Why You’ll Love This creamy cucumber salad
- Ease of preparation: This creamy cucumber salad is incredibly simple to make, requiring just a few minutes of slicing and mixing. Its quick assembly makes it ideal for last-minute meals, picnics, or potlucks, so you can enjoy a fresh side dish without any hassle or lengthy prep.
- Health benefits: Packed with hydrating cucumbers and a light creamy dressing, this salad is low in calories and rich in essential nutrients such as vitamin C and fiber. Using wholesome ingredients like sour cream or Greek yogurt provides a good balance of protein and probiotics, supporting digestive health and overall wellness.
- Versatility: The creamy cucumber salad adapts easily to different diets by swapping ingredients as needed. It can be made vegan with plant-based yogurt alternatives, gluten-free by confirming labels, or low-calorie by choosing lighter dairy options all without losing its refreshing flavor and creamy texture.
- Distinctive flavor: The crisp cucumbers combined with a tangy, herbaceous dressing featuring fresh dill and a hint of vinegar create a uniquely refreshing taste that sets this creamy cucumber salad apart from typical sides, delivering a perfect balance of crunch and creaminess.
Jump To
- 1. Why You’ll Love This creamy cucumber salad
- 2. Essential Ingredients for creamy cucumber salad
- 3. How to Prepare the Perfect creamy cucumber salad: Step-by-Step Guide
- 4. Dietary Substitutions to Customize Your creamy cucumber salad
- 5. Mastering creamy cucumber salad: Advanced Tips and Variations
- 6. How to Store creamy cucumber salad: Best Practices
- 7. FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About creamy cucumber salad
- 8. creamy cucumber salad
Essential Ingredients for creamy cucumber salad
Main Ingredients:
- 2 English cucumbers, sliced thin – crisp and refreshing salad base
- ⅓ cup sliced white onion (optional) – adds mild crunch; soaking reduces sharpness
- ½ cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt – creamy dressing base, offers protein and tang
- 3 tablespoons mayonnaise – adds richness and smooth texture
- ¼ cup chopped fresh dill – provides bright herbal notes
- 3 tablespoons white vinegar (or red wine/apple cider vinegar or lemon juice) – delivers acidity and brightness
- ½ teaspoon granulated sugar (optional) – balances acidity with subtle sweetness
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder (optional) – enhances flavor depth
- Salt and pepper to taste – essential seasoning
- Additional fresh dill for garnish (optional) – for a fresh, attractive finish
Special Dietary Options:
- Vegan: Substitute sour cream and mayonnaise with plant-based yogurt and vegan mayo alternatives to keep creaminess without dairy.
- Gluten-free: All ingredients are naturally gluten-free, but verify packaged goods like mayonnaise and seasonings to avoid hidden gluten.
- Low-calorie: Use low-fat or non-dairy yogurts and reduce or omit mayonnaise to lighten the dressing, maintaining flavor while lowering calories.
How to Prepare the Perfect creamy cucumber salad: Step-by-Step Guide
First Step: Prepare and Slice Cucumbers and Onions
Wash the cucumbers thoroughly, then slice them into ¼-inch thick rounds using a sharp knife or mandoline for consistent texture. If using onions, thinly slice ⅓ cup of white onion and soak them in cold water for 10 minutes to mellow sharpness; drain before using.
Second Step: Make the Creamy Dressing
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together ½ cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt), 3 tablespoons mayonnaise, ¼ cup chopped fresh dill, 3 tablespoons vinegar, ½ teaspoon sugar (optional), ¼ teaspoon garlic powder (optional), and salt and pepper to taste. Blend until smooth and creamy.
Third Step: Combine Salad Components
Add the cucumber slices and onions (if using) to the dressing bowl. Gently toss with a spatula or salad tongs to ensure every cucumber slice is evenly coated with the creamy dressing.
Fourth Step: Refrigerate to Marry Flavors
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer the salad to a sealed container. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld and the cucumbers to remain crunchy while absorbing the dressing’s tangy notes.
Final Step: Adjust Seasonings and Serve
Before serving, taste the creamy cucumber salad and adjust salt, pepper, or vinegar levels as desired. Garnish with additional fresh dill or a sprinkle of lemon zest for an inviting presentation. Serve chilled alongside grilled steak stir fry or shrimp for a refreshing contrast.
Dietary Substitutions to Customize Your creamy cucumber salad
Protein and Main Component Alternatives
- Use plant-based yogurt or cashew cream instead of sour cream for a creamy vegan alternative.
- Add protein-rich ingredients like chickpeas or grilled tofu cubes to transform the salad into a filling dish.
Vegetable, Sauce, and Seasoning Modifications
- Substitute cucumbers partly or fully with thinly sliced zucchini or radishes for variety in crunch and flavor.
- Replace fresh dill with mint or basil to create a different herbal profile.
- Use avocado-based dressings or add diced avocado for creaminess without dairy.
- Adjust garlic powder and lemon juice amounts based on personal taste preferences or dietary needs.
Mastering creamy cucumber salad: Advanced Tips and Variations
- Pro cooking techniques: Slice cucumbers evenly using a mandoline slicer to achieve consistent texture that holds up well in the creamy dressing.
- Flavor variations: Add a pinch of smoked paprika or chili flakes for a subtle warmth and spice dimension to the salad.
- Presentation tips: Serve the salad in clear glass bowls or layer it with colorful cherry tomatoes and fresh herbs for a vibrant look.
- Make-ahead options: Prepare the dressing and sliced cucumbers separately in advance, then combine shortly before serving to maintain maximum crispness.
How to Store creamy cucumber salad: Best Practices
| Storage Method | Guideline |
|---|---|
| Refrigeration | Store creamy cucumber salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator and consume within 2 days to enjoy peak freshness and texture. |
| Freezing | Freezing is not recommended as cucumbers lose their crispness upon thawing, altering the