This Creamy Cucumber Salad is the kind of dish you’ll crave all summer long: cool, crisp cucumbers and sweet onions are tossed in a refreshing, tangy dressing made with sour cream, vinegar, and dill. It’s bright, satisfying, and incredibly simple, making it perfect for barbecues, family dinners, or anytime you want a delicious side without a lot of fuss. With each bite, you get creamy richness and the fresh snap of cucumber—no wonder this salad always disappears quickly!

Creamy Cucumber Salad Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

With just a few key ingredients, you can create this Creamy Cucumber Salad in minutes. Each component plays a role in developing the perfect balance of texture, flavor, and visual appeal. Let’s take a closer look at what makes this salad shine:

Cucumbers: Crisp, juicy, and mild, cucumbers are the star of this salad and provide that signature refreshing crunch.
Onion (red or yellow): A little bite from finely chopped onion keeps things lively and adds a subtle hint of sweetness or sharpness, depending on your choice.
Light sour cream: This gives the dressing its creamy, luscious base while keeping things light enough for a summer side.
White distilled vinegar: Brings brightness and tang, enhancing all the other flavors without overwhelming the salad.
Sugar: Just a touch, but it’s key for rounding out the acidity and letting the other flavors shine.
Fresh dill: For a pop of green and a fresh, herby aroma that makes the Creamy Cucumber Salad irresistibly fragrant.
Salt and pepper (optional): Season to your taste for a perfectly balanced bite.

How to Make Creamy Cucumber Salad

Step 1: Prep the Cucumbers and Onion

Start by peeling your cucumbers and slicing them as thinly as you like, either with a sharp knife or, for ultra-uniform pieces, a mandoline slicer. Then, finely chop your onion—whether you choose red or yellow is up to your personal preference. Toss both into a large bowl, and don’t worry if you shed a tear or two with the onions. It’ll be worth it!

Step 2: Make the Creamy Dill Dressing

In a separate bowl, whisk together the light sour cream, white distilled vinegar, sugar, and freshly chopped dill. This is where the magic happens: the tang of vinegar and the creaminess of the sour cream come together, and the dill brings it all to life with its bright, herbal flavor. Taste and add a little salt and pepper if you want to amplify the savory notes.

Step 3: Combine and Toss

Pour your creamy dressing over the sliced cucumbers and chopped onion. Use a large spoon or spatula to gently toss everything together. You want each slice and sliver to be nicely coated, so take your time and make sure the dressing is evenly distributed.

Step 4: Chill and Serve

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer the salad to an airtight container. This Creamy Cucumber Salad gets even better once it’s chilled for at least an hour. The flavors mingle and the cucumbers take on some of that tangy dressing. If you can plan ahead, refrigerate it for a few hours (or even overnight) before serving for maximum flavor.

How to Serve Creamy Cucumber Salad

Garnishes

For an extra-fresh finish, sprinkle a little more chopped dill or even some thinly sliced chives right before serving. Cracked black pepper or a pinch of smoked paprika also gives a lovely pop of color and interest on top of your Creamy Cucumber Salad, making it look as good as it tastes.

Side Dishes

This salad is a natural when served alongside grilled meats, like juicy barbecue chicken, steak, or salmon. It’s also perfect paired with sandwiches, burgers, and any picnic fare. The cool, creamy texture of Creamy Cucumber Salad balances beautifully with savory or spicy mains, making it incredibly versatile.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re feeling fancy, try layering portions into small glass jars for a picnic or serving in lettuce cups for elegant individual portions. You can also use Creamy Cucumber Salad as a topping for open-faced sandwiches or wraps, adding crunch and creaminess in each bite. It’s such a flexible dish that you’ll love finding new ways to show it off.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Creamy Cucumber Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for 2 to 3 days. You may notice a little extra liquid in the bowl after sitting, but a quick stir will bring it right back together.

Freezing

Unfortunately, freezing isn’t recommended for this salad. Cucumbers contain a lot of water, so they don’t hold up well to freezing and thawing—the texture turns mushy and the dressing may separate. Enjoy this dish fresh from your fridge instead!

Reheating

Creamy Cucumber Salad is meant to be served cold, so reheating isn’t necessary. Simply give it a good stir after it’s been chilled, and it’s ready to serve straight from the fridge whenever you need a refreshing, creamy bite.

FAQs

Can I use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream?

Absolutely! If you prefer, substitute Greek yogurt for the light sour cream for a tangier flavor and extra protein. It will still give your Creamy Cucumber Salad a wonderful creamy texture.

What’s the best way to prevent watery salad?

If you want your salad extra crisp, you can lightly salt the sliced cucumbers and let them sit for 20–30 minutes before assembling the salad. Then, pat them dry with paper towels to reduce excess moisture before combining with the dressing.

Can I add other vegetables?

Definitely! Thin-sliced radishes, scallions, or even halved cherry tomatoes make delicious additions. The base recipe is perfect as is, but it’s also very forgiving if you want to experiment.

Is it necessary to peel the cucumbers?

Peeled cucumbers have a lovely soft texture and let the dressing shine, but if you’re using young, tender cucumbers with thin skins, you can skip peeling for extra color and crunch—it’s all about personal preference.

How far ahead can I make Creamy Cucumber Salad?

This salad is ideal for making a few hours ahead or even the night before. Just be sure to chill it so the flavors have time to meld. Give it a gentle stir before serving to redistribute the dressing.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for an effortlessly delicious way to add freshness to any meal, this Creamy Cucumber Salad is a must-try. I hope you enjoy sharing it with your friends and family as much as I do—it truly belongs at every summer table!