There’s something special about creamy cucumber salad—it’s the perfect side when temperatures rise, appetites shrink, and freshness is a must. This salad reminds me of summer dinners with my grandmother: crisp cucumbers from her garden, a chilled bowl waiting in the fridge, and that tangy cream dressing that makes each bite refreshing and addictive.
Now, I make this salad when I want something quick, comforting, and a little nostalgic. It’s a classic that fits right into modern meals—whether you’re serving BBQ ribs, baked chicken, or a sandwich platter. In this guide, I’ll show you how to make the ultimate creamy cucumber salad, share storage tips, answer your top questions, and suggest simple tricks to keep every spoonful flavorful and not watery.
Table of Contents
Why This Creamy Cucumber Salad Works Every Time
Simple ingredients with bold flavor
This salad uses pantry staples but delivers serious flavor. Cucumbers offer crunch and hydration, red onions bring a light sharpness, and a creamy dressing ties everything together. It’s versatile, quick, and easy to prepare—even better when made ahead.
Great for any occasion
From cookouts and picnics to weekday dinners, creamy cucumber salad never feels out of place. You can even serve it with creamy dishes like creamy pesto pasta or creamy potato salad for a well-rounded meal.
Ingredients and Step-by-Step Instructions
Cucumbers are the base of this salad, offering a crisp, refreshing bite. According to Healthline, they’re also hydrating and rich in antioxidants—perfect for hot-weather recipes.
What You’ll Need:
- 2 English cucumbers
- ½ cup sliced red onions
- ¾ cup full-fat sour cream (or plain Greek yogurt)
- 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon white vinegar
- 1 tablespoon fresh chopped dill
- ½ teaspoon sugar
- Salt and black pepper to taste
How to Make It:
- Slice cucumbers and onions. If needed, pat cucumbers dry to avoid watery dressing.
- In a separate bowl, combine sour cream, mayonnaise, vinegar, dill, and sugar. Stir well.
- Season with salt and black pepper.
- Fold the creamy mixture into the cucumbers and onions until fully coated.
- Cover and refrigerate for 2–48 hours. Stir again before serving. Garnish with more dill.
English cucumbers are perfect here because their thin skin doesn’t need peeling and their flavor is naturally sweet.
Tips, Storage & Serving Ideas
Store the salad in an airtight container in the fridge and consume it within 3–4 days for best flavor. For food safety, the USDA’s storage guidelines recommend refrigerating creamy salads within two hours to maintain freshness and avoid spoilage.
Make it ahead for deeper flavor
Creamy cucumber salad improves with time. Refrigerate it for at least 2 hours to allow the cucumbers to soak in flavor.
How to store leftovers
Keep it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. If liquid forms on the bottom, drain it and stir before serving.
Serving ideas
It pairs wonderfully with grilled meats, burgers, or even veggie dishes. Serve it next to dishes like no bake cookie bars for a summer-perfect spread.
Creamy Cucumber Salad
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Slice cucumbers and red onions thinly. If needed, pat cucumbers dry with a paper towel to reduce moisture.
- In a separate bowl, mix sour cream, mayonnaise, vinegar, dill, and sugar until smooth.
- Season the dressing with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Fold the dressing into the sliced cucumbers and onions until fully coated.
- Cover and refrigerate for 2 to 48 hours. Stir again before serving and garnish with more fresh dill if desired.
Nutrition
Notes
From your stove to our hearts
share your delicious take!What are the ingredients of creamy cucumber salad?
Cucumbers, red onion, sour cream, mayo, vinegar, dill, sugar, salt, and pepper.
What should not be mixed with cucumber salad?
Avoid watery ingredients like tomatoes or fruits that dilute the dressing.
How to keep creamy cucumber salad from getting watery?
Salt and drain cucumbers before mixing to remove excess moisture.
What is the trick for the most flavorful cucumber salad every time?
Use fresh dill, full-fat sour cream, and chill it before serving.
Final Thoughts
This creamy cucumber salad is refreshing, easy, and full of flavor. It’s one of those timeless sidCucumbers are the base of this salad, offering a crisp, refreshing bitee dishes you’ll keep coming back to—especially during warm months when you want something cool and light. With just a few ingredients and a little prep, you’ll have a crowd-pleasing dish ready to go.