Nothing beats the refreshing crunch and tangy creaminess of a well-made cucumber salad, and this Creamy Cucumber Salad Recipe fits that description to a tee. With crisp cucumbers, the bite of red onion, and a luscious dressing packed with fresh dill and a gentle hint of garlic, this salad feels like a cool breeze on a sunny day. It’s simple enough to whip up in minutes but bursts with flavor that makes it an instant favorite at any table. Whether you’re looking for a light side or a standalone snack, this salad’s delightful textures and refreshing taste will win you over every time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Creamy Cucumber Salad Recipe comes from its straightforward ingredients, each bringing a unique touch. Fresh cucumbers provide crispness and hydration, red onions add a sharp bite, and the creamy dressing ties everything together with hints of tang, sweetness, and herbs. All are pantry staples or easy-to-find fresh foods, making this a perfect salad to throw together anytime.
- 3 cups thinly sliced cucumbers: The star of the dish, cucumbers offer a cool, crunchy base that’s essential.
- 1 cup thinly sliced red onion: Adds a subtle sharpness and beautiful color contrast throughout.
- 1/2 cup sour cream: Gives the salad that creamy, rich texture that makes it so comforting.
- 1 Tablespoon white vinegar: Provides a balanced tang that brightens the flavor profile.
- 2 Tablespoons minced fresh dill: Infuses the salad with aromatic herbaceous notes, a must-have flavor.
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar: Just enough sweetness to round off acidity and enhance the overall taste.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Elevates the flavors and makes every ingredient pop.
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds a subtle depth of flavor without overpowering the freshness.
How to Make Creamy Cucumber Salad Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Onions
Start by slicing the red onion thinly using a sharp knife or a mandoline. Thin slices are key here; they blend nicely with the cucumbers without overwhelming the salad, bringing just the right amount of bite and color.
Step 2: Slice and Dry the Cucumbers
Wash your cucumbers thoroughly and slice them just as thinly as the onions. To avoid a watery salad, pat the cucumber slices dry with paper towels. Removing excess moisture helps keep the dressing creamy and the salad crisp.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Dressing
In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the sour cream, white vinegar, minced fresh dill, sugar, salt, and garlic powder until everything is smooth and well combined. This dressing is where the dish gets its signature silky texture and layered flavor.
Step 4: Combine Salad Ingredients
Gently fold in the sliced cucumbers and red onions, tossing carefully to ensure every piece is coated with that luscious dressing without breaking the slices. The goal is even coverage with minimal bruising.
Step 5: Garnish and Chill
Finish by sprinkling more fresh dill and a few turns of fresh black pepper on top. You can serve immediately or cover and chill the salad for an hour or two—the flavors only deepen with time, making it even more irresistible.
How to Serve Creamy Cucumber Salad Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh dill is a natural choice to elevate the appearance and flavor, but you can also experiment with a few chopped chives or a light sprinkle of paprika for color. A touch of cracked black pepper right before serving adds a subtle kick.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs beautifully with grilled meats like chicken or fish, balancing out heavier dishes with its light and tangy profile. It’s also wonderful alongside barbecued fare or as a chilled complement to spicy dishes.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the salad in small glass bowls or mason jars for a charming, rustic look. You can also layer it in a trifle dish with fresh herbs for a stunning presentation at potlucks or family dinners. Adding edible flowers as a final touch can make it photo-worthy too!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This salad keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days when stored in an airtight container. The cucumbers may release some water over time, so give the salad a gentle toss before serving to redistribute the dressing.
Freezing
Due to the high water content in cucumbers and the creamy dressing, freezing is not recommended. The texture will suffer, becoming mushy and unappetizing upon thawing.
Reheating
No reheating needed or recommended—this salad is intended to be enjoyed chilled or at room temperature, maintaining its crisp freshness.
FAQs
Can I substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream?
Absolutely! Greek yogurt is a fantastic substitute that will give you a tangy and creamy texture while making the salad a bit lighter. Just use an equal amount and adjust seasoning as needed.
What type of cucumbers work best in this recipe?
English cucumbers or Kirby cucumbers are ideal because they have fewer seeds and thinner skins, which means less bitterness and a crunchier texture perfect for this salad.
Can I add other herbs besides dill?
Yes, fresh herbs like parsley, chives, or tarragon can be lovely additions or alternatives. Dill, however, is traditional and gives the salad its signature flavor.
How long should I let the salad chill before serving?
While you can serve it immediately, chilling the salad for at least 30 minutes allows the flavors to meld beautifully and intensifies the delicious taste.
Is this salad suitable for a vegan diet?
To make it vegan, swap out the sour cream for a plant-based alternative like coconut yogurt or cashew cream and ensure any added ingredients meet your dietary preferences.
Final Thoughts
I can’t encourage you enough to give this Creamy Cucumber Salad Recipe a try. Its perfect balance of creaminess, fresh herbs, and crisp veggies makes it a refreshing crowd-pleaser at any occasion. Once you taste this easy-to-make dish, it might just become your go-to salad for warm-weather meals and beyond. Happy cooking and happy eating!
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Creamy Cucumber Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free, Vegetarian
Description
This creamy cucumber salad is a refreshing and tangy side dish featuring thinly sliced cucumbers and red onions tossed in a smooth sour cream and dill dressing. Perfect for a quick summer salad or to accompany grilled dishes, it offers a delightful balance of creamy, tangy, and herbaceous flavors with minimal prep and no cooking required.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 3 cups thinly sliced cucumbers
- 1 cup thinly sliced red onion
Dressing
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 Tablespoon white vinegar
- 2 Tablespoons minced fresh dill
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
- Slice the onion: Cut the red onion into thin slices using a sharp knife or mandoline to ensure even, delicate pieces that blend well in the salad.
- Prepare the cucumbers: Wash the cucumbers thoroughly, then slice them thinly. Pat the slices dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture and keep the salad from becoming watery.
- Make the dressing: In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together sour cream, white vinegar, minced fresh dill, granulated sugar, salt, and garlic powder until smooth and fully combined.
- Toss the salad: Add the sliced cucumbers and red onions to the dressing bowl, gently tossing to coat every slice evenly without bruising the vegetables.
- Garnish: Optionally sprinkle additional fresh dill and freshly ground black pepper over the salad to enhance the aroma and flavor.
- Serve or chill: Serve immediately for a crisp texture or cover and refrigerate for a few hours to allow flavors to meld. Store leftovers in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Notes
- For best results, slice cucumbers and onions as thinly as possible to maximize dressing coverage and flavor absorption.
- If you prefer a lighter dressing, substitute half the sour cream with Greek yogurt.
- The salad can be made a few hours ahead to develop deeper flavor; just give it a gentle stir before serving.
- Use fresh dill for the brightest herbal flavor; dried dill can be used but reduce quantity to 1 tablespoon.
- This recipe is naturally gluten free and suitable for a vegetarian diet.
