15-Minute Creamy Cucumber Salad Recipe – Easy Summer Side

Nothing beats a refreshing creamy cucumber salad on a hot summer day! This easy cucumber salad is the perfect side dish for BBQs, potlucks, and family dinners. Made with crisp cucumbers, tangy sour cream dressing, and fresh dill, this summer cucumber salad delivers incredible flavor in every bite.

This sour cream cucumber salad takes just 15 minutes to prepare and requires no cooking whatsoever. Whether you’re hosting a backyard gathering or need a quick side dish for dinner, this creamy cucumber salad recipe will become your go-to favorite. This proven creamy cucumber salad recipe has been tested by thousands of home cooks who rave about its perfect balance of flavors. The combination of cool cucumbers and creamy dressing creates the ultimate refreshing dish that pairs beautifully with grilled meats, sandwiches, and hearty main courses.

Why You’ll Love This 15-Minute Creamy Cucumber Salad

• Lightning-fast preparation – Ready in just 15 minutes with zero cooking required • Perfect for meal prep – Stays fresh in the refrigerator for up to 4 days • Budget-friendly ingredients – Uses simple, affordable pantry staples under $10 • Crowd-pleasing versatility – Complements grilled meats, fish, and vegetarian meals perfectly • Incredibly refreshing – Ideal for hot summer days and outdoor entertaining • Completely customizable – Easy to adjust seasonings and add your favorite herbs • No special equipment needed – Just a knife, bowl, and basic kitchen tools

This fresh cucumber dill salad is the best way to make cucumber salad at home without any complicated techniques or expensive ingredients.

Ingredients for Creamy Cucumber Salad

Main Ingredients:

• 4 large cucumbers (about 2-3 pounds), thinly sliced • 1 large sweet onion, thinly sliced (optional) • 1 teaspoon salt (for drawing out moisture)

Creamy Dressing:

• 1 cup sour cream (full-fat for best results) • ¼ cup mayonnaise (adds extra creaminess) • 3 tablespoons white vinegar (or apple cider vinegar) • 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped (or 1 tablespoon dried dill) • 1 tablespoon sugar (balances the tanginess) • ½ teaspoon garlic powder • ¼ teaspoon black pepper • ¼ teaspoon paprika (for color and mild flavor)

Optional Garnishes:

• Fresh dill sprigs • Paprika for sprinkling • Chives, chopped

Ingredient Substitutions:

• For a lighter version: Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream • For dairy-free option: Substitute with vegan sour cream or cashew cream • For extra tang: Add 1 teaspoon lemon juice to the dressing • For herb variations: Try fresh parsley, chives, or mint instead of dill

These essential ingredients for creamy cucumber salad create the perfect balance of flavors and textures.

How to Make Creamy Cucumber Salad – Step by Step

Step 1: Prepare the Cucumbers

Wash and dry the cucumbers thoroughly. Using a sharp knife or mandoline slicer, cut the cucumbers into thin, uniform slices (about ⅛-inch thick). For extra crispness, leave the skin on. If you prefer peeled cucumbers, remove the skin before slicing.

Step 2: Salt the Cucumbers

Place the sliced cucumbers in a large colander and sprinkle with 1 teaspoon of salt. Toss gently to distribute the salt evenly. Let the cucumbers sit for 15-20 minutes. This process draws out excess moisture, preventing your quick cucumber side dish from becoming watery.

Step 3: Prepare the Onions (Optional)

While the cucumbers are draining, slice the sweet onion into thin rings. If you find raw onions too strong, soak the sliced onions in cold water for 10 minutes, then drain and pat dry.

Step 4: Create the Perfect Creamy Dressing

In a medium bowl, whisk together the sour cream, mayonnaise, white vinegar, chopped fresh dill, sugar, garlic powder, black pepper, and paprika until completely smooth. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed – the dressing should be perfectly balanced between creamy, tangy, and slightly sweet. This is what makes our creamy cucumber salad recipe truly exceptional.

Step 5: Drain and Rinse the Cucumbers

After 15-20 minutes, rinse the salted cucumbers under cold running water to remove excess salt. Using clean kitchen towels or paper towels, pat the cucumbers completely dry. This step is crucial for achieving the perfect texture in your cold cucumber salad with dressing.

Step 6: Combine and Chill for Maximum Flavor

In a large serving bowl, combine the dried cucumbers and sliced onions (if using). Pour the creamy dressing over the vegetables and toss gently until everything is well-coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together beautifully.

Step 7: Final Touch and Serve

Give the creamy cucumber salad a quick stir before serving and garnish with fresh dill sprigs and a light sprinkle of paprika for an restaurant-quality presentation.

Expert Pro Tips for Making the Best Creamy Cucumber Salad

Cucumber Selection and Preparation Mastery

Choose the right cucumbers: English cucumbers or Persian cucumbers work best for this creamy cucumber salad recipe. Avoid overripe cucumbers that feel soft or have yellowing skin and large seeds.

Master the slicing technique: Use a mandoline slicer or sharp knife to ensure perfectly uniform thickness (about ⅛-inch). Consistent slicing ensures that all pieces absorb the dressing equally and create the ideal texture.

Never skip the salting step: This crucial technique removes excess water, preventing your fresh cucumber dill salad from becoming soggy and watery. It’s the difference between amateur and professional results.

Dressing Perfection

Balance is key: The perfect sour cream cucumber salad balances creamy, tangy, and slightly sweet flavors. Adjust the sugar and vinegar to your taste.

Fresh herbs make a difference: While dried dill works in a pinch, fresh dill provides the best flavor and aroma for your fresh cucumber dill salad.

Make it ahead: The dressing can be prepared up to 2 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator.

