Creamy Cucumber Salad: A Refreshing and Creamy Delight
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Cucumber Salad
Hi friends! If you’re looking for a light, refreshing, and creamy dish that pairs perfectly with any meal, look no further than this Creamy Cucumber Salad. For white foods, a sharp cucumber, something cranberry, perhaps, tomatoes or a beautiful watermelon, sour cream, or sharp salsa and a hint of dill is very elegant and somewhat of a summer staple as it’s an excellent, creamy contrast to grilled meats or hearty entrees.
This salad has become a staple, and I’ve made it for countless gatherings. It is a big hit. This salad is easy to make, healthy, and super delicious, whether you serve it at a summer BBQ, alongside a weeknight dinner as a side dish, or as a simple, quick lunch.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There are so many reasons why this Creamy Cucumber Salad will become one of your go-to recipes:
- Light and Refreshing: Cucumbers provide a crisp, cooling effect, which balances out the richness of the creamy dressing.
- Easy to Prepare: With just a few simple ingredients, this salad comes together in minutes, making it perfect for busy days or last-minute side dishes.
- Customizable: You can easily adjust the dressing or add herbs like dill or chives to suit your taste.
- Perfect for Warm Weather: This chilled salad is a refreshing option for hot days when you want something light and hydrating.
Creamy Cucumber Salad: A Refreshing and Creamy Delight
Course: Salads, SidesCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy4
servings15
minutes150
kcalCreamy Cucumber Salad is a cool, summery blend of crisp cucumbers and fresh dill covered in an irresistible creamy dressing got it?’ This salad is made of crunchy cucumbers and red onions dressed in a creamy combination of sour cream, mayonnaise, and dill for the perfect amount tanginess balanced with all that great cream. One of the salads is easy to prepare and you can modify it by adding various herbs and dressings according to your taste.
Ingredients
Three medium cucumbers, thinly sliced
1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced
1/2 cup sour cream
2 tbsp mayonnaise
1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
1 tbsp white vinegar or lemon juice
1 tsp sugar (optional, for a touch of sweetness)
Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional Add-Ins:
Chives, for extra oniony flavor
Greek yogurt, for a lighter option in place of mayonnaise or sour cream
Garlic powder for a touch of savory depth
Directions
- Prepare the Cucumbers
Thinly slice the cucumbers, starting here. To cut nicely, use a mandoline, as you will have even slices for the best results. If you don’t want the salad to be so watery, sprinkle the cucumbers with some salt and leave for about 10 minutes, then pat dry whatever extra moisture you can. - Mix the Dressing
Pour the sugar (if using), vinegar or lemon juice, mayonnaise, dill, and sour cream into a medium bowl and whisk together. Salt and pepper to taste. - Combine the Salad
Add the cucumbers and red onion slices in a bowl and gently toss to coat in a creamy dressing. - Chill and Serve
Refrigerating the salad for 30 minutes allows the flavors to meld, so keep it in the fridge until you want to serve it. Serve cold, and enjoy!
Recipe Video
Notes
- Salting Cucumbers:
Lightly salt the cucumber slices (wedges or chunks) and let sit for 10 minutes; then pat dry to prevent your salad from getting watery. It also helps drain off the extra moisture so we get a more cream dressing than watery.
Customizable Dressing:
You can also tweak the sour cream/mayo balance or sub with Greek yogurt for a leaner, more acidic flavor.
Types of Condiments and Variations for Creamy Cucumber Salad
While the classic creamy dressing with sour cream and mayonnaise is a favorite, there are plenty of ways to switch it up:
- Greek Yogurt Dressing: In place of the mayonnaise or sour cream, use some Greek yogurt for a lighter, tangier version.
- Lemon and Herb Dressing: Vinegar is replaced with freshly squeezed lemon juice for a zesty and brighter salad, as are the additional herbs, like parsley or mint.
- Garlic and Dill Dressing: Add a minced garlic clove for a more robust, savory kick that goes well with the fresh cucumbers.
- Sugar-Free Option: If you prefer a savory flavor profile, omit the sugar.
Health Benefits of Creamy Cucumber Salad
This Creamy Cucumber Salad is not just delicious—it’s also packed with nutrients:
- Cucumbers: Cucumbers are hydrating and light on calories; they are rich in vitamins C and K, which are excellent for our skin and overall health.
- Sour Cream and Mayonnaise: With these ingredients, we get smoothness and flavor; they also bring healthy fats. Greek yogurt is also a lighter option, as is its protein and probiotics.
- Herbs: Fresh dill contributes antioxidants, anti-inflammatory properties, and flavor to the salad.
Serving Suggestions and Storing Tips
This salad goes so well with just about anything. Here’s where we can serve and store it:
- Serve with Grilled Meats: This salad is excellent and creamy and helps balance the smoky flavors of the grilled chicken, pork, or fish.
- Make Ahead: Taking this salad ahead of a day or two is OK. The more time it spends in the bottle, the more the flavors will come together. Simply make sure to put it in an airtight container in the fridge.
- Leftovers: You can refrigerate leftovers for no more than two days. However, the cucumbers can lose their crispness as soon as they happen, so you should enjoy the salad fresh.
Conclusion
There you have it—my take on the Creamy Cucumber Salad! This kind of simple yet flavorful dish can go with any party, whether it’s the site’s BBQ or a simple side for dinner. This salad is crunchy with a splash of crisp cucumbers, a bit of tangy dressing, and a bunch of fresh herbs and is sure to be a crowd-pleaser at your table.
Let me know how you would like to customize your creamy cucumber salad, and don’t or don’t share your creations in the comments below!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this salad dairy-free?
Yes! Use plant-based alternatives and dairy-free yogurt to substitute the sour cream and mayonnaise.
Can I add other vegetables to this salad?
Absolutely! A slight crunch of thinly sliced radishes or carrots would be lovely. Or chop up some fresh cherry tomatoes to help add color and sweetness.
Is there a way to reduce the sugar?
Yes, you can leave out the sugar or use a sugar substitute if you don’t like stuff. This is because vinegar, or lemon juice, will still be quite tangy.
