Meet your new go-to summer side: this Creamy Cucumber Salad! It’s delightfully crisp, packed with fresh flavor, and comes together in a flash—ideal for everything from weeknight dinners to backyard barbecues. The cool, creamy dressing clings to tender cucumbers and onion with just enough zing, making each bite refreshingly addictive.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Super Fast & Effortless: You can whip up a bowl of Creamy Cucumber Salad in just 10 minutes—no fuss, barely any cleanup, all flavor.
- Fresh, Crunchy Texture: The cucumbers stay fantastically crisp, with every bite balanced by a tangy, dreamy dressing.
- Customizable to Your Taste: Swap the base, play with herbs, add a touch of sweetness—this salad loves a remix!
- Crowd-Pleaser: Whether it’s a quick lunch or a potluck favorite, Creamy Cucumber Salad always disappears fast.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe is just how simple—and vibrant—the shopping list is. Each ingredient brings something irresistible to the table, creating a salad that’s fresh, creamy, and full of personality. Let’s take a look at what you’ll need and why it matters!
- 2 large cucumbers: The star of the show! Choose firm, unblemished cucumbers for maximum crunch and refreshing flavor.
- 1/4 cup red onion, sliced: Adds zippy sharpness and a pop of color to every forkful.
- 1/4 cup Greek yogurt (or sour cream/mayo/combination): The creamy base that ties the salad together—use Greek yogurt for tang, sour cream for richness, or a mix if you like extra dimension.
- 1 lemon, juice and zest (or 1/4 cup white vinegar): Delivers brightness and a hint of acidity that makes the salad sing.
- 2 tablespoons dill, chopped: Fresh dill is the classic choice, lending herby fragrance and a touch of nostalgia.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Seasoning is essential—let those flavors pop!
- 1 clove garlic, grated (optional): For a gentle aromatic kick, grate in some garlic (or skip it, if you prefer subtlety).
Variations
This Creamy Cucumber Salad is your blank slate! Go bold, keep it classic, make it plant-based, or dial up the flavors—there are so many ways to put your personal stamp on it. Here are a few tasty twists to try the next time you mix up a batch.
- Add a Sweet Note: Stir in a teaspoon of sugar or honey for a salad that’s just a touch sweet—a perfect balance for tangy dressing lovers.
- Make it Vegan: Swap the Greek yogurt for a plant-based version, or use vegan mayo for a totally dairy-free take!
- Boost with Extra Veggies: Thinly sliced radishes or bell peppers tuck right into this salad for extra crunch and color.
- Switch the Herbs: Try snipped chives or fresh parsley for a new layer of flavor if dill isn’t your thing.
How to Make Creamy Cucumber Salad
Step 1: Prep Your Veggies
Start by giving those cucumbers and red onion a good rinse. Slice the cucumbers into rounds or half-moons, depending on your style, and thinly slice the red onion—thinner is better for that crave-worthy bite without overpowering the salad.
Step 2: Whisk Up the Creamy Dressing
In a mixing bowl, combine the Greek yogurt (or your chosen creamy base), lemon juice, zest (or vinegar), chopped dill, grated garlic if desired, plus a generous pinch of salt and pepper. Give it a thorough whisk until smooth and beautifully blended.
Step 3: Mix & Taste
Bring the cucumbers and onion into the bowl and toss to coat every slice with that dreamy dressing. Taste—go ahead!—and adjust seasoning, or add a sprinkle of sugar/honey if you like a hint of sweetness.
Step 4: Chill (Optional) & Serve
If you have a little extra time, slide the salad into the fridge for 30 minutes—it gives the flavors time to mingle and intensify. When ready to serve, give it one last gentle toss and pile it into your favorite bowl. That’s it!
Pro Tips for Making Creamy Cucumber Salad
- Crisp Factor: For even more crunch, use English cucumbers and keep the peel on—plus they don’t need seeding!
- No Watery Dressing: Lightly salt your cucumber slices and let them sit for 10 minutes, then dab off excess moisture—this keeps your salad from getting soggy.
