If you are searching for a fresh, cooling side that brings a burst of garden goodness with every bite, then this Creamy Cucumber Salad Recipe might just become your new go-to favorite. It’s a wonderful harmony of crisp cucumbers and sharp red onions wrapped up in a luscious, tangy dressing that balances tanginess and creaminess perfectly. Whether it’s a sunny picnic, a casual family dinner, or just because you want something light yet satisfying, this salad is incredibly versatile and easy to whip up in no time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe is a showcase of simple, fresh ingredients that each play a crucial role in creating those delightful textures and vibrant flavors. You’ll find that each component enhances the salad in its own special way, from the crunchy cucumbers to the creamy, slightly tangy dressing.
- English cucumbers: Thinly sliced for a refreshing crunch and mild flavor that is the star of this salad.
- Red onion: Adds a subtle bite and vivid color contrast to brighten up the dish.
- Sour cream: Creates the smooth and creamy base that ties all the ingredients together with a slight tang.
- Mayonnaise: Boosts the richness and makes the dressing extra velvety.
- White vinegar: Offers a crisp acidity to balance the creaminess.
- Granulated sugar: Just a touch to round out the flavors and prevent sharpness from dominating.
- Fresh dill: Brings a fragrant herbal note that’s classic in cucumber salads.
- Garlic powder: Adds a mild savory depth without overwhelming the fresh elements.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential seasonings to amplify and harmonize all the flavors.
How to Make Creamy Cucumber Salad Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dressing
In a large bowl, start by whisking together the sour cream, mayonnaise, white vinegar, sugar, chopped dill, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until the mixture is smooth and beautifully blended. This creamy dressing is the heart of the salad, balancing richness and zest in perfect harmony.
Step 2: Combine the Vegetables
Next, add the thinly sliced English cucumbers and red onions into the bowl with the dressing. Gently toss everything together, making sure every cucumber slice and onion ring is evenly coated in the luscious dressing. The gentle tossing prevents the cucumbers from becoming bruised while ensuring maximum flavor absorption.
Step 3: Chill and Marinate
Cover your bowl and pop it into the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This waiting time allows the flavors to mingle and intensify, making sure each bite bursts with freshness and creamy tang. If you have more time, letting it chill longer only makes it better.
Step 4: Final Touches Before Serving
Before serving, give the salad a quick toss to redistribute any settled dressing. Taste and adjust the seasoning with a little more salt or pepper if necessary. Then serve it chilled for that crisp, refreshing sensation that’s absolutely irresistible.
How to Serve Creamy Cucumber Salad Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle some extra fresh dill on top or add a few thin slices of radish for a pop of color and extra crunch. A few cracked black peppercorns and a light drizzle of olive oil can elevate the presentation and flavor beautifully.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken, fish, or even as a cooling contrast to spicy dishes like barbecue or Indian cuisine. Its creamy texture and fresh flavor make it an excellent side to hearty meals that need a fresh lift.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the creamy cucumber salad in small mason jars or hollowed cucumber boats to impress guests at your next gathering. You can also layer it in a trifle dish with fresh herbs and a sprinkle of lemon zest for a colorful, elegant side.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This salad keeps wonderfully in the refrigerator for up to two days. Make sure to store it in an airtight container to keep the cucumbers crisp and the flavors fresh. Give it a gentle stir before serving leftover portions.
Freezing
Because cucumbers have high water content, freezing is not recommended for this creamy salad. Freezing will cause the cucumbers to become mushy and the texture to deteriorate, losing the signature crunch that makes this dish so delightful.
Reheating
This salad is best enjoyed cold and fresh, so reheating is not suitable. Keep it chilled and serve straight from the fridge to preserve all the bright flavors and creamy goodness.
FAQs
Can I use regular cucumbers instead of English cucumbers?
Absolutely! Regular cucumbers work fine, but you may want to peel them and remove seeds if they are particularly watery or thick-skinned to keep your salad crisp and creamy without excess moisture.
Is it possible to make this salad vegan?
Yes, you can substitute the sour cream and mayonnaise with plant-based alternatives such as vegan sour cream or cashew cream to keep it dairy-free and vegan while still retaining that creamy texture.
How can I make this salad less creamy and lighter?
Swapping out sour cream for Greek yogurt or reducing the mayonnaise will give the salad a lighter feel without sacrificing too much of the creamy texture and tanginess this recipe is loved for.
What’s the best way to slice cucumbers for this salad?
Thin, uniform slices are ideal so they absorb the dressing nicely and offer a crisp bite. A mandoline slicer can help you achieve consistent thin slices quickly and safely.
Can I add other vegetables or herbs to the salad?
Definitely! Thinly sliced radishes, fresh chives, or even a hint of mint can add exciting flavor layers, but keep in mind that the original recipe’s charm lies in its simplicity and balance.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Cucumber Salad Recipe is a shining example of how a handful of simple, fresh ingredients can come together to create something truly special and refreshing. It’s incredibly versatile, easy to prepare, and always a crowd-pleaser, making it a dish you’ll want to keep in your culinary rotation. Give it a try and enjoy that perfect blend of creamy, tangy, and crisp with every forkful!
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Creamy Cucumber Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes (plus at least 30 minutes chilling time)
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian, Gluten Free
Description
This Creamy Cucumber Salad is a refreshing and easy-to-make side dish perfect for summer. Featuring thinly sliced English cucumbers and red onions tossed in a tangy and creamy dill dressing made with sour cream and mayonnaise, this salad is chilled to meld flavors and deliver a crisp, satisfying bite with every forkful. It’s a versatile accompaniment that pairs well with grilled dishes or can be enjoyed on its own as a light snack.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 2 large English cucumbers, thinly sliced
- 1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced
Dressing
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon white vinegar
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried dill)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the dressing: In a large bowl, combine the sour cream, mayonnaise, white vinegar, granulated sugar, fresh or dried dill, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Whisk thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and all ingredients are well blended.
- Add vegetables: Add the thinly sliced cucumbers and red onions to the bowl with the dressing. Gently toss the vegetables with the dressing until they are evenly coated, taking care not to bruise the cucumbers.
- Chill the salad: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes. This resting time helps the flavors meld beautifully and enhances the overall taste.
- Final toss and serve: Before serving, give the salad a quick toss to redistribute the dressing. Taste and adjust salt or pepper if needed, then serve chilled as a refreshing side dish.
Notes
- For extra crunch and color, add thinly sliced radishes or use a mix of different cucumber varieties.
- Substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream to create a lighter, tangy version of the dressing.
