Refreshing Creamy Cucumber Salad Recipe for Summer Bliss

Cool cucumber salads can totally rock your summer lunch with minimal effort and maximum flavor.

Summer vegetables create magical moments in kitchens everywhere.

Kitchen adventures start with simple ingredients that spark joy and delight.

Fresh dill and crisp cucumbers blend perfectly into a smooth, refreshing side dish.

Some recipes feel like culinary magic waiting to happen.

Creamy textures and bright herbs make you want to grab a fork and dive right in.

You’ll love how quickly this dish comes together for an instant crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients for Creamy Cucumber Salad Recipe

• Cucumber: A crisp and refreshing vegetable that provides the main texture and coolness to the salad.
• Onion: Adds a sharp and zesty flavor to complement the creamy dressing.

• Sour Cream, Lemon Juice: Creates a tangy and creamy base that coats the vegetables with a rich and bright flavor.
• Garlic, Dill: Provides aromatic and herbal notes that enhance the overall taste of the salad.

• Salt, Pepper: Helps to balance and elevate the flavors of the cucumber salad, bringing out the natural taste of the vegetables and dressing.

Instructions for Creamy Cucumber Salad Recipe

Step 1: Create Zesty Dressing

Grab a small mixing bowl and whisk together sour cream, fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, chopped dill, salt, and black pepper. Blend the ingredients until smooth and set the dressing aside while preparing vegetables.

Step 2: Slice Fresh Vegetables

• Cucumbers
• White onion

Wash cucumbers thoroughly. Peel if desired, then slice into thin rounds or half-rounds depending on cucumber size. Thinly slice onions and place both vegetables into a large mixing bowl.

Step 3: Combine and Coat

Pour the prepared dressing over sliced cucumbers and onions. Gently toss the vegetables to ensure every piece gets evenly coated with the creamy mixture.

Step 4: Chill and Serve

Refrigerate the salad for maximum flavor infusion. Best served chilled within 2-3 hours of preparation to maintain crisp texture and fresh taste. Optional garnish with extra fresh dill sprigs for added visual appeal.

Pro Tips for Creamy Cucumber Salad Recipe

• Slice Cucumbers Carefully: Use a sharp knife or mandoline for uniform, thin slices that ensure even dressing distribution and appealing texture.
• Control Onion Intensity: Soak sliced onions in cold water for 5-10 minutes to reduce sharp flavor and make them more palatable in the salad.
• Drain Excess Moisture: Pat cucumbers with paper towels to remove extra water, preventing the salad from becoming watery and maintaining a creamy consistency.
• Experiment with Herbs: Swap fresh dill for other herbs like chives, parsley, or mint to create unique flavor variations and add a personal touch.
• Make Ahead Wisely: Prepare dressing separately and mix with vegetables just before serving to keep cucumber slices crisp and prevent soggy texture.

Variation Ideas for Creamy Cucumber Salad Recipe

• Greek Yogurt Cucumber Salad: Replace sour cream with tangy Greek yogurt for a protein-rich, lighter version with similar creamy texture and added nutritional benefits.
• Vegan Cucumber Cashew Cream Salad: Substitute sour cream with blended cashew cream, using nutritional yeast and plant-based herbs for a dairy-free alternative that maintains rich, creamy consistency.
• Mediterranean Herb Cucumber Salad: Enhance the recipe by adding chopped fresh mint, oregano, and a splash of extra virgin olive oil to create a more complex Mediterranean-inspired flavor profile.
• Low-Carb Cucumber Salad: Skip onions and use extra herbs, adding chopped radishes or green onions for crunch while keeping the carbohydrate content minimal for keto and low-carb diets.

Pairing Suggestions for Creamy Cucumber Salad Recipe

• Pair Perfectly with Grilled Proteins: Complement the cool, tangy cucumber salad with juicy grilled chicken, tender salmon, or succulent pork chops for a balanced and refreshing meal.
• Enhance with Crisp White Wine: Select a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to match the salad's light, zesty flavors and provide a delightful palate-cleansing experience.
• Create Mediterranean Harmony: Serve alongside grilled lamb kebabs or Greek-style roasted vegetables to elevate the dish's herbal dill notes and creamy texture.
• Boost with Crusty Bread: Add a side of warm, crusty sourdough or rustic baguette to soak up the creamy dressing and provide a satisfying textural contrast.

