This Easy Creamy Cucumber Salad is super refreshing! With cool cucumbers and a smooth dressing, it’s perfect for hot days or as a fun side dish for any meal.
I love how quick it is to whip up—just chop, mix, and enjoy. Plus, it’s like a mini spa day for your taste buds. Who doesn’t want that? 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cucumbers: Use fresh, firm cucumbers for the best crunch. If you prefer a milder flavor, try English cucumbers, which have fewer seeds and a thinner skin. If you’re short on cucumbers, zucchini could also work in a pinch!
Red Onion: Red onions add a lovely color and flavor, but you can substitute them with green onions or shallots if you want something milder. For a sweeter taste, try using Vidalia onions.
Sour Cream/Greek Yogurt: I usually go for Greek yogurt. It adds a nice tang and is healthier! If dairy isn’t your thing, opt for vegan sour cream or a non-dairy yogurt alternative.
Vinegar: White vinegar gives a nice tartness, but apple cider vinegar is great too! If you have it, lemon juice can also add a bright flavor.
Dill: Fresh dill elevates the dish, but if it’s scarce, dried dill can substitute. Just use less, as it’s more concentrated. Alternatively, parsley or chives could provide a different, yet tasty twist.
How Do You Make Sure Your Dressing Is Perfectly Mixed?
The creamy dressing is what makes this salad so delightful—it should be smooth and well-balanced. Here’s a simple guide to getting it just right:
- Start by whisking the sour cream or yogurt with vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper until creamy.
- Add the chopped dill and mix again so it’s evenly distributed.
- Feel free to adjust the vinegar or salt to your taste as this will enhance the overall flavor.
When combining with the cucumbers and onions, gently toss everything so the dressing coats the veggies without bruising them. Chill it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to let those lovely flavors blend together!
Easy Creamy Cucumber Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 3 medium cucumbers (about 2 pounds), thinly sliced
- 1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons white vinegar or apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped (or 1 tablespoon dried dill)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful salad takes about 10 minutes to prepare, plus at least 30 minutes in the fridge for the flavors to meld together. So, you’re looking at about 40 minutes from start to finish—most of that time is just waiting for the salad to chill!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Cucumbers:
Start by washing your cucumbers thoroughly. You can peel them if you want, but leaving the skin on gives an extra crunch and a pop of color. Slice them thinly and set them aside in a large mixing bowl.
2. Slice the Onion:
Next, take your red onion and slice it thinly. Add it to the bowl with the cucumbers. Mixing the two brings a lovely flavor balance to the salad!
3. Make the Creamy Dressing:
In a separate small bowl, combine the sour cream (or Greek yogurt) with the vinegar, sugar, chopped dill, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Whisk everything together until it’s smooth and creamy.
4. Combine Salad and Dressing:
Pour the creamy dressing over the cucumber and onion mixture. Gently toss everything together to make sure all the slices are covered in the dressing. This is where the magic happens!
5. Chill and Serve:
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and place it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This chilling time allows the flavors to blend beautifully. Before serving, taste the salad and adjust salt and pepper if needed. If you want to dress it up, sprinkle some extra fresh dill on top for garnish!
Enjoy your crunchy, fresh, and tangy creamy cucumber salad—it’s a delightful side dish that pairs perfectly with just about anything!
Can I Use Different Types of Cucumbers in This Recipe?
Absolutely! While the recipe calls for regular cucumbers, you can also use English cucumbers, which have thinner skin and fewer seeds. They’re great for a creamier texture. If you prefer, you could even try pickling cucumbers for a tangier flavor!
What Can I Substitute for Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt?
If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can use low-fat sour cream or yogurt. For a dairy-free alternative, try using vegan sour cream or a thick non-dairy yogurt like coconut or almond yogurt. Just make sure it has a similar creamy consistency!
How Long Will Leftovers Last in the Fridge?
Leftover creamy cucumber salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The cucumbers may release some water as they sit, so give it a good stir before serving again to redistribute the dressing.
Can I Add Other Ingredients to This Salad?
Definitely! This salad is very versatile. You can add diced tomatoes, bell peppers, or even avocado for extra flavor and texture. For some crunch, toss in roasted sunflower seeds or nuts just before serving!
