Refreshing Creamy Cucumber Salad

Welcome to the ultimate guide for crafting the most refreshing and nostalgic **Creamy Cucumber Salad Recipe**! Imagine crisp, cool cucumbers perfectly complemented by thinly sliced red onion, all generously coated in a luscious, tangy dressing. This isn’t just a side dish; it’s a vibrant, crunchy celebration of summer, designed to evoke cherished memories with every delightful bite. Ideal for potlucks, barbecues, or simply a light, flavorful addition to any meal, this salad is guaranteed to become a family favorite.

Looking for more vibrant side dishes to brighten your table? Don’t miss our delightful Macaroni Salad, a creamy classic, or the fresh and zesty Cucumber Feta Salad, perfect for warmer days.

My Mom’s Beloved Creamy Cucumber Salad Recipe: A Taste of Home

This Creamy Cucumber Salad holds a special place in my heart, much like my mom’s famous Pasta Salad. It was a staple at every family gathering, a testament to her knack for simple, yet incredibly flavorful, home cooking. Filled with crisp, garden-fresh cucumbers and vibrant red onion, this salad brings a delightful freshness that brightens any meal.

Even without my mom’s sprawling garden, I find myself drawn to making this salad week after week throughout the summer months. It’s more than just a recipe; it’s a tradition, a connection to those comforting flavors of childhood. The secret to its irresistible appeal lies squarely in the dressing – a rich, velvety concoction that elevates humble cucumbers into something truly extraordinary.

While many creamy dressings rely solely on a sour cream and mayonnaise base, my mom’s recipe takes it a step further. We infuse it with bright, fresh flavors from aromatic herbs like dill, the lively zest and juice of fresh lemons, and a “secret” ingredient that truly makes all the difference: a touch of white wine vinegar. This addition is key, as it cuts through the richness of the sour cream and mayo, introducing a beautifully balanced tang that prevents the dressing from feeling heavy and makes the entire salad incredibly vibrant and refreshing. It’s this perfect harmony of creaminess and acidity that makes this dressing the undisputed star of the show.

Essential Ingredients for Your Creamy Cucumber Salad

The magic of this salad truly begins with its carefully selected ingredients, especially for that show-stopping dressing. Let’s explore each component:

• Sour Cream: The foundation of our creamy dressing. Opt for a high-quality sour cream, whether you prefer light or regular. Both work wonderfully, providing that signature creamy texture and a subtle tang.
• Mayonnaise: For ultimate richness and flavor, full-fat mayonnaise is highly recommended. Brands like Best Foods or Hellmann’s® deliver the classic taste and creamy consistency that perfectly complements the sour cream.
• White Wine Vinegar: Our “secret ingredient” for that essential bright tang! White wine vinegar adds a crisp acidity that beautifully balances the richness of the dairy. If you don’t have white wine vinegar, red wine vinegar can be used in a pinch, or simply add a little extra fresh lemon juice for a similar brightening effect.
• Lemons: Fresh is always best when it comes to lemons. We’ll be using both the zest and the juice. Remember to grate only the bright yellow skin, as the white pith underneath can be bitter and detract from the fresh flavor we’re aiming for. The zest holds aromatic oils that deliver a burst of citrus, while the juice provides another layer of acidity.
• Fresh Dill: This herb is non-negotiable for an authentic creamy cucumber salad! Fresh dill brings a distinct, bright, and slightly anisy flavor that pairs perfectly with cucumbers and the creamy dressing. If dill isn’t your favorite, fresh parsley offers a milder, earthy alternative.
• White Granulated Sugar: Just a touch of sugar is used to round out the flavors and cut through the acidity of the vinegar and lemon, creating a perfectly balanced dressing. For a more natural sweetness, a drizzle of honey can be substituted.
• Garlic Powder: For a mellow, savory undertone. Garlic powder provides a consistent flavor without the sharpness of raw garlic. If you prefer a stronger, more pungent garlic flavor, fresh minced garlic can be used, but be mindful of its potency.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning to taste. A good quality sea salt and freshly ground black pepper are crucial for enhancing all the other flavors in the dressing and the salad itself.

