If you’re looking for the ultimate summer side that delivers a cooling crunch, irresistible flavor, and creamy comfort in every bite, look no further than Creamy Cucumber Salad. With fresh dill, crisp cucumbers, tangy red onion, and a velvety sour cream dressing, this dish is simplicity at its finest. Whether you’re picnicking or just want to perk up a weeknight meal, this salad brings pure refreshment to your table, making it a must-have for warm weather and beyond.

Creamy Cucumber Salad Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe proves that you don’t need a complicated ingredient list for an outstanding dish. Each element brings something special, whether it’s texture, flavor, or a pop of color, making the Creamy Cucumber Salad shine with every forkful.

5 cups sliced cucumbers: Delivers ultimate crunch and juiciness; peeling and deseeding ensures a smooth and mellow bite.
1/2 cup red onion: Thinly sliced, this adds gentle sharpness and a splash of lovely color.
1/4 cup chopped fresh dill: Essential for that unmistakable herby, fragrant punch—don’t skimp on the dill!
1 teaspoon salt: Balances and enhances every layer of flavor.
1/2 teaspoon pepper: Gives just enough subtle heat to wake up the taste buds.
1 cup sour cream: The creamy backbone that ties everything together—rich and tangy, it’s simply perfect here.
1 tablespoon sugar: Introduces a gentle hint of sweetness, rounding out the flavors beautifully.

How to Make Creamy Cucumber Salad

Step 1: Prep the Cucumbers and Vegetables

Peel the cucumbers, slice them thinly, and remove the seeds for the best texture. If using regular cucumbers, peeling makes all the difference. Add them to a large bowl, then toss in the thinly sliced red onions and freshly chopped dill. The color contrast is gorgeous and instantly inviting!

Step 2: Mix the Creamy Dressing

In a separate, smaller bowl, whisk together the salt, pepper, sour cream, and sugar. This dressing comes together in moments, and it’s important to whisk until perfectly smooth so it can coat every cucumber slice luxuriously. The creamy, tangy balance is the secret weapon of this whole dish.

Step 3: Toss It All Together

Pour your creamy dressing over the cucumber mixture and gently toss until everything is evenly coated. Take your time here so every piece gets its share of the luscious dressing and all the herby goodness mingles together.

Step 4: Chill and Serve

You can serve Creamy Cucumber Salad immediately, but if you have a little patience, cover and chill the salad for up to 2 hours. This short rest lets the flavors meld and the dressing thicken up just right for a dreamy bite every time.

How to Serve Creamy Cucumber Salad

Garnishes

A sprinkle of extra fresh dill or cracked black pepper on top right before serving adds an extra burst of aroma and makes the colors pop. For a little sparkle, try a drizzle of olive oil or a scattering of flaky sea salt.

Side Dishes

This salad feels at home next to just about anything—think grilled chicken, juicy steak, burgers, or hot-off-the-grill sausages. It also sings alongside other picnic favorites like potato salad or grilled corn, balancing out heavier or spicy dishes beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to get playful, scoop Creamy Cucumber Salad into lettuce cups, serve it on top of rye bread for a Scandi-inspired vibe, or pile it high in a clear trifle dish to show off the lovely layers at your next potluck. It’s a showstopper in any bowl!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any remaining Creamy Cucumber Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The flavor intensifies as it sits, and it’ll stay fresh for up to two days. Just note that the cucumbers will continue to release water over time, so give it a gentle stir before serving leftovers.

Freezing

This isn’t a salad for the freezer—the high water content in cucumbers means they become soggy after thawing, and the creamy dressing can separate. Enjoy it fresh for the best experience!

Reheating

Creamy Cucumber Salad is meant to be served chilled, so skip reheating. If the salad has watered down in the fridge, simply drain off any excess liquid, give it a little stir, and refresh with extra dill or a dab of sour cream before dishing it out.

FAQs

Can I use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream?

Absolutely! Greek yogurt makes a tangier, slightly lighter dressing and pairs beautifully with the dill and crunchy cucumbers. Just substitute equal amounts for the sour cream.

What kind of cucumber is best for Creamy Cucumber Salad?

English and Persian cucumbers work wonderfully because of their tender skins and fewer seeds, but even regular garden cucumbers are delicious—just peel and deseed them for the best texture and flavor.

How long can I keep Creamy Cucumber Salad in the fridge?

It’s best eaten within two days. After that, the cucumbers will soften too much and the dressing can thin out, but it will still taste good if you’re okay with a slightly mellower texture.

Can I add other ingredients to the salad?

Certainly! Some people love to toss in thinly sliced radishes for extra crunch or swap dill for fresh chives or parsley. Feel free to make this salad your own—it’s very forgiving and welcomes little tweaks.

Why is my salad watery, and how can I fix it?

Cucumbers naturally release water, especially when salted. To avoid excess liquid, serve the salad soon after mixing or drain off the liquid if it builds up. You can also sprinkle the cucumbers with a little salt and let them sit in a colander for 20 minutes, then pat dry before mixing with the dressing.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve never tried making Creamy Cucumber Salad at home, you’re in for a treat. It’s crisp, herbaceous, super easy, and guaranteed to bring cool, creamy joy to your table. Give it a go and discover why this classic belongs in every summer spread!

Creamy Cucumber Salad Recipe

Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

5.1 from 15 reviews

This creamy cucumber salad, also known as German cucumber salad, is a refreshing combination of cucumbers, red onion, and dill tossed in a simple dressing. It takes just minutes to make and is the perfect side dish for any summer meal.

Author: Paula
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 1 minute
Total Time: 11 minutes
Yield: 6 servings
Category: Salad
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Cucumbers:

5 cups sliced cucumbers, peeled and seeds removed

Red Onion:

1/2 cup red onion, peeled, halved, and thinly sliced

Dill:

1/4 cup chopped fresh dill

Dressing:

1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1 cup sour cream
1 tablespoon sugar

Instructions

Prep Vegetables: Place the cucumbers, red onion, and dill in a large bowl.
Make Dressing: In a small bowl, mix together the salt, pepper, sour cream, and sugar.
Toss: Pour the dressing over the cucumber mixture and toss to coat evenly.
Serve: Serve immediately, or chill for up to 2 hours.

Notes

It’s well worth the money to buy fresh dill. It’s an important flavor component with this salad.
Use a mandoline to get super thin slices of cucumber and red onion.
You can use different types of cucumbers like English or Persian.