Creamy Cucumber Salad

The crisp crunch of fresh cucumbers paired with the tangy-smooth taste of a dill-infused sour cream dressing makes this Creamy Cucumber Salad a refreshing favorite. This simple yet flavorful side dish brings garden-fresh goodness to your table with minimal prep and maximum taste. Whether you’re looking to lighten up a grilled meal or add a cool note to spicy mains, this salad delivers instant refreshment in every bite.

It’s a timeless recipe perfect for warm-weather gatherings, potlucks, or weekday meals when you want something fresh and satisfying without the fuss. The mild acidity from the vinegar perfectly balances the creaminess, while the dill adds an herby punch that brightens the entire dish. It’s versatile, quick, and can be made ahead—ideal for summer living at its best.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 3 cups thinly sliced cucumbers (preferably English cucumbers)

• 1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced

• 1/2 cup sour cream

• 2 tablespoons mayonnaise

• 1 tablespoon white vinegar

• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill (or 1 tsp dried dill)

• 1/2 teaspoon sugar

• Salt and black pepper to taste

Directions:

1. In a large bowl, combine the sour cream, mayonnaise, vinegar, dill, sugar, salt, and pepper. Whisk until smooth and well-blended.

2. Add the sliced cucumbers and red onion to the dressing. Toss gently until the vegetables are evenly coated.

3. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.

4. Serve chilled as a refreshing side dish.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 0 minutes | Total Time: 10 minutes + chill time
Kcal: 110 kcal | Servings: 4 servings

Creamy Cucumber Salad is a beloved classic in both traditional and modern kitchens. Light, crisp, and refreshingly cool, this dish combines crunchy sliced cucumbers with a tangy and smooth sour cream dressing, often enhanced with dill, onions, and a hint of vinegar. It’s a salad that brings simplicity and elegance together, making it ideal for backyard barbecues, summer picnics, potlucks, or quick weeknight dinners.

But what makes this recipe stand out is its timeless appeal and versatility. Whether you serve it as a cooling side dish on a warm summer evening or pair it with spicy grilled meat to balance flavors, Creamy Cucumber Salad holds its own. It’s low in calories, quick to prepare, and easy to customize — making it one of the most dependable recipes in your culinary rotation.

Origins and Cultural Roots of Cucumber Salad

Cucumber salads have long been a staple in many global cuisines. From the refreshing “tzatziki” of Greece and Turkey to Korean cucumber banchan, cucumbers have been celebrated for their hydrating properties and ability to absorb flavor. The creamy American-style version of cucumber salad is especially popular in Southern cuisine, where it’s often served as a cooling contrast to spicy or rich dishes.

This version likely originated from European immigrants, especially Germans and Eastern Europeans, who brought over variations like “Gurkensalat” — a cucumber salad often made with sour cream or vinegar. Over time, American kitchens adapted it into the rich, tangy version we know and love today, adding dill, onions, and occasionally mayonnaise for extra creaminess.

Why This Recipe Is a Favorite

One of the top reasons Creamy Cucumber Salad is so popular is its simplicity. You don’t need any hard-to-find ingredients or complicated cooking techniques. In fact, you don’t need to cook at all! This makes it perfect for beginners or for those times when you need a side dish that comes together in under 15 minutes.

What sets this version apart is the balance of flavors — the tartness from vinegar, the richness from sour cream and mayo, and the freshness from dill and cucumbers all work together in harmony. The thinly sliced red onions give it a light sharpness that complements the creamy dressing beautifully.

In just a few bites, you get crunch, creaminess, and a herbaceous pop that satisfies without overwhelming the palate. It’s one of those rare dishes that’s both indulgent and refreshing at the same time.

Nutritional Benefits of Cucumbers and This Salad

Cucumbers are over 95% water, which makes them incredibly hydrating and low in calories. They’re also a great source of:

• Vitamin K – important for bone health
• Vitamin C – boosts the immune system
• Potassium – supports heart and muscle function
• Antioxidants – help fight inflammation

In this salad, pairing cucumbers with ingredients like sour cream and dill not only enhances flavor but also adds healthy fats and gut-friendly probiotics, especially if using cultured sour cream or Greek yogurt as an alternative. When made with light or reduced-fat sour cream and a small amount of mayo, it remains a low-carb and keto-friendly side dish that fits into many diet plans.

Perfect Pairings: What to Serve with Creamy Cucumber Salad

This dish is the ultimate companion to:

• Grilled meats like chicken, lamb, or pork chops
• Fried foods like schnitzels, fish fillets, or chicken tenders
• Spicy mains such as Indian curries, Cajun dishes, or buffalo wings
• Sandwiches and wraps for a cool and crunchy side
• Picnic fare like deviled eggs, potato salad, and cold cuts

Because of its cooling nature, this salad helps mellow down spicy or heavy dishes, offering a contrast in both texture and flavor.

Customizing the Classic: Creative Variations

While the base recipe is a hit, you can tweak it to suit your taste or dietary needs:

• Swap sour cream for Greek yogurt for a protein boost
• Add sliced radishes for a peppery bite
• Use apple cider vinegar instead of white vinegar for subtle sweetness
• Include fresh mint or chives for a flavor twist
• Add cherry tomatoes or crumbled feta for a Mediterranean touch
• Make it vegan by using plant-based yogurt or sour cream alternatives

These small changes can help you reinvent this salad over and over again without ever getting bored.

Tips for the Best Creamy Cucumber Salad

1. Use English cucumbers or Persian cucumbers – they’re less watery and have thinner skin, which means you don’t need to peel or seed them.
2. Salt the cucumbers ahead of time to draw out excess moisture, then pat dry. This step prevents the salad from becoming watery after it chills.
3. Chill before serving – the flavors deepen and meld when allowed to rest in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
4. Use fresh dill whenever possible – it brings a bright, aromatic freshness that dried dill just can’t match.

Why It Belongs in Your Recipe Repertoire

Creamy Cucumber Salad isn’t just a recipe — it’s a culinary staple that never fails. It’s great for every skill level, requires minimal ingredients, and works for nearly any meal. You can make it in advance, store it in the fridge, and enjoy it for days. Plus, it’s both comforting and refreshing — not many dishes can claim that balance.

It’s also ideal for meal prepping, summer entertaining, or even as a quick snack between meals. And if you’re trying to eat more veggies or stay on a low-carb plan, this salad makes it both effortless and enjoyable.

Conclusion

Whether you’re looking for a simple side dish to round out your dinner or a refreshing salad to take to your next potluck, Creamy Cucumber Salad is a tried-and-true winner. It’s flavorful, fast, and flexible — a combination that keeps home cooks and food lovers coming back to it again and again.

With its crisp cucumbers, creamy dressing, and touch of dill, this salad proves that sometimes the best recipes are the simplest ones. Keep this classic in your back pocket, and you’ll always have a delicious answer to “What should I make as a side?”