The Best Creamy Cucumber Salad Recipe (Cool, Tangy & Ready in 20 Minutes)

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 0 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes (including chilling) | Servings: 6 | Calories: 90 kcal per serving

Creamy cucumber salad is the perfect side dish for summer. Cool cucumbers in a tangy, creamy dressing. It tastes fresh and rich at the same time.

This version uses sour cream and a touch of vinegar. The result is a salad that is not too heavy but still feels indulgent. Every bite is crisp, creamy, and refreshing.

Fifteen minutes to make. One hour to chill. A side dish that pairs with absolutely everything.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

Creamy cucumber salad is simple but special. Here is what makes this recipe stand out.

It is incredibly refreshing. The cool cucumbers and tangy dressing are perfect for hot days or heavy meals.

The texture is perfect. Crisp cucumbers stay crunchy even after sitting in the dressing.

It goes with everything. Grilled meats, fried chicken, BBQ, sandwiches. This salad works as a side for all of them.

You can make it ahead. Prep it in the morning. Let it chill all day. Serve it at dinner already done.

Everyone likes it. Even people who say they do not like cucumbers eat this salad. The creamy dressing makes it irresistible.

Ingredients

• 2 large English cucumbers (or 4 regular cucumbers)
• 1 small red onion, very thinly sliced
• 1 cup (240g) sour cream
• 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons white vinegar or apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon dried dill (or 1 tablespoon fresh dill)
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Equipment Needed

• Sharp knife
• Cutting board
• Mandoline slicer (optional but helpful)
• Large bowl
• Small bowl (for dressing)
• Whisk or fork
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Serving bowl

Instructions

Step 1: Wash the cucumbers. If using regular cucumbers, peel them. English cucumbers do not need peeling.

Step 2: Slice the cucumbers very thin. A mandoline makes this easy. If slicing by hand, make them as thin as possible.

Step 3: Peel and thinly slice the red onion. Separate the rings.

Step 4: Place the sliced cucumbers and onions in a large bowl.

Step 5: In a small bowl, whisk together the sour cream, mayonnaise, vinegar, sugar, dill, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth.

Step 6: Pour the dressing over the cucumbers and onions.

Step 7: Toss everything together gently until all the cucumber slices are coated.

Step 8: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer to a container with a lid.

Step 9: Refrigerate for at least 1 hour. The flavours get better as it sits.

Step 10: Before serving, give it a quick stir. The cucumbers will release some water. This is normal.

Step 11: If there is too much liquid, drain a little off before serving.

Step 12: Transfer to a serving bowl and serve cold.

Substitutes & Swaps

Sour cream: Greek yogurt makes it tangier and lighter. Full-fat plain yogurt works too. For dairy-free, use coconut cream.

Mayonnaise: More sour cream works if you do not have mayo. The salad will be thinner but still delicious.

Red onion: White onion or sweet onion work fine. Red onion adds the best color and mild flavour.

White vinegar: Apple cider vinegar adds a slightly fruiter flavour. Lemon juice works for a fresh citrus twist.

Dried dill: Fresh dill is even better. Use about three times more fresh than dried. Fresh parsley also works.

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Variations

Dill Pickle Cucumber Salad: Add 2 tablespoons chopped dill pickles and use pickle juice instead of vinegar. Tangy and delicious.

Ranch Cucumber Salad: Use ranch dressing instead of making the dressing. Add extra dill and garlic powder.

Bacon Cucumber Salad: Add ½ cup crumbled cooked bacon. The salty crispy bacon is amazing with the cool cucumbers.

Tomato Cucumber Salad: Add 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved. Makes it more colorful and adds sweetness.

Feta Cucumber Salad: Add ½ cup crumbled feta cheese. The salty cheese pairs perfectly with the creamy dressing.

Tips & Tricks

Slice cucumbers very thin. Thin slices absorb the dressing better. They also have better texture in your mouth.

Salt the cucumbers first. Optional step. Sprinkle salt on sliced cucumbers and let sit 15 minutes. Pat dry. This removes excess water.

Let it chill long enough. One hour minimum. The cucumbers absorb flavours as they sit. Overnight is even better.

Drain before serving. Cucumbers release water as they sit. Pour off some liquid before serving so it is not too watery.

Use fresh dill if possible. Dried dill works but fresh dill tastes so much better. It makes a noticeable difference.

Adjust creaminess. Want it thicker? Use less vinegar. Want it thinner? Add a splash of milk.

Store properly. Keep in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Stir before serving each time.

Nutrition Information (Per Serving)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	90 kcal
Total Fat	7g
Saturated Fat	4g
Carbohydrates	6g
Fibre	1g
Sugars	4g
Protein	2g
Sodium	220mg

Nutrition is based on one serving made with cucumbers, red onion, sour cream, mayonnaise, vinegar, and seasonings.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How long does creamy cucumber salad last?

It keeps for 2 to 3 days in the fridge. After that it gets too soft and watery. Best eaten within the first two days.

Can I use regular cucumbers instead of English?

Yes. Peel them first. Cut them in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds with a spoon. Then slice thin.

Why is my salad watery?

Cucumbers release water as they sit. Salt them first to remove some water. Drain excess liquid before serving.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes. This is perfect for making ahead. Make it in the morning or the night before. It tastes better after sitting.

Do I have to peel the cucumbers?

English cucumbers do not need peeling. Regular cucumbers should be peeled because the skin can be tough and bitter.

Can I leave out the onion?

Yes. The onion adds flavour but you can skip it if you do not like raw onion. The salad still tastes good.

What can I serve this with?

Grilled chicken, steak, pork chops, burgers, hot dogs, fried fish, or any BBQ. It works as a side for almost anything.

The Salad That Cools Everything Down

Some side dishes are just fillers. This one is different. People actually want seconds of this salad. It balances out heavy meals and makes hot days more bearable.

Make a big batch this week. Serve it with dinner. Pack leftovers for lunch. Watch it disappear faster than you expected.

Made this recipe? Tell me in the comments if you added bacon or kept it classic. I want to know what everyone is doing with it.