Creamy Cucumber Salad: A Cool and Refreshing Side Dish
This creamy cucumber salad is a refreshing, tangy, and crunchy side dish perfect for summer gatherings, BBQs, or as a quick and healthy snack. Thinly sliced cucumbers are tossed in a smooth, tangy sour cream dressing with fresh dill and a hint of lemon for a perfectly balanced flavor. It’s easy to make and pairs well with grilled meats, sandwiches, or as a light side for any meal!
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Whisk or fork for mixing dressing
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife or mandoline slicer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wooden spoon for tossing
Ingredients
- ✅ For the Salad:
- 2 large cucumbers thinly sliced
- ½ red onion thinly sliced (optional)
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill finely chopped
- ✅ For the Creamy Dressing:
- ½ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt for a lighter version
- 1 tablespoon mayonnaise optional, for extra creaminess
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice or white vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sugar balances the acidity
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard optional, for extra tang
- 1 small clove garlic minced (optional)
Instructions
- 🔸 Step 1: Slice the Cucumbers
- 1️⃣ Wash and slice cucumbers very thinly using a sharp knife or mandoline slicer.
- 2️⃣ If using red onions, slice them thinly as well.
- 🔸 Step 2: Make the Dressing
- 3️⃣ In a large bowl, whisk together sour cream, lemon juice, mayonnaise, sugar, salt, black pepper, and Dijon mustard until smooth.
- 🔸 Step 3: Toss the Salad
- 4️⃣ Add the sliced cucumbers and onions to the bowl with the dressing.
- 5️⃣ Gently toss everything together until evenly coated.
- 🔸 Step 4: Chill and Serve
- 6️⃣ Let the salad sit in the fridge for 15–30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- 7️⃣ Garnish with fresh dill and serve chilled!
Notes
For Extra Crunch: Use English cucumbers or Persian cucumbers instead of regular ones, as they have thinner skin and fewer seeds.
Make-Ahead: This salad is best enjoyed fresh, but you can store it in the fridge for up to 1 day. The cucumbers may release water over time, so drain excess liquid before serving.
Dairy-Free Option: Swap sour cream for dairy-free yogurt or vegan mayo.
Low-Carb Option: Skip the sugar or use a low-carb sweetener like monk fruit or Stevia.
Make-Ahead: This salad is best enjoyed fresh, but you can store it in the fridge for up to 1 day. The cucumbers may release water over time, so drain excess liquid before serving.
Dairy-Free Option: Swap sour cream for dairy-free yogurt or vegan mayo.
Low-Carb Option: Skip the sugar or use a low-carb sweetener like monk fruit or Stevia.