Name: Creamy Cucumber Salad Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: ½ cup sour cream; 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar; 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill; 1 teaspoon granulated sugar (optional); ¼ teaspoon garlic powder; Salt and pepper, to taste; 2 large English cucumbers, thinly sliced; ¼ red onion, thinly sliced

I absolutely love this Creamy Cucumber Salad Recipe because it is such a refreshing and easy side dish that instantly brightens any meal. The combination of crisp cucumbers, tangy sour cream, and fresh dill creates a delightful harmony of flavors that always leaves me wanting more. It’s a personal favorite when I need something cool and creamy with just the right amount of zing from the red wine vinegar. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll quickly become your go-to salad for warm days or any time you crave something light yet satisfying.

Why You'll Love This Creamy Cucumber Salad Recipe

From the very first bite, I was hooked by the perfect balance of flavors in this salad. The cucumbers provide a crisp, juicy crunch that complements the luscious, tangy creaminess of the sour cream dressing. The fresh dill adds this beautiful herbaceous note that elevates the whole dish, while just a hint of garlic powder and a touch of sugar round out the flavor profile perfectly. It’s simple but incredibly flavorful, exactly how I like my salads.

One of the best things about this recipe is how quickly it comes together. I love recipes that don’t require hours of prepping or complicated cooking methods, and this is exactly that. You just mix the dressing ingredients, toss in the cucumber and red onion slices, and you’re done. It’s the kind of dish I throw together after work or bring to potlucks without breaking a sweat. The fact that it can be served immediately or chilled for an hour makes it super versatile.

This creamy cucumber salad shines on so many occasions in my kitchen. It’s perfect for summer cookouts, family dinners, or even as a refreshing side for holiday meals when you want something lighter alongside rich main dishes. What makes it really stand out for me is how it feels light and healthy, yet creamy and indulgent at the same time. It’s like a little bite of freshness that balances heavier foods beautifully.

Ingredients You'll Need

The image shows fresh ingredients on a white marbled surface, arranged neatly. At the bottom, there are two long dark green cucumbers placed side by side. Above them, a bunch of green dill is laid out horizontally. To the right of the dill, there is a whole round purple-red onion. To the right of the onion, there are two small clear glass bowls, one with a thick white creamy substance and the other with a light brown liquid. To the left of the dill, there are two small clear glass bowls; one contains salt, black pepper, and a light brown powder, while the other holds plain salt. The clean and fresh look of the ingredients suggests preparation for a fresh dish. The photo is taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The ingredients for this Creamy Cucumber Salad Recipe are wonderfully simple but each one plays a vital role in achieving the perfect flavor and texture. Together, they create a salad that’s crisp, creamy, tangy, and fresh all at once.

TIP : You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below

Sour cream: This adds the creamy base that brings everything together with a mild tang.
Red wine vinegar: Provides a bright and zesty kick that balances the richness of sour cream.
Fresh dill: A fragrant herb that’s essential for a fresh, garden-like flavor.
Granulated sugar: Just a touch to soften the acidity and highlight natural sweetness.
Garlic powder: Adds a gentle savory layer that enhances the overall taste without overpowering.
Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning and bringing out the flavors.
English cucumbers: Thinly sliced for crispness and a delicate texture.
Red onion: Thin slices lend a subtle sharpness and vibrant color contrast.

Directions

Step 1: In a medium bowl, whisk together the sour cream, red wine vinegar, chopped fresh dill, granulated sugar, and garlic powder until the dressing is smooth and well combined. Give it a taste and season with salt and pepper to your liking; this step lets you adjust the tanginess and seasoning perfectly.

Step 2: Add the thinly sliced cucumbers and red onions on top of the dressing. Gently toss everything together until all the slices are evenly coated with the creamy mixture. Be gentle so you don’t bruise the cucumbers but still get a good mix.

Step 3: You can serve the salad right away at room temperature if you’re in a hurry, which is always delightful, or refrigerate it for about one hour. Chilling it lets the flavors meld beautifully and the salad becomes even more refreshing.

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes approximately 4 servings, making it a perfect side for small family meals or intimate gatherings. The prep time is just 5 minutes since it involves mostly mixing and slicing, and there is no cook time involved. If you choose to chill the salad before serving, allow an additional hour, bringing the total time to about 1 hour and 5 minutes. This quick turnaround means you can prepare it last minute or in advance for convenience.

