto or low-carb diet?
Yes, this Creamy Cucumber Salad Recipe is low in carbs and high in healthy fats from the mayonnaise and sour cream or yogurt, making it a great choice for keto or low-carb eating plans.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Cucumber Salad Recipe is such a simple, yet incredibly satisfying way to enjoy fresh cucumbers. Its creamy dressing with fragrant dill and just the right amount of tang is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that brings a refreshing balance to any meal. I can’t wait for you to try it and see how easily this humble salad steals the spotlight at your table!
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Creamy Cucumber Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 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 that combines crisp cucumber slices with a luscious dressing made from sour cream, mayonnaise, fresh dill, and white vinegar. Perfect for summer gatherings or as a light complement to any meal, this salad delivers a cool, creamy texture and fresh herbaceous flavor in every bite.
Ingredients
Cucumbers
- 2 English cucumbers or 6–8 small cucumbers
Dressing
- ½ cup sour cream or full fat plain Greek yogurt
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup fresh dill, minced, plus extra for garnish
- 3 tablespoons white vinegar
- ½ teaspoon granulated white sugar
- Salt to taste
- Fresh cracked pepper to serve
Instructions
- Slice cucumbers: Take your cucumbers and slice them into ¼ inch slices and add them to a large bowl.
- Mix dressing: Combine the sour cream, mayonnaise, dill, vinegar, and sugar in a medium bowl and whisk to fully combine.
- Season dressing: Taste and add salt one pinch at a time, stirring in between until you reach the desired flavor.
- Combine salad: Pour the dressing over the cucumbers and toss to coat all slices evenly.
- Chill salad: Cover and refrigerate for at least one hour to allow the flavors to marinate and intensify.
- Serve: After one hour, toss the salad again, add extra minced dill, and sprinkle with fresh cracked pepper to serve.
Notes
- For a lighter version, substitute sour cream with full-fat plain Greek yogurt.
- Adjust vinegar and sugar to taste depending on your preferred balance of tanginess and sweetness.
- Using English cucumbers reduces the need to peel and seeds are smaller, but regular cucumbers work fine.
- This salad is best served chilled and tastes better after resting to allow flavors to develop.
- Can be prepared a day in advance and stored covered in the refrigerator.
