If you’re craving something cool, crisp, and utterly refreshing, this Creamy Cucumber Salad Recipe is the summertime side dish that never disappoints. Thin slices of cucumber and red onion are blanketed in a dreamy, tangy-sweet dressing, flecked with fresh dill for a punch of herby flavor. It’s perfect for backyard BBQs, potlucks, or as a light, satisfying addition to any meal. Each bite bursts with creaminess and crunch—a combination that has made this salad a family favorite in my house summer after summer.

Creamy Cucumber Salad Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

It’s the simple ingredient list that makes this Creamy Cucumber Salad Recipe so blissfully easy, yet each component delivers on flavor, texture, or color. Together, they create that signature bite: crisp, creamy, with a gentle tang and a fragrant herbal lift.

Cucumbers: Choose large, firm cucumbers for the juiciest, crunchiest base; you can use English cucumbers if you prefer fewer seeds.
Red Onion: Thinly sliced red onion adds sharpness and vibrant color—if you’re sensitive to onion, soak slices in ice water to mellow their bite.
Sour Cream: This is what brings the rich, silky texture and classic tang; feel free to use Greek yogurt for a lighter spin.
Mayonnaise: Just a touch, for extra creaminess and to balance out the tanginess of the sour cream.
White Vinegar: Essential for brightness and a gentle kick that wakes up all the flavors.
Granulated Sugar: Just enough to round out the edges—don’t skip, as it subtly enhances the dressing.
Fresh Dill: Finely chopped dill brings that unmistakable, summery aroma you’ll crave all year long.
Garlic Powder: Adds mellow, savory depth without overpowering the salad.
Salt and Black Pepper: To taste—these staples bring all the flavors into beautiful harmony.

How to Make Creamy Cucumber Salad Recipe

Step 1: Make the Creamy Dressing

Start by grabbing your largest mixing bowl—you want plenty of space to whisk without splashing. Combine the sour cream, mayonnaise, white vinegar, granulated sugar, chopped fresh dill, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt and black pepper. Whisk vigorously until smooth; this is the heart of your Creamy Cucumber Salad Recipe, so make sure the dressing looks luscious and even with tiny green specks of dill flecked throughout.

Step 2: Slice and Prep the Veggies

Wash your cucumbers and slice them as thin as you like; I love using a mandoline for super-even rounds, but a good knife does the trick, too. Do the same for half a small red onion. If you find onions too strong, give the slices a quick soak in cold water—it takes that harsh edge off but keeps their beautiful color.

Step 3: Toss Everything Together

Add the sliced cucumber and onion straight into the bowl with your dressing. Using a large spoon or gentle hands, toss until every piece is coated in that silky, tangy sauce. Don’t be shy—make sure every slice gets hit with flavor! You’ll see the vivid greens and purples peeking through the creamy dressing already looking irresistible.

Step 4: Chill and Meld the Flavors

Cover the bowl tightly and let your Creamy Cucumber Salad Recipe chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This step lets the cucumbers absorb all those flavors, resulting in a punchier, more harmonious salad. If you’re prepping ahead, you can even let it chill for a few hours—just give it a quick toss before serving.

Step 5: Stir and Adjust Seasoning

Before serving, give the salad one more hearty stir—sometimes the dressing can settle at the bottom, and you want every bite to be perfect. Taste and adjust the salt and pepper to suit your palate; a final sprinkle of fresh dill on top never hurts. Now your Creamy Cucumber Salad Recipe is ready to steal the show!

How to Serve Creamy Cucumber Salad Recipe

Garnishes

For a gorgeous finishing touch, I love adding a little extra dill and a crack of black pepper over the top just before serving. You might even sprinkle on a few delicate chives or snip in a handful of microgreens. This makes the Creamy Cucumber Salad Recipe pop visually and promises even more aroma and flavor in every forkful.