Crafting the Perfect Creamy Cucumber Salad: Step-by-Step Guide

Making this delightful salad is straightforward. Follow these steps for a consistently delicious result:

1. Prepare the Dressing: Begin by zesting your lemon to yield about 1/4 teaspoon of bright yellow zest. Then, juice the lemon to get approximately 1 tablespoon of fresh juice. In a medium-sized bowl, combine the sour cream, mayonnaise, white wine vinegar, lemon zest, lemon juice, finely chopped fresh dill, granulated sugar, and garlic powder. Whisk all these ingredients vigorously until the dressing is completely smooth and thoroughly combined. Taste the dressing and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. A good starting point is about 1/2 teaspoon each of salt and pepper. Refrigerate the dressing for at least 15-20 minutes while you prepare the vegetables. This chilling time allows the flavors to meld beautifully and intensify, resulting in a more harmonious and delicious dressing.
2. Prep the Vegetables: Start by thoroughly washing and drying your cucumbers to remove any dirt or surface moisture. Using a sharp knife, carefully slice off the very ends of the cucumbers, as these can sometimes be bitter. For uniform and perfectly thin slices, which are crucial for the best texture in this salad, I highly recommend using a mandoline slicer. If you don’t have one, a very sharp chef’s knife and a steady hand will also work. Aim for slices that are about 1/8-inch thick.
3. Prepare the Red Onion: Take your red onion and slice it as thinly as possible. If you find red onion flavor too pungent, a simple trick is to soak the thinly sliced onion in a bowl of cold water for about 10-15 minutes. This process helps to mellow out its sharp bite, leaving you with a milder, more pleasant flavor. Alternatively, you can substitute shallots for a softer onion flavor. After soaking, be sure to drain the onion slices thoroughly and pat them dry before adding them to the salad.
4. Combine and Chill: In a large mixing bowl, gently combine the thinly sliced cucumbers and the prepared red onion. Remove the chilled dressing from the refrigerator. Using a silicone spatula, scrape every last bit of that flavorful dressing over the vegetables. Gently toss the cucumbers and onion with the dressing until they are evenly coated. Give the salad a taste test and adjust any seasonings if necessary—you might want a little more salt, pepper, or a squeeze of lemon. For the best flavor and crispness, refrigerate the assembled salad for another 15-20 minutes. This allows the dressing to truly permeate the vegetables and enhances the overall refreshing sensation. Toss once more before serving and enjoy!

Selecting the Best Cucumbers for Your Creamy Salad

Choosing the right cucumbers is paramount to achieving the perfect texture and flavor in your creamy salad. For an outstanding result, I highly recommend using mini, English, or Persian cucumbers. Here’s why these varieties are superior:

• Fewer Seeds: These cucumber types typically have very small, underdeveloped seeds, or sometimes almost no seeds at all. This is a significant advantage as fewer seeds mean less watery flesh, which is crucial for preventing a soggy salad. Your dressing will cling beautifully to the cucumber slices without getting diluted.
• Thinner Skin: The delicate, thin skin on mini, English, and Persian cucumbers offers a pleasant, subtle crunch. This means you won’t need to peel them, saving you preparation time and retaining valuable nutrients and vibrant color, which adds to the salad’s visual appeal.
• Even Texture: These cucumbers generally have a consistent, firm flesh throughout. This ensures that every bite delivers a uniform crunch, contributing to a more enjoyable eating experience without soft or mushy spots.
• Mild Flavor: They possess a wonderfully mild and slightly sweet flavor profile, without the bitterness that can sometimes be found in larger, older cucumber varieties. Their gentle taste complements the creamy, tangy dressing perfectly, allowing the dressing’s flavors to shine without being overpowered.

Expert Tips: How to Keep Your Cucumbers Crisp, Not Soggy

No one enjoys a watery, soggy cucumber salad. Here are some invaluable tips to ensure your cucumbers remain delightfully crisp and refreshing:

• Keep Them Cold: Cucumbers thrive in cold temperatures. Always store your fresh cucumbers in the crisper drawer of your refrigerator. This helps them retain their firm texture and prevents them from becoming limp.
• Prepare Last: To minimize moisture loss and maintain maximum crunch, slice your cucumbers as close to serving time as possible. Pre-slicing too far in advance can cause them to release water and soften.
• Dress Just Before Serving: The dressing, while delicious, can draw moisture out of the cucumbers over time. For the crispiest salad, add the dressing and toss gently no more than 15-20 minutes before you plan to serve it.
• Pat Dry: After slicing, an extra step that makes a huge difference is to gently press the cucumber slices between layers of paper towels. This absorbs any excess surface moisture, ensuring the dressing adheres better and the cucumbers stay crisp.
• Don’t Pack Too Tight: If you must store sliced cucumbers before dressing them, ensure they have some breathing room in their container. Over-packing can cause them to sweat and soften more quickly. Lay them out in a single layer if possible, or use a container with a paper towel lining to absorb any condensation.

To Peel or Not to Peel: A Cucumber Conundrum

When it comes to creamy cucumber salad, the question of peeling often arises. The simple answer is: **you don’t have to peel the cucumbers!** Their vibrant green skin offers several benefits to the salad, including an extra layer of crunch and a boost of flavor. Plus, leaving the skin on saves you preparation time and retains some of the cucumber’s nutrients. Just remember, if your cucumbers aren’t pre-washed, a thorough wash and gentle drying are essential before slicing.

