This Creamy Cucumber Salad is a refreshing side dish made with crisp cucumbers, thinly sliced onions, and a tangy, creamy dill dressing. It’s cool, crunchy, and incredibly easy to prepare—perfect for summer barbecues, picnics, potlucks, or as a light side with grilled meats.
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Chill Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Servings: 6
Ingredients
For the Salad
- 2 large English cucumbers (or 4–5 small cucumbers), thinly sliced
- ½ small red onion, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill (or 2 teaspoons dried dill)
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)
For the Creamy Dressing
- 1 cup (240 g) sour cream
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon white vinegar or fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar (optional)
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 clove garlic, finely minced
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Cucumbers
- Wash the cucumbers thoroughly.
- Slice them into thin rounds (about ⅛ inch thick).
- If using regular cucumbers with large seeds, peel them if desired.
Optional: Sprinkle the cucumber slices with 1 teaspoon of salt and let them sit in a colander for 20–30 minutes to draw out excess moisture. Pat dry with paper towels before using.
Step 2: Make the Dressing
In a medium bowl, whisk together:
- Sour cream
- Mayonnaise
- Vinegar or lemon juice
- Sugar (if using)
- Dijon mustard
- Garlic
- Salt
- Black pepper
Stir until smooth and creamy.
Step 3: Assemble the Salad
- In a large bowl, combine the cucumbers, red onion, dill, and parsley.
- Pour the dressing over the vegetables.
- Toss gently until everything is evenly coated.
Step 4: Chill
Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to blend.
Serving Suggestions
This creamy cucumber salad pairs wonderfully with:
- Grilled chicken
- Barbecue ribs
- Hamburgers
- Fried chicken
- Baked salmon
- Roasted potatoes
- Corn on the cob
- Sandwiches and wraps
Tips for Success
- Use English cucumbers for fewer seeds and a thinner skin.
- Salting the cucumbers beforehand helps prevent a watery salad.
- Fresh dill provides the best flavor, but dried dill works well too.
- For the best texture, prepare the salad the same day you plan to serve it.
Variations
Greek-Inspired Cucumber Salad
Add:
- Crumbled feta cheese
- Cherry tomatoes
- Kalamata olives
- Fresh oregano
Ranch Cucumber Salad
Replace the Dijon mustard with 1 tablespoon ranch seasoning.
Avocado Cucumber Salad
Fold in 1 diced ripe avocado just before serving.
Bacon Cucumber Salad
Sprinkle with ½ cup crispy crumbled bacon for extra flavor and crunch.
Light Version
Substitute plain Greek yogurt for the sour cream and mayonnaise for a lighter, protein-rich dressing.
Storage
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Stir before serving, as the dressing may separate slightly.
- Freezing is not recommended, as the cucumbers will become watery after thawing.
Nutrition (Approximate Per Serving)
- Calories: 145
- Carbohydrates: 6 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Fat: 13 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 25 mg
- Sodium: 220 mg
- Fiber: 1 g
- Sugar: 3 g
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Crisp, cool cucumbers coated in a rich, tangy dressing.
- Quick and easy to make with simple ingredients.
- Perfect for picnics, barbecues, and summer meals.
- Fresh dill and garlic add bright, classic flavor.
- A refreshing side dish that complements almost any main course.