Creamy Cucumber Salad

This Creamy Cucumber Salad is a delightful mix of fresh, crunchy cucumbers and red onions wrapped in a smooth, tangy dressing infused with dill and vinegar. It’s the perfect balance of creaminess and crispness, making it an ideal side dish for any summer gathering or a quick weekday meal.

Best served chilled, this salad delivers refreshing bites that complement grilled meats, fish, or vegetarian mains. Whether you’re hosting a picnic, attending a potluck, or just looking for something light and satisfying, this classic cucumber salad will hit the spot. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep, it’s an easy go-to that’s bursting with flavor and cooling charm.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 2 large cucumbers, thinly sliced

• 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced

• 1 cup sour cream

• 2 tablespoons white vinegar

• 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped (or 1 tsp dried dill)

• 1 teaspoon sugar

• Salt and black pepper to taste

Directions:

1. Wash and thinly slice the cucumbers (use a mandoline for uniform slices).

2. Thinly slice the red onion and combine with cucumbers in a large bowl.

3. In a separate bowl, mix sour cream, vinegar, dill, sugar, salt, and pepper until smooth.

4. Pour the dressing over the cucumber and onion mixture.

5. Toss everything together until the cucumbers are fully coated.

6. Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.

7. Give it a gentle toss before serving. Enjoy cold!

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 0 minutes | Total Time: 10 minutes (plus chilling)
Kcal: 110 kcal | Servings: 4 servings

Creamy Cucumber Salad: A Cool Classic with a Modern Twist

There’s something about the combination of crunchy cucumbers, silky sour cream, and the gentle zing of dill that never goes out of style. Creamy Cucumber Salad has been a beloved side dish for generations from rustic farmhouse tables to elegant summer dinner parties. Light, refreshing, and incredibly easy to make, this dish continues to charm both nostalgic eaters and health-conscious foodies.

At its core, creamy cucumber salad is a celebration of simple, fresh ingredients. Yet, the flavors it delivers are anything but plain. Whether you’re pairing it with grilled meats, enjoying it alongside a hearty sandwich, or serving it as a light lunch, this salad is a versatile companion that elevates any meal.

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Cucumber Salad

• 🥒 Simple to Prepare – With just a handful of pantry staples and garden-fresh vegetables, this dish can be whipped up in minutes.

• 🌿 Packed with Flavor – The tanginess from the vinegar and sour cream, the aromatic dill, and the naturally sweet crunch of cucumbers create a flavor profile that’s refreshing and addictive.

• ❄️ Perfect for Summer – Chilled salads are a summer staple, and this one keeps you cool and satisfied even on the hottest days.

• 🥗 Light and Low-Carb – Creamy doesn’t have to mean heavy. This version is creamy without being overbearing, offering a healthier option for those watching their carbs.

• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Crowd-Pleasing Favorite – From potlucks to BBQs, it’s always a hit. People go back for seconds (and sometimes thirds!).

The Heart of the Recipe: Cucumbers

Cucumbers are often underappreciated in the world of vegetables, but they play the star role in this dish. They’re hydrating, low in calories, and full of crunch, a perfect base for creamy dressings.

For this recipe, we recommend English cucumbers or Persian cucumbers, which are both thinner-skinned and have fewer seeds than regular slicing cucumbers. They stay crunchy longer and don’t release as much water, which is ideal for cream-based dressings.

Pro Tip: Salt the cucumbers and let them rest in a colander for 10–15 minutes before mixing. This draws out excess moisture and keeps your salad from getting watery over time.

Understanding the Creamy Element

Many creamy cucumber salad recipes use mayonnaise as a base, but our version sticks to sour cream, delivering a tangy and silky texture that doesn’t overpower the freshness of the vegetables.

You can also substitute or enhance the creaminess using:

• Greek yogurt – Adds protein and a probiotic boost

• Vegan sour cream – A dairy-free alternative for plant-based diets

• Buttermilk or crème fraîche – For a richer, more indulgent finish

Each option brings its own unique twist, allowing you to customize the salad to your dietary preferences and pantry availability.

Dill: The Flavor Hero

If cucumbers are the body of this salad, dill is the soul. Its grassy, slightly sweet, and citrusy flavor blends perfectly with the creamy dressing and crisp cucumbers. Whether you use fresh dill or dried dill weed, it brings a layer of complexity and brightness that balances the rich sour cream.

Dill also contains essential oils that support digestion and act as a mild antioxidant, making your salad not just flavorful, but good for you too.

Make It Your Own: Customization Tips

Want to personalize your creamy cucumber salad? Here are a few delicious tweaks:

• 🧅 Add Red Onion or Shallots – For a pop of sharp flavor and beautiful color contrast

• 🍋 Squeeze of Lemon – Enhances the acidity and freshness

• 🌶️ Chili Flakes or Paprika – Add gentle heat or smokiness

• 🧄 Grated Garlic or Garlic Powder – For an extra layer of savory depth

• 🥑 Sliced Avocado – Brings creaminess and healthy fats

You can also sprinkle in chopped fresh herbs like parsley, mint, or chives for a garden-inspired upgrade.

Serving Suggestions

Creamy cucumber salad is incredibly versatile and can be paired with a variety of dishes. Here are some ideas to get you started:

• Grilled chicken or pork chops – The salad’s cool creaminess cuts through the richness of grilled meats.

• Salmon or seafood – Its lightness pairs beautifully with fish, especially in summer.

• Falafel or pita wraps – Add it inside wraps for crunch and a tangy punch.

• Charcuterie boards – Serve as a refreshing side to cured meats and cheeses.

• Sandwiches and burgers – A spoonful on top can take your sandwich game to the next level.

For an elegant touch, you can even serve it in small glass jars or cups as individual starters at your next party.

How to Store Creamy Cucumber Salad

If you’re planning to make it ahead, it’s best enjoyed within 24 hours. The longer it sits, the more liquid the cucumbers will release, which can dilute the dressing.

Storage Tips:

• Keep it covered in the refrigerator.

• Stir well before serving.

• If it gets watery, simply drain off excess liquid and add a spoonful of fresh sour cream to refresh the texture.

Avoid freezing the cucumbers will lose their crunch and turn mushy upon thawing.

Nutritional Benefits

This salad isn’t just about flavor, it brings nutritional perks too:

• Hydrating and Low-Calorie – Cucumbers are 95% water and great for hydration.

• Probiotic-Friendly – If you use Greek yogurt or cultured sour cream, you get a gut health boost.

• Low-Carb and Keto-Compatible – Perfect for those cutting back on sugar and starches.

• Antioxidants and Vitamins – Cucumbers and dill both contain beneficial plant compounds that support overall health.

With minimal ingredients and maximum freshness, it’s a smart and tasty addition to your weekly meal plan.

Conclusion

In a world full of overly complex recipes and long cooking processes, Creamy Cucumber Salad is a refreshing reminder of how simple, honest food can bring the most satisfaction. This dish stands as a testament to how a few humble ingredients when treated with care can create something truly special.

Whether you’re planning a summer BBQ, prepping weekday lunches, or looking for a quick side that doesn’t require turning on the stove, this cucumber salad fits the bill. It’s affordable, flexible, and a joy to eat. Keep it in your recipe rotation, your taste buds and your guests will thank you.