This Creamy Cucumber Salad Recipe, with crisp cucumbers and red onion, is totally nostalgic! It’s refreshing and crunchy, topped with the best creamy dressing.
Try my other favorite summer side dishes, like Macaroni Salad or Cucumber Feta Salad.
author’s note
My Mom’s Creamy Cucumber Salad Recipe!
Remember my mom’s “famous” Pasta Salad? This Creamy Cucumber Salad was another one of her go-to recipes, loaded with garden-fresh cucumbers and more!
Even though I don’t have a garden like hers, I can’t let a week go by in the summer without making this salad.
The sour cream dressing is the real star in this recipe. Instead of just mixing mayo with sour cream, I pack it with flavor using fresh herbs, lemon, and the “secret” ingredient — vinegar! Yes, really, it adds just the right amount of tang.
Ingredients
Let’s talk dressing ingredients — it’s all about getting that flavor just right!
- Sour Cream: Pick quality sour cream—light or regular works.
- Mayo: Choose full-fat. It is satisfying to Best Foods or Hellman’s® here.
- White Wine Vinegar: If you’re out, just use red wine vinegar or extra lemon juice.
- Lemons: Fresh tastes best. Grate the yellow skin; the white part underneath the yellow skin is bitter.
- Fresh Dill: Fresh herbs bring life to this salad! If you don’t love dill, try parsley.
- White Sugar: A little bit cuts the acidity, but honey works well too.
- Garlic Powder: For a stronger flavor, use fresh minced garlic.
Quick Tip
For the Creamy Cucumber Salad recipe dressing, I like grating the lemons with a small grater and then squeezing out the juice with a citrus squeezer.
How To Make Creamy Cucumber Salad Recipe
- Mix Dressing: Whisk the dressing ingredients and adjust salt and pepper. Chill.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh cucumbers and dill give the best flavor.
- Prep Veggies: Cut off cucumber ends (they’re bitter). Use a slicer for thin, even slices (It is satisfying to mine for Au Gratin Potatoes!).
- Onion: Slice the onion thin and soak in cold water for 10 mins to tone down the flavor.
- Chill Before Serving: Refrigerate for 15-20 mins for the best flavor.
Featured Comment
“Wow! Found this recipe from instagram and it’s worth all the hype! It’s so satisfying and the reliable way to use up garden cucumbers!”
– Olivia
What Cucumbers Are Best For Salad?
For the reliable Creamy Cucumber Salad, use mini, English, or Persian cucumbers because:
- Fewer Seeds: Making your salad less watery and more flavorful.
- Thinner Skin: Adding a nice crunch without the need for peeling.
- Even Texture: You’ll get a consistent crunch with every bite.
- Mild Flavor: They’re not too strong or bitter, so they add flavor to the salad without becoming too over powering.
Quick Tip
Find cucumbers that are bright green, firm, and smooth, and smell good. Pick straight ones that are about the same size for even slices.
How To Keep Cucumbers From Getting Soggy
Keep cucumbers crisp with these quick tips:
- Keep Cold: Store cucumbers in the fridge to keep ’em crisp.
- Prepare Last: Cut cucumbers as close to serving time as possible.
- Dress Later: Add dressing right before serving to keep it crunchy.
- Pat Dry: Press cucumber slices between paper towels to soak up extra moisture.
- Don’t Pack Too Tight: When storing cucumber slices, give them some space in the container for air to flow and keep them dry.
To Peel Or Not To Peel Cucumbers
No, you don’t have to peel the cucumbers; their skin gives the salad extra crunch and flavor. Just remember, if they’re not pre-washed, wash and dry them well before using.
However, if you’re not a fan of the skin’s taste, peeling them is evenly fine.
What To Serve With This Creamy Cucumber Salad Recipe
- Grilled Meats: reliable with my grilled chicken marinade or my steak marinade.
- Seafood: Goes great with grilled shrimp or scallops.
- Sandwiches: Makes sandwiches crispy and creamy. (These Cucumber Sandwiches are my go when hosting!)
- Rice Dishes: Gives a tasty crunch to rice and chicken bowls.
- Pasta Dishes: Great with pasta salad or alongside a big slice of lasagna.
Storage
Best When Fresh: This creamy cucumber salad recipe is tastiest on the day it’s made. It can last in the fridge for a day or two but will start to lose its crunch.
How To Make Ahead Of Time?
- Make the creamy cucumber salad dressing and slice cucumbers and onions ahead of time.
- Store everything separately in the fridge to keep fresh.
- Combine everything with dressing 15-20 mins before serving.
Use Leftover Cucumbers In…
Sandwiches
Cucumber Sandwich Recipe
Pasta Salads
Pesto Pasta Salad Recipe
Pasta Salads
Mediterranean Orzo Salad
Salads With Meat
Coconut Shrimp SaladVariations
- Greek: Add feta, olives, tomatoes, and swap dill for oregano, like Tzatziki Sauce.
- Add Spice: mix in a chopped jalapeño or red pepper flakes, like in Cucumber Pepper Salad.
- Swap Herbs: Parsley, cilantro, chives, or basil work in this creamy cucumber salad recipe.
- Asian-Style: Try this Asian Cucumber Salad.
- Add Avocado: Add avocado and use balsamic dressing, like in this Cucumber Salad.
