The Best Creamy Cucumber Salad

Every time the weather gets warm, I immediately start craving a massive bowl of classic Creamy Cucumber Salad. It is the ultimate cooling, refreshing side dish for hot days.

Growing up, my grandmother made this exact recipe for every single family cookout. We would sit on the back porch, eating plates piled high with barbecue chicken and this crisp, tangy vegetable salad.

It is a nostalgic, comforting recipe that tastes like pure summer. It pairs beautifully with just about anything, especially alongside a scoop of our favorite traditional Hawaiian macaroni salad.

If you have been looking for the perfect crunch to add to your dinner table, this Creamy Cucumber Salad is exactly what you need. Let me show you how to make it perfectly crisp every single time.

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Cucumber Salad

There is a reason this dish has been a staple at family gatherings for decades. It is simple, affordable, and incredibly delicious.

Here is why this Creamy Cucumber Salad will become your new go-to recipe:

• Unbeatable crunch: Thanks to a simple prep trick, the cucumbers stay incredibly crisp and never turn to mush.
• Crowd-pleaser: This is one of the absolute best easy summer potluck side dishes because it scales up beautifully and everyone loves it.
• Nostalgic flavor: This is a true old fashioned creamy cucumber salad, tasting just like the one your mom or grandma used to make.
• Budget-friendly: You only need a few basic, inexpensive ingredients to feed a massive crowd.

Ingredients You Need

You only need a handful of fresh, simple ingredients to create this refreshing masterpiece.

Here is exactly what you need to make the perfect cucumber and onion salad with sour cream:

Cucumbers I highly recommend using English cucumbers. They have very thin skins and tiny seeds, meaning you do not have to peel or deseed them. If you use standard field cucumbers, be sure to peel the thick, bitter skin first.

Red Onion Red onion adds a beautiful pop of color and a sharp, zesty bite that balances the rich dressing. You can also use a sweet Vidalia onion if you prefer a milder flavor.

Sour Cream and Mayonnaise This combination is the secret to the best creamy dill dressing for cucumbers. The sour cream provides tanginess, while the mayonnaise adds richness and helps the dressing cling to the vegetables.

Fresh Dill Do not use dried dill if you can avoid it! Fresh chopped dill is the star flavor of this Creamy Cucumber Salad. It provides that iconic, bright, summery taste.

White Vinegar A splash of simple white vinegar provides the necessary acidity to cut through the heavy sour cream and mayo.

Sugar, Salt, and Black Pepper A tiny pinch of white sugar balances the harshness of the vinegar. Kosher salt is absolutely essential for drawing the water out of the cucumbers before mixing.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Making this Creamy Cucumber Salad is incredibly easy, but you cannot skip the preparation steps!

Follow these simple instructions for perfect results every time:

1. Slice the vegetables. Wash your cucumbers thoroughly. Using a sharp knife or a mandoline slicer, slice the cucumbers into very thin, even rounds (about 1/8-inch thick). Thinly slice the red onion as well.
2. Sweat the cucumbers. Place the cucumber slices into a large colander set over a bowl or in the sink. Toss them generously with kosher salt. Let them sit for 20 to 30 minutes. This is the ultimate secret for how to keep cucumber salad from getting watery.
3. Rinse and dry. After resting, rinse the cucumbers lightly under cold water to remove excess salt. Spread them out on a clean kitchen towel or paper towels and pat them completely dry.
4. Make the dressing. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the sour cream, mayonnaise, fresh chopped dill, white vinegar, sugar, and black pepper. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
5. Combine and chill. Add the dried cucumbers and sliced red onions to the bowl with the dressing. Toss gently until all the vegetables are evenly coated.
6. Rest before serving. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and chill the Creamy Cucumber Salad in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before serving to let the flavors marry.

Pro Tips for Perfect Creamy Cucumber Salad

Want to make sure your Creamy Cucumber Salad turns out flawlessly crisp? Keep these simple tips in mind.

Use a mandoline slicer for perfectly uniform slices. Consistency is key for the best texture. A mandoline ensures every single cucumber slice is the exact same thickness.

Squeeze the cucumbers gently. When you are drying the cucumbers after they sweat, do not be afraid to gently press them with the paper towels. You want to remove as much surface moisture as humanly possible.

Let the salad rest. While you can eat it immediately, chilling the salad for just one hour transforms the flavor. It gives the sharp onions time to mellow and the dill time to infuse into the creamy dressing.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid these simple errors to ensure your dinner is a massive success:

Skipping the salt step: This is the number one mistake! If you do not salt and drain the cucumbers first, they will release all their natural water into your bowl. Your rich dressing will instantly turn into a thin, watery, flavorless soup.

Using dried dill: While dried dill works in a pinch, it simply cannot compare to the bright, herbaceous flavor of fresh dill. Spend the extra two dollars for fresh herbs; it makes a world of difference.

Slicing the cucumbers too thick: Chunky cucumbers do not absorb the dressing well and can be awkward to eat. Aim for thin, delicate slices that fold beautifully onto your fork.

Serving Ideas

This Creamy Cucumber Salad is incredibly versatile and pairs with almost any warm-weather meal.

It is the absolute perfect side dish for grilled meats. Serve it alongside barbecue chicken, smoked brisket, or simple grilled hamburgers and hot dogs. The cool, creamy crunch is the perfect contrast to smoky, charred flavors.

If you are building the ultimate summer potluck menu, this salad is a must-have. Serve it next to a massive bowl of our famous southern potato salad to give your guests the best comforting options.

For a lighter lunch spread, pair this creamy dish with something sweet and vibrant, like our beautiful strawberry spinach salad. The contrasting flavors and colors look amazing on a plate together.

Storage & Make-Ahead Tips

To Store: Transfer any leftover Creamy Cucumber Salad to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

A quick note on leftovers: Even if you sweat the cucumbers perfectly, they will continue to release a tiny bit of moisture as they sit in the fridge for days. If the dressing thins out on day two or three, simply give it a good stir before serving.

Make-Ahead: I do not recommend making this salad entirely a day in advance, as it will lose its ultimate crunch. However, you can slice the vegetables and mix the dressing the night before. Store them in separate containers in the fridge, then combine them one hour before you plan to eat!

Final Thoughts

I hope this classic Creamy Cucumber Salad becomes a beloved staple in your home, just like it is in mine!

It takes just a few minutes of effort, uses the simplest ingredients, and delivers the most incredibly refreshing crunch. Whether you are hosting a massive backyard barbecue or just need a quick weeknight side dish, this recipe will never let you down.

If you make this amazing Creamy Cucumber Salad, I would absolutely love to hear about it! Please leave a comment below, give the recipe card a 5-star rating, and share your beautiful salad photos on Pinterest.

Do you want more incredibly easy, foolproof summer recipes delivered straight to your inbox? Be sure to sign up for the free EndRecipes newsletter today!

Print