Nothing says summer like the tang of a delicious dill-infused creamy cucumber salad! It’s the flavor by which all other cucumber salad recipes are measured and once you taste it, you’ll understand why. This is one of those simple salad recipes with truckloads of herbaceous palate-pleasing flavor and its an easy favorite.
You’re probably already familiar with the popular cucumber tomato salad but sometimes you just get a craving for creamy. This is one of those vegetable salad recipes that does NOT disappoint and it’s sooo versatile. Summer potlucks and warm-weather barbecues are always better with this little gem!
Let’s get started….
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What I Love About This Recipe
- So simple to make and is the perfect lead-in for the spring and summer seasons
- It’s light, creamy, perfectly tangy, and full of dill flavor, making it an amazingly well-rounded cold salad.
How To Make Creamy Cucumber Salad Recipe
Whipping up this salad is super simple. Just slice the veggies with a knife or mandolin and let them sweat in the fridge overnight.
Then simply whip up the yummy dressing and mix everything together. Presto!! A little chill time in the fridge and you’re ready to serve.
Cucumber Salad Recipe Notes
Don’t skip the salt soak. Water follows salt (think “Osmosis“). Adding salt to cucumbers, zucchini, etc. will help dry them out. So don’t skip the salting of the cucumbers and onions! This step draws out moisture so that the veggies don’t release it into your creamy dressing and water it down, leaving you with a runny mess.
Ingredient Notes
English Cucumber – I prefer English cucumbers in this salad but use what you like. English cukes have thinner skin and smaller seeds which makes them slightly sweeter than other varieties. Plus, the flavor marries so well with the light and lively dressing. Simply scrumptious!!
White Wine Vinegar – Also, just for the record. White wine vinegar is milder and less acidic than other kinds of vinegar. Try other kinds of vinegar like red wine vinegar, Note: (it may change the color of your dish, and it has a slightly stronger taste), rice, champagne, or cider vinegar. The acidity levels of these kinds of vinegar will vary, so adjust the amount accordingly.
Dill – Sometimes dried dill works really well in recipes; in fact, I use it all the time. But NOT in this cucumber salad with dill recipe! Fresh dill makes a distinct difference in this recipe. The “rule of thumb” is to use 3 times the amount of fresh herbs than you would dried herbs, which of course have a concentrated flavor.
Sugar substitute. If you’re trying to cut down on added sugar, you can use your favorite artificial sweetener. Just be sure to follow the instructions on the container to determine the amount needed to mimic the sugar.
Tools to Make
Serving up this intense salad doesn’t take any crazy kitchen gadgets. As long as you have a colander to drain the veggies, you’re good to go!
How Long Can You Keep This In The Fridge?
Your cucumber salad will stay fresh and yummy in the fridge for up to 5 days if you keep it in an airtight container. Be careful with plastic wrap because it often allows condensation in which will water down your salad.
Can You Freeze This?
Unfortunately, creamy cucumber salad can not survive the freezer. Mayo never freezes well, and crisp summer veggies just aren’t the same after thawing. This one is best fresh!
Make Ahead Tips
This dill-infused work of art does take a little time with the sweating of the veggies and chill time in the icebox. You’ll want a minimum of 6 hours before serving but overnight is best.
Serving Recommendations
This salad is ideal all by itself as a snack or with any warm-weather meal. I love pairing it with a sweet and zesty Huli Huli chicken or a well-seasoned air fryer chicken. Its also picnic ready and potluck approved.
Recipe Variations
Tweaking this creamy cucumber salad is so incredibly easy. Change it up to use ingredients you have on hand or suit your personal taste. Here are some delicious ideas.
- Turn it into a scrumptious cucumber onion salad with attitude.
- Make an unforgettable cucumber avocado salad jazz up dinner.
- Whip up a zesty cucumber tomato onion salad with a delicious homemade vinaigrette.
- Serve up a simple cucumber dill salad with all the yummy flavor you’ve been craving.
Creamy Cucumber Salad
Ingredients
- 4 English cucumbers
- 1 cup red onions thinly sliced
- salt
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
- 1/4 teaspoon sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons black pepper
- 1/2 cup fresh dill chopped
Instructions
- Place the sliced cucumbers and red onions in a bowl. Toss with 1 1/2 tablespoon salt until evenly coated. Transfer to a colander and place over a bowl.
- Cover with plastic wrap and place in the fridge to drain for 4 hours or overnight. Throw out the liquid that's accumulated in the bowl.
- In a mixing bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, sour cream, vinegar, sugar, black pepper, dill and 2 teaspoons salt until evenly combined.
- Layout cucumbers in a single layer on a thick layer of paper towels then top them with a second layer of paper towels. Press lightly to remove any extra moisture.
- Add the cucumbers to the mayonnaise mixture and toss to coat well. Cover with plastic wrap and place in the fridge for 2-4 hours to allow flavors to marry.
- When ready to serve, taste for seasoning (I added 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper and tossed). Best served cold.
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More Vegetable Sides Recipes
Here are some other vegetable side recipes you may enjoy. Nothing beats a fresh summer salad with layers of flavor!
- Asian Cucumber Salad – Crunchy and refreshing with an Asian twist.
- Thai Cucumber Salad – Everything you love about cucumber salad with a little extra heat.
- Watermelon Cucumber Salad – A beautiful balance of crunchy, refreshing, and slightly sweet.
- Broccoli Salad – Delicious and nutritious, just like grandma used to make.
- Marinated Tomato Salad – A fresh pop of tangy tomato delight in every single bite.
Conclusion
When you’re craving the creamy freshness of a super summer salad, only this creamy cucumber salad will do. It’s light, dreamy, and totally yummy. Plus, its compatible with just about any warm-weather meal and it comes with a big red easy button.
From potlucks and picnics to Sunday suppers and family get-togethers, you are gonna’ love this. And yes – they’re gonna’ want seconds.
So creamy and delicious! Will definitely make again. Thanks!
Thank you so much, Kris! 🙂
Love this! Such a refreshing summer salad.
Thank you, Anthony!
One of my favorite spring and summer side dishes! The whole family loves it.
I’m so happy to hear that,
Amanda!!! <3
Yummy! My hubby and I are going to love this recipe! Can’t wait to give this a try! Looks so tasty!
Thank you so much, Beth! Enjoy 🙂
This Creamy Cucumber Salad sounds amazing! I can’t wait to make this for lunch tomorrow!!! YUM!
Thank you, Beti!
I love this salad! SO fresh and full of amazing flavors!! YUM!
Thank you, Katerina! <3
Spring is coming and salads are my favorite dishes. Love how creamy this salad is!
Thank you, Catalina! Yup, ’tis the season for salads! 🙂
I could not get enough of this! So delicious and refreshing!
Yay! Thank you, Amanda!
My aunt when she was alive made this but it made it with white onions now my sister makes it and I love it and also my sister uses Italian dressing instead of all the other ingredients
This recipe looks great. It’s not necessary to rinse the cucs after they’ve been sprinkled with salt ?
Hi, Anne! Great question. Just throw the excess liquid 🙂