Refreshing Creamy Cucumber Salad Recipe for Summer Bliss

Crisp summer days call for a refreshing cucumber salad that brings cool comfort and zesty flavor to your plate.

Cucumbers dance with tangy herbs in this simple yet delightful recipe.

Creamy dressing coats each slice, creating a smooth texture that melts in your mouth.

Fresh ingredients blend seamlessly, promising a light and satisfying side dish.

Crunchy vegetables provide a delightful contrast against the silky sauce.

Quick to prepare and impossible to resist, this salad will become your go-to summer staple.

One bite, and you’ll be transported to a sun-drenched garden with every delectable mouthful.

Why Creamy Cucumber Salad Is a Refreshing Side

• Savor Quick Prep: Minimal ingredients and simple steps make this cucumber salad a breeze to assemble, perfect for busy home cooks craving a delicious side dish.
• Chill and Enhance Flavors: Refrigerating the salad allows the creamy dressing to blend perfectly with crisp cucumbers, intensifying the tangy and fresh taste profile.
• Crowd-Pleasing Versatility: Works brilliantly as a refreshing summer side, potluck contribution, or barbecue accompaniment that appeals to both kids and adults with its creamy texture and mild flavors.
• No-Fuss Nutrition Boost: Packed with fresh vegetables and a protein-rich sour cream base, this salad delivers a nutritious punch without complex cooking techniques.

Ingredients for Creamy Cucumber Salad

• Sour Cream: A tangy dairy product that creates a rich and smooth dressing for the cucumber salad.
• Vinegar: Adds a sharp and bright flavor that balances the creaminess of the sour cream.

• Dill, Sugar, Salt, Garlic Powder: These ingredients work together to enhance the overall taste profile with herbal, sweet, salty, and aromatic notes.

• Cucumbers, Red Onion: Crisp and refreshing vegetables that provide a cool and crunchy texture to the salad.

Instructions for Creamy Cucumber Salad

Step 1: Whip Up the Dreamy Dressing

In a cozy mixing bowl, unleash the magic by blending sour cream, vinegar, chopped dill, sugar, salt, and garlic powder. Stir with enthusiasm until the mixture transforms into a silky, tantalizing sauce that promises to elevate your cucumber experience.

Step 2: Toss and Coat the Crisp Vegetables

Introduce the thinly sliced cucumbers and finely chopped red onion to your luscious dressing. Gently tumble and swirl the ingredients until every vegetable piece glistens with the creamy coating, ensuring a flavor explosion in every bite.

Step 3: Chill and Let Flavors Dance

Seal the bowl with a lid and tuck it into the refrigerator. Let the salad rest and mingle for a minimum of 2 hours. During this time, the ingredients will get acquainted, allowing the herbs and seasonings to weave their aromatic magic throughout the dish.

Pro Tips for Creamy Cucumber Salad

• Slice Thin for Maximum Flavor: Use a sharp knife or mandoline to cut cucumbers into ultra-thin, translucent slices that absorb the creamy dressing perfectly.
• Drain Excess Moisture: Pat cucumber slices with paper towels to remove water, preventing a watery salad and ensuring a rich, creamy texture.
• Adjust Tanginess to Taste: Experiment with different vinegars like apple cider or white wine vinegar to personalize the salad's zesty profile.
• Boost Nutrition with Variations: Add chopped fresh herbs like parsley or chives, or sprinkle with sunflower seeds for extra crunch and nutritional value.
• Make Ahead with Confidence: This salad tastes even better after 24 hours, making it an ideal make-ahead dish for potlucks and gatherings.

Variations to Try with Creamy Cucumber Salad

• Greek Yogurt Cucumber Salad: Replace sour cream with tangy Greek yogurt for a protein-packed, lower-fat version that maintains creamy texture.
• Vegan Cucumber Salad: Swap sour cream with cashew cream or coconut yogurt, use maple syrup instead of sugar for a plant-based alternative.
• Low-Carb Cucumber Salad: Eliminate sugar completely, add fresh herbs like chives or parsley for extra flavor without additional carbohydrates.
• Mediterranean Cucumber Salad: Incorporate crumbled feta cheese, add chopped kalamata olives, and sprinkle with dried oregano for a Mediterranean-inspired variation.

