This creamy cucumber salad is one of those deceptively simple dishes that quickly becomes a favorite. Crisp cucumbers, thinly sliced red onion, and fresh dill are coated in a smooth, tangy sour cream dressing that feels both refreshing and comforting. It’s light enough for summer, yet satisfying enough to serve year-round alongside almost any meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe comes together in minutes with just a handful of everyday ingredients. The flavors are clean, fresh, and perfectly balanced between creamy and tangy. It’s versatile enough to pair with grilled dishes, sandwiches, or wraps, and it can easily be adjusted to suit different tastes or dietary needs. Best of all, it tastes like something you’d order at a deli, but it’s incredibly easy to make at home.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the salad
4 to 5 medium-large cucumbers (about 600 g / 1.3 lb), English or Persian, thinly sliced
1/2 medium red onion, very thinly sliced
1 tablespoon fresh dill, finely chopped

For the dressing
2/3 cup sour cream
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice or mild vinegar
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste

Directions

Start by thinly slicing the cucumbers using a sharp knife or mandoline and place them in a large mixing bowl. If desired, lightly salt the cucumber slices and let them rest for 10 to 15 minutes, then gently pat them dry to remove excess moisture.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the sour cream, lemon juice or vinegar, salt, and black pepper until smooth and creamy.

Add the sliced cucumbers, red onion, and chopped dill to the dressing. Gently toss until everything is evenly coated.

Cover the bowl and refrigerate the salad for 20 to 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Give it a final stir, taste, and adjust seasoning before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 4 servings.
Preparation time is approximately 10 minutes.
Chilling time is optional but recommended, about 20 to 30 minutes.
Total time ranges from 10 to 30 minutes.

Variations

For a lighter version, replace the sour cream with full-fat Greek yogurt or use half sour cream and half yogurt.
For extra richness, stir in 2 tablespoons of mayonnaise.
Add a small pinch of sugar or a drizzle of honey for a slightly sweet, deli-style flavor.
Include a little minced garlic or a pinch of garlic powder for a more savory profile.
Add thinly sliced radishes or chopped celery for extra crunch.
For a dairy-free option, use a halal-friendly plant-based sour cream alternative.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover creamy cucumber salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 to 3 days. Stir well before serving, as the cucumbers will release some liquid over time. This salad is best enjoyed within the first 24 hours for the best texture and flavor. Reheating is not recommended, as this dish is meant to be served cold.

FAQs

Can I make creamy cucumber salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can make it a few hours ahead. For best results, mix everything together shortly before serving to keep the cucumbers crisp.

What type of cucumbers work best?

English or Persian cucumbers are ideal because they have thin skins, small seeds, and release less water.

Do I need to peel the cucumbers?

If using English or Persian cucumbers, peeling is not necessary. Thicker-skinned cucumbers should be peeled.

How do I keep the salad from getting watery?

Salting the cucumbers briefly and patting them dry helps remove excess moisture.

Can I use dried dill instead of fresh?

Yes, but use about one third of the amount and let the salad rest longer so the flavor can develop.

Is this salad suitable for kids?

Yes, it has mild, creamy flavors that are generally kid-friendly.

Can I add other vegetables?

Yes, radishes, celery, or even thinly sliced carrots work well.

What can I serve this salad with?

It pairs well with grilled chicken, fish, wraps, sandwiches, or rice-based dishes.

Can I use yogurt instead of sour cream?

Absolutely. Greek yogurt works well and gives a slightly tangier taste.

Can this salad be frozen?

No, freezing is not recommended because cucumbers lose their texture and the dressing may separate.

Conclusion

Creamy cucumber salad is a simple yet satisfying side dish that delivers fresh flavor with minimal effort. With crisp cucumbers, fragrant dill, and a smooth, tangy dressing, it’s the kind of recipe you’ll return to again and again. Whether served at a family dinner or a casual gathering, it’s always a refreshing addition to the table.

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