- Flavor Booster: Zest your lemon before juicing—it adds extra brightness to the creamy dressing without extra work.
- Make Ahead Friendly: Prep everything but hold off on adding the dressing until just before serving for the freshest results!
How to Serve Creamy Cucumber Salad
Garnishes
A shower of extra chopped fresh dill, finely sliced chives, or even a sprinkle of cracked black pepper makes this Creamy Cucumber Salad look gorgeous and taste even more inviting. For a hint of color, add a few pomegranate seeds or a pinch of smoked paprika on top just before serving.
Side Dishes
This salad is magic next to anything hot off the grill—think chicken kebabs, burgers, salmon fillets, or skewered tofu. It’s just as at home alongside picnic classics like potato salad and coleslaw, or even spooned over a bed of greens for a light lunch.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving Creamy Cucumber Salad in chilled glass jars for a picnic, or scoop it into endive leaves for elegant finger food. For parties, arrange it in a shallow platter with extra herbs on the side for guests to sprinkle themselves. It even makes an unexpected (and crowd-pleasing!) topping for grilled flatbread.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Creamy Cucumber Salad is best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers will keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. The dressing might thin out as the cucumbers release water, but a quick toss will perk things right up.
Freezing
This salad isn’t ideal for freezing—the cucumbers lose their crunch and the dairy dressing can separate. If you want to plan ahead, prep the veggies and dressing separately and mix them together right before serving.
Reheating
This one’s meant to be served cold! No reheating is necessary—just pull from the fridge, give it a stir, and enjoy. If the salad seems a bit watery after resting, simply drain off a little excess liquid and toss again.
FAQs
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Can I make Creamy Cucumber Salad ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can slice the cucumbers and onions, and mix up the dressing in advance. For the freshest taste and best texture, combine everything just before serving—or no more than a couple of hours ahead if you prefer a softer, marinated salad.
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How do I keep Creamy Cucumber Salad from getting watery?
After slicing your cucumbers, lightly salt them and let them sit for 10 minutes, then pat dry with a paper towel. This helps draw out extra moisture so your salad stays wonderfully creamy, not soupy!
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What can I use instead of fresh dill?
If you’re out of fresh dill, substitute chopped chives, parsley, or even a sprinkling of dried dill (use about half as much). Each herb gives the Creamy Cucumber Salad its own unique spin.
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Can I use a different creamy base?
Definitely! Greek yogurt, sour cream, mayo, or any combination work well. For a lighter version, stick with yogurt. If you want extra richness, use all mayo or sour cream, or experiment to find your favorite balance.
Final Thoughts
If you haven’t tried this Creamy Cucumber Salad, you’re in for a treat—simple ingredients, big flavors, and endless adaptability. I hope you love how quick, cool, and utterly satisfying it is! Give it a whirl, and let it become a fresh staple in your kitchen.
Print
Creamy Cucumber Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: International
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Creamy Cucumber Salad is a refreshing and tangy side dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Crisp cucumbers, zesty red onion, and creamy Greek yogurt come together to create a light and flavorful salad that pairs well with grilled meats or as a standalone snack.
Ingredients
Cucumbers:
- 2 large cucumbers, sliced
Red Onion:
- 1/4 cup red onion, sliced
Dressing:
- 1/4 cup Greek yogurt (or sour cream or mayo or combination)
- 1 lemon, juice and zest (or 1/4 cup white vinegar)
- 2 tablespoons dill, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 clove garlic, grated (optional)
Instructions
- Mix everything: Combine cucumbers, red onion, dressing ingredients, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
- Enjoy: Toss well to coat the cucumbers evenly with the dressing.
- Chill: Optionally, refrigerate the salad for 30 minutes to enhance the flavors.
- Add sweetness: Optionally, drizzle a teaspoon of sugar or honey for a touch of sweetness.
Notes
- For a creamier texture, use full-fat Greek yogurt or sour cream.
- Adjust the salt, pepper, and lemon juice according to your taste preferences.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 70
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 1g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
