Easy Creamy Cucumber Salad Recipe for Quick Summer Sides
Easy Creamy Cucumber Salad is the perfect summer side dish. After making this countless times, I’ve perfected the creamy dressing that keeps cucumbers crisp. Jump to the recipe or keep reading for my best tips. If you love recipes like this, you’ll also enjoy Easy Oven Baked Snow Crab Legs Recipe and Crispy Ranch Potatoes Recipe for Easy Air Fryer Dinner.
Why This Easy Creamy Cucumber Salad Recipe for Quick Summer Sides Is Pure Comfort
- Crisp cucumbers in every bite
- Creamy dressing that's not too heavy
- Better than takeout and so easy to make
What You'll Need for Easy Creamy Cucumber Salad Recipe for Quick Summer Sides
Choosing the right ingredients makes a big difference, but this recipe is forgiving enough to work with what you have.
- Cucumbers
- Sour cream
- Greek yogurt
- Red onion
- Dill
- Salt
- Pepper
- Apple cider vinegar
- Sugar
- Optional: Crispy bacon
- Optional: Fresh tomatoes
📝 Ingredient Notes
- Cucumbers: English or seedless cucumbers work best.
- Sour cream: Full-fat for creaminess, low-fat for lighter version.
🛒 Tools & Equipment I Recommend
- Mandoline Slicer — Ensures perfectly thin, even cucumber slices. → See on Amazon
- Mixing Bowl Set — Perfect for mixing dressing and serving salad. → See on Amazon
How to Make Easy Creamy Cucumber Salad Recipe for Quick Summer Sides
- Prepare cucumbers: Thinly slice cucumbers using a mandoline slicer or sharp knife. Place in a colander and sprinkle with salt. Let sit for 10 minutes to draw out water.
- Make dressing: In a bowl, combine sour cream, Greek yogurt, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- Assemble salad: Rinse and pat dry cucumbers. In a large bowl, combine cucumbers, red onion, and dressing. Gently toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh dill and serve chilled. Add crispy bacon or fresh tomatoes if desired.
Cook's Tips for Perfect Easy Creamy Cucumber Salad Recipe for Quick Summer Sides
- Common mistake and fix: Don't skip salting cucumbers. It prevents watery salad and keeps cucumbers crisp.
- Tip: For a lighter version, use low-fat sour cream and Greek yogurt.
- Tip: Make ahead and store in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Storing & Reheating Easy Creamy Cucumber Salad Recipe for Quick Summer Sides
Short-Term Storage
Store in an airtight container in the fridge. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make-ahead tip: Prepare up to 1 day ahead and store in the fridge.
Freezing Easy Creamy Cucumber Salad Recipe for Quick Summer Sides
Not suitable for freezing.
How to Reheat Without Drying It Out
Oven: Not applicable. Microwave: Not applicable.
Recipe Notes
- Chef tip: For a spicy kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the dressing.
- Best substitution: Substitute Greek yogurt with sour cream for a richer dressing.
- Make-ahead: Prepare up to 1 day ahead and store in the fridge.
- Scaling: Easily double or triple the recipe for a crowd.
- Troubleshooting: If salad is too watery, drain excess liquid before serving.
Want to level up this recipe?
Salad Spinner — Removes excess water from cucumbers, ensuring a crisp salad. → Check price on Amazon
Easy Creamy Cucumber Salad Recipe for Quick Summer Sides
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- Cucumbers
- Sour cream
- Greek yogurt
- Red onion
- Dill
Seasonings
- Salt
- Pepper
- Apple cider vinegar
- Sugar
Optional Toppings
- Crispy bacon
- Fresh tomatoes
Instructions
- Prepare cucumbers: Thinly slice cucumbers using a mandoline slicer or sharp knife. Place in a colander and sprinkle with salt. Let sit for 10 minutes to draw out water.
- Make dressing: In a bowl, combine sour cream, Greek yogurt, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- Assemble salad: Rinse and pat dry cucumbers. In a large bowl, combine cucumbers, red onion, and dressing. Gently toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh dill and serve chilled. Add crispy bacon or fresh tomatoes if desired.
Notes
- Chef tip: For a spicy kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the dressing.
- Best substitution: Substitute Greek yogurt with sour cream for a richer dressing.
- Make-ahead: Prepare up to 1 day ahead and store in the fridge.
- Scaling: Easily double or triple the recipe for a crowd.
- Troubleshooting: If salad is too watery, drain excess liquid before serving.
Storage
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Not suitable for freezing.
- Oven reheat: Not applicable.
- Microwave reheat: Not applicable.
- Make ahead: Prepare up to 1 day ahead and store in the fridge.
Nutrition Per Serving
- Calories: 110
- Protein: 3g
- Fat: 8g
- Carbs: 7g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Cholesterol: 25mg
- Sat. Fat: 5g
Nutritional values are estimates only. Actual values may vary by brand and portion size.
Easy Creamy Cucumber Salad Recipe for Quick Summer Sides FAQs
Yes, prepare up to 1 day ahead and store in the fridge.
Salting cucumbers draws out water. Don't skip this step and drain excess liquid if needed.
No, freezing affects the texture of cucumbers and dressing.
No, this is a cold salad recipe. Air fryers are not suitable for this dish.
Sour cream or mayonnaise can be used as a substitute.
A Warm Final Note
I can’t wait for you to try Easy Creamy Cucumber Salad Recipe for Quick Summer Sides and see how effortlessly it comes together. When you make it, pop back here and leave a rating or share how it turned out — I love hearing from you!