Side Dishes

This salad sings alongside so many main courses! Pair it with grilled chicken, fish, or burgers fresh from the grill—it’s especially delicious with anything smoky or spicy. You could also serve the Creamy Cucumber Salad Recipe as part of a vegetarian spread alongside tabbouleh, hummus, and warm pita, or tuck it into a sandwich or wrap for extra crunch.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to impress at your next picnic, try layering the salad in individual clear jars for portable servings. For an elegant dinner, pile the salad onto a platter lined with butter lettuce leaves, or spoon it into cucumber boats for a fun, edible container. The Creamy Cucumber Salad Recipe is endlessly adaptable and always a crowd-pleaser.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you wind up with extra salad, simply cover and refrigerate. The Creamy Cucumber Salad Recipe keeps well for up to 2 days; after that, the cucumbers start to lose their firm texture and the dressing gets a bit watery. Give it a good stir before serving, and add a bit more dill or pepper if you like.

Freezing

I wouldn’t recommend freezing this salad—because cucumbers are mostly water, they turn mushy and lose their wonderful crispness once thawed. The creamy dressing can also separate, so it’s best to enjoy your Creamy Cucumber Salad Recipe fresh or within a couple of days of making it.

Reheating

No reheating needed! This salad is meant to be served cold or at room temperature. If it’s been in the fridge, give it a few minutes on the counter before serving so the flavors bloom beautifully.

FAQs

Can I use a different kind of cucumber?

Absolutely! English cucumbers are a great option because they have thinner skin and fewer seeds, making them extra tender in this Creamy Cucumber Salad Recipe. You could even try Persian cucumbers for a slightly sweeter, crunchier bite.

Is there a dairy-free version of this Creamy Cucumber Salad Recipe?

Yes, you can swap the sour cream and mayonnaise for your favorite dairy-free alternatives (like coconut or cashew-based options). The taste will change slightly, but you’ll still get that luscious texture and herby brightness.

How far in advance can I make this salad?

You can prepare the salad a few hours ahead—just keep it tightly covered in the fridge. For the best texture, I recommend making it the day you plan to serve it, as the cucumbers lose crunch over time.

Can I use dried dill instead of fresh?

You can use dried dill in a pinch—start with 1 teaspoon and add more to taste. Fresh dill really delivers more vibrant flavor and color, so if you can get your hands on it, it’s worth the extra step for your Creamy Cucumber Salad Recipe.

What’s the best way to slice the cucumbers?

A mandoline slicer guarantees even, paper-thin rounds, but a sharp knife works just fine if that’s what you have. Thin slices help the dressing soak in evenly and give the Creamy Cucumber Salad Recipe its signature silky texture.

Final Thoughts

I hope this Creamy Cucumber Salad Recipe becomes as much a staple in your kitchen as it is in mine. It’s the ultimate way to show off summer’s bounty, but honestly, it’s so simple and satisfying you’ll find yourself making it year-round. Give it a try, taste that unbeatable combination of creamy, tangy, herby freshness—and let it brighten up your table!

Creamy Cucumber Salad Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 8 reviews

Author: Emma
Total Time: 15 minutes (plus chilling time)
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

This Creamy Cucumber Salad is a refreshing and tangy side dish that’s perfect for summer gatherings. Sliced cucumbers and red onions are coated in a creamy dressing with hints of dill and garlic, making it a flavorful addition to any meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Cucumbers:

2 large cucumbers, thinly sliced

Salad Dressing:

1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced
1/2 cup sour cream
2 tablespoons mayonnaise
1 tablespoon white vinegar
1 teaspoon granulated sugar
1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and black pepper to taste

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Instructions

Prepare Dressing: In a large bowl, whisk together sour cream, mayonnaise, white vinegar, sugar, dill, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth.
Combine Ingredients: Add sliced cucumbers and red onion to the bowl; toss until evenly coated with dressing.
Chill: Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld. Stir again before serving and adjust seasoning if needed.