This Creamy Cucumber Salad is fresh, tangy, sweet, and savory. This easy side dish salad is made with finely sliced crisp cucumbers, onions, sour cream, and dill. A simple recipe and my favorite way to eat cucumbers. 

cucumber salad

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EASY CUCUMBER SALAD RECIPE

When you need something cool and refreshing, this salad is just what you’re looking for!

WHY YOU’LL LOVE THIS SALAD

  • It’s quick and healthy. Substitute Greek yogurt for the sour cream for a lighter option.
  • It hits all the taste buds. Savory, sweet, creamy, tangy. Simple ingredients.

cucumber and red onion in a bowl

INGREDIENTS

  • FRESH CUCUMBERS – Hothouse or English cucumbers are best to use here because they have thinner skins. Regular cucumbers or American cucumbers have a thicker skin. You can also use Persian cucumbers which are mini cucumbers, about 5-6 inches. Really any kind of cucumbers can work in a pinch.
  • RED ONION – I like the taste of red onion but any onion can be used. Just make sure your onion slices are thin.
  • SOUR CREAM – For a lightened up version use less sour cream or use plain Greek yogurt as a sub.
  • GARLIC POWDER – Gives this a rounder flavor.
  • RED WINE VINEGAR – I like the tanginess of red wine vinegar. White vinegar is a little stronger in my opinion. Apple cider vinegar would work as well.
  • FRESH DILL – I don’t always have fresh dill on hand but it makes such a difference. A teaspoon of dried dill weed can be substituted but fresh herbs are always preferred.
  • SUGAR – Just a pinch of sugar takes the edge off the acidity of the vinegar base.

HOTHOUSE/ENGLISH CUCUMBERS VERSUS REGULAR CUCUMBERS

Hothouse cucumbers have thinner skin and smaller less noticeable seeds. Some people believe that they are seedless but they are just smaller with fewer seeds and easier to chew through. They are long and more narrow than regular cucumbers and are usually sold in plastic wrap to protect their thinner unwaxed skin.

HOW TO MAKE THIS

  1. Slice cucumbers very thinly using a mandolin, vegetable peeler, or sharp knife. Add cucumber slices to a large bowl.
  2. Add the remaining ingredients to the bowl and stir to coat. Chill until serving. Best if served the same day.

HOW LONG DOES IT KEEP IN THE FRIDGE?

You can store it in the fridge for a few days but the cucumbers with salt on them will release excess water which is why it’s best eaten the same day.

CAN I LEAVE THE SUGAR OUT?

Yes, absolutely.

cucumber salad

OTHER SALAD RECIPES

cucumber salad

Creamy Cucumber Salad

5 from 4 votes
This Creamy Cucumber Salad is fresh, tangy, sweet, and savory. This popular side dish salad has finely sliced cucumbers, onions, sour cream, and dill.
Print Pin Rate
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 6 servings

Ingredients

  • 2 Hothouse or English cucumbers, peeled or unpeeled depending on preference, (about 4 cups)
  • 1/2 cup red onion sliced thinly
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 2 Tablespoons red wine vinegar
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt (more to taste)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped finely
  • 1 teaspoon sugar, (use erythitol for Keto option)

Instructions
 

  • Slice cucumbers very thinly using a mandolin, vegetable peeler, or knife. Add to a large bowl.
  • Add the remaining ingredients to the bowl and stir to coat. Chill until serving. Best if served the same day.
Cuisine: American
Course: All Recipes, Side Dish
Author: Christy Denney
cucumber salad
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Christy Denney
Christy is the voice behind The Girl Who Who Ate Everything! She is no stranger to making meals that kids and adults will love. She grew up in Mesa, Arizona as the youngest of ten kids. She can always be found in her kitchen with music playing and cooking with her kids. She published her first cookbook in 2014. She loves party food that gets the conversations going!
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