Creamy Cucumber Salad with Sour Cream

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Cucumber Salad

There’s something timeless and comforting about a cold cucumber salad coated in a tangy sour cream dressing. Here’s why it deserves a spot on your table:

• Quick to Make – Ready in 10–15 minutes with simple slicing and mixing.

• No Cooking Required – A perfect no-heat side on hot summer days.

• Budget-Friendly – Uses pantry staples and fresh cucumbers, making it easy on your wallet.

• Customizable – Add red onion, garlic, or lemon juice for personal flair.

• Pairs with Everything – From grilled chicken to veggie burgers to sandwiches.

• Light yet Satisfying – The creaminess satisfies without being heavy.

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Ingredient List & Substitutions

Here’s what you’ll need to make the most flavorful, creamy cucumber salad.

Cucumbers (the star)

• English cucumbers – Seedless and tender-skinned, ideal for slicing and eating raw.

• Persian cucumbers – Crisp and smaller, no need to peel.

• Regular slicing cucumbers – Peel and remove seeds for best results.

Tip: Use a mandoline slicer or a sharp knife for thin, even slices to maximize texture and dressing absorption.

Creamy Dressing Ingredients

• Sour cream – Full-fat or light; provides tangy richness.

• White vinegar – For brightness. You can also use lemon juice.

• Fresh dill – Chopped finely. Adds the unmistakable herby finish.

• Salt & pepper – Balances sweetness and acidity.

• Sugar – A small pinch rounds out the flavors.

Optional Add-Ins

• Thinly sliced red onion – Adds color and a mild bite.

• Minced garlic or garlic powder – For savory depth.

• Lemon zest – Brightens up the creaminess.

• Chopped chives or green onion – A fresh twist in place of dill.

• Greek yogurt or mayo – Can substitute for or be blended with sour cream.

How to Make Creamy Cucumber Salad

Step 1: Prep the Cucumbers

1. Wash and dry your cucumbers.

2. Slice thinly (about ⅛ inch thick). Use a mandoline for consistency.

3. If using standard cucumbers, peel and remove seeds first.

Optional (for extra crispness):
Salt the cucumbers lightly, let them sit in a colander for 10 minutes, then blot dry to remove excess moisture.

Step 2: Make the Sour Cream Dressing

In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together:

• 1 cup sour cream

• 1 tablespoon white vinegar (or lemon juice)

• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill

• ½ teaspoon salt

• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

• ½ teaspoon sugar (optional)

Pro Tip: Taste and adjust! Add more vinegar if you want tangier or more dill if you like herbal notes.

Step 3: Combine & Chill

1. Add sliced cucumbers to the bowl with dressing.

2. Toss gently to coat all slices evenly.

3. Cover and refrigerate for at least 20–30 minutes. Chilling allows flavors to meld and improves the salad’s texture.

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Tips for the Best Creamy Salad

• Dry cucumbers thoroughly – Water thins the dressing and makes the salad soggy. Pat dry after salting if you pre-drain.

• Chill before serving – Gives the flavors time to settle. The salad tastes better cold.

• Use fresh dill – Dried dill lacks brightness. If substituting, use about 1 teaspoon dried per 1 tablespoon fresh.

• Make just enough – This salad is best eaten fresh, so avoid large batches unless planning a party.

What to Serve With This Salad

This creamy cucumber salad is incredibly versatile. Here are some pairing ideas:

With Main Dishes

• Grilled or baked chicken thighs

• Baked fish fillets or grilled salmon

• Falafel or veggie patties

• Quiche or savory tarts

• Stuffed bell peppers

At Gatherings

• BBQs or picnics

• Church potlucks

• Family reunions

• Brunch spreads

• Summer buffet tables

In Lunchboxes or Meal Prep

• As a cold side with sandwiches

• In bento boxes with grains and protein

• Packed alongside fruit and crackers

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Make-Ahead & Storage Instructions

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days. After that, cucumbers become too soft and watery.

• Avoid freezing – The sour cream dressing and cucumbers do not freeze well.

• Meal prep tip: You can prep the dressing and cucumbers separately and mix just before serving for best results.

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Nutritional Profile & Dietary Notes

Dietary Notes:

• Vegetarian ✅

• Gluten-free ✅

• Nut-free ✅

• Low-carb ✅ (depending on serving size)

• Can be made with light sour cream or Greek yogurt for a lower-fat version.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream?

Yes! Greek yogurt is a great substitute. It will be tangier and higher in protein. You can even mix half yogurt and half sour cream for balance.

How long can I store creamy cucumber salad?

It’s best eaten within 24–48 hours. After that, the cucumbers begin to release water and the texture suffers. For freshest results, mix close to serving time.

What kind of cucumber should I use?

English or Persian cucumbers are ideal. They’re thin-skinned, crisp, and don’t need peeling. If using regular garden cucumbers, peel and remove seeds first.

Can I add onions to this salad?

Yes! Thinly sliced red onion, sweet onion, or even green onion adds a flavorful punch. Just note that raw onions intensify over time in the dressing.

Can I make this dairy-free?

You can try using a plant-based sour cream or thick cashew yogurt substitute. Just ensure it’s unsweetened and tangy. Flavor may vary slightly.

Why is my salad watery? (continued)

To avoid excess water:

• Drain salted cucumbers before mixing

• Blot cucumbers with paper towels

• Mix just before serving if prepping ahead

• Use thicker sour cream or yogurt to help resist thinning

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Is sugar necessary in the dressing?

Sugar is optional, but it helps balance the tanginess of the vinegar and sour cream. Use a small pinch (½ teaspoon), or skip it if you prefer a more savory taste. You can also substitute honey or maple syrup for a natural sweetener.

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Can I use dried dill instead of fresh?

Yes, if fresh dill is unavailable:

• Use 1 teaspoon dried dill per 1 tablespoon fresh

• Let it sit a bit longer after mixing so the dried herb softens and infuses the dressing

• Expect a slightly different, milder flavor

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How do I make it more flavorful?

If you find the flavor too mild, try:

• Adding a splash of lemon juice or white wine vinegar

• Stirring in a grated garlic clove

• Adding more fresh herbs like chives, parsley, or mint

• Using a mix of sour cream and Greek yogurt for added tang

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Conclusion

Creamy Cucumber Salad with Sour Cream is a classic side dish that brings together cool, crisp cucumbers and tangy, rich dressing in a combination that’s both comforting and refreshing.

Whether you grew up with it at family cookouts or you’re just discovering it for the first time, this salad deserves a spot at your next picnic, BBQ, or weeknight dinner.

Final Highlights:

• Takes just 10–15 minutes to prepare

• Easily customized with onion, garlic, or herbs

• A cooling complement to spicy, grilled, or hearty mains

• Perfect for summer gatherings or lunchbox sides

• Naturally vegetarian, gluten-free, and nut-free