The Creamy Cucumber Salad is a classic, refreshing side dish that combines crisp cucumbers and tender onions with a rich, tangy dressing. This simple yet flavorful salad is a crowd-pleaser that complements a wide variety of meals, from grilled meats to hearty casseroles. Perfect for hot days, picnics, and backyard BBQs, this salad not only adds a pop of green to your table but also a burst of cool, creamy deliciousness. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep time, it’s a must-have recipe for anyone who loves quick, fresh, and satisfying dishes.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
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2 large cucumbers, thinly sliced
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1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced
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1/2 cup sour cream
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2 tablespoons mayonnaise
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1 tablespoon white vinegar
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1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
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1 teaspoon sugar
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1/2 teaspoon salt
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1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Directions:
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Place the sliced cucumbers and onions in a large bowl.
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In a separate small bowl, whisk together the sour cream, mayonnaise, vinegar, dill, sugar, salt, and pepper until well combined.
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Pour the dressing over the cucumbers and onions and toss gently until evenly coated.
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Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
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Stir gently before serving and garnish with additional dill if desired.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 0 minutes | Total Time: 10 minutes + chilling
Kcal: 120 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
A Summer Classic with Timeless Appeal
Creamy Cucumber Salad is one of those dishes that feels like a breath of fresh air. Light, crisp, and creamy, it strikes the perfect balance between indulgence and refreshment. Often found at backyard BBQs, potlucks, and family dinners, this simple salad holds a beloved place in kitchens around the world.
It’s not just the ease of preparation that makes this salad a favorite it’s the vibrant combination of cool cucumbers and a rich, tangy dressing that brings a beautiful contrast to heavier mains like grilled meats, roasted vegetables, or hearty casseroles. The versatility, nostalgic charm, and incredible flavor of Creamy Cucumber Salad make it a must-have for any home cook.
The Roots of Creamy Cucumber Salad
Cucumber salads have been around for centuries, with variations found across many cultures. In Eastern European cuisine, particularly German and Hungarian traditions, cucumber salads often feature a creamy base, sometimes enhanced with vinegar and fresh herbs like dill. Meanwhile, Scandinavian versions highlight light yogurt dressings and sharp vinegar notes.
The American take on Creamy Cucumber Salad became popular in the mid-20th century, during the rise of home economics and community cookbooks. Sour cream, mayonnaise, and vinegar became pantry staples, allowing quick, delicious salads to be assembled with minimal effort.
What remains consistent across all these variations is the reliance on the cucumber’s fresh, hydrating crunch and the marriage of flavors between acidity and creaminess.
Why We Love This Salad
The appeal of Creamy Cucumber Salad goes beyond its refreshing taste. Here are a few reasons why it continues to win hearts:
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Simplicity: With just a handful of ingredients, it’s one of the easiest side dishes to prepare.
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Affordability: Cucumbers are inexpensive and widely available year-round.
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Customizable: You can adjust the flavors to suit your personal taste make it tangier, sweeter, or herbier.
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Nutrition: Cucumbers are low in calories but high in hydration, making them a healthy addition to any meal.
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Versatility: It pairs beautifully with a wide range of dishes, from burgers and ribs to roasted salmon and veggie casseroles.
Flavor Profile: Crisp, Cool, and Creamy
Every bite of this salad offers a delightful play of textures and flavors. The cucumbers bring an immediate crunch and a refreshing, mild taste. The dressing a blend of sour cream, mayonnaise, vinegar, sugar, and dill wraps around the cucumbers, delivering a creamy tang that perfectly complements the vegetable’s natural sweetness.
The red onion adds a slight bite and sharpness, balancing the richness of the dressing. Fresh dill provides a pop of herbaceous brightness, while the vinegar cuts through the creaminess with a zing of acidity. Altogether, the salad tastes fresh yet indulgent, crisp yet creamy a masterclass in contrast.
Creative Variations to Try
One of the best things about Creamy Cucumber Salad is its adaptability. Here are a few ways to change it up:
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Greek Twist: Replace sour cream with Greek yogurt for a tangier and protein-rich version. Add a sprinkle of feta cheese and some olives for Mediterranean flair.
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Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or finely sliced jalapeños to introduce a subtle heat that plays nicely against the cool cucumbers.
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Herb Explosion: Mix in additional herbs like parsley, chives, or mint for an even more refreshing and complex flavor profile.
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Sweet Touch: Use a touch of honey or agave syrup instead of sugar for a natural sweetness.
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Low-Calorie Version: Substitute light mayonnaise and sour cream, or even swap entirely with a non-fat yogurt dressing.
By adjusting the ingredients slightly, you can customize the salad to fit different menus, seasons, and dietary needs.
Tips for the Perfect Creamy Cucumber Salad
Achieving that restaurant-quality Creamy Cucumber Salad at home is easier when you follow a few key tips:
1. Choose the Right Cucumbers
English cucumbers or Persian cucumbers are ideal because they have thinner skins and fewer seeds, making them perfect for salads. If using standard cucumbers, consider peeling them and scooping out the seeds for the best texture.
2. Slice Evenly
Thin, uniform slices ensure every bite is tender and well-coated in dressing. A mandoline slicer can help achieve the perfect thickness effortlessly.
3. Remove Excess Moisture
Cucumbers are naturally watery. To avoid a watery salad, sprinkle the slices with a little salt and let them sit for about 20-30 minutes, then gently pat them dry with a paper towel. This helps maintain a creamy, not runny, consistency.
4. Let It Chill
While it’s tempting to dig in immediately, allowing the salad to chill in the fridge for at least an hour deepens the flavors and firms up the texture.
5. Adjust to Taste
Taste the salad before serving. You might want to add a bit more vinegar for tang, sugar for sweetness, or dill for a punch of freshness.
Serving Suggestions: When and How to Enjoy
Creamy Cucumber Salad shines in many settings:
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Summer BBQs and Grilling Parties: It cools the palate and complements smoky, charred flavors from the grill.
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Picnics and Potlucks: Lightweight and easy to transport, it’s a crowd-pleaser wherever you take it.
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Holiday Gatherings: Offers a refreshing contrast to rich, heavy dishes typically found on festive tables.
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Weeknight Dinners: Quick enough to whip up on a busy evening, it rounds out simple meals with minimal effort.
It pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken, smoked ribs, pulled pork, baked fish, veggie burgers, or simply alongside a hearty sandwich.
Conclusion:
Creamy Cucumber Salad is more than just a side dish it’s a reminder of the joys of simplicity. In a world filled with complicated recipes and gourmet ingredients, this humble salad stands out by offering bold, satisfying flavor with everyday ingredients. It brings coolness to a hot summer meal, comfort to a winter gathering, and vibrancy to any dinner plate.
Whether you stick to the classic version or get creative with new twists, this refreshing, creamy, and irresistible salad will earn a permanent spot in your recipe rotation. Try it once, and it might just become your favorite go-to side for every season.