Storage and Serving Tips

Can I make creamy cucumber salad ahead of time? Yes! This salad actually improves in flavor when made 2-4 hours ahead. However, it’s best consumed within 24 hours for optimal texture.

What is the secret to the best creamy cucumber salad? The secret lies in properly salting and draining the cucumbers, using full-fat sour cream, and balancing the sweet and tangy elements in the dressing.

Best Ways to Serve Creamy Cucumber Salad

This versatile summer cucumber salad pairs beautifully with numerous dishes:

Grilled Meats: Serve alongside grilled chicken, pork chops, or beef steaks for a cooling contrast to hot, savory proteins.

BBQ Favorites: Perfect companion to pulled pork, barbecued ribs, or grilled sausages at your next cookout.

Fish Dishes: Complements grilled salmon, fish tacos, or any seafood preparation.

Sandwich Accompaniment: Serve with deli sandwiches, burgers, or wraps for a refreshing side.

Potluck Perfect: This easy cucumber salad travels well and feeds a crowd, making it ideal for potluck dinners and community gatherings.

Light Lunch: Enjoy as a standalone light meal with crusty bread or crackers.

The best way to serve creamy cucumber salad is chilled, garnished with fresh dill sprigs and a light sprinkle of paprika for color contrast.

Nutritional Information for Creamy Cucumber Salad

Per Serving (1 cup): • Calories: 95 kcal • Carbohydrates: 8g • Protein: 2g • Fat: 7g • Fiber: 1g • Sugar: 6g • Sodium: 180mg • Vitamin K: 15% Daily Value • Vitamin C: 8% Daily Value

This low-carb cucumber salad is naturally low in calories while providing essential vitamins and minerals. Cucumbers are composed of 95% water, making this dish incredibly hydrating and refreshing.

Health Benefits: • Hydrating: High water content helps maintain proper hydration • Low calorie: Perfect for weight management goals • Anti-inflammatory: Cucumbers contain compounds that may reduce inflammation • Digestive support: The fiber content promotes healthy digestion

Storage & Leftovers

Refrigeration Guidelines

Store your creamy cucumber salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The salad will release some liquid over time, which is completely normal.

How long does creamy cucumber salad last in the fridge? When properly stored, this salad maintains its best quality for 2-3 days. After that, the cucumbers may become softer and release more moisture.

Best Storage Practices

• Use airtight containers to prevent the salad from absorbing other refrigerator odors • Drain excess liquid before serving leftovers to maintain the best texture • Stir gently before serving to redistribute the dressing • Add fresh herbs when serving leftovers to brighten the flavors

Freezing Guidelines

Can I freeze creamy cucumber salad? Unfortunately, this salad doesn’t freeze well due to the high water content in cucumbers and the dairy-based dressing. The texture becomes mushy and unappetizing after thawing.

Best reheating methods: This salad is meant to be served cold and doesn’t require reheating. Simply remove from the refrigerator 10-15 minutes before serving to take the chill off if desired.

4 FAQs for Creamy Cucumber Salad

Can I freeze creamy cucumber salad?

No, creamy cucumber salad doesn’t freeze well. The high water content in cucumbers causes them to become mushy when frozen and thawed. Additionally, the sour cream-based dressing may separate. It’s best enjoyed fresh or stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

What can I use instead of sour cream in creamy cucumber salad?

You can substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt for a lighter version, mayonnaise for extra richness, or vegan sour cream for a dairy-free option. Each substitution will create a slightly different flavor profile while maintaining the creamy texture that makes this creamy cucumber salad recipe so beloved.

How do I prevent my cucumber salad from getting watery?

The key is salting the cucumbers before mixing. Slice your cucumbers, sprinkle with salt, and let them drain in a colander for 15-20 minutes. Rinse off the salt and pat completely dry with paper towels. This process removes excess moisture and prevents a watery salad.

Can I make cucumber salad without dill?

Absolutely! While dill is traditional in creamy cucumber salad, you can substitute with fresh parsley, chives, mint, or basil. Each herb will give your creamy cucumber salad recipe a unique flavor profile. Start with smaller amounts and adjust to taste.

Related Recipes for Creamy Cucumber Salad

If you love this creamy cucumber salad recipe, you’ll also enjoy these refreshing summer dishes:

• Classic Coleslaw – Another creamy, crunchy side dish perfect for BBQs

• German Potato Salad – A tangy, warm potato salad that pairs well with grilled meats

• Tomato Cucumber Salad – A lighter, oil-based salad featuring summer’s best produce

• Creamy Broccoli Salad – A crowd-pleasing salad with similar creamy dressing

• Macaroni Salad – Classic picnic side dish with a creamy, tangy dressing

These recipes share similar preparation techniques and flavor profiles, making them perfect companions for your summer entertaining menu featuring this creamy cucumber salad recipe.

Conclusion & Call to Action

This best creamy cucumber salad recipe delivers everything you want in a summer side dish – it’s refreshing, creamy, easy to make, and absolutely delicious. With its perfect balance of tangy sour cream dressing and crisp cucumbers, this easy cucumber salad will quickly become a staple at your family gatherings and summer events.

The beauty of this creamy cucumber salad recipe lies in its simplicity and versatility. Moreover, it requires no cooking and can be prepared ahead of time, making it perfect for busy hosts and meal preppers alike. Additionally, the combination of fresh dill and creamy dressing creates a restaurant-quality dish that costs a fraction of store-bought alternatives.

Now you know how to make the best creamy cucumber salad at home! This creamy cucumber salad recipe is guaranteed to impress your guests and become a regular feature at your dinner table.

Did you try this recipe? We’d love to hear about your experience! Leave a comment below sharing your favorite variations or serving suggestions. Don’t forget to share this recipe with friends and family who would enjoy this refreshing summer cucumber salad.

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