Creamy Cucumber Salad: Fresh Summer Side That Takes 5 Minutes

Name: Creamy Cucumber Salad
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 65 min
Ingredients: 2 large English cucumbers (seedless variety preferred); 1/2 cup sour cream (full-fat for best texture); 1 tbsp fresh dill (chopped fine); 2 tbsp white vinegar (regular white vinegar); 1/2 tsp salt (fine sea salt); 1/4 tsp garlic powder (not garlic salt); 1 tsp sugar (balances acidity); 1/2 medium red onion (optional, thinly sliced)

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Creamy cucumber salad recipe with sour cream and dill. Perfect meal prep cucumber salad for healthy clean eating. Ready in 5 minutes!

Hi, I’m Linda, and welcome to Tasty at Home—a cozy corner where bold flavors meet everyday kitchens. Last summer, I discovered this creamy cucumber salad during a backyard barbecue in Nashville. The hostess served it alongside pulled pork, and honestly, I couldn’t stop reaching for more.

The cool crunch of fresh cucumbers mixed with tangy sour cream created the perfect contrast to the smoky heat. Moreover, I watched her whip it up in under five minutes while juggling three other side dishes. That’s when I knew I had to master this recipe.

After testing countless variations and perfecting the dill-to-vinegar ratio, I’ve created the ultimate version. Therefore, whether you’re planning a picnic or need a quick weeknight side, this creamy cucumber salad delivers every time.

About the Creamy Cucumber Salad Recipe & Ingredients

This creamy cucumber salad stands out because it balances tangy, creamy, and fresh flavors without overwhelming the delicate cucumber taste. Furthermore, the secret lies in using English cucumbers and letting the salad rest in the refrigerator.

The combination of sour cream and white vinegar creates a lighter dressing than traditional mayo-based versions. Additionally, the fresh dill adds an herbaceous note that transforms simple ingredients into something special.

Ingredients for Creamy Cucumber Salad

The best ingredients for Healthy Cucumber Salad — *ingredients for Healthy Cucumber Salad*

Ingredient	Amount	Metric	Notes
English cucumbers	2 large	680g	Seedless variety preferred
Sour cream	½ cup	120ml	Full-fat for best texture
Fresh dill	1 tbsp	15ml	Chopped fine
White vinegar	2 tbsp	30ml	Regular white vinegar
Salt	½ tsp	2.5ml	Fine sea salt
Garlic powder	¼ tsp	1ml	Not garlic salt
Sugar	1 tsp	5ml	Balances acidity
Red onion	½ medium	75g	Optional, thinly sliced

Shopping Tips for US Grocery Stores

English cucumbers work best because they contain fewer seeds and have thinner skin. Look for firm cucumbers without soft spots or yellowing. Most grocery stores stock them in the produce section, often wrapped in plastic.

Choose full-fat sour cream for the richest texture. Light versions can make the dressing watery. Fresh dill makes a significant difference compared to dried, so check the herb section first.

Essential vs. Bold Add-ins

Essential ingredients create the base flavor profile. However, bold add-ins can transform this meal prep cucumber salad into something extraordinary:

Capers add Mediterranean flair
Fresh chives provide onion flavor without tears
Lemon zest brightens the entire dish
Crumbled feta creates a Greek-inspired variation

Substitutions for International Readers

Can’t find English cucumbers? Regular cucumbers work, but peel and seed them first. Greek yogurt substitutes perfectly for sour cream, creating a slightly tangier result.

Fresh dill can be replaced with dried (use 1 teaspoon instead of 1 tablespoon). Rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar work as white vinegar alternatives.

Equipment & Preparation Steps

Essential Equipment

You’ll need a large mixing bowl, sharp knife, cutting board, and measuring cups. A mandoline slicer creates perfectly uniform cucumber slices, but a sharp knife works just as well.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Cucumbers

Wash the English cucumbers thoroughly under cold water. Pat them dry with paper towels. Using a sharp knife, slice off both ends.

Peel the cucumbers using a vegetable peeler, leaving strips of skin for visual appeal if desired. Cut into thin, even slices about ⅛-inch thick.

Pro tip: Consistent thickness ensures even coating and better texture.

Step 2: Salt and Drain (Optional but Recommended)

Place sliced cucumbers in a large bowl and sprinkle with an additional ½ teaspoon salt. Let them sit for 15 minutes to draw out excess moisture.

