This easy creamy cucumber salad is light, fresh, and perfect for warm days. With crisp cucumbers mingling in a smooth, tasty dressing, it’s a hit at any picnic!
I love making this salad when I need a quick side. Just chop the cucumbers, mix them with the dressing, and voilà! It’s so easy that even my cat could almost help! 🥒
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cucumbers: Medium cucumbers give a nice crunch, but English cucumbers are also great. They have fewer seeds and a thinner skin, so no peeling is necessary!
Red Onion: This ingredient adds flavor and a bit of color. If you’re not a fan of raw onions, you can omit them or substitute with green onions for a milder taste.
Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt: For a healthier twist, I usually opt for Greek yogurt. It provides protein and a tangy flavor, which works nicely in this salad.
Vinegar: While white vinegar works perfectly, apple cider vinegar gives a fruity note. You can use lemon juice if that’s what you have on hand, for a fresh zing.
Fresh Dill: If you can’t find fresh dill, dried dill will work as well. Use about 1 teaspoon of dried instead of a tablespoon of fresh.
How Do I Make Sure the Cucumber Salad Stays Crisp?
To keep the cucumbers from becoming soggy, salting them beforehand is crucial. Here’s how:
- After slicing, sprinkle cucumbers with salt and let them sit in a colander for about 10-15 minutes. This draws out extra moisture.
- Then, rinse the salt off under cold water and dry the cucumbers with paper towels before mixing them into the salad.
This little tip helps keep your salad fresh and crunchy, which is what we all want in a cucumber salad! Enjoy your cooking! 🌿🥒
Easy Creamy Cucumber Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salad:
- 3 medium cucumbers, thinly sliced
- 1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced (optional)
For the Dressing:
- 1 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons white vinegar or apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped (optional)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This creamy cucumber salad takes about 10 minutes to prepare, plus an additional 30 minutes for chilling. That’s it! Just mix, chill, and serve—perfect for a quick and refreshing side dish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Cucumbers:
First, wash your cucumbers under cool water. Slice them thinly, about 1/8 inch, for a delightful crunch. If you prefer, you can peel them partially or fully to your liking, depending on your taste.
2. Slice the Onion:
If you’re using a red onion, slice it thinly as well. This onion adds a nice flavor punch, but you can skip it if you’re not a fan!
3. Make the Dressing:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the sour cream (or Greek yogurt), mayonnaise, white vinegar (or apple cider vinegar), sugar, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder (if using). Whisk everything together until it’s smooth and creamy.
4. Combine Salad Ingredients:
Add your sliced cucumbers and red onions to the bowl with the dressing. Gently toss everything together until the cucumbers and onions are well coated in the creamy dressing.
5. Add Fresh Dill:
If you’d like, stir in your chopped fresh dill now for a burst of fresh flavor. Dill really complements the cucumbers well!
6. Chill Time:
Cover the bowl with a lid or plastic wrap, and let the salad chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This step allows the flavors to blend beautifully!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Before serving, give the salad a gentle stir to mix everything again. You can taste the salad and adjust the seasoning if needed. Enjoy your refreshing and creamy cucumber salad as a side dish or light snack!
FAQ About Easy Creamy Cucumber Salad
Can I Use Different Types of Cucumbers?
Absolutely! While medium cucumbers are great, you can also use English cucumbers which have fewer seeds and a thinner skin, meaning you can skip peeling. Just make sure they’re firm and fresh!
How Long Can I Store Leftover Cucumber Salad?
Leftover salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. However, for best texture and taste, it’s best to enjoy it fresh, as cucumbers can become soggy over time.
Can I Prepare This Salad in Advance?
Yes, you can make the salad a few hours ahead of time! Just prepare and combine all the ingredients and let it chill in the fridge. This will enhance the flavors while keeping it fresh and crisp until serving.
What Substitutions Can I Make for the Dressing?
If you’re looking to lighten it up, you can use plain yogurt instead of sour cream, or omit the mayonnaise altogether. For a dairy-free option, consider using a plant-based yogurt or sour cream substitute!
