There’s something magical about turning a handful of everyday ingredients into a showstopping side — and that’s exactly what you’ll get with this irresistible Creamy Cucumber Salad Recipe. Cool, crisp cucumbers and snappy red onions are tossed in a lusciously tangy, herb-flecked dressing that pulls all the flavors together in a perfect bite. Whether you’re planning a summer barbecue or craving something refreshing to pair with weeknight dinners, this salad delivers on both taste and simplicity, making it a must-try that will earn a spot in your regular rotation.

Creamy Cucumber Salad Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Creamy Cucumber Salad Recipe lies in its simplicity — just a few fresh, vibrant ingredients come together to create a stunning burst of flavor and texture. Each component brings something special to the table, from crunch and creaminess to sharp, herby notes.

Cucumbers: Thinly sliced cucumbers are the heart of this salad, delivering a refreshing crunch with every forkful.
Red onion: A pop of color and subtle bite, red onion slices provide balance and zip to the mix.
Sour cream: The secret to that dreamy, tangy creaminess that makes this recipe such a crowd-pleaser.
Mayonnaise: Just a spoonful adds extra body and richness to the dressing for that classic deli-style texture.
White vinegar: This splash of acidity brightens up the salad and gently tenderizes the veggies.
Granulated sugar: A pinch helps temper the sharpness of the onion and vinegar, creating delicate balance.
Fresh dill: Chopped dill brings unmistakable freshness and a fragrant, herbaceous lift to each bite.
Garlic powder: Adds subtle savory depth without overpowering the salad’s lighter notes.
Salt and black pepper: Essential seasoning to bring all the flavors together — don’t be shy to taste and adjust!

How to Make Creamy Cucumber Salad Recipe

Step 1: Make the Creamy Dressing

Grab a large mixing bowl and combine the sour cream, mayonnaise, white vinegar, sugar, chopped dill, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Whisk everything together until the mixture is velvety smooth. This step is where the magic begins — you’ll notice the aroma of fresh dill and garlicky notes blending into an ultra-creamy dressing.

Step 2: Slice the Vegetables

Thinly slice the cucumbers and half a red onion, aiming for pieces that are similar in thickness for the best texture. If you’re short on time, a mandoline slicer works wonders here, but a sharp knife will do the trick as well. The thinner the slices, the more luscious and melded your creamy cucumber salad will become!

Step 3: Toss Everything Together

Now for the fun part! Add the cucumber and onion slices into your bowl of creamy dill dressing. Toss until every slice is beautifully coated — you want that dressing to cling lovingly to every bit of veg. It’s hard not to sneak a taste already (and I always do).

Step 4: Chill and Let It Meld

Cover the bowl and set it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This chill time is non-negotiable — it gives the flavors a chance to meld together, softening the onion’s bite and transforming the veggies into a harmonious, tangy, herby delight. If you can give it even more time, the dish gets even better!

Step 5: Stir and Serve

Just before serving, give your Creamy Cucumber Salad Recipe one last quick stir and check for seasoning. Add another pinch of salt or a sprinkle of fresh dill, if needed. The salad should be ultra-creamy, cooling, and brimming with flavor, ready to complement whatever’s on your plate!

How to Serve Creamy Cucumber Salad Recipe

Garnishes

Amp up the presentation by showering your salad with a little extra chopped fresh dill before serving, or add a sprinkling of freshly cracked black pepper for a bit of drama on top. If you want it even fancier, a few paper-thin slices of radish or a light dusting of smoked paprika will make the salad shine and give your guests something to talk about.

Side Dishes

This Creamy Cucumber Salad Recipe is the ultimate partner for summertime meals. It’s a knockout alongside grilled meats, classic burgers, or roasted salmon. But don’t stop there — it also pairs beautifully with hearty vegetarian mains like lentil loaf or a simple bowl of herby rice pilaf. The cooling, tangy crunch brings balance to any hearty or spicy plate.

Creative Ways to Present

For picnics or potlucks, scoop the salad into mason jars or small bowls for individual servings — it’s both adorable and practical. Want to go low-carb? Try stuffing big romaine or butter lettuce leaves with the salad: instant lettuce wraps! Feeling extra creative? Use it as a base layer on open-faced sandwiches or as a topping for smoked salmon crostini for an elegant appetizer twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator. The Creamy Cucumber Salad Recipe tastes wonderful even a day or two later, although you may need to give it a good stir since cucumbers can release a little more liquid as they sit. If that happens, drain off any excess, then refresh with an extra dollop of sour cream or more dill before serving.

Freezing

This is one dish that’s best enjoyed fresh — the cucumbers and creamy dressing don’t hold up well to freezing and thawing, as the texture can become watery and limp. If you’re prepping in advance, stick to refrigeration and enjoy within a couple of days for the best flavor and crunch.

Reheating

No need to reheat — in fact, this salad is all about being cool and crisp! Simply give it a stir and serve straight from the fridge. If you’d like a more robust flavor, let the salad sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before enjoying, which allows the dressing to loosen up and come alive.

FAQs

Can I make this Creamy Cucumber Salad Recipe a day ahead?

Absolutely! Preparing the salad a few hours or even a day ahead lets the flavors marry beautifully. Just give it a good stir and adjust the seasoning before serving, as the cucumbers may release some liquid over time.

What type Side Dish

Regular cucumbers work perfectly, but if you prefer fewer seeds and a milder bite, English or Persian cucumbers are a fantastic choice. They’re crisp and have thinner skins, so you can skip peeling if you like.

Can I substitute Greek yogurt for the sour cream?

Yes — Greek yogurt is a great alternative if you want a lighter, tangier touch to your Creamy Cucumber Salad Recipe. It still gives you that lovely creamy texture with the bonus of extra protein.

How do I prevent the salad from getting watery?

To keep things extra crisp, you can salt the cucumber slices and let them sit in a colander for 15–20 minutes, then pat dry with paper towels before mixing with the dressing. This draws out some moisture and helps the dressing cling to the veggies longer.

Is this Creamy Cucumber Salad Recipe gluten free?

Yes, all the ingredients in this recipe are naturally gluten free! Just double-check your mayonnaise and sour cream labels to be certain if you have any dietary sensitivities.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Cucumber Salad Recipe is more than just a side — it’s a joyful little celebration of freshness and flavor, ready for any meal you’re making. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or trying it for the first time, I hope it brings a cool, creamy spark to your table. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself coming back for seconds!

Creamy Cucumber Salad Recipe

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4.8 from 11 reviews

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

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Description

This Creamy Cucumber Salad Recipe is a refreshing and easy side dish perfect for summer gatherings. Crisp cucumbers and red onions are coated in a creamy, tangy dressing with hints of fresh dill and garlic, making it a delightful addition to any meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Cucumbers:

2 large cucumbers, thinly sliced

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