There are some dishes that just scream summer, and for me, a Creamy Cucumber Salad is at the top of that list. This isn’t just any cucumber salad; it’s a nostalgic, refreshing, and incredibly simple side dish that brings a cool tang to any meal. With crisp cucumbers bathed in a rich, zesty sour cream dressing, it’s the perfect antidote to a warm day.

Why I Love This Recipe

This creamy cucumber salad is a true gem in my recipe collection. What I adore most about it is its simplicity – it requires minimal ingredients and even less effort, making it ideal for busy weeknights or impromptu gatherings. Yet, despite its humble origins, the flavor profile is incredibly satisfying. The cool crunch of the cucumber paired with the creamy, slightly tart dressing is just divine. It’s also incredibly versatile, pairing beautifully with everything from grilled meats to a simple sandwich. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to use up fresh cucumbers from the garden or farmers market. It’s a taste of pure comfort and always a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this delightful creamy cucumber salad:

• 3 medium cucumbers (about 1.5 lbs), peeled and thinly sliced
• 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced (optional, but adds a nice bite)
• 1 cup sour cream
• 2 tablespoons white vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon fresh dill, chopped (or 1/2 teaspoon dried dill)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste

Swaps and Notes

• Cucumbers: English cucumbers work great here as they have fewer seeds and thinner skin, meaning less work for you. Regular slicing cucumbers are also perfect, just be sure to peel them. For an extra crisp texture, you can salt the sliced cucumbers for 15-20 minutes, then drain any excess water before adding them to the dressing. This helps prevent the salad from becoming watery.
• Red Onion: If you’re not a fan of raw onion, feel free to omit it. For a milder onion flavor, soak the sliced red onion in ice water for 10 minutes before adding to the salad.
• Sour Cream: Full-fat sour cream provides the richest, creamiest texture. You can use light sour cream or even Greek yogurt for a healthier twist, but the consistency and tang will be slightly different.
• Vinegar: White vinegar gives a sharp, clean tang. Apple cider vinegar offers a slightly fruitier note.
• Sugar: A small amount of sugar balances the acidity of the vinegar and the tang of the sour cream. Adjust to your preference.
• Dill: Fresh dill is highly recommended for its vibrant flavor. If using dried dill, use half the amount as it’s more concentrated. You can also add a pinch of fresh chives for another layer of subtle oniony flavor.
• Seasoning: Always taste and adjust salt and pepper to your liking.

Steps for the Recipe

1. Prepare Cucumbers: If desired, peel the cucumbers. Using a sharp knife or a mandoline, thinly slice the cucumbers into uniform rounds. If using, thinly slice the red onion.
2. Optional: Salt Cucumbers: For extra crispness and to prevent a watery salad, place the sliced cucumbers in a colander. Sprinkle with 1/2 teaspoon of salt and let them sit for 15-20 minutes. Gently press out any excess water before adding them to the dressing. (Skip this step if you’re short on time or prefer a softer texture.)
3. Make the Dressing: In a medium bowl, whisk together the sour cream, white vinegar, granulated sugar, fresh dill, salt, and black pepper until well combined and smooth.
4. Combine: Add the sliced cucumbers and red onion (if using) to the bowl with the dressing. Gently toss until all the cucumber slices are evenly coated.
5. Chill: For best results and to allow the flavors to meld, cover the bowl and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving. This also ensures the salad is nice and cold.

Tips for Success

• Uniform Slices: Thin, uniform cucumber slices ensure that each bite has the perfect crunch and that they absorb the dressing evenly. A mandoline slicer is excellent for this.
• Don’t Skip the Chill: Chilling the salad is crucial. It allows the flavors to deepen and the cucumbers to become even more refreshing.
• Adjust Sweetness/Tang: Taste the dressing before adding the cucumbers. Adjust the sugar and vinegar amounts to suit your personal preference for sweetness and tang.
• Serve Cold: This salad is best served very cold. If preparing ahead, give it a quick stir before serving.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

This Creamy Cucumber Salad is an incredibly versatile side that complements a wide array of dishes:

• BBQ Favorites: It’s the ultimate side for grilled chicken, ribs, or hot dogs.
• Sandwich Companion: A refreshing counterpoint to hearty sandwiches or burgers.
• Weeknight Meals: Pairs wonderfully with simple baked chicken, fish, or even a classic like classic spaghetti recipe with homemade sauce.
• Picnics & Potlucks: A fantastic, transportable dish that’s always a hit.
• Alongside Other Mains: It can balance out richer dishes like this mexican chicken and rice casserole is my favorite one-pan dinner thats always a hit or these sheet-pan quesadillas are my favorite way to feed a crowd fast.

Storage and Leftover Tips

Store any leftover Creamy Cucumber Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. While it’s best enjoyed fresh, the flavors do meld nicely over time. However, the cucumbers may release more water as they sit, so you might want to give it a gentle stir before serving leftovers. If you salted and drained your cucumbers, this will help it last longer without getting watery.

More Recipes You Will Love

If you appreciate the simple, refreshing goodness of this cucumber salad, you’ll love these other light and easy recipes:

• For another light and flavorful option, try a light tangy chicken salad i actually crave and theres no mayo in sight.
• And for a refreshing drink to pair with your meal, check out this blueberry lemonade is my favorite refreshing drink for sunny days.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Cucumber Salad with Sour Cream is more than just a side dish; it’s a refreshing escape on a plate. It’s a reminder that sometimes the simplest recipes deliver the most joy. Whether you’re serving it at a backyard BBQ or enjoying a quiet lunch, its cool, creamy, and tangy flavors are sure to delight.

I hope you love this classic salad as much as I do! Let me know in the comments below how you enjoyed it or if you added your own spec