Creamy Cucumber Salad is a quintessential summer dish, offering a refreshing and satisfying side dish that pairs perfectly with grilled meats, seafood, or vegetarian meals. The combination of cool cucumbers, tangy sour cream, and fresh herbs creates a delightful balance of flavors and textures. This dish is incredibly easy to prepare, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or casual get-togethers. The beauty of this salad lies in its simplicity—only a few ingredients are needed, yet it brings a burst of freshness to any meal. Perfectly creamy with a touch of sweetness from the sugar and the vibrant punch of vinegar, this salad is a crowd-pleaser that everyone will love.
Full Recipe
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2 long English cucumbers, thinly sliced
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1/2 medium red onion, thinly sliced
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1/2 cup sour cream
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1/4 cup mayonnaise
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2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
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1 teaspoon sugar
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1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
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1/4 cup chopped fresh dill
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1/2 teaspoon salt
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1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Directions
Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables
Begin by slicing the cucumbers and red onion as thinly as possible. For a more uniform texture, use a mandolin slicer, but a sharp knife works just as well. Place the sliced cucumbers and onions in a large mixing bowl.
Step 2: Make the Dressing
In a separate small bowl, combine the sour cream, mayonnaise, white wine vinegar, sugar, garlic powder, fresh dill, salt, and black pepper. Whisk the mixture until it becomes smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust the seasoning as necessary, depending on your preference for sweetness or tanginess.
Step 3: Combine and Toss
Pour the dressing over the sliced cucumbers and onions. Gently toss the vegetables in the dressing until they are evenly coated. Be careful not to crush the cucumbers or onions while tossing.
Step 4: Chill and Serve
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the salad to chill. Just before serving, give it a final toss, and garnish with additional fresh dill for a burst of color and flavor.
Nutrients per Serving
Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 140 kcal
Carbohydrates: 8g
Protein: 2g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 10mg
Sodium: 380mg
Potassium: 240mg
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 4g
Vitamin A: 155 IU
Vitamin C: 4mg
Calcium: 33mg
Iron: 0.5mg
Why Creamy Cucumber Salad is Perfect for Any Occasion
Creamy Cucumber Salad is a versatile dish that works for many occasions. Whether you’re hosting a summer BBQ, preparing a quick lunch, or looking for a fresh side dish to complement dinner, this salad fits the bill. It pairs beautifully with grilled meats like chicken, beef, or fish, offering a light and refreshing contrast to the richness of the grilled food. It’s also a fantastic side to serve with sandwiches or burgers, adding a cool, creamy element to the meal.
One of the best things about this cucumber salad is how easily it can be customized. While the basic ingredients are simple and straightforward, you can tweak the recipe to fit your personal preferences or dietary needs. For example, if you’re looking to make the salad lighter, you can replace the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt or increase the amount of sour cream for a tangier taste. If you’re not a fan of dill, feel free to substitute with fresh herbs like parsley, cilantro, or basil.
This salad can also be made ahead of time, which is perfect for busy weeks or when you’re planning to entertain guests. The flavors only improve as the salad chills in the fridge, making it a great dish to prepare in advance. Whether you need something to bring to a potluck or just want a quick and easy side for a weeknight meal, this creamy cucumber salad is a no-fuss, crowd-pleasing choice.
Tips for the Perfect Creamy Cucumber Salad
To achieve the best texture, make sure to slice the cucumbers as thinly as possible. This ensures that each bite of the salad is consistent and allows the dressing to coat the vegetables evenly. You can also sprinkle a little salt over the cucumbers before mixing them with the dressing. This step helps draw out excess moisture from the cucumbers, which prevents the salad from becoming too watery.
For a more mellow onion flavor, soak the sliced red onions in cold water for about 15 minutes before adding them to the salad. This helps reduce their sharpness and adds a pleasant crispness. If you like your cucumbers and onions even crunchier, consider placing them in the fridge for an hour before serving to enhance their refreshing crispness.
To add some extra flavor and texture, consider adding thinly sliced radishes or halved cherry tomatoes to the salad. These additions will not only bring in new colors but also contribute additional flavors that complement the creamy dressing. For a richer flavor, crumbled feta cheese or a sprinkle of toasted sunflower seeds can also be used as a topping.
Making It Ahead of Time
Creamy Cucumber Salad is an excellent make-ahead dish. In fact, it tastes even better after sitting in the refrigerator for a few hours or overnight, as the flavors have time to meld. To store, simply cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate. The salad can last for up to 2 days in the fridge, but it’s best when enjoyed within 24 hours to preserve the freshness of the cucumbers.
Just be aware that the cucumbers will release moisture over time, so be sure to drain any excess liquid before serving the leftovers. If you’d like to keep the salad crisp, you can also store the cucumbers separately from the dressing and combine them just before serving.
Conclusion
Creamy Cucumber Salad is an incredibly simple, delicious, and refreshing dish that is perfect for any occasion. With its cool, crisp cucumbers, tangy dressing, and the addition of fresh dill, this salad is a wonderful way to add a burst of flavor to your meal. It’s the ideal side dish for summer gatherings, a healthy lunch, or even a light dinner on its own. The best part? It’s easy to make and can be customized to suit your tastes. Whether you’re making it for a BBQ, picnic, or meal prep, this salad is sure to be a hit.
Its versatility, ease of preparation, and the balance of flavors make Creamy Cucumber Salad a must-try. So, the next time you need a quick, tasty, and satisfying side dish, look no further than this delightful salad. You can’t go wrong with its fresh, creamy, and flavorful taste.