However, personal preference always reigns supreme. If you’re not a fan of the slight bitterness some cucumber skins can possess, or if you simply prefer a uniformly pale green appearance, peeling them is absolutely fine. The salad will still be delicious and refreshing!

Perfect Pairings: What to Serve With Creamy Cucumber Salad

This versatile Creamy Cucumber Salad is the ultimate companion to a wide array of main courses. Its refreshing crunch and creamy tang cut through richness and brighten any plate. Here are some fantastic serving suggestions:

• Grilled Meats: The cool, creamy nature of this salad is a perfect contrast to the smoky flavors of grilled dishes. It pairs exceptionally well with chicken marinated in my favorite grilled chicken marinade or alongside a perfectly seared steak prepared with our delicious steak marinade.
• Seafood: The light and fresh profile of the cucumber salad complements seafood beautifully. Serve it with succulent grilled shrimp, seared scallops, or a flaky baked fish for a balanced and elegant meal.
• Sandwiches & Wraps: Add a layer of crispy, creamy delight to your favorite sandwiches and wraps. It makes for a fantastic textural contrast and flavor boost. These Cucumber Sandwiches are a personal go-to when hosting, especially during afternoon tea!
• Rice Dishes & Bowls: Brighten up hearty rice dishes or grain bowls with a side of this refreshing salad. It adds a much-needed crunchy texture and a tangy counterpoint to richer components.
• Pasta Dishes: While it holds its own as a side, this salad also works wonderfully alongside other pasta creations. It’s a fantastic pairing with a rich lasagna or as a refreshing counterpoint to a heavier pasta salad.

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Creamy Cucumber Salad With Sour Cream

By
Chelsea Lords

Creamy Cucumber Salad is a refreshing, crunchy classic! Crisp cucumbers and red onion are tossed in a rich, tangy dressing for the perfect side dish.

Prep Time:
20 minutes

Total Time:
20 minutes

Servings:
6 servings, as a side

Equipment

• Large bowl
• Small grater (Microplane)
• Citrus squeezer
• Mandoline slicer (optional, but recommended)

Ingredients

Dressing

• 1/2 cup light sour cream or regular
• 4 tablespoons full-fat mayo (like Best Foods/Hellman’s)
• 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
• 1 lemon (for zest and juice)
• 3 to 4 tablespoons fresh dill, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Salad

• 4 cups English or Persian cucumbers (about 2 English cucumbers, see note 1)
• 1/2 red onion, very thinly sliced (about 3/4 cup, see note 2)

Instructions

• Zest the lemon to get 1/4 tsp lemon zest and then juice it to get 1 tbsp lemon juice. In a medium bowl, combine all the dressing ingredients (sour cream, mayo, white wine vinegar, lemon zest, lemon juice, fresh dill, sugar, garlic powder). Season to taste; I typically add about 1/2 tsp each of salt and pepper. Whisk well until completely smooth. Refrigerate the dressing until ready to use so the flavors can meld and deepen.
• Wash and thoroughly dry the cucumbers. Cut off any thin bitter ends and slice them very thinly (a mandolin slicer is excellent for this, ensuring even slices!). Add the sliced cucumbers to a large bowl along with the thinly sliced red onion.
• Remove the dressing from the fridge. Using a silicone spatula, scrape all the dressing over the cucumbers and onion in the large bowl. Gently mix with the spatula until the vegetables are well coated. Taste the salad and adjust seasonings as needed. Refrigerate for 15–20 minutes to allow the flavors to intensify and the salad to chill thoroughly. Toss again, season some more if needed, and enjoy your refreshing salad.

Recipe Notes

Note 1: My top choices for this salad are mini cucumbers or English/Persian cucumbers. These varieties are ideal due to their fewer seeds, thinner skin, consistent texture, and superior mild flavor, which prevents the salad from becoming watery or bitter.
Note 2: If you are sensitive to the sharp flavor of red onion, thinly slice it and soak the slices in a bowl of cold water for 10-15 minutes. This process helps to mellow its intensity. Remember to thoroughly drain and pat dry the onion before adding it to the salad.
Storage: This salad is best enjoyed fresh on the day it’s made for optimal crispness. You can store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for a day or two, but the cucumbers will gradually soften. Freezing is not recommended.

Nutrition

Serving: 1 serving
|
Calories: 120kcal
|
Carbohydrates: 5g
|
Protein: 1g
|
Fat: 11g
|
Saturated Fat: 3g
|
Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g
|
Monounsaturated Fat: 2g
|
Trans Fat: 0.02g
|
Cholesterol: 15mg
|
Sodium: 67mg
|
Potassium: 148mg
|
Fiber: 1g
|
Sugar: 3g
|
Vitamin A: 214IU
|
Vitamin C: 4mg
|
Calcium: 34mg
|
Iron: 0.3mg

Nutrition information is an approximation.

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