This Easy Creamy Cucumber Salad combines cool, crunchy cucumbers with a delicious creamy dressing. It’s fresh, simple, and perfect for hot days or as a side dish!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cucumbers: Choose firm, fresh cucumbers for the best crunch. If you can’t find fresh cucumbers, pickling cucumbers work nicely too. English cucumbers are also a great choice since they have fewer seeds and a thinner skin.
Red Onion: While red onion adds a nice color and sweetness, you can substitute with yellow or white onions if that’s what you have. For a milder taste, soak the slices in cold water for about 10 minutes before adding them to the salad.
Sour Cream vs. Greek Yogurt: Sour cream is rich and tangy, but Greek yogurt gives a healthier spin with a similar taste. I often use Greek yogurt, especially when I want a lighter dish.
Dill: Fresh dill is the star here! But if fresh isn’t available, dried dill works well. For additional flavor, you might even substitute dill with fresh parsley or mint, depending on your taste preference.
Vinegar or Lemon Juice: Either option brightens the salad! If you want a different twist, try apple cider vinegar or even a splash of pickle juice for a tangy kick.
How Do I Get the Perfect Crunchy Cucumber Salad?
To ensure your cucumber salad stays crisp, salting the cucumbers first is key. Here’s how:
- Slice the cucumbers and sprinkle them with salt. Let them sit in a colander for about 15-20 minutes.
- This draws out excess moisture, helping to keep the salad crunchy.
- Rinse the cucumbers and pat them dry with paper towels before mixing with the dressing.
Chilling the salad for at least 30 minutes also enhances flavor and texture, making it super refreshing by serving time!
Easy Creamy Cucumber Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 3 medium cucumbers, thinly sliced
- 1/2 medium red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt for a healthier option)
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill, finely chopped (or 1 tablespoon dried dill)
- 1 tablespoon white vinegar or lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
You’ll need about 10-15 minutes for preparation. After mixing, let the salad chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. So, in total, expect around 45 minutes before it’s ready to serve, making it perfect for a quick and easy side dish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Vegetables:
Start by washing your cucumbers. Then, slice them thinly and place them in a large bowl. Next, thinly slice the red onion and add it to the bowl with the cucumbers. This combo is what gives the salad a lovely crunch and a vibrant look!
2. Make the Creamy Dressing:
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the sour cream (or Greek yogurt), chopped dill, white vinegar (or lemon juice), sugar, salt, and pepper. Stir well until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This dressing is what makes the salad so tasty!
3. Combine and Toss:
Pour the creamy dressing over the cucumber and onion mixture. Gently toss everything together until all the pieces are well coated in the dressing. This is where the magic happens—each bite will be delicious!
4. Chill to Enhance the Flavor:
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid, and place it in the refrigerator. Let it chill for at least 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together and makes the salad extra refreshing!
5. Final Touch:
Right before serving, give the salad a gentle stir to mix everything again. Taste and adjust the seasoning if you like—maybe a touch more salt or pepper, if needed.
6. Serve and Enjoy!
Serve the salad cold as a fantastic side dish for summer picnics, barbecues, or alongside grilled meats. It’s delicious, refreshing, and sure to be a hit!
Can I Use Different Types of Cucumbers?
Absolutely! You can use English cucumbers, which are longer and have fewer seeds, or pickling cucumbers, which are smaller and crunchier. Just make sure to adjust the peeling based on the type you choose—English cucumbers have a thinner skin!
How Do I Make It Keto-Friendly?
To keep this salad low-carb, stick with the base ingredients! Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for fewer carbs and calories. Avoid adding any high-sugar ingredients like extra sugar or sweet dressings. This recipe is already quite keto-friendly!
Can I Make This Salad In Advance?
Yes! This salad actually tastes better after it has had time to chill and the flavors meld together, so feel free to make it a day ahead. Just keep it stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Give it a stir before serving to refresh it!
What Other Herbs Can I Use Besides Dill?
If you’re not a fan of dill, you can try substituting with fresh parsley, mint, or chives for a different flavor profile. Each herb brings a unique twist to the salad, so feel free to experiment!
