If you’re searching for a fresh, vibrant dish that feels like a cool breeze on a warm day, this Creamy Cucumber Salad Recipe is the perfect match. It combines crisp cucumbers with a luscious, tangy dressing made from sour cream, vinegar, and a touch of sugar, all brightened by fragrant dill. This salad is incredibly refreshing and easy to prepare, making it a wonderful addition to any meal or gathering, especially when you want something light yet satisfying.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is half the fun, and with this Creamy Cucumber Salad Recipe, simplicity is key. Each ingredient plays an essential role in balancing flavor, texture, and appearance to create a truly delightful salad.
- Cucumbers: Choose firm and fresh cucumbers for that perfect crisp crunch.
- Sour cream: The creamy base that brings richness and a gentle tang to the dressing.
- Vinegar: Adds a bright acidity that enhances all the other flavors beautifully.
- Sugar: Just a hint to balance out the tangy notes without making it sweet.
- Dill: Fresh dill infuses a garden-fresh aroma and a subtle herbal lift.
How to Make Creamy Cucumber Salad Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Cucumbers
Start by washing your cucumbers thoroughly to remove any dirt and imperfections. Then, slice them into thin rounds or half-moons depending on your preference. Thin slices allow the dressing to coat every bite, ensuring the perfect combination of crunchy and creamy texture.
Step 2: Make the Dressing
In a bowl, whisk together sour cream, vinegar, and sugar until the sugar dissolves completely and the dressing is smooth. This mix creates the perfect balance of creamy richness and a subtle tang that makes the salad so irresistibly fresh.
Step 3: Combine and Chill
Pour the dressing over the sliced cucumbers and sprinkle in finely chopped dill. Toss gently to ensure every slice is covered with the dressing. For the best taste, refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving. Chilling allows the flavors to meld harmoniously and keeps the cucumbers crisp.
How to Serve Creamy Cucumber Salad Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh dill or a few thin slices of red onion makes a beautiful garnish that adds a pop of color and an extra layer of flavor. You can also add a light dusting of freshly cracked black pepper for a subtle spice that complements the cool creaminess.
Side Dishes
This creamy cucumber salad pairs wonderfully with grilled meats, especially chicken and fish, or alongside a hearty sandwich. It’s an ideal side dish for barbecues and picnics, bringing lightness and freshness that balances richer main courses.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve this salad inside crisp lettuce cups or hollowed-out mini bell peppers. You could also layer it in parfait glasses with crumbled feta and chopped tomatoes for a colorful, elegant presentation that’s sure to impress guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Because this dish relies on fresh cucumbers, it’s best eaten within 1 to 2 days before the cucumbers start to lose their crunch.
Freezing
This salad is not suitable for freezing because cucumbers contain a lot of water, which will become mushy when thawed and affect the texture and taste of the salad.
Reheating
Since the Creamy Cucumber Salad Recipe is served chilled, reheating is not recommended. It’s best enjoyed cold and fresh for that crisp, refreshing experience.
FAQs
Can I use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream?
Absolutely! Greek yogurt is a fantastic substitute for sour cream that will give the dressing a similar creamy texture with a slightly tangier flavor and fewer calories.
Should I peel the cucumbers for this recipe?
It depends on your preference and the type of cucumber. If you have thin-skinned English cucumbers, you can leave the peel on for extra texture and nutrition. For thicker-skinned varieties, peeling might be more pleasant for the salad’s tenderness.
Can I add other herbs besides dill?
Yes! Fresh herbs like parsley, chives, or tarragon can add unique twists to the salad’s flavor profile without overpowering the simple, refreshing taste.
Is this salad suitable for a low-carb diet?
Definitely. The Creamy Cucumber Salad Recipe is low in carbohydrates, making it a great choice for anyone watching their carb intake while still enjoying delicious food.
How long should I chill the salad before serving?
For the best flavor and texture, chilling the salad for at least 30 minutes is recommended. This resting time allows the cucumbers to absorb the dressing and the flavors to meld perfectly.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Cucumber Salad Recipe is one of those timeless dishes that feels both comforting and refreshing every time you make it. Its simple ingredients come together to create a salad that’s crunchy, creamy, and utterly delicious, perfect for sharing with family and friends. Give it a try at your next meal—you might just find yourself reaching for this salad recipe again and again.
Print
Creamy Cucumber Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A refreshing and creamy cucumber salad featuring thinly sliced cucumbers tossed in a tangy sour cream and vinegar dressing with a touch of sweetness and fresh dill. Perfect as a light side dish or summer appetizer.
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 3 large cucumbers, thinly sliced
Dressing Ingredients
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 tablespoons white vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the Cucumbers: Thinly slice the cucumbers using a knife or mandoline for even slices, then place them in a large mixing bowl.
- Make the Dressing: In a separate bowl, combine sour cream, white vinegar, sugar, and chopped fresh dill. Whisk until the sugar is dissolved and the dressing is smooth.
- Toss the Salad: Pour the dressing over the sliced cucumbers and gently toss to evenly coat all slices with the creamy mixture.
- Chill: Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the salad to chill thoroughly before serving.
- Serve: Give the salad a final gentle toss, then serve chilled as a refreshing side dish or appetizer.
Notes
- Use Persian cucumbers for a sweeter, crunchier texture without peeling.
- Adjust sugar and vinegar amounts according to taste preference for more tang or sweetness.
- Fresh dill is preferred for the best flavor; dried dill can be used but reduce quantity.
- For a lighter version, substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt.
- Chilling enhances the flavors and texture of the salad.
