This Creamy Cucumber Salad is a light and refreshing dish, perfect for hot days or as a cool side to any meal. With crisp cucumbers, tangy dressing, and a touch of creaminess, it’s a simple yet delicious salad that’s easy to make and full of flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love this recipe because it’s incredibly refreshing and easy to prepare. The cool cucumbers are combined with a tangy, creamy dressing that complements their crisp texture perfectly. Whether I’m serving it at a barbecue, alongside grilled meats, or just as a snack, it’s always a hit. Plus, it’s quick to make with minimal ingredients — ideal for a healthy, satisfying dish in no time.
Ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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Cucumbers (sliced)
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Sour cream or Greek yogurt
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Mayonnaise
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Fresh dill (chopped)
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Fresh lemon juice
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Garlic powder
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Salt and pepper
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White vinegar or apple cider vinegar
Directions
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I start by slicing the cucumbers thinly and placing them in a large mixing bowl. If I want extra crunch, I sometimes sprinkle a little salt on the cucumbers and let them sit for 10 minutes, then drain the excess water.
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In a separate bowl, I mix together the sour cream or Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, chopped dill, lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth.
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I pour the creamy dressing over the cucumbers and toss everything gently until well coated.
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I taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or lemon juice if needed.
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For best flavor, I refrigerate the salad for about 30 minutes before serving so the flavors can meld together.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 4 to 6 people and takes about 15 minutes total — 10 minutes for prep and 5 minutes for mixing.
Variations
I sometimes add sliced red onions or cherry tomatoes for extra color and flavor. For a lighter version, I use Greek yogurt exclusively instead of mayonnaise. If I want a bit more tang, I add a dash of mustard or more vinegar to the dressing.
storage/reheating
I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. The salad is best served fresh, but the creamy dressing can keep the cucumbers crisp for a couple of days.
FAQs
Can I use a different herb for this salad?
Yes, I can use fresh parsley, cilantro, or even mint if I prefer a different herbal flavor.
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, this salad is even better after chilling for a bit to allow the flavors to meld. I usually make it 30 minutes to 1 hour in advance.
Can I make this dairy-free?
I substitute the sour cream and mayonnaise with dairy-free alternatives like cashew cream and vegan mayo for a dairy-free version.
Can I add other vegetables to this salad?
Absolutely! I often add thinly sliced red onions, bell peppers, or even a bit of shredded carrots to enhance the texture and flavor.
Can I use store-bought dressing?
If I’m in a hurry, store-bought ranch or a creamy vinaigrette can work as a substitute for the homemade dressing, though the flavor will be slightly different.
Conclusion
This Creamy Cucumber Salad is a light and tasty dish that’s perfect for warm weather and easy to make. With its crisp cucumbers and smooth, tangy dressing, it’s a refreshing addition to any meal. I love how customizable it is, allowing me to add my favorite herbs or other veggies to make it even more exciting! Whether I’m making it for a picnic or a weeknight dinner, this salad is always a winner.
Print
Refreshing and Creamy Cucumber Salad
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 to 6 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Refreshing and Creamy Cucumber Salad combines crisp cucumbers with a tangy, herbed dressing made with sour cream or yogurt for a cool and flavorful side dish perfect for warm weather or barbecues.
Ingredients
- 2 large cucumbers, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 2 tbsp mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tsp white vinegar or apple cider vinegar
Instructions
- Thinly slice cucumbers and place in a large bowl. Optional: sprinkle with a bit of salt and let sit for 10 minutes, then drain excess water.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together sour cream or yogurt, mayonnaise, dill, lemon juice, garlic powder, vinegar, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Pour dressing over cucumbers and toss gently to coat evenly.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Refrigerate for 30 minutes before serving for best flavor.
Notes
- Add red onion or cherry tomatoes for extra flavor and color.
- Use only Greek yogurt for a lighter version.
- Store in the fridge for up to 2 days.
- Chilling enhances the flavors before serving.
- Substitute fresh herbs like parsley or mint if preferred.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of recipe
- Calories: 80
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
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