Pairing Tips for Creamy Cucumber Salad

• Pair with Grilled Proteins: Match this cool, tangy cucumber salad with juicy grilled chicken, tender pork chops, or succulent salmon for a refreshing summer meal that balances rich, smoky flavors.
• Select Crisp White Wines: Enhance the salad's creamy, herbal notes with a chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, whose bright acidity and light body complement the cucumber's freshness.
• Serve Alongside Barbecue Dishes: Create a perfect side for hearty barbecue meals like pulled pork, ribs, or grilled steak, where the salad's cool, creamy texture provides a delightful contrast to smoky, intense meats.

Storage Guidelines for Creamy Cucumber Salad

• Store the cucumber salad in a sealed container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator, keeping it crisp and fresh.
• Before storing, use a slotted spoon to remove any accumulated water from cucumbers to prevent soggy texture.
• Do not freeze this salad, as the creamy dressing and cucumbers will separate and lose their original texture and taste.
• Gently mix the salad with a spoon when ready to eat to redistribute the dressing and revive its flavors.

FAQs About Creamy Cucumber Salad

• Can I use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream?

Yes, Greek yogurt works perfectly as a healthy substitute with similar creamy texture and tangy flavor.

• How thin should I slice the cucumbers?

Slice cucumbers thinly, about 1/8 to 1/4 inch thick, to help them absorb the dressing and ensure even coating.

• Is this salad good for meal prep?

Absolutely! This cucumber salad stays fresh in the refrigerator for 2-3 days, making it an excellent make-ahead side dish for lunches or dinners.

• Can I skip the red onion if I don't like it?

Yes, you can omit the red onion or replace it with green onions or chives for a milder onion flavor.

Creamy Cucumber Salad Recipe

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4.8 from 32 reviews

• Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Cool cucumber salad brings summer freshness to your plate with crisp dill and tangy sour cream dressing. Simple ingredients blend seamlessly for a refreshing side that delights with each creamy, herbal bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Vegetables:

• 3 cups (710 ml) thinly sliced peeled cucumbers
• 1 cup (240 ml) thinly sliced red onion

Dairy and Seasoning:

• 1/2 cup (120 ml) sour cream
• 1 tablespoon white vinegar
• 1 tablespoon minced fresh dill

Spices and Sweeteners:

• 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

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Instructions

1. Whisk together sour cream, vinegar, dill, sugar, salt, and garlic powder in a spacious mixing vessel until the mixture transforms into a smooth, uniform dressing.
2. Slice cucumbers and red onion into thin, delicate rounds, ensuring uniform thickness for consistent flavor distribution.
3. Gently fold the cucumber and onion slices into the creamy dressing, carefully rotating the ingredients to achieve complete and even coating.
4. Seal the bowl with a tight-fitting lid or plastic wrap, then transfer to the refrigerator for a minimum of 2 hours, allowing the ingredients to harmonize and intensify their collective flavor profile.
5. Before serving, give the salad a final gentle stir to redistribute the dressing and reinvigorate the vegetables’ crisp texture.
6. Serve chilled as a refreshing accompaniment to main dishes, garnishing with additional fresh dill if desired.

Notes

• Select crisp, firm cucumbers for the best texture and crunch in your salad.
• Slice cucumbers thinly and uniformly to ensure even coating and consistent flavor distribution.
• For a lighter version, swap sour cream with Greek yogurt to reduce calories and add protein.
• Sprinkle fresh chopped dill or chives just before serving to enhance the herb’s vibrant flavor and appearance.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Mixing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 68 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 288 mg
• Fat: 5 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 5 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 1 g
• Cholesterol: 15 mg