Creamy Cucumber Salad Recipe

There's nothing more refreshing on a hot summer day than a chilled bowl of Creamy Cucumber Salad. Crisp cucumber slices tossed in a tangy, herb-flecked dressing make every bite cool, creamy, and incredibly satisfying.

I first discovered this recipe during a backyard barbecue years ago, and it quickly became a seasonal staple. It’s the kind of dish that vanishes before the burgers are off the grill—and it takes less than 15 minutes to whip up.

you're looking for a quick side dish, something light for lunch, or a crowd-pleaser at your next gathering, this salad checks every box.

Let’s dive into what makes this Creamy Cucumber Salad such a winner.

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Cucumber Salad

There’s something magical about the way this salad balances rich, creamy dressing with the crisp freshness of cucumbers. It’s more than just a side—it’s a standout in its own right.

First off, it’s incredibly quick to prepare. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep, you can have this dish ready in under 15 minutes. Perfect for last-minute entertaining or those “I forgot a side dish” moments.

It’s also delightfully budget-friendly. Cucumbers, sour cream, and pantry spices make up the bulk of the recipe, so it’s easy on your wallet while still delivering tons of flavor.

And talk about versatility! You can serve it as a BBQ side, pair it with grilled chicken or fish, or even spoon it over a sandwich for an extra crunch. It adapts effortlessly to whatever’s on the menu.

Best of all, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Kids and adults alike love the cool, tangy flavor and satisfying crunch. Trust me—once you make it, it’ll become a regular in your rotation.Ready to gather your ingredients? Let’s take a look at what makes this salad shine.

Ingredients Notes

The secret to this Creamy Cucumber Salad lies in the harmony of a few simple, fresh ingredients. Each one plays a key role in bringing flavor, texture, and balance to the dish.

Cucumbers are, of course, the star of the show. I prefer using English cucumbers or Persian cucumbers for their thin skin and fewer seeds. They provide a crisp bite and don’t require peeling, which cuts down on prep time.

Sour cream forms the creamy base of the dressing. It’s rich and tangy, perfectly complementing the mildness of the cucumbers. For a lighter version, Greek yogurt works well too, though it has a bit more tang.

Red onion adds a sharp, slightly sweet contrast to the cool cucumbers. Thinly sliced and briefly soaked in cold water, they mellow out just enough to bring balance without overpowering the dish.

Fresh dill is what truly gives this salad its signature flavor. Its bright, slightly citrusy notes play beautifully with the creamy dressing. If fresh dill isn’t available, a smaller amount of dried dill will still do the trick.

You’ll also need white vinegar and a touch of sugar to bring acidity and subtle sweetness. Together, they create that irresistible balance of flavors that keeps you coming back for another bite.

No special equipment is needed—just a sharp knife, a mixing bowl, and a spoon or spatula for stirring everything together.

How to Make This Creamy Cucumber Salad

Making this salad is as simple as it gets, and the payoff is delicious. Here’s how to bring it all together in just a few easy steps.

Start by slicing your cucumbers thinly. A mandoline works well for this, but a sharp knife will do just fine. If you’re using English cucumbers, you don’t need to peel them. If you're working with thicker-skinned cucumbers, peeling is recommended for the best texture.

Next, place the sliced cucumbers in a colander and sprinkle them lightly with salt. Let them sit for 10 minutes to draw out excess water. This step helps prevent a watery dressing later on, keeping everything nice and creamy.

While the cucumbers are draining, thinly slice your red onion and soak the slices in a small bowl of cold water. This mellows their sharpness and makes them more palatable, especially for kids.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the sour cream, white vinegar, sugar, chopped fresh dill, salt, and pepper. Whisk until smooth and well blended. This is your tangy, herbaceous dressing.

Once the cucumbers have drained, gently pat them dry with a paper towel. Add them to the bowl along with the red onion, and toss everything until the cucumbers are evenly coated in the dressing.

The salad can be served immediately, but I recommend chilling it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This helps the flavors meld and the dressing to thicken slightly, making each bite even more satisfying.

Storage Options

This salad holds up surprisingly well in the fridge, making it great for meal prep or next-day leftovers.

Store any leftover Creamy Cucumber Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 2 days, though the cucumbers will begin to soften over time.

If you're preparing it ahead of time for a party or potluck, consider storing the dressing and cucumbers separately and combining them just before serving. This keeps everything extra crisp.

Avoid freezing, as cucumbers don’t thaw well and tend to become mushy. This is definitely a dish best enjoyed fresh or within a short window.

To rehydrate any slightly dry leftovers, just stir in a spoonful of sour cream or a splash of vinegar before serving.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about this salad is how easy it is to tweak and make your own. Here are a few fun ways to switch things up:

Try substituting Greek yogurt for sour cream if you’re looking for a lighter option. It adds a bit more tang and protein, perfect if you're pairing this with a leaner main dish.

Want more crunch? Add thin slices of radish or chopped celery. They blend beautifully with the dressing and enhance the textural contrast.

For a sweeter version, mix in a handful of cherry tomatoes or thinly sliced red bell pepper. Their sweetness balances the tangy dressing and adds a pop of color.

If you don’t have fresh dill, don’t panic. Use dried dill, but reduce the amount—start with 1 teaspoon and add more to taste.

Make it heartier by tossing in sliced avocado or even a few crumbles of feta cheese. It turns this side dish into a light but satisfying lunch all on its own.

Don’t be afraid to experiment! This recipe is forgiving and endlessly customizable. You might just stumble onto a new favorite combo.

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