This Ultimate Creamy Cucumber Salad combines fresh cucumbers and red onions in a rich, tangy dressing made with sour cream and mayonnaise. Ready in just 30 minutes, this refreshing side dish delivers the perfect balance of crunch and creaminess that will elevate any meal. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue or preparing a quick family dinner, this creamy cucumber salad is your go-to recipe for effortless entertaining.
Why This Creamy Cucumber Salad Will Become Your New Favorite
This isn’t just another cucumber salad recipe – it’s a game-changer for your dining table. The combination of crisp cucumbers, sharp red onions, and a luscious creamy dressing creates a symphony of flavors and textures that pairs beautifully with virtually any main course.
What sets this creamy cucumber salad apart is its incredible versatility and speed. In less than half an hour, you can transform simple ingredients into a restaurant-quality side dish that looks as impressive as it tastes. The secret lies in the perfectly balanced dressing that coats each cucumber slice without overwhelming its natural freshness.
💛 Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Recipe
Lightning-fast preparation – From start to finish, this creamy cucumber salad takes just 10 minutes, making it perfect for last-minute meal planning or unexpected guests.
Pantry-friendly ingredients – Every component is likely already in your kitchen, eliminating the need for special shopping trips or exotic ingredients.
Dietary-friendly options – This recipe naturally accommodates low-carb, keto, and vegetarian lifestyles without sacrificing flavor or satisfaction.
Year-round appeal – While perfect for summer gatherings, this creamy cucumber salad brings fresh, crisp flavors to your table regardless of the season.
Minimal cleanup required – With just two bowls and basic utensils needed, you’ll spend more time enjoying the salad than cleaning up afterward.
Essential Ingredients for Perfect Creamy Cucumber Salad
Main Components:
- 4 large cucumbers (approximately 1000g), chilled and partially peeled
- 1 small red onion (75-100g), thinly sliced
- ½ cup sour cream (120g)
- 1 tablespoon mayonnaise (15g)
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill, finely chopped
- ¼ teaspoon white pepper (black pepper works too)
- Flaky sea salt for finishing
Optional Garnishes:
- Extra fresh dill sprigs
- Freshly cracked black pepper
- Paprika for color contrast
⏲ Step-by-Step Guide to Creamy Cucumber Salad Perfection
Step 1: Prepare Your Vegetables
Begin by combining your sliced cucumbers and red onion in a spacious mixing bowl. The key to exceptional texture is ensuring your cucumber slices are uniform and your onions are cut thin enough to provide flavor without overpowering the dish.
Step 2: Create the Creamy Dressing
In a separate bowl, whisk together the sour cream, mayonnaise, fresh dill, and pepper until completely smooth. This creamy base should be thick enough to coat the vegetables while maintaining a silky consistency.
Step 3: Combine and Chill
Pour the dressing over your cucumber and onion mixture, using a large spoon to gently fold everything together. Ensure every piece is well-coated with the creamy dressing. Transfer the bowl to your refrigerator for at least 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Step 4: Final Touches
Just before serving, sprinkle flaky sea salt over the top and add any desired garnishes. The salt not only enhances flavor but also provides a delightful textural contrast to the creamy cucumber salad.
👉 Smart Substitutions for Every Kitchen
Cucumber Varieties: While standard slicing cucumbers work beautifully, English cucumbers offer a more delicate flavor and fewer seeds. Persian cucumbers provide extra crunch and sweetness.
Dairy Alternatives: Replace sour cream with Greek yogurt for added protein and tanginess, or use full-fat coconut cream for a dairy-free version.
Herb Variations: Fresh tarragon, parsley, or chives can substitute for dill, each bringing its unique flavor profile to your creamy cucumber salad.
Onion Options: Sweet Vidalia onions provide mildness, while yellow onions offer more bite. For a gentler flavor, soak sliced onions in cold water for 10 minutes before using.
✨ Creative Variations to Elevate Your Salad
Transform your basic creamy cucumber salad into something extraordinary with these inspired additions:
Tangy Twist: Add 2 tablespoons of white wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar to brighten the dressing and add complexity.
Spicy Kick: Incorporate finely minced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce for heat that complements the cooling cucumbers.
Colorful Crunch: Mix in shredded purple cabbage or thinly sliced radishes for additional color and texture contrast.
Protein Boost: Fold in crumbled feta cheese, chopped hard-boiled eggs, or cooked bacon bits for a more substantial side dish.
〰️ Perfect Pairings for Your Creamy Cucumber Salad
This versatile side dish complements an impressive range of main courses:
Grilled Favorites: Serve alongside barbecued ribs, grilled chicken, or flame-kissed steaks where the cool creaminess provides a refreshing counterpoint to smoky flavors.
Comfort Foods: Pair with hearty dishes like meatloaf, fried chicken, or shepherd’s pie to add freshness and balance to rich, warming meals.
International Cuisine: This creamy cucumber salad works beautifully with Mediterranean dishes, Indian curries, or Mexican fare where its cooling properties tame spicy heat.
Seafood Selections: The delicate flavors enhance grilled salmon, fish tacos, or shrimp dishes without competing with subtle seafood tastes.
➜ Professional Tips for Cucumber Salad Success
Advanced Preparation Technique: For even better results, salt your cucumber and onion slices and let them drain in a colander for 1-2 hours before dressing. This removes excess moisture and concentrates flavors.
Texture Perfection: Use a mandoline slicer for perfectly uniform cucumber slices, or stick with a sharp knife for a more rustic, home-style appearance.
Storage Strategy: This creamy cucumber salad keeps well for up to 3 days refrigerated, though it’s best enjoyed within 24 hours for optimal texture and freshness.
Serving Temperature: Serve chilled but not ice-cold – about 10 minutes out of the refrigerator allows the flavors to bloom while maintaining that refreshing coolness.
Print
creamy cucumber salad
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This creamy dill cucumber onion salad is crisp, tangy, and perfect for any summer meal. Made with sour cream, mayo, and fresh dill, this refreshing side dish comes together in just 30 minutes and is ideal for barbecues, potlucks, or weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
4 cucumbers, chilled, half-peeled, thinly sliced (~1000 grams)
1 small red onion, sliced (~75–100 grams)
1/2 cup (120 grams) sour cream
1 tablespoon (15 grams) mayonnaise
2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill
1/4 teaspoon ground white pepper or black pepper
Flakey sea salt, to taste
Optional garnishes:
– Extra chopped fresh dill
– Freshly-cracked pepper
Instructions
- Combine sliced cucumber and red onion in a large mixing bowl.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together sour cream, mayonnaise, dill, and pepper.
- Pour the dressing over the cucumber and onion mixture. Toss well until fully coated.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least 10 minutes to let the flavors meld.
- Sprinkle flakey sea salt and optional garnishes before serving.
Notes
If preparing in advance, salt and drain cucumbers and onions before mixing to reduce excess water.
This salad is best served chilled and fresh, but it can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Use English cucumbers for fewer seeds and less water content if desired.
You can substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream for a tangier variation.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 95
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Keywords: cucumber salad, creamy cucumber dill salad, cucumber onion salad, summer salad, quick side dish