This creamy cucumber salad is super refreshing and perfect for warm days! Made with crunchy cucumbers, creamy dressing, and a hint of dill, it’s a real crowd-pleaser.
I love how quick this salad is to toss together. It pairs well with almost any meal and you can make it ahead of time, giving you more time to relax! 🥒😍
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cucumbers: Fresh cucumbers are the star here! I suggest using English cucumbers for their thin skin and fewer seeds. If you can’t find them, regular cucumbers work well too. Just peel them to avoid bitterness.
Red Onion: This ingredient adds a nice crunch and a bit of zing. If red onion isn’t your favorite, try using green onions or even diced bell peppers for sweetness. You can skip it entirely if you prefer a simpler flavor.
Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt: Both add creaminess to the salad. Greek yogurt gives it a healthy twist with extra protein. If you want a dairy-free version, a plant-based yogurt could be a good substitute!
Dill: Fresh dill brightens up the salad. If you don’t have fresh dill, dried dill works too. In a pinch, you can try other herbs like parsley for a different flavor.
How Do I Make My Salad Extra Creamy?
Creating the perfect creamy texture for this salad is all about the mixing and resting. Here are some tips to help you get it just right:
- Use a whisk to combine the sour cream or yogurt with the vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper. This ensures a smooth dressing.
- Make sure you let the salad chill. Refrigerating it for at least 30 minutes allows the cucumbers to soak up the dressing and keep them crisp.
- Before serving, stir the salad to redistribute the creamy dressing that may settle at the bottom.
These simple techniques will help you achieve that extra creamy and delicious cucumber salad everyone will love!
Easy Creamy Cucumber Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 large cucumbers, thinly sliced
- 1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced (optional)
- 1 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon white vinegar or apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried dill)
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
How Much Time Will You Need?
This refreshing salad takes about 10 minutes to prepare and requires at least 30 minutes to chill in the refrigerator. So, in total, you’ll need around 40 minutes before serving. Perfect for a quick side dish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Creamy Dressing:
In a large bowl, mix together the sour cream (or Greek yogurt), vinegar, sugar, salt, pepper, and chopped dill. Use a whisk to combine everything until it’s smooth and creamy. This dressing gives the salad its delicious flavor!
2. Add the Cucumbers and Onion:
Once the dressing is mixed, toss in the thinly sliced cucumbers and red onion (if you’re using it). Gently stir everything together with a spatula or large spoon so that all the cucumber slices get coated in the creamy dressing.
3. Chill the Salad:
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and place it in the refrigerator. Allow the salad to chill for at least 30 minutes. This step helps the flavors blend and keeps the cucumbers nice and crisp.
4. Serve and Enjoy:
Before serving, give the salad a quick stir to mix any dressing that settled at the bottom. Taste it and adjust the seasoning if you’d like. Serve it cold as a refreshing side with your favorite main courses. Enjoy your bright, creamy salad!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Different Types of Cucumbers?
Absolutely! English cucumbers are my favorite for this salad due to their thin skin and lower seed content. But you can definitely use regular cucumbers as well; just peel them if you find the skin too bitter!
How Can I Make This Salad Dairy-Free?
If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, substitute the sour cream or Greek yogurt with a plant-based yogurt. There are many delicious coconut, almond, or soy-based yogurts available that can work perfectly in this recipe!
Can I Prepare This Salad Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can! This salad can be made up to a day in advance. Just store it in the refrigerator in an airtight container. The flavors will develop even more as it sits, making it even tastier!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. However, best results are when this salad is eaten fresh, as the cucumbers may release water and lose their crunch over time. Just give it a good stir before serving!
