Creamy Cucumber Salad is the kind of dish that brings pure joy to any summer table. Every bite delivers a cool, refreshing crunch wrapped in a tangy, velvety dressing flecked with fresh dill. Whether you’re enjoying a backyard barbeque, packing a picnic, or just in need of something crisp and bright to contrast a rich entrée, this is a recipe you’ll want to keep in your repertoire. The charm of this Creamy Cucumber Salad lies in simple ingredients working in perfect harmony—cool cucumbers, zesty vinegar, creamy sour cream, and fragrant dill—all coming together with very little effort and a whole lot of flavor.

Creamy Cucumber Salad Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

All you need for this Creamy Cucumber Salad are a handful of easy-to-find ingredients, but each one takes center stage to create an irresistible blend of freshness and tang. Stick to these classic components for the best taste and texture—every item plays its own special role.

English cucumbers: Extra crisp, seedless, and perfect for soaking up all that creamy dressing without turning too watery.
Sour cream: Delivers the luscious creaminess that sets this salad apart from ordinary cucumber sides.
Dill: Fresh, fragrant dill is essential—its bright, herbaceous flavor infuses the whole dish with summery vibes.
White vinegar: Adds just the right zing to balance out the rich sour cream and highlight the cucumbers’ freshness.
Salt: Draws out excess moisture from the cucumbers and sharpens every flavor note.
Garlic powder: A subtle boost of savory depth to the dressing without overpowering the other ingredients.
Sugar: Just a touch to round out the tang and keep the dressing perfectly balanced.
Red onion (optional): Thin slivers add color, personality, and a gentle bite for those who love a little extra zing.

How to Make Creamy Cucumber Salad

Step 1: Peel and Slice Your Cucumbers

Start by grabbing your English cucumbers and giving them a quick peel—this keeps the salad extra tender and eliminates any bitterness from the skin. Then slice them as thinly as you like; thinner slices soak up more of that dreamy dressing. Pile the cucumber rounds into a big bowl, and if you’re using red onion, add finely sliced half-moons for extra flavor and color.

Step 2: Whisk Up the Creamy Dressing

In a separate smaller bowl, whisk together the sour cream, chopped dill, white vinegar, salt, garlic powder, and sugar. You’re looking for a smooth, luscious consistency and a taste that balances tang, creaminess, and just a hint of sweetness. This is where all the magic happens—don’t skip tasting and adjusting the seasoning if needed!

Step 3: Toss Everything Together

Pour the dressing over your sliced cucumbers (and onions, if using) and toss gently with a spatula or large spoon until every slice is generously coated. You want the cucumbers to be fully dressed without getting smashed—treat them gently for a perfectly textured Creamy Cucumber Salad.

Step 4: Chill Before Serving

For the best results, cover your bowl and pop it into the fridge for at least an hour. This short chill lets the flavors meld and the dill infuse every bite, and it also helps the cucumbers stay crispy. Serve it cold and enjoy a refreshing burst of flavor with every forkful!

How to Serve Creamy Cucumber Salad

Garnishes

For an eye-catching finish, scatter extra fresh dill or a few bright sprigs right on top. If you’re feeling jazzy, thinly sliced radishes or a dusting of cracked black pepper make beautiful additions, adding both color and crunch to your Creamy Cucumber Salad.

Side Dishes

This salad absolutely shines alongside grilled meats like chicken, steak, or sausages, and it’s just as tasty next to baked fish or falafel. It’s also a star at potlucks and picnics, where its chilled, tangy profile cuts through heavier dishes and brings a refreshing twist to the table.

Creative Ways to Present

Show off your Creamy Cucumber Salad in individual glasses for an elegant starter at dinner parties, or pile it high on a platter lined with lettuce leaves for a summery, rustic presentation. It’s also perfect scooped onto rye toast or served as a topping for burgers and sandwiches if you want to mix things up.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Creamy Cucumber Salad keeps best in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. The salad may release extra liquid as it sits, so give it a gentle stir before serving and drain off any excess if needed—it’ll still be cool, creamy, and refreshing!

Freezing

Freezing isn’t recommended for this salad, as cucumbers lose their crispness and become watery after being thawed. The dressing can also separate and turn grainy, so Creamy Cucumber Salad is always best enjoyed fresh or within a day or two of making.

Reheating

This is one dish you definitely want to keep chilled—reheating wouldn’t do the crisp cucumbers or the creamy dressing any favors. Simply serve it straight from the fridge for the best texture and flavor every time.

FAQs

Can I use regular cucumbers instead of English cucumbers?

Absolutely! If using regular cucumbers, consider removing the seeds and possibly salting and draining the slices for 20 minutes before tossing with the dressing, since they can be a bit more watery. You’ll still end up with a delicious version of Creamy Cucumber Salad.

Can I make Creamy Cucumber Salad dairy-free?

Yes, simply swap the sour cream for your favorite plant-based sour cream alternative or unsweetened coconut yogurt. The tang and creaminess will still come through beautifully for a dairy-free treat that doesn’t compromise on flavor.

How far ahead can I make Creamy Cucumber Salad?

It’s best made up to a few hours ahead, which gives plenty of time for the flavors to meld and everything to get perfectly chilled. Avoid mixing it up more than 24 hours in advance to prevent the cucumbers from getting too soft.

What can I use instead of dill?

If dill isn’t to your taste, try chives, fresh parsley, or even a bit of mint for a different twist. Each herb offers its own unique flavor and pairs nicely with the cool creaminess of the salad.

Can Creamy Cucumber Salad be made vegan?

Definitely! Just use a vegan sour cream (or plain coconut yogurt) and confirm your sugar is vegan if you’re concerned about that. The salad remains just as creamy and flavorful, perfect for a plant-based crowd.

Final Thoughts

There’s something timelessly satisfying about a bowl of Creamy Cucumber Salad. Light, tangy, and simply bursting with fresh flavor, it’s a classic that never disappoints. I can’t wait for you to give this recipe a try—share it with friends, bring it to your next cookout, and watch it disappear in record time!