Creamy Cucumber Salad

Creamy Cucumber Salad

This easy creamy cucumber salad is especially good for summer cookouts, family dinners, picnics, and potlucks. It pairs beautifully with grilled meats, sandwiches, burgers, and other warm-weather favorites, and it can be prepared ahead so the flavors have time to blend.

Ingredients

• 2 large English cucumbers, thinly sliced
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 3/4 cup sour cream
• 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
• 1 1/2 tablespoons white vinegar or apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons fresh dill, finely chopped, plus more for garnish
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1/4 small red onion, very thinly sliced, optional

How to Make Creamy Cucumber Salad

1. Prepare the cucumbers. Place the thinly sliced cucumbers in a colander and sprinkle them with the kosher salt. Toss gently and let them rest for about 20–30 minutes. This draws out excess moisture and helps keep the salad crisp instead of watery.
2. Drain and dry. Rinse the cucumbers lightly to remove excess salt, then drain thoroughly. Pat them dry with clean paper towels or a kitchen towel.
3. Make the creamy dill dressing. In a large bowl, whisk together the sour cream, mayonnaise, vinegar, sugar, fresh dill, garlic powder, and black pepper until smooth and well combined.
4. Combine the salad. Add the drained cucumber slices and optional red onion to the creamy dressing. Gently toss until every slice is evenly coated.
5. Chill before serving. Cover and refrigerate the cucumber salad for about 30 minutes. This short chilling time allows the tangy sour cream dressing and fresh dill flavors to develop.
6. Finish and serve. Stir the salad gently before serving and taste for seasoning. Garnish with additional fresh dill and a little freshly ground black pepper if desired.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this creamy dill cucumber salad cold alongside grilled chicken, barbecue ribs, burgers, baked salmon, or pulled pork. It also makes a refreshing side for sandwiches and hearty summer meals.

For an attractive presentation, finish the salad with fresh dill sprigs and a few extra cucumber slices just before bringing it to the table.

Storage

Store leftover Creamy Cucumber Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The cucumbers will naturally release more liquid as they sit, so stir the salad gently before serving again.

Freezing is not recommended because cucumbers lose their crisp texture after thawing.

Helpful Recipe Tip

Removing excess moisture from the cucumbers is the key to a thick, creamy dressing. Don’t skip the salting and draining step—especially if you plan to prepare the salad ahead of time.