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.

Classic Creamy Cucumber Salad
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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Serve. Before serving, give the salad a good stir and taste for seasoning. Adjust salt and pepper if necessary.
Notes
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.

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. ๐
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.

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.

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!

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:
- Cucumbers and Onion in Vinegar
- Dill Relish for Canning
- Refrigerator Dill Pickles
- Refrigerator Bread and Butter Pickles

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.

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.