Storage Advice for Creamy Cucumber Salad Recipe

• Transfer leftover salad to an airtight container, seal tightly, and store in the refrigerator for 1-2 days maximum. Keep cold to prevent bacterial growth and maintain freshness.
• Before storing, use a slotted spoon to remove salad from accumulated liquid, which helps prevent soggy texture when refrigerated.
• Avoid microwaving, as this will make cucumbers mushy. Instead, let salad sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes to take off the chill before serving.
• When ready to serve leftovers, gently stir the salad and potentially add a small splash of fresh dill or a sprinkle of black pepper to revive the flavors.

FAQs on Creamy Cucumber Salad Recipe

• Are cucumbers the only vegetable in this salad?

No, red or white onions are also added to provide extra flavor and crunch to the cucumber base.

• Can I use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream?

Yes, Greek yogurt is an excellent substitute that will maintain the creamy texture and tangy taste of the original dressing.

• How do I prevent the salad from becoming watery?

Slice cucumbers thinly and avoid letting the salad sit too long after adding the dressing to prevent excess liquid release.

• Is this salad considered healthy?

Yes, it’s a low-calorie side dish packed with fresh vegetables and provides a good source of hydration and nutrients.

Why Creamy Cucumber Salad Recipe Is Refreshingly Simple

• Conquer Quick Prep: Tackle this recipe in mere minutes with simple ingredients and straightforward steps, perfect for busy home cooks seeking delicious results without complex techniques.
• Refresh Your Palate: Enjoy a cool, tangy side dish that brings bright flavors and creamy texture, ideal for summer gatherings or as a light accompaniment to main courses.
• Customize with Ease: Adapt the recipe by switching herbs, adjusting seasoning, or adding extra ingredients like chopped dill or sliced radishes to match your taste preferences and culinary creativity.
• Nutrition Boost: Pack your meal with fresh vegetables and protein-rich sour cream, creating a balanced and wholesome side that supports healthy eating without sacrificing flavor.

Creamy Cucumber Salad Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 37 reviews

• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Cool summer days call for classic Cucumber Salad, a refreshing blend of crisp cucumbers, tangy sour cream, and zesty dill. This simple side dish delivers creamy comfort that complements grilled meats and picnic spreads, inviting you to savor each cool, creamy bite.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Creamy Cucumber Salad Recipe

Main Ingredients:

• 680.39 g (24 ounces) cucumbers
• 1/2 medium purple or yellow onion
• 172.5 g (6 ounces) sour cream

Herbs and Seasonings:

• 1 tablespoon fresh or frozen dill, chopped
• 1 garlic clove
• 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
• 1 pinch black pepper

Liquid Ingredient:

• 1/2 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Craft a zesty dressing by whisking sour cream, lemon juice, minced garlic, chopped dill, salt, and pepper in a small mixing vessel until smooth and well-integrated.
2. Carefully peel cucumbers if needed, then slice into delicate translucent rounds or half-rounds depending on their size, ensuring uniform thickness for optimal texture.
3. Finely slice onions into gossamer-thin ribbons, creating a complementary accompaniment to the cucumber slices.
4. Transfer cucumber and onion slices into a spacious mixing bowl, preparing them for the creamy coating.
5. Moments before serving, drizzle the prepared dressing over the vegetable medley, using gentle folding motions to ensure each slice is luxuriously enrobed with the tangy mixture.
6. For maximum flavor development, allow the salad to rest in the refrigerator for 1-2 hours, permitting the ingredients to meld and intensify their taste profile.
7. Serve chilled as a refreshing side dish, garnishing with additional fresh dill sprigs for a vibrant visual and aromatic touch.

Notes

• Customize cucumber thickness by using a mandoline or sharp knife for consistent, delicate slices that absorb dressing perfectly.
• Reduce moisture by salting cucumber slices and letting them sit for 10 minutes, then patting dry to prevent watery salad texture.
• Transform this recipe into a low-fat version by substituting Greek yogurt for sour cream, maintaining creamy consistency with fewer calories.
• Enhance flavor complexity by adding fresh chopped chives or mint alongside dill for a vibrant herbal dimension that elevates the classic salad profile.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Blending
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 92 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 238 mg
• Fat: 6 g
• Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2.5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 6 g
• Fiber: 1.5 g
• Protein: 2.5 g
• Cholesterol: 15 mg