If you are searching for a refreshingly cool and satisfyingly rich side dish, this Creamy Cucumber Salad Recipe is an absolute gem that you will want to add to your repertoire immediately. Imagine crisp cucumbers enveloped in a luscious dressing made from sour cream, mayonnaise, and fresh dill, all balanced perfectly by a touch of vinegar and a hint of sweetness. This salad is the perfect companion to summer barbecues, family gatherings, or a simple weekday dinner. It’s so simple yet so delicious that once you try it, it will become your go-to salad every time cucumbers are in season.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the ingredients for this salad is incredibly straightforward, yet each component plays an essential role in delivering the perfect taste, texture, and color. From the crisp cucumbers that bring refreshing crunch to the creamy base with tangy and herbaceous notes, everything works harmoniously to create a dish you will adore.
- English cucumbers (2) or small cucumbers (6-8): Choose firm, fresh cucumbers for the best crunch and mild flavor.
- Sour cream or full fat plain Greek yogurt (½ cup): Provides a creamy, tangy base that’s rich but not overpowering.
- Mayonnaise (¼ cup): Adds smoothness and helps bind all the flavors together perfectly.
- Fresh dill (¼ cup, minced plus extra for garnish): Offers a fragrant herbal punch that makes this salad stand out.
- White vinegar (3 tablespoons): Balances the creaminess with a bright, acidic kick.
- Granulated white sugar (½ teaspoon): Just a touch to round out the edges of acidity and sharpness.
- Salt to taste: Essential for enhancing all the flavors in the salad.
- Fresh cracked pepper (to serve): Adds a mild spice and a great finishing touch.
How to Make Creamy Cucumber Salad Recipe
Step 1: Slice Your Cucumbers
Start by washing your cucumbers thoroughly. Then slice them into thin ¼ inch rounds. This thickness ensures each slice retains a satisfying crunch while soaking up just the right amount of dressing. Place your cucumber slices into a large bowl, which will be the home for the salad as you bring everything together.
Step 2: Prepare the Creamy Dressing
In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the sour cream, mayonnaise, minced fresh dill, white vinegar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is completely smooth and well combined. The vinegar gives the dressing brightness, while the sugar rounds out the flavors. This dressing is the heart of the Creamy Cucumber Salad Recipe and will coat every crisp cucumber slice beautifully.
Step 3: Season to Perfection
Now taste your creamy dressing and add salt slowly, one pinch at a time, mixing in between additions. The salt will intensify the flavors and help balance the richness from the sour cream and mayonnaise. Take your time here to make sure it’s just right because seasoning is key to a remarkable salad.
Step 4: Toss Cucumbers with Dressing
Pour the luscious dressing over your cucumber slices in the large bowl. Use tongs or two large spoons to toss everything together gently but thoroughly, making sure every single slice is coated in that dreamy creamy mixture. This is when your Creamy Cucumber Salad Recipe really starts to come alive!
Step 5: Chill to Marinate
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and pop it into the refrigerator for at least one hour. This step lets the cucumbers absorb all those delicious flavors and softens the edges just enough to create a silky, harmonious salad that bursts with freshness and creaminess.
Step 6: Final Toss and Serve
After the salad has chilled, give it one final gentle toss. Sprinkle extra minced dill over the top for a vivid green pop and finish with freshly cracked pepper to taste. Now your salad is ready to be enjoyed!
How to Serve Creamy Cucumber Salad Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of extra fresh dill brightens up the presentation and adds a lovely herbal fragrance. For an added touch of color and crunch, consider adding thinly sliced radishes or a few edible flowers. Freshly cracked black pepper always elevates the salad’s aroma and flavor with a subtle kick.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs wonderfully with grilled meats like chicken, steak, or fish, especially during warm weather cookouts. It also complements rich comfort foods such as roasted potatoes, fried chicken, or even a creamy pasta dish. Its crisp texture and fresh flavors make it a refreshing contrast that balances heavier main courses.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this Creamy Cucumber Salad Recipe in individual glass jars or small bowls for an elegant touch at your next gathering. You can also layer it in a trifle dish with fresh herbs and thin lemon slices for a visually stunning centerpiece. For casual meals, a colorful serving platter garnished with sprigs of dill and lemon wedges lends a vibrant, inviting look.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any left over (which might be rare!), store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It stays fresh and delicious for up to two days. The cucumbers will release some moisture over time, so give it a quick stir before serving again to redistribute the dressing.
Freezing
This salad is best enjoyed fresh and does not freeze well due to the high water content in cucumbers and the creamy dressing, which can separate when thawed. For the best flavor and texture, prepare it fresh when you intend to enjoy it.
Reheating
Since this is a chilled salad, reheating is not recommended. However, you can bring it to room temperature before serving if preferred, especially if your refrigerator is quite cold. Simply let it sit out for about 15 minutes and then serve as desired.
FAQs
Can I use regular cucumbers instead of English cucumbers?
Absolutely! Regular cucumbers work just fine but may have thicker skins and more seeds, so peeling and deseeding might improve the texture and flavor of your salad.
Is there a vegan alternative for this Creamy Cucumber Salad Recipe?
You can substitute sour cream and mayonnaise with plant-based yogurt and vegan mayo to make a delicious vegan-friendly version without compromising creaminess or taste.
How long does the salad stay fresh in the fridge?
It stays best for up to two days when stored properly in an airtight container. After that, cucumber slices can become soggy and the dressing may separate slightly.
Can I add other veggies to the salad?
Yes! Thinly sliced red onion or radishes add nice color and a sharp crunch. Just keep in mind that stronger flavors may change the delicate balance of the salad.
What can I do if the salad tastes too sour?
If it’s too sour, a tiny bit more sugar or mayonnaise can balance out the acidity. Add small increments, tasting as you go, until it’s just right.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Cucumber Salad Recipe is such a delightful blend of crisp freshness and creamy goodness that it’s bound to become a quick favorite for you and your family. It’s incredibly simple to whip up, yet the flavors are so inviting and well balanced that every bite feels special. The next time you want to brighten up your meal or serve something cool and comforting, give this salad a try—you might just find your new favorite side dish!
Print
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 easy-to-make side dish featuring thinly sliced cucumbers tossed in a tangy and herbaceous dressing made from sour cream, mayonnaise, fresh dill, and white vinegar. Perfect for summer meals or as a crisp complement to grilled dishes, this salad is chilled to meld the flavors beautifully.
Ingredients
Cucumber
- 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 the Cucumbers: Take your cucumbers and slice them into ¼ inch slices and add them to a large bowl, ensuring even thickness for consistency.
- Prepare the Dressing: In a medium bowl, combine the sour cream, mayonnaise, minced dill, white vinegar, and granulated sugar. Whisk thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
- Season the Dressing: Taste the dressing, then add salt one pinch at a time, stirring after each addition until the desired flavor is reached.
- Toss Cucumbers with Dressing: Pour the dressing over the sliced cucumbers and toss gently but thoroughly to coat all slices evenly.
- Chill the Salad: Cover the bowl and refrigerate the salad for at least one hour to allow the flavors to fully marinate and develop.
- Final Touches and Serve: After refrigeration, toss the salad again, add extra minced dill for garnish, and sprinkle fresh cracked pepper to taste before serving.
Notes
- For a lighter version, substitute sour cream with full fat plain Greek yogurt.
- Adjust sugar and vinegar to taste depending on your preference for tanginess and sweetness.
- This salad is best served chilled and tastes even better after overnight marinating.
- Use fresh dill for the best flavor; dried dill will not provide the same fresh taste.
- Can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
