This creamy cucumber salad is a refreshing dish packed with crunchy cucumbers and a smooth dressing. It’s perfect for picnics or BBQs, bringing a coolness to your plate!
Honestly, I can eat this salad all day. The crunch of the cucumbers mixed with the creamy sauce makes me smile every time! 🥒✨
Making it is a breeze! Just chop the cucumbers, mix them with the dressing, and voilà ! Perfect for a hot day or as a side to any meal. You’ll love how easy it is!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cucumbers: Fresh cucumbers are essential for this salad. I recommend using English cucumbers as they have fewer seeds and a thinner skin. If you can’t find them, regular cucumbers work just fine but peel them if the skin is too thick.
Red Onion: The red onion adds a nice color and mild flavor. If you want a sweeter onion taste, try using sweet onions like Vidalia. If red onion isn’t available, yellow onions can work too, but they might be sharper in flavor.
Sour Cream: This is the base of our creamy dressing. If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can use Greek yogurt or a non-dairy substitute like cashew cream. I personally love the tangy kick that sour cream provides.
Mayonnaise: For creaminess, mayonnaise pairs perfectly with sour cream. You can use low-fat mayonnaise for a healthier take or swap it out completely for more sour cream if you prefer a richer taste.
Dill: Fresh dill gives this salad a refreshing flavor. If you only have dried dill, use about one-third of the amount since dried herbs are more concentrated. Dill is optional, but I think it’s essential!
How Do You Get the Best Flavor in Every Bite?
The key to enhancing flavors in your creamy cucumber salad is letting it chill before serving. This resting time helps the ingredients meld together beautifully. Here’s how to do it:
- Combine the dressing and vegetables and make sure everything is well coated.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid to keep the flavors in.
- Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, but if you can, let it sit for an hour or more for the best taste.
Also, before serving, taste the salad and adjust the seasoning as needed. A little more salt or pepper can make a big difference!
How to Make Creamy Cucumber Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salad:
- 4 medium cucumbers, thinly sliced
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
For the Dressing:
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped (or 1 tablespoon dried dill)
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sugar (optional, to taste)
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious creamy cucumber salad takes about 15 minutes to prepare. After mixing everything together, you’ll want to chill it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. So, total time is about 45 minutes, including chilling time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Cucumbers and Onions:
Start by washing the cucumbers thoroughly. Once clean, slice them thinly and place them in a large bowl. Then, take the red onion and slice it thinly as well. Add the onion slices to the bowl with the cucumbers. This combo will add great flavor!
2. Make the Creamy Dressing:
In a separate bowl, combine the sour cream and mayonnaise. Mix them together until smooth and creamy. This will be the base of your dressing!
3. Season the Dressing:
Now, add the chopped dill, apple cider vinegar, sugar (if you like it a bit sweet), and a pinch of salt and pepper to the sour cream mixture. Stir everything together well so that all the flavors blend nicely.
4. Combine Everything:
Pour the creamy dressing over the cucumbers and red onions in the large bowl. Gently toss everything together to coat the veggies evenly with the dressing. Take your time here; you want all the pieces to get that delicious flavor.
5. Chill and Serve:
Before serving, cover the salad and refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes. This will help the flavors meld together beautifully. When you’re ready to serve, enjoy your refreshing salad chilled. Perfect as a side dish for any meal!
Can I Use Greek Yogurt Instead of Sour Cream?
Absolutely! Greek yogurt is a great substitute for sour cream and will add a nice tang. Just keep in mind that it may make the salad a bit thicker, so you might want to thin it out with a little bit of milk or additional vinegar if you prefer a creamier texture.
What If I Don’t Have Dill?
No problem! If you’re out of dill, you can substitute it with fresh parsley, chives, or even a pinch of dried oregano for a different flavor profile. Each herb will give your salad its own unique taste!
How Long Can I Store the Cucumber Salad?
You can store the creamy cucumber salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just be sure to give it a gentle stir before serving again, as the ingredients may separate over time.
Can I Make This Salad Vegan?
Yes! To make a vegan version, substitute the sour cream and mayonnaise with plant-based alternatives like vegan sour cream and mayonnaise. You can enhance the flavor with a splash of lemon juice in place of the apple cider vinegar, if desired.
