Creamy Cucumber Salad

Looking for a refreshing side dish that’s easy to make and packed with flavor? Look no further than this creamy cucumber salad.

With crisp cucumbers, tangy sour cream, and a burst of fresh herbs, you’ll love this summer classic that comes together in just a few minutes.

finished cucumber salad

Classic Creamy Cucumber Salad

This Classic Creamy Cucumber Salad is a quintessential dish that perfectly complements any meal. Light yet full of flavor, this salad is ideal for picnics and barbecues.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 2 hours
Serving Size 6 servings

Ingredients 

  • 3 medium cucumbers thinly sliced
  • 1 small red onion thinly sliced (optional)
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 2 tablespoons white vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon fresh dill optional

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Instructions 

  • Prepare the Cucumbers and Onion. Wash and thinly slice the cucumbers. If using, also thinly slice the red onion. Place both in a large mixing bowl.
    sliced cucumber and onion in bowl.
  • Mix the Dressing. In a separate bowl, combine the sour cream, white vinegar, sugar, salt, ground black pepper, and garlic powder. Whisk until all the ingredients are well incorporated. Stir in the herbs, if using.
    creamy dressing in small bowl
  • Chill. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer to a lidded container. Place in the refrigerator and let chill for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld together.
    bowl of finished creamy cucumber salad
  • Serve. Before serving, give the salad a good stir and taste for seasoning. Adjust salt and pepper if necessary.

Notes

If you find cucumbers to be too watery, you can pre-salt them. Lay the slices flat in a single layer, sprinkle with salt, and let them sit for about 30 minutes. Drain off the excess water before adding the dressing.
For an extra kick, add a dash of paprika or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes.
This salad pairs very well with grilled meats or hearty casseroles.
Calories: 86kcal | Carbohydrates: 4g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 23mg | Sodium: 400mg | Potassium: 54mg | Fiber: 0.1g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 245IU | Vitamin C: 0.4mg | Calcium: 40mg | Iron: 0.1mg
close up view of creamy cucumber salad.

This recipe comes together in a snap. Perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.

Spotlight on Key Ingredients

Cucumbers: The star of the show! Fresh cucumbers provide that crisp, refreshing crunch that makes this salad irresistible. Opt for medium-sized ones that are firm to the touch. If you can grow your own cucumbers, they’ll be super crisp and perfect. If not, no big deal. ๐Ÿ˜Š

Sour Cream: This gives the salad its creamy, indulgent texture.

White Vinegar The tangy element that balances out the creaminess. You could also try apple cider vinegar for a slightly different kick.

Fresh Dill (Optional) While optional, dill adds a fragrant, herby layer to the salad. If you don’t have fresh dill, dried dill works too, use it sparingly as it’s more concentrated.

ingredients on marble counter.

You probably already have most everything else in your kitchen.

how to make creamy Cucumber salad

Tackle the Watery Issue

One common issue people face with cucumber salads is the wateriness. You want the salad to be creamy, not soggy. A quick fix is pre-salting the cucumber slices. Lay them flat, sprinkle some salt, and let them sit for about 30 minutes. This process draws out excess water, which you can then drain off. Your salad will hold up much better with this simple step.

sliced cucumber and onion in bowl.

The Right Balance of Flavors

The dressing is a simple mix but getting the balance right is crucial. Always taste the dressing before adding it to the cucumbers. Feel free to adjust the salt, sugar, or vinegar to match your preference. You’re the chef here; make it your own!

creamy dressing in small bowl

Chill Before Serving

Don’t underestimate the importance of chilling the salad before serving. This isn’t just about temperature; it gives the ingredients time to meld and infuse the cucumbers with flavor. Aim for at least 2 hours in the fridge, but if you can give it more time, even better.

Herb Choices

If you don’t have fresh dill or want to try something different, you can substitute it with other herbs like parsley or chives. Just remember, dried herbs are more concentrated in flavor, so use them more sparingly.

can you use Greek yogurt for cucumber salad?

Absolutely, Greek yogurt can be a healthier alternative to sour cream and will still give you a creamy texture. Just note that it might make the salad a bit tangier than if you were to use sour cream.

What other herbs pair well with cucumbers?

If you don’t have fresh dill, you can substitute it with dried dill. The general rule of thumb is to use a third of the amount of dried herbs as you would fresh. So for this recipe, you could use about 1 teaspoon of dried dill.

Summertime cucumber recipes

Cuke season? There’s lots you can make with them! Try some of these recipes:

bowl of finished creamy cucumber salad

This Classic Creamy Cucumber Salad is not just delicious, it’s versatile and oh-so-easy to make. Give it a try, and it might just become a staple at your family gatherings.

picture of smiling female

By Katie Shaw

Katie lives in Virginia with her husband, three daughters, a chocolate lab, and over thirty chickens. She loves creating simple tutorials for sourdough, bread, and soap. Her recipes, articles, and YouTube videos reach millions of people per year.

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