This Easy Creamy Cucumber Salad is a refreshing dish that’s perfect for picnics or as a side. Made with crisp cucumbers, creamy yogurt, and a hint of dill, it’s super tasty!
Whenever I make this salad, I can’t help but munch on it all day long. It’s so simple to whip up that I find myself making it every week. Who doesn’t love an easy, cool treat? 
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cucumbers: Use thinly sliced cucumbers for the best texture. English cucumbers are great since they have fewer seeds and a thinner skin, but regular cucumbers work well too. If you prefer a crunchier bite, opt for pickling cucumbers.
Red Onion: The red onion adds a lovely color and a mild, sweet flavor. If you prefer a milder taste, you can substitute with green onions or shallots instead.
Sour Cream/Greek Yogurt: I love using Greek yogurt for a tangy twist and a lighter option. If you’re looking for a dairy-free choice, try coconut yogurt or a cashew-based alternative.
Dill: Fresh dill brightens the dish beautifully. If you don’t have fresh dill, dried dill works just fine—just remember that dried herbs are more concentrated, so use a bit less.
How Do I Ensure the Salad Stays Crisp?
Keeping the cucumbers crispy is a common challenge. Here are some tips:
- After slicing, sprinkle the cucumbers with salt and let them sit for about 10-15 minutes. This draws out excess water, preventing the salad from becoming soggy.
- Drain any liquid before mixing with the dressing to keep the salad light and fresh.
- Serve the salad chilled to maintain its crunchiness. The longer it sits, the softer the cucumbers can get.
Following these steps will help you create a perfectly crisp and creamy cucumber salad every time!
How to Make Easy Creamy Cucumber Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salad:
- 3 medium cucumbers, thinly sliced
- 1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced
For the Dressing:
- 1 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt (for a lighter version)
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill, finely chopped (or 1 tablespoon dried dill)
- 1 tablespoon white vinegar or apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- Salt and black pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe requires about 15 minutes of prep time and a chill time of at least 30 minutes. So, you can have this delicious and refreshing salad ready in under an hour!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Cucumbers and Onions:
Start by rinsing the cucumbers under cold water. Then, using a sharp knife or a mandoline, slice the cucumbers thinly. Thin slices help the cucumbers mix better with the dressing and absorb the flavors. Do the same with the red onion, slicing it thinly as well. In a large bowl, combine the cucumbers and red onion.
2. Make the Dressing:
In a separate small bowl, combine the sour cream (or Greek yogurt), white vinegar, sugar, and freshly chopped dill. Use a whisk to mix everything together until it’s creamy and well-combined. This will give the dressing a lovely tangy flavor that complements the cucumbers.
3. Combine Everything:
Now, pour the creamy dressing over the cucumber and onion mixture. Gently toss everything together using a spatula or large spoon, making sure the cucumbers and onions are evenly coated with the dressing.
4. Season to Taste:
Add salt and freshly ground black pepper to your taste. Don’t be shy; seasoning really elevates the flavor of the salad!
5. Chill and Serve:
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid, and place it in the refrigerator. Let it chill for at least 30 minutes. This time will allow the flavors to meld beautifully. Before serving, give it a gentle stir, and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
6. Enjoy Your Salad:
Now it’s time to serve! Scoop the creamy cucumber salad into a serving dish or individual bowls, and enjoy this refreshing side dish with your meal. Perfect for picnics or barbecues!
If you have leftovers, store them in the fridge, but try to eat them within a day or two for the best texture.
Can I Use Other Types of Cucumbers?
Absolutely! While English cucumbers are great for their thin skin and fewer seeds, you can also use regular cucumbers or even Persian cucumbers. Just be sure to slice them thinly for the best texture!
How Can I Make This Salad Dairy-Free?
If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, try using coconut yogurt or a nut-based yogurt alternative in place of sour cream or Greek yogurt. This will maintain the creamy texture while keeping it dairy-free and delicious!
Can I Prepare This Salad in Advance?
Yes! You can make the salad up to a day in advance. Just keep it in the refrigerator. However, for the crispest cucumbers, try to assemble it no more than 24 hours prior to serving to prevent them from becoming too soft.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Give it a gentle stir before serving, and be aware that the cucumbers may lose some of their crunch over time.
