Creamy Cucumber Salad Recipe

There's something so refreshing about the cool crunch of cucumbers coated in a tangy, creamy dressing. This Creamy Cucumber Salad is the ultimate summer side dish—light, crisp, and loaded with flavor.

this Recipe

I first made this salad during a heatwave when turning on the stove wasn’t an option. Since then, it’s become a staple at picnics, potlucks, and family dinners. With just a handful of ingredients and barely any prep time, this salad is a lifesaver when you need something fast, fresh, and delicious.

The combination of crisp cucumber, a luscious sour cream dressing, and a sprinkle of dill makes every bite pop. Ready to make it part of your go-to summer menu? Let’s dive in.

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Cucumber Salad

This salad checks all the boxes for a go-to side: simple, budget-friendly, and incredibly satisfying. It’s the kind of dish you’ll find yourself making again and again.

First off, it's incredibly quick and easy. You can whip this salad up in just 10 minutes, and it tastes even better after a short rest in the fridge. Perfect for those last-minute barbecue invites or when dinner needs a fast sidekick.

It’s also wonderfully light and refreshing, making it ideal for hot weather. Unlike heavy mayo-based salads, this one feels crisp and hydrating, thanks to the cucumbers and tangy dressing.

Budget-conscious? You’re in luck. This recipe uses simple, affordable ingredients that are probably already in your fridge—no fancy grocery runs required.

And finally, this salad is surprisingly versatile. Serve it alongside grilled meats, toss it into wraps, or enjoy it solo for a quick snack. You can even tweak the flavors with different herbs or add-ins for a twist on the classic.

Whether you're feeding a crowd or just need a fuss-free side, this cucumber salad delivers every time.

Ingredient Notes

This dish is all about simple ingredients coming together for big flavor. Here’s what makes it work so well:

Cucumbers are, of course, the star. I recommend using English cucumbers for their thin skin and minimal seeds, which means no peeling or seeding required. If you’re using garden cucumbers, be sure to peel and deseed them for the best texture.

Sour cream brings that luscious, creamy tang. I prefer full-fat sour cream for richness, but low-fat versions also work if you're looking to lighten things up a bit. For a more probiotic punch, you could substitute Greek yogurt.

Red onion adds a sharp bite that balances out the coolness of the cucumber. Slice it thinly so it doesn’t overpower the salad. If raw onion is too strong for your taste, soak the slices in cold water for 10 minutes first.

Fresh dill is essential for that classic flavor. It gives the salad a garden-fresh taste and pairs beautifully with the creamy dressing. If fresh dill isn’t available, dried dill will do—just reduce the quantity slightly.

You’ll also need white vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper to round out the flavors. These pantry staples help bring everything together, adding brightness, balance, and a touch of sweetness.

No fancy tools required here—just a good knife, a cutting board, and a mixing bowl. A mandoline is handy if you want paper-thin cucumber slices, but not essential.

How To Make This Creamy Cucumber Salad

Making this salad is wonderfully straightforward, but a few little tips will help you get the best texture and flavor every time.

Start by slicing your cucumbers into thin, even rounds. You can go as thick or thin as you like, but I find that somewhere around ⅛ inch hits the sweet spot—thin enough to soak up flavor but still crisp.

Place the cucumber slices in a colander, sprinkle them with a bit of salt, and let them sit for about 20–30 minutes. This step draws out excess moisture and prevents the salad from becoming watery. Afterward, gently pat them dry with paper towels.

While the cucumbers are resting, whisk together your sour cream, vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper in a large mixing bowl. This forms the creamy base that’ll coat every cucumber slice in tangy goodness.

Add in your sliced red onion and chopped fresh dill, then stir everything to combine. Once the cucumbers are prepped, fold them gently into the dressing until well coated.

Taste and adjust your seasoning as needed—maybe a little more dill, or a splash more vinegar if you like it zingy.

You can serve this salad right away, but for the best flavor, cover it and refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes. The flavors meld and deepen as it chills, making each bite even better.

Storage Options

This salad stores beautifully, making it a great make-ahead option. Simply cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer leftovers to an airtight container.

In the refrigerator, it will keep well for up to 3 days. Just give it a gentle stir before serving, as the dressing may separate slightly or the cucumbers may release a bit more liquid.

While it’s technically safe to freeze sour cream-based dishes, the texture tends to suffer upon thawing, so I don’t recommend freezing this one.

To reheat—well, you don’t! This salad is best enjoyed cold, straight from the fridge, making it ideal for warm weather meals and packed lunches.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about this creamy cucumber salad is how adaptable it is. Here are a few ways to make it your own:

Try Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a lighter version that’s just as creamy, with added protein.

Swap the dill for chives, parsley, or mint to explore different herbal profiles. Each one brings its own unique twist to the dish.

Want a little heat? Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or a finely chopped jalapeño to the mix.

For a bit of crunch and contrast, toss in some sliced radishes or even cherry tomatoes. These add a splash of color and extra freshness.

If you’re looking to boost the protein, add crumbled feta cheese or thin slices of cold grilled chicken for a heartier salad that can stand as a full meal.

The beauty of this recipe is that it welcomes creativity. Don’t be afraid to play around with the herbs, mix-ins, or cream base until you find your perfect combo.

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