There’s something wonderfully nostalgic about a cool, creamy salad on a hot summer day. Creamy Cucumber Salad brings together crisp, refreshing cucumbers with a tangy, velvety dressing that feels light yet indulgent. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue, preparing a quick lunch, or looking for a refreshing side dish, this salad never fails to impress.
The simple combination of fresh cucumbers, creamy dressing, and a touch of herbs creates a dish that is both comforting and revitalizing. It’s versatile enough to accompany grilled meats, sandwiches, or even a light lunch on its own. Plus, it’s easy to make, requiring minimal prep and a handful of ingredients.
Why You’ll Love Creamy Cucumber Salad
- Cool and Refreshing: Perfect for warm weather, it helps you stay cool and hydrated.
- Light and Creamy: Combines the crisp texture of cucumbers with a rich, tangy dressing.
- Quick and Easy: Simple ingredients and minimal prep time make it a go-to side dish.
- Versatile: Pairs well with grilled meats, sandwiches, or as a light lunch on its own.
- Customizable: Adjust the herbs, add some red onions, or make it dairy-free.
Whether you’re making it as a side for a family dinner or bringing it to a summer potluck, this creamy cucumber salad is sure to be a hit. The vibrant colors and refreshing flavors make it a standout dish that’s both visually appealing and delicious.
Ingredients for Creamy Cucumber Salad
Ingredient | Description |
---|---|
Cucumbers | Crisp, hydrating, and naturally cooling |
Sour Cream | Adds a tangy, creamy texture |
Greek Yogurt | Enhances creaminess and adds protein |
Fresh Dill | Brings a herbaceous, slightly sweet note |
Vinegar | Adds acidity to balance the creaminess |
Salt and Pepper | Enhances the natural flavors |
Red Onion (optional) | Adds a mild, sharp contrast |
Ingredient Notes
- Use fresh, firm cucumbers for the best crunch.
- Greek yogurt balances the sour cream with added protein.
- Fresh dill gives a more robust flavor than dried.
- A little vinegar adds the right amount of tang without overpowering.
- Salt and pepper bring out the natural sweetness of the cucumbers.
How to Make Creamy Cucumber Salad – Step-by-Step Guide
Prep the Cucumbers
- Slice the cucumbers thinly, either in rounds or half-moons.
- Lightly salt the slices and let them sit for 10 minutes to draw out excess moisture.
- Pat dry with a paper towel to keep the salad from becoming watery.
Make the Creamy Dressing
- In a bowl, combine sour cream, Greek yogurt, vinegar, salt, and pepper.
- Stir until smooth and well blended.
- Add finely chopped dill and mix again.
Assemble the Salad
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cucumber slices and dressing.
- Toss gently to coat all pieces evenly.
- Add thinly sliced red onions if using.
Chill and Serve
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 10 minutes to let the flavors meld.
- Serve chilled, garnished with extra dill if desired.
Tips for the Best Creamy Cucumber Salad
- Use Fresh Dill: Fresh herbs elevate the flavor profile significantly compared to dried.
- Salt the Cucumbers First: This step keeps the salad crisp rather than watery.
- Let It Chill: Allowing the salad to rest in the fridge enhances the creamy texture and flavor.
- Add a Touch of Sweetness: A teaspoon of sugar can balance the tang if desired.
Variations to Try
- Greek-Inspired: Add crumbled feta cheese and Kalamata olives for a Mediterranean twist.
- Vegan Version: Use dairy-free yogurt and vegan sour cream as substitutes.
- Spicy Cucumber Salad: Add a pinch of cayenne or chili flakes for a little heat.
- Herb Swap: Try adding fresh parsley or chives for a different herbal note.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Yes, but it’s best served within a few hours of preparation. Store it in an airtight container and give it a quick stir before serving.
Salting the cucumbers before mixing helps to draw out excess moisture, keeping the salad crisp.
Absolutely! English cucumbers or Persian cucumbers work great as they have fewer seeds and a tender skin.
It stays fresh for up to 2 days when stored properly, but the texture may become slightly softer over time.
Nutritional Information
Nutrient | Per Serving |
Calories | 120 |
Carbohydrates | 8g |
Protein | 3g |
Fat | 9g |
Fiber | 1g |
Sugar | 4g |
Creamy Cucumber Salad is a versatile and delightful dish that pairs well with a variety of meals. Its cool, refreshing taste and creamy texture make it a favorite for summer gatherings or a light lunch option. With simple ingredients and a quick preparation time, this salad is both practical and flavorful, making it an essential addition to your recipe collection.
PrintCreamy Cucumber Salad
Creamy Cucumber Salad combines fresh cucumbers, sour cream, and dill for a cool, refreshing side dish. Perfect for summer meals or as a light lunch.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: None
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- Cucumbers: Crisp, hydrating, and naturally cooling.
- Sour Cream: Adds a tangy, creamy texture.
- Greek Yogurt: Enhances creaminess and adds protein.
- Fresh Dill: Brings a herbaceous, slightly sweet note.
- Vinegar: Adds acidity to balance the creaminess.
- Salt and Pepper: Enhances the natural flavors.
- Red Onion (optional): Adds a mild, sharp contrast.
Instructions
- Slice the cucumbers thinly, either in rounds or half-moons.
- Lightly salt the slices and let them sit for 10 minutes to draw out excess moisture.
- Pat dry with a paper towel to keep the salad from becoming watery.
- In a bowl, combine sour cream, Greek yogurt, vinegar, salt, and pepper.
- Stir until smooth and well blended. Add finely chopped dill and mix again.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cucumber slices and dressing.
- Toss gently to coat all pieces evenly. Add thinly sliced red onions if using.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 10 minutes to let the flavors meld.
- Serve chilled, garnished with extra dill if desired.
Notes
- Use fresh, firm cucumbers for the best crunch.
- Salt the cucumbers before mixing to prevent the salad from becoming watery.
- Fresh dill gives a more robust flavor compared to dried.
- A little vinegar adds the right amount of tang without overpowering.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 15mg