How to Serve This Creamy Cucumber Salad Recipe

A white bowl filled with a creamy cucumber salad showing three main layers: thin, round, pale green cucumber slices with dark green edges spread all around; thin strips of light purple onion mixed throughout the cucumbers; all coated in a thick white creamy sauce with small green dill leaves sprinkled on top and inside, along with black pepper dots scattered across the surface. A silver spoon is digging into the salad from the left side of the bowl. In the background, there is a small glass bowl filled with fresh green dill and a white pepper grinder, all placed on a white marbled surface, with a soft light blue cloth partially visible near the bottom right. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

When I serve this Creamy Cucumber Salad Recipe, I love pairing it with grilled meats like chicken or fish because the cool, creamy texture complements smoky and savory flavors perfectly. It also makes an excellent side dish for picnics and barbecue parties, adding a crunchy, tangy contrast to richer foods like ribs or burgers. For a lighter meal, I sometimes serve it alongside a stack of toasted sandwiches or wraps.

Presentation-wise, I find that arranging the salad in a glass bowl or a pretty ceramic dish really brings out the vivid green of the cucumbers and the delicate purple hue of the red onions. Garnishing with a few sprigs of fresh dill or a light sprinkle of paprika adds a lovely pop of color and makes the salad visually irresistible.

As for beverages, I often enjoy this salad with a crisp white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc or a sparkling rosé during warmer months. Non-alcoholic options like iced green tea with lemon or sparkling water with a twist of lime also pair beautifully. This salad tastes best chilled or at room temperature, but I never warm it up because it loses its refreshing quality. Serving portions of about one cup per person works well as a satisfying side.

Variations

I love experimenting with this Creamy Cucumber Salad Recipe to keep it fresh and exciting. For a dairy-free version, I swap the sour cream for vegan yogurt or coconut cream, which still provides that creamy texture with a slight twist in flavor. If you want to make it lighter, using Greek yogurt instead of sour cream is a great option that adds protein and a tangy note.

To vary the flavor profile, I sometimes add chopped fresh mint or chives along with the dill for a different herbaceous flair. Another one of my favorite tweaks is mixing in some diced tomatoes or radishes to add vibrant color and extra crunch. For a spicy hint, a pinch of cayenne pepper or some sliced jalapeños works wonders without overpowering the salad’s refreshing nature.

If I’m short on time or prefer a bit of texture change, I occasionally peel the cucumbers instead of leaving the skin, or swap English cucumbers for Kirby cucumbers for a bolder crunch. No matter how you adjust it, this recipe's base is forgiving and customizable, encouraging you to truly make it your own.

Storage and Reheating

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying this salad, if you happen to have leftovers, I recommend storing them in an airtight container in the fridge. Using a glass or BPA-free plastic container keeps the flavors fresh and prevents any odors from other foods from creeping in. The salad will stay good for up to 2 days, but I find it’s best consumed sooner as the cucumbers release moisture over time, which can dilute the dressing.

Freezing

Freezing this creamy cucumber salad is not something I usually do because the cucumbers tend to get watery and mushy once thawed, which affects the texture and overall appeal. So, I don’t recommend freezing this particular recipe. For the freshest experience, it’s really best to enjoy it fresh or within a couple of days in the fridge.

Reheating

Since this salad is meant to be served chilled or at room temperature, reheating is not necessary or recommended. Warming it up would separate the creamy dressing and make the cucumbers soggy. If you do have leftovers, just bring the salad out of the fridge about 10 minutes before serving to take the chill off slightly for the best flavor and texture.

FAQs

Can I make this creamy cucumber salad ahead of time?

Absolutely! I often prepare this salad an hour or two in advance to let the flavors meld beautifully. Just keep it refrigerated in an airtight container and give it a gentle stir before serving. Avoid making it more than a day ahead to keep the cucumbers crisp.

What can I use instead of sour cream?

If you want to avoid dairy or just want a lighter option, Greek yogurt or vegan yogurt alternatives work wonderfully as a creamy base. They both give a similar tangy and thick texture that holds up well in this salad.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! This Creamy Cucumber Salad Recipe is naturally gluten-free as it contains no wheat or gluten-containing ingredients. It’s a great option for those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease.

Can I use regular cucumbers if I don't have English cucumbers?

You can, but the skin of regular cucumbers can be a bit tougher and more bitter. I recommend peeling them if using regular cucumbers for a milder flavor and a more delicate texture similar to English cucumbers.

How can I make this salad more tangy?

To amp up the tanginess, I add a little extra red wine vinegar or squeeze in some fresh lemon juice. Both brighten the flavors and give the salad an extra zing without masking the creaminess.

Conclusion

I simply can’t recommend this Creamy Cucumber Salad Recipe enough. It’s such a quick, delicious way to add freshness and creaminess to any meal, and every time I make it, it feels like a little celebration of simple flavors coming together perfectly. Give it a try and let it become one of your favorite go-to salads to brighten your table and your day!