This easy creamy cucumber salad is super refreshing! With crisp cucumbers, creamy dressing, and a sprinkle of dill, it’s perfect for a light side dish or a quick snack.
I love how quickly it comes together—just chop, mix, and chill! It’s my go-to for summer BBQs, and trust me, everyone loves a cool crunch on a hot day! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cucumbers: Fresh, crisp cucumbers are key here! For a twist, try using English cucumbers, which are seedless and have a thinner skin. They add a nice crunch without the bitterness.
Red Onion: I like red onions for their milder flavor, but if you prefer a sweeter taste, you can substitute with green onions or even shallots.
Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt: Both options work well for creaminess. If you’re looking for a lighter version, consider using plain yogurt. For a dairy-free option, try coconut yogurt!
Vinegar: White vinegar adds a nice tang. If you want a sweeter note, apple cider vinegar is a great substitute. Both make the salad bright!
Dill: Fresh dill gives a lovely herbal flavor. You could use dried dill if fresh isn’t available, just remember the dried is more concentrated, so use about a third of the amount.
How Do I Make Sure My Cucumber Salad Stays Crisp?
Keeping your cucumbers crisp is all about how you prepare them. Here’s how I do it:
- First, slice the cucumbers thinly but evenly. This helps them absorb the dressing without becoming mushy.
- After slicing, sprinkle a bit of salt on the cucumbers and let them sit for about 10 minutes. This draws out excess moisture, preventing a watery salad.
- Once the cucumbers have released some water, pat them dry with a paper towel.
- Combine them with the other ingredients and refrigerate, as chilling enhances flavors while keeping the cucumbers firm.
Using these tips, your salad will stay crunchy and delicious! Enjoy!
Easy Creamy Cucumber Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 3 large cucumbers, thinly sliced
- 1/2 medium red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons white vinegar or apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped (or 1 tablespoon dried dill)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This salad takes about 15 minutes to prepare and then you’ll want to chill it in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour. This allows the flavors to blend nicely and the cucumbers to get even more refreshing. So in total, you’ll need about 1 hour and 15 minutes for prep and chilling.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Vegetables:
Start by slicing the cucumbers thinly. If you have a mandoline slicer, it works great for this! Also, slice the red onion as thin as you can. The thinner they are, the better they’ll mix with the creamy dressing.
2. Make the Creamy Dressing:
In a separate bowl, combine the sour cream (or Greek yogurt), vinegar, sugar, and chopped dill. Whisk everything together until it’s nice and smooth. This is the delicious dressing that will coat our salad!
3. Combine It All Together:
Now, pour the creamy dressing over the cucumbers and onions. Gently toss everything together so that all the slices are well-coated in the dressing.
4. Season to Taste:
Next, add a pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper. Mix again to make sure the seasoning is evenly distributed. You can adjust the seasoning to your liking!
5. Chill the Salad:
Cover your bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and place it in the fridge. Let it chill for at least 1 hour. This step is important because it helps all the flavors develop and the cucumbers become extra refreshing!
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Once you’re ready to serve, give the salad a gentle stir to mix everything again. You can garnish with a little extra dill on top if you want. Enjoy your cool, creamy cucumber salad as a side dish or a light snack—it’s sure to be a hit!
Can I Use Different Types of Cucumbers?
Absolutely! While standard cucumbers work great, you can also use English cucumbers for a sweeter taste and thinner skin. Just make sure to adjust your slices accordingly!
How Do I Make This Salad Vegan or Dairy-Free?
To make this salad vegan, substitute the sour cream or Greek yogurt with a dairy-free yogurt made from almond, soy, or coconut. Just pick a plain, unsweetened variety for the best flavor!
How Long Can I Store Leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to meld, so it’ll still taste great! Just know that the cucumbers may soften a bit more after a day.
Can I Add Other Ingredients?
Definitely! Feel free to add other veggies like cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, or even a splash of lemon juice for extra brightness. Just remember to maintain a good balance so the creamy dressing shines through!
