Cool, crisp, and bursting with fresh summer flavors, this creamy cucumber salad is the side dish your warm-weather meals have been waiting for. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep, it delivers maximum impact with every tangy, herby bite.
The combination of crunchy cucumbers, sweet red onions, and a sour cream-dill dressing is the perfect blend of creamy and crisp. Whether you’re pairing it with grilled meats or serving it on its own, this dish is a delicious way to cool down and add brightness to your table. It’s a true summer staple that you’ll return to again and again.
Full Recipe
Ingredients:
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2 large English cucumbers, thinly sliced
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1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
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1 teaspoon salt
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1/2 cup sour cream
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2 tablespoons white vinegar
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1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried dill)
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1 teaspoon sugar
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1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Directions:
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Place the sliced cucumbers and red onion in a large bowl.
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Sprinkle with salt, mix well, and let sit for 30 minutes to draw out excess water.
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After 30 minutes, drain the cucumbers and onions and gently pat dry with paper towels.
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In a small bowl, mix sour cream, vinegar, dill, sugar, and black pepper until smooth.
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Pour the dressing over the cucumbers and onions and stir to coat evenly.
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Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving for best flavor.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 0 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes (including resting)
Kcal: 90 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
A Summer Classic: Creamy Cucumber Salad
Creamy cucumber salad is one of those timeless dishes that always finds a place at the table during warm-weather months. Whether served alongside grilled meats at a backyard barbecue, enjoyed as a light lunch, or brought to a picnic, this dish provides a cool and refreshing contrast to heavier summer fare. The simplicity of its ingredients—crisp cucumbers, tangy onions, sour cream, vinegar, dill, and a touch of sweetness—makes it accessible, yet it offers a depth of flavor that appeals to all ages.
Origins and Cultural Significance
Cucumber salads are common across many cultures, particularly in European and Middle Eastern cuisines. This creamy version is most closely tied to Central and Eastern European traditions. In countries like Hungary, Germany, and Poland, cucumber salads are often dressed in sour cream or yogurt, flavored with dill, and used as cooling side dishes for spicy or hearty meat dishes. These variations often highlight the region’s abundant summer harvest and dairy-based culinary customs.
While this particular creamy cucumber salad might not stick to any one country’s version strictly, it honors the essence of European home-style cooking—easy to make, focused on freshness, and rich in nostalgic flavor.
Why It Works: The Balance of Flavor and Texture
This dish’s success lies in its ability to balance several sensory experiences. The crispness of the cucumbers and the bite of the onions offer crunch and freshness, while the creamy dressing delivers a smooth, luscious mouthfeel. The vinegar cuts through the richness with tanginess, and the sugar tempers the acidity to create harmony.
Fresh dill is a key player, lending an aromatic, slightly grassy flavor that defines the dish. If you’ve never had dill paired with sour cream and cucumbers, it’s an unexpectedly perfect match—cool, fragrant, and earthy, all at once.
Perfect for Make-Ahead Meals and Entertaining
One of the great advantages of this salad is that it improves with a bit of resting time. Letting it sit in the fridge for an hour or two before serving allows the cucumbers to absorb the dressing and enhances the flavor overall. This makes it an ideal choice for meal prep, gatherings, or busy weeknights when you want something quick but still homemade.
Whether you’re planning a backyard event or preparing lunchboxes for the week, this salad is as versatile as it is satisfying. It pairs well with grilled proteins like chicken, fish, or kebabs, and it can also be served alongside a veggie burger or sandwich.
Nutritional Highlights and Dietary Considerations
Creamy cucumber salad may taste indulgent, but it’s surprisingly light, especially when made with reduced-fat or plain Greek yogurt in place of sour cream. Cucumbers are hydrating, low in calories, and a good source of vitamins K and C. Red onions provide antioxidants and add a peppery brightness without overpowering the other flavors.
Dill, a member of the parsley family, contains flavonoids known for their anti-inflammatory and heart-health benefits. Even the vinegar has potential health perks—it can aid digestion and help with blood sugar control.
For those on low-carb or keto diets, this salad can be an ideal choice. It also fits vegetarian eating plans and can be adapted for dairy-free diets by using plant-based yogurt or sour cream alternatives.
Easy Customizations for Every Taste
One of the most appealing aspects of creamy cucumber salad is how adaptable it is. You can modify the dressing to suit your dietary preferences or use what you already have in the kitchen. Want a bit more tang? Add more vinegar or a squirt of lemon juice. Prefer a hint of garlic? Mix in a clove of minced garlic or a dash of garlic powder.
To give it a Mediterranean twist, consider adding crumbled feta cheese, black olives, and cherry tomatoes. For a sweet-and-savory variation, try including thinly sliced apples or radishes. A pinch of mustard powder can add depth, while a sprinkle of paprika gives it color and a slight smoky flavor.
Even the texture of the salad can be altered by slicing cucumbers in different ways—thin rounds, half-moons, or even spiralized ribbons all present well and add visual interest.
The Importance of Salting Cucumbers
One small but important detail in this salad’s preparation is the process of salting the cucumbers. By doing so, you draw out excess moisture from the cucumbers before adding the dressing. This step prevents the salad from becoming watery over time and helps the dressing cling to the slices better.
After salting and resting, the cucumbers should be drained and gently patted dry. Skipping this step won’t ruin the dish, but taking the time to do it yields a more flavorful and creamy result that holds up well even after refrigeration.
Storage and Leftover Tips
When stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, creamy cucumber salad can last for up to 3 days. While it’s freshest within the first 24 hours, it remains tasty even on the second or third day. If you notice any separation in the dressing, just give it a quick stir to reincorporate everything.
It’s best not to freeze this dish, as cucumbers lose their crispness and become mushy after freezing and thawing. If you plan to make it in advance for an event, prepare the components (slice and salt the cucumbers, make the dressing) separately and combine them a few hours before serving.
Pairing Suggestions for Every Meal
This salad is a versatile side dish that complements a wide range of meals. It’s especially delicious alongside grilled meats such as steak, pork chops, or barbecued chicken. It also adds brightness to heavier, rich foods like baked potatoes or casseroles.
For a vegetarian meal, serve it with falafel, roasted chickpeas, or a hearty lentil patty. It can also be paired with sandwiches like turkey and Swiss, tuna salad, or even egg salad to provide contrast and crunch.
You could even get creative and use this salad as a topping for wraps or pita pockets—add a layer of hummus or grilled meat, and spoon the cucumber salad on top for a refreshing burst.
Conclusion
Creamy cucumber salad is more than just a side dish—it’s a celebration of simple ingredients and timeless flavors. It’s easy to prepare, endlessly customizable, and delivers a satisfying crunch and creamy finish that appeals to every palate. With its rich cultural roots, nutritional benefits, and adaptability, it’s no surprise this salad remains a go-to favorite during summer and beyond.
Whether you’re hosting a party, meal prepping for the week, or just looking for a light and refreshing way to enjoy cucumbers, this dish delivers on every front. Give it a try, and you’ll find yourself returning to it again and again—not just because it’s easy, but because it’s genuinely delicious.