Creamy Cucumber Salad
This Creamy Cucumber Salad is a classic summer side dish recipe perfect for pairing with grilled proteins. With 15 minutes of prep time, it’s an effortless and refreshing bite your guests will love.
If you need an easy salad recipe that’s always delicious, this Creamy Cucumber Salad is a classic salad my family has been making for years and year. With crunchy refreshing cucumber in a creamy mayo and sour cream dressing, every bite pairs perfectly with Steak or Ribs.
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With just two bowls, it takes minutes to assemble – my daughter even loves to make this recipe for a family barbecue on her own! I can’t wait for you to try this cucumber salad, it’s sure to be a hit!
Table of Contents
why you’ll love this recipe
- 7-ingredient salad recipe. No need to gather a bunch of ingredients from the store, you just need a couple for this salad.
- Perfect summer side dish. Pair it with grilled meats and other side dishes for an easy warm weather meal.
- Simple dish to make in advance. I recommend letting this salad sit in the fridge for 30 minutes prior to serving, but you can make it hours before a meal to keep cooking stress-free.
ingredients
Scroll Down for Ingredient Amounts Listed in the Printable Recipe Card Below
- Cucumbers: Use any variety you find at the store.
- Small red onion: Adds a hint of tang and bright color.
- Sour cream: One part of the creaminess that balances the mayo nicely.
- Mayonnaise: The second creamy ingredient for the dressing.
- Apple cider vinegar: The vinegar that brightens all of the flavors.
- Granulated sugar: A little pinch balances the tanginess of the dressing.
- Fresh dill: Bright, fresh and herby flavor.
Tools You’ll Need
how to make creamy cucumber salad
- Wash and thinly slice the cucumbers and red onion. If preparing ahead of time, sprinkle with a little salt, let them sit in a colander for about 30 minutes, then pat dry with paper towels.
- In a large bowl, combine sour cream, mayonnaise, vinegar, sugar, dill, salt, and pepper. Whisk until smooth and well blended.
- Add the sliced cucumbers and onion to the dressing. Gently toss until everything is well coated.
- Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.
- Give the salad a gentle stir before serving. Adjust seasoning if necessary. Garnish with additional dill if desired.
expert tips
- Don’t skip the salting of the cucumbers if making ahead of time. This helps to draw out excess liquid from the cucumber to prevent the salad from being too watery.
- Swap the mayo or sour cream for Greek yogurt for a lighter salad. It’s just as delicious and a bit healthier!
- Allow the salad to sit in the fridge for 30 minutes before serving. A step to help the flavors marinate for an even more delicious salad.
- If you don’t enjoy cucumber seeds, buy seedless cucumbers or cut the cucumber in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds with a spoon. Thinly slice the cucumber into half moons.
What to serve with creamy cucumber salad
There are so many great options to build a menu for a weeknight or weekend entertaining with this salad. Here are some favorites:
- Coleslaw
- Hawaiian Pasta Salad
- Country Style Ribs
- Slow Cooker Beef Brisket
- 4 Ingredient Barbecue Cups
- Baked Beans and Ground Beef
storage
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Allow the salad to sit out to take the chill off for a few minutes. Give it a fresh stir to make sure all the flavors are distributed.
We don’t recommend freezing the salad, as it will change the texture once it thaws. If you do want to make the salad ahead of time, that’s great! Just keep it chilled until you are ready to serve.
Frequently Asked Questions
I love to add in fresh dill or parsley. You could try tarragon or cilantro as well, just know their flavor will be a bit stronger.
Yes, if you’re making it ahead of time! This really helps prevent the salad from becoming too watery in texture.
Of course. If you don’t care for their sharp bite, try soaking them in ice water for 10 minutes, then draining and patting very dry with paper towels.
more delicious salad recipes
Creamy Cucumber Salad
Ingredients
- 2 pounds cucumbers any variety
- 1/2 small red onion
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill plus more for garnish
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Wash and thinly slice the cucumbers. If preparing ahead of time, sprinkle with a little salt, let them sit in a colander for about 30 minutes, then pat dry with paper towels.
- In a large bowl, combine sour cream, mayonnaise, vinegar, sugar, dill, salt, and pepper. Whisk until smooth and well blended.
- Add the sliced cucumbers and onion to the dressing. Gently toss until everything is well coated.
- Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.
- Give the salad a gentle stir before serving. Adjust seasoning if necessary. Garnish with additional dill if desired.
Notes
- Don’t skip the salting of the cucumbers. This helps to draw out excess liquid from the cucumber to prevent the salad from being too watery.
- Swap the mayo or sour cream for Greek yogurt for a lighter salad. It’s just as delicious and a bit healthier!
- Allow the salad to sit in the fridge for 30 minutes before serving. A step to help the flavors marinate for an even more delicious salad.
- If you don’t enjoy cucumber seeds, buy seedless cucumbers or cut the cucumber in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds with a spoon. Thinly slice the cucumber into half moons.
Nutrition
About Laura
Taught by some of the best, cooking and entertaining has always been my favorite hobby. Food is my love language! The conception of Dinner in 321 came from my family talks that sharing our dinners would help others learn new skills, tasty recipes, and make cooking fun! Read more…