This step prevents your creamy cucumber salad from becoming watery. After 15 minutes, drain the liquid and pat cucumbers dry with paper towels.

Step 3: Create the Dressing

In a separate bowl, whisk together sour cream, white vinegar, dill, salt, garlic powder, and sugar. Mix until completely smooth and no lumps remain.

The dressing should coat the back of a spoon. If it seems too thick, add a teaspoon of water.

Step 4: Combine and Chill

Pour the dressing over the prepared cucumbers. Add sliced red onion if using. Toss gently until all cucumber slices are evenly coated.

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. This chilling time allows flavors to meld and develop.

Common Mistake to Avoid

Initially, I skipped the salting step and ended up with a watery mess. The cucumbers released their natural moisture, diluting the creamy dressing. Now I always salt first, then drain thoroughly.

Tips, Variations, and Serving Suggestions

Expert Tips for Best Creamy Cucumber Salad

Serve this healthy cucumber salad clean eating style by using Greek yogurt instead of sour cream. The protein boost makes it more satisfying as a light lunch.

For meal prep cucumber salad success, store the dressing separately and combine just before serving. This prevents the cucumbers from becoming soggy.

Keep ingredients cold throughout preparation. Warm cucumbers absorb less dressing and create a less refreshing result.

Creative Variations

German-Style Cucumber Salad: Add thinly sliced radishes and caraway seeds for authentic German flavor.

Mediterranean Version: Include cherry tomatoes, red onion, and crumbled feta cheese with lemon juice.

Scandinavian Twist: Mix in fresh salmon pieces and capers for a Nordic-inspired side dish.

Asian Fusion: Replace dill with cilantro and add rice vinegar with sesame oil.

Holiday Cranberry: During Thanksgiving, add dried cranberries and chopped pecans for seasonal appeal.

Storage and Make-Ahead Advice

Storage Method	Duration	Notes
Refrigerator	3-4 days	Keep covered, stir before serving
Meal prep containers	3 days	Store dressing separately
Freezing	Not recommended	Cucumbers become mushy

Serving Suggestions

This creamy cucumber salad pairs beautifully with grilled meats and barbecue favorites. Try it alongside our loaded potato soup for a complete meal.

The cool, crisp texture complements spicy dishes perfectly. Serve it with Greek lemon chicken soup for a Mediterranean-inspired dinner.

For potluck gatherings, double the recipe and serve in a large glass bowl. The white and green colors look stunning against clear glass.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the ingredients of creamy cucumber salad?

The ingredients of creamy cucumber salad include English cucumbers, sour cream, fresh dill, white vinegar, salt, garlic powder, sugar, and optional red onion. These simple ingredients create a refreshing side dish perfect for summer meals.

What should not be mixed with cucumber salad?

You should not mix tomatoes with cucumber salad if storing overnight, as they release excess moisture. Additionally, avoid adding leafy greens like lettuce, which wilt quickly and create a soggy texture.

What do you put in a cucumber salad?

You put sour cream, dill, vinegar, salt, and garlic powder in a cucumber salad for the classic creamy version. Many variations include red onion, chives, or different herbs depending on regional preferences and personal taste.

Can you put mayo in cucumber salad?

You can put mayo in cucumber salad, but sour cream creates a lighter, tangier flavor that complements cucumbers better. Mayo-based versions tend to be heavier and can overpower the fresh cucumber taste.

What are the ingredients of salad cream?

Salad cream ingredients typically include mayonnaise, vinegar, sugar, mustard powder, and egg yolks. However, this creamy cucumber salad uses sour cream as the base instead, creating a fresher, less heavy dressing.

Conclusion

This creamy cucumber salad recipe proves that simple ingredients can create extraordinary results. The combination of cool cucumbers, tangy sour cream, and fresh dill delivers refreshing satisfaction in every bite.

Whether you’re preparing a quick weeknight side or planning ahead for meal prep, this recipe adapts to your schedule. The five-minute preparation time makes it perfect for busy families.

Pair it with grilled chicken and our creamy parmesan Italian sausage soup for a complete dinner. The contrast between warm soup and cool salad creates the perfect balance.

Try this recipe at your next gathering and watch it disappear from the serving bowl. Don’t forget to tag us on social media when you make your version—we love seeing your creative variations!

Remember that backyard barbecue in Nashville where I first discovered this gem? Now it’s become my go-to contribution for every potluck invitation. Sometimes the best recipes come from the most unexpected places.