There is something utterly refreshing about a classic Creamy Cucumber Salad Recipe that turns simple ingredients into a dish bursting with flavor, crunch, and creamy goodness. This salad is the perfect balance between crisp cucumbers, tangy sour cream, and a hint of sweetness, making it an irresistible side that complements almost any meal. Whether you’re serving it at a family barbecue, a casual lunch, or as a cooling treat on a warm day, this recipe is sure to become a beloved staple in your culinary collection.

Creamy Cucumber Salad Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Creamy Cucumber Salad Recipe is how straightforward the ingredients are, yet each one plays a crucial role in crafting the final flavor and texture. From the crisp, fresh cucumbers to the rich, velvety dressing, every element is essential and contributes to the salad’s signature taste.

3 large English cucumbers: Their thin skin and few seeds make them perfect for a crisp, clean bite without bitterness.
1 small red onion: Adds a sharp, slightly sweet contrast that brightens the salad.
1 cup sour cream: Brings tanginess and creaminess that’s essential to the dressing’s texture.
1 cup good quality mayonnaise: Do not use salad dressing substitutes; the real mayo gives richness and smoothness.
⅓ cup sugar: Balances out the tang and adds a subtle sweetness; adjust to taste.
2 tablespoons white vinegar: Introduces acidity that lifts all the flavors.
¼ teaspoon Morton kosher salt: Enhances all ingredients without overpowering.
1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill: Infuses the salad with an herbal fragrance and classic flavor.
Ground black pepper (optional): Adds a gentle spice finish when sprinkled just before serving.

How to Make Creamy Cucumber Salad Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Cucumbers and Onion

Start by slicing the English cucumbers and red onion very thinly, aiming for slices between 1/16” and 1/8” thick for the perfect texture. A mandoline slicer is a fantastic tool here, helping you achieve consistent, delicate slices that will soak up the dressing beautifully. Place them together in a large bowl to get ready for the creamy dressing.

Step 2: Mix the Creamy Dressing

In a separate small bowl, combine the sour cream, good quality mayonnaise, sugar, white vinegar, kosher salt, and freshly chopped dill. Give it a good stir until smooth and well blended. If you prefer a thinner dressing, feel free to add a splash more vinegar or a little milk or cream. This step is where the magic happens—watch as these simple ingredients transform into a luscious, tangy dressing.

Step 3: Combine and Chill

Pour the dressing over the sliced cucumbers and onions, then gently fold everything together to ensure every slice is lightly coated with creaminess. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for 1 to 2 hours. This chilling time allows the flavors to meld and the cucumbers to absorb that delightful dressing, making each bite refreshing and flavorful. Right before serving, give it one last gentle fold and add a sprinkle of black pepper if you like a hint of spice.

How to Serve Creamy Cucumber Salad Recipe

Garnishes

A simple sprinkle of freshly chopped dill or a few cracks of black pepper adds a fresh, aromatic touch that elevates the salad visually and in taste. For a bit of extra color and crunch, you can even add toasted pumpkin seeds or thin slices of radish on top right before serving.

Side Dishes

This salad is an incredibly versatile side, pairing wonderfully with grilled meats like chicken or steak, alongside smoked sausages, or with hearty sandwiches. It brings a cooling, crisp contrast to richer dishes with creamy or smoky profiles, making it a crowd favorite at picnics and family dinners.

Creative Ways to Present

Take this Creamy Cucumber Salad Recipe up a notch by serving it in individual mason jars for a charming presentation or layering it in a shallow glass dish with fresh herbs and edible flowers for parties. You can also stuff the salad inside hollowed-out mini cucumbers or serve it atop crostini for an elegant appetizer twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This salad stores beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The flavors actually deepen after sitting, but the cucumbers tend to release more juice, so give it a gentle stir to redistribute the dressing before serving again.

Freezing

Freezing is not recommended for creamy cucumber salad because the cucumbers will become watery and lose their crisp texture once thawed, and the creamy dressing may separate.

Reheating

Since this dish is served cold and fresh, reheating is unnecessary and would alter the delicate crunch and freshness that makes this salad so delightful.

FAQs

Can I use regular cucumbers instead of English cucumbers?

You can, but English cucumbers are preferred because they have thinner skin and fewer seeds, which makes the salad less bitter and watery.

Is there a way to make this salad vegan?

Yes, you can substitute the sour cream and mayonnaise with plant-based alternatives like vegan sour cream and vegan mayo, but the flavor and texture will be slightly different.

Can I add other vegetables to this salad?

Absolutely! Thin slices of radish or bell peppers can add exciting color and crunch, but keep the flavors balanced and don’t overwhelm the cucumbers’ delicate taste.

How long can I prepare this salad in advance?

It’s best served within a couple of hours after chilling, but you can prepare it up to a day ahead and refrigerate; just stir gently before serving.

What’s the best way to get thin cucumber slices without a mandoline?

If you don’t have a mandoline, use a very sharp knife and slice carefully; partially freezing the cucumber beforehand can make slicing thinner easier.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Cucumber Salad Recipe truly captures the essence of fresh, simple, and satisfying flavors that bring joy to any table. It’s a timeless dish that’s easy to whip up and always invites smiles with its bright, creamy taste and delightful crunch. I encourage you to try it soon and make it your own—it might just become your go-to salad for all occasions!