This refreshing creamy cucumber salad is perfect for hot days. With cool cucumbers and a smooth dressing, it’s light, tasty, and super easy to make!
You can serve it as a side dish or enjoy it on its own. I think it tastes even better after chilling in the fridge for a bit—like giving it a spa day! 🥒😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cucumbers: Use large, firm cucumbers for the best crunch. English cucumbers are wonderful too, as they have fewer seeds and a thinner skin. If you’re in a pinch, pickling cucumbers will also work well.
Onion: I like red onions for their mild flavor and vibrant color, but you can use green onions or shallots if you prefer something milder or sweeter. Both will add that nice touch.
Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt: Sour cream gives a rich, tangy flavor, but Greek yogurt is a healthier alternative with extra protein. If you’re dairy-free, consider using a plant-based yogurt.
Dill: Fresh dill brings a bright flavor, but if you can’t find it, dried dill works too. I recommend using about one teaspoon dried for this recipe.
How Do I Keep My Cucumber Salad from Being Watery?
A common issue with cucumber salads is excess water. To avoid this, you can follow these steps:
- After slicing the cucumbers, sprinkle with salt and let them sit in a colander for about 10 minutes. This helps draw out excess moisture from the cucumbers.
- Gently squeeze the cucumber slices to get rid of more water, then pat them dry with paper towels.
By doing this, your salad will stay nice and creamy without becoming watery! Enjoy your salad as a perfect side to complement any meal. 😊
Easy Creamy Cucumber Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salad:
- 2 large cucumbers, thinly sliced
- 1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced
For the Dressing:
- 1 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon white vinegar or apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1/4 cup fresh dill, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried dill)
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This easy creamy cucumber salad takes about 15 minutes to prepare and an additional 30 minutes to chill in the refrigerator. Perfect for a quick side dish or a light lunch!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Cucumbers:
Start by washing your cucumbers. Then, thinly slice them. Place the slices in a colander and sprinkle with a little salt. Let them sit for about 10 minutes. This helps to draw out excess water, keeping your salad from becoming too watery. After 10 minutes, gently squeeze the slices and pat them dry with paper towels.
2. Make the Dressing:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the sour cream (or Greek yogurt), vinegar, sugar, chopped dill, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix until everything is smooth and well combined.
3. Combine the Ingredients:
Add the sliced cucumbers and red onions into the dressing. Gently stir everything together until the cucumbers and onions are well coated with the creamy dressing.
4. Chill the Salad:
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This chilling time allows the flavors to blend and the salad to become refreshing.
5. Serve and Enjoy:
Before serving, give the salad a quick stir to mix it up. Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if desired. You can also garnish with extra fresh dill for a pop of color and flavor. Serve chilled and enjoy this refreshing dish!
Can I Use Different Types of Cucumbers?
Absolutely! While large, firm cucumbers are ideal, you can also use English cucumbers, which have fewer seeds and thinner skin. If needed, pickling cucumbers can work too—they just have a crunchier texture.
Can I Make This Salad Ahead of Time?
Yes, this salad is great for making ahead! Prepare it up to a day in advance. Just keep it covered in the refrigerator. The flavors will continue to meld, making it even more delicious!
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover cucumber salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The cucumbers may release more water over time, so give it a quick stir before serving.
What Can I Substitute for Dill?
If you’re not a fan of dill, you can substitute it with fresh parsley, chives, or even dill seasoning blends. Each will give the salad a different, but still delicious, flavor!
