Creamy Cucumber Salad Recipe
A refreshing blend of crisp cucumbers, tangy sour cream, and fresh dill, this Creamy Cucumber Salad Recipe is summer simplicity at its finest. It’s light, creamy, and comes together in just minutes.
Perfect for backyard BBQs or a quick dinner side, this chilled salad is the kind of recipe you’ll come back to again and again for its cool crunch and herbaceous punch.
What You’ll Need for This Creamy Cucumber Salad
- English cucumbers – Thinly sliced for a refreshing crunch without excess seeds or bitterness.
- Sour cream – Delivers the creamy base with a tangy richness that coats each slice beautifully.
- Red wine vinegar – Balances the creaminess with a zippy acidity that keeps things bright and light.
- Fresh dill – A fresh herb that infuses the salad with a classic, aromatic flavor.
- Red onion – Adds sharpness and color contrast with a hint of sweetness.
- Garlic powder – Subtly boosts savory depth in the dressing.
- Sugar (optional) – A touch softens the tang and rounds out the flavors.
- Salt and pepper – Essential for seasoning and bringing everything into perfect balance.
How to Make It: Creamy Cucumber Salad Recipe in Simple Steps
Start by stirring together the sour cream, red wine vinegar, dill, garlic powder, and sugar until smooth and well-blended. Season to taste with salt and pepper for a flavorful base.
Next, toss in the thinly sliced cucumbers and red onions. Stir gently until every piece is evenly coated in the creamy dill dressing.
Serve it right away for a crisp bite, or let it chill in the fridge for an hour for a more marinated, mellow flavor.
Kitchen Secrets for a Creamier, Crunchier Salad
For the crispiest texture, slice the cucumbers thinly using a mandoline or sharp knife, and consider salting them lightly in advance to draw out moisture—just pat dry before mixing.
Use fresh dill over dried whenever possible; the aromatic, grassy notes add brightness that dried herbs can’t match. If you’re not a sour cream fan, swap in Greek yogurt for a tangier, protein-packed version.
To make this more filling, toss in halved cherry tomatoes or crumbled feta for added color and body. For a vegan twist, use a plant-based sour cream alternative.
Storing the Crunch: Tips to Keep It Fresh
This salad shines brightest when enjoyed fresh. However, if you need to store it, refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 24 hours.
Note that cucumbers release water over time, so the salad may become slightly watery. Simply stir before serving or use a slotted spoon to drain excess liquid. Avoid freezing, as the cucumbers will lose their texture.
Creamy Cucumber Salad Recipe
Ingredients
- ¼ red onion finely sliced
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 large English cucumbers thinly sliced
- 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar optional
Instructions
- In a medium-sized mixing bowl, thoroughly blend the sour cream with the red wine vinegar, chopped dill, garlic powder, and sugar if using, until smooth. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
- Introduce the cucumber slices and red onion into the bowl with the dressing, and gently fold the ingredients until the vegetables are evenly coated.
- Present the salad immediately at ambient temperature, or for enhanced flavor and texture, chill in the refrigerator for up to one hour prior to serving.
