This creamy cucumber salad is a refreshing side dish that’s perfect for warm days. With crisp cucumbers, smooth yogurt, and a hint of dill, it’s both tasty and easy to whip up!
I love making this salad when I want something light. It’s a hit at picnics, and honestly, who doesn’t enjoy crunching into cold, tasty cucumbers? It’s super simple and so satisfying!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cucumbers: The star of the show! Select large, firm cucumbers for the best crunch. English cucumbers are a great substitute; they have fewer seeds and a thinner skin. For a twist, try using Persian cucumbers!
Red onion: This adds a lovely zing to the salad. However, if red onions are too strong for your taste, consider using green onions or even sweet onions for a milder flavor.
Sour cream: My favorite for this creamy dressing! If you’re looking for a lighter option, Greek yogurt can work fantastically as a substitute. It adds creaminess with lower fat!
Mayonnaise: This adds richness to the dressing. If you want a healthier twist, try using light mayo or combining equal parts of sour cream and yogurt. It keeps the creamy texture while cutting down on calories.
Dill: Fresh dill really elevates this dish, but if it’s hard to find, dried dill works too. Just remember that dried herbs are more potent—so use less, about one-third of the amount of fresh.
How Can I Make Sure My Salad is Flavorful and Creamy?
The key to blending the flavors and getting that creamy texture is all in the mixing process! Make sure your sour cream and mayonnaise are combined well before adding the herbs and seasonings.
- Mix sour cream and mayo until smooth—this ensures no lumps will affect the texture later.
- When adding the dill and lemon juice, taste as you go! Adjust the lemon or add sugar if you’d like a sweeter touch.
- Let the salad chill for at least 30 minutes. This is when the flavors really come together!
How to Make Creamy Cucumber Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salad:
- 4 large cucumbers, thinly sliced
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
For the Creamy Dressing:
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried dill)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: 1 teaspoon sugar (for added sweetness)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This refreshing salad will take about 15 minutes to prepare, plus an additional 30 minutes to chill in the refrigerator. So, you’ll spend a little time getting everything mixed, and then just let it sit to enhance those yummy flavors!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prep the Cucumbers:
Start by washing the cucumbers under cold water to remove any dirt. Slice them thinly using a knife or a mandoline for even pieces. Place the sliced cucumbers in a large mixing bowl—this will be the base of your salad!
2. Add the Onions:
Next, take your half of the red onion and slice it thinly. Add the onion slices to the bowl with the cucumbers. This will give your salad a nice crunch and flavor.
3. Make the Creamy Dressing:
In a separate bowl, combine the sour cream and mayonnaise. Mix them together well until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This will be the dressing that brings the salad together!
4. Season the Dressing:
Add the chopped dill, lemon juice, salt, and pepper to the creamy mixture. If you like a touch of sweetness, sprinkle in the optional sugar. Stir everything until it’s mixed nicely and set aside.
5. Combine Everything:
Pour the creamy dressing over your cucumber and onion mixture. Toss gently but thoroughly to ensure that all the slices are coated in the dressing. Be careful not to mush the cucumbers; you want them to stay crunchy!
6. Chill the Salad:
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes. This chilling time lets the flavors blend together beautifully and makes the salad nice and cool.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
When you’re ready to serve, give the salad a good stir to mix everything up again. Taste it and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. Serve the creamy cucumber salad chilled as a delightful side dish. Enjoy your refreshing creation!
Can I Use Greek Yogurt Instead of Sour Cream?
Absolutely! Greek yogurt is a great substitute for sour cream. It will give your salad a tangy taste and creamy texture. Just make sure to choose plain, unsweetened Greek yogurt for the best flavor match.
How Long Can I Store Leftover Cucumber Salad?
Leftover creamy cucumber salad can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. The cucumbers may release some liquid, so give it a gentle stir before serving. However, it’s best enjoyed fresh for optimal crunch!
What If I Don’t Have Fresh Dill?
No problem! You can use dried dill as a substitute. Just remember that dried herbs are more concentrated, so use about a teaspoon of dried dill instead. If you don’t have dill, you can also try other herbs like parsley or chives for a different flavor profile.
Can I Make This Salad Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can make the salad a few hours in advance! Just prepare everything as directed, but hold off on adding the dressing until about 30 minutes before serving to keep the cucumbers crisp. This way, the flavors will still meld nicely, but your salad will maintain its texture.
