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Creamy Cucumber Salad
This Creamy Cucumber Salad is one of those classic side dishes that never goes out of style. Cool, crisp cucumbers are tossed in a creamy sour cream dressing with fresh onion, dill, and just a hint of tangy vinegar for a refreshing salad that’s perfect for warm weather meals.
Whether you’re serving burgers on the grill, fried chicken, sandwiches, or taking a dish to a backyard barbecue, this easy cucumber salad comes together in just a few minutes. The hardest part is waiting for it to chill before serving!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ready with just a handful of simple ingredients.
- Cool and refreshing for hot summer days.
- Perfect for cookouts, picnics, and potlucks.
- Easy to make ahead.
- Pairs well with almost any main dish.
Ingredients
- 2 cups peeled and sliced cucumbers
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup sour cream
- 2 teaspoons vinegar
- ½ teaspoon sugar
- ¼ cup chopped onion
- ½ teaspoon dill weed
- Dash cayenne pepper
Instructions
- Place the cucumber slices in a colander and sprinkle with the salt. Let them sit in the sink for about 20 minutes to draw out excess moisture. Gently pat the cucumbers dry with paper towels.
- In a medium bowl, combine the sour cream, vinegar, sugar, chopped onion, dill weed, and cayenne pepper until well mixed.
- Add the cucumbers and gently toss until evenly coated.
- Refrigerate for up to 1 hour before serving for the best flavor.
Tips for the Best Creamy Cucumber Salad
- Salting the cucumbers helps remove excess water so the dressing stays creamy instead of becoming watery.
- English cucumbers or garden cucumbers both work well. If using garden cucumbers with large seeds, you may want to scoop the seeds out before slicing.
- Slice the cucumbers evenly, so they absorb the dressing consistently.
- For even more flavor, let the salad chill for at least 30 minutes before serving.
- Fresh dill can be substituted for dried dill. Use about 1½ teaspoons chopped fresh dill.
Variations
Want to change things up? Try one of these easy variations:
- Add thinly sliced radishes for extra crunch.
- Stir in chopped fresh chives or parsley.
- Mix in sliced cherry tomatoes just before serving.
- Use plain Greek yogurt in place of sour cream for a lighter version.
- Sprinkle with freshly ground black pepper before serving.
Storage
Store leftover creamy cucumber salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Because cucumbers continue to release moisture over time, stir the salad before serving. This recipe is best enjoyed fresh and is not recommended for freezing.
What to Serve with Creamy Cucumber Salad
This refreshing side dish pairs well with:
- Grilled burgers
- Hot dogs
- Barbecue chicken
- Pulled pork sandwiches
- Meatloaf
- Fried chicken
- Brats and sausages
- Picnic lunches
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to peel the cucumbers?
No. If you’re using English cucumbers or thin-skinned garden cucumbers, you can leave the peel on if you prefer. Peeling creates a softer texture and more traditional presentation.
Why do you salt the cucumbers first?
Salt helps draw out excess moisture from the cucumbers, preventing the dressing from becoming watery after mixing.
Can I make creamy cucumber salad ahead of time?
Yes. You can prepare it a few hours in advance. For the best texture, serve it the same day it’s made.
Can I use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream?
Yes. Plain Greek yogurt makes a delicious substitute and adds a little extra protein while keeping the salad creamy.
Can I add other vegetables?
Absolutely. Thinly sliced radishes, tomatoes, or even a little shredded carrot make tasty additions while keeping the salad fresh and colorful.
Creamy Cucumber Salad is a simple, old-fashioned recipe that’s always a welcome addition to the table. With its cool, tangy dressing and crisp cucumber slices, it’s an easy side dish you’ll find yourself making all summer long for family dinners, barbecues, and holiday gatherings.
Creamy Cucumber Salad
Ingredients
- 2 cups peeled and sliced cucumbers
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ cup sour cream
- 2 tsp vinegar
- ½ tsp sugar
- ¼ cup chopped onion
- ½ tsp dill weed
- dash cayenne pepper
Instructions
- Place cucumber slices in a colander and sprinkle with salt. Put the colander in the sink and let the cucumbers sit for 20 minutes, then gently pat dry with a paper towel.
- In a medium bowl combine all dressing ingredients and then toss in the cucumbers.
- Chill up to 1 hour before serving.
Nutrition
- Fresh Herb Flavor: Badia Dill Weed adds a fresh, slightly sweet and tangy flavor to a wide variety of dishes—from creamy sauces and seafood to eggs, dips, and vegetables
- Versatile Culinary Use: Use in recipes like potato salad, tzatziki, roasted carrots, or atop grilled salmon. Sprinkle as a finishing touch or mix into dressings and marinades for a flavor boost
- Pure Dried Dill: Made with 100% dried dill leaves and free from MSG or additives, offering clean, herbaceous taste and beautiful green color in every spoonful
- Value Sized Bottle: Comes in a generously sized container to support both everyday home cooking and professional kitchen use—resealable to lock in aroma and flavor
- Trusted Heritage: Badia Spices, a family-owned company since 1967, has built a global reputation for providing premium, authentic seasonings inspired by rich culinary traditions from around the world
- One 1.1 ounce container of Dill Weed
- Ideal pairing for seafood dishes
- Store in a cool, dry place
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- Extra-large Capacity: The salad bowls large serving offers ample space, perfect for family gatherings or parties.
- Glass Salad Serving Bowl: This elegant and transparent design makes your salad look even more appealing, enhancing your dining aesthetics.
- Acacia Wood Base: Provides a sturdy foundation for the large salad serving bowl, protects your table surface from scratches, and adds a natural rustic charm.
- Acacia Wood Salad Serving Utensils: Crafted from premium acacia wood, these utensils offer comfortable use, making mixing and serving your salad effortless.
- Easy to Clean: The glass salad bowls large serving are dishwasher-safe, the solid wood base requires no special cleaning, and the serving tools are recommended to be hand washed to maintain their natural beauty and prolong their lifespan.
- 3-PIECE: Set includes 1-qt, 1.5-qt, and 2.5-qt round glass bowls. This is the perfect set for all manners of prepping, baking and home entertainment.
- EVERYDAY USE: High-quality tempered glass gives you a peace of mind when managing your food, resists stains and odors. Worry less about scrubbing hard to get rid of stains or any funny smells.
- LOW MAINTENANCE: These glass bowls are freezer, microwave, and dishwasher safe. No need to hold back when warming your food or storing your leftovers for tomorrow.
- LIMITED WARRANTY: This item has a limited warranty.
- A TRUSTED BRAND: Loved for generations, experienced cooks and beginners alike have reached for Pyrex brand glassware products, because they’re affordable, durable, and great for all their cooking, serving and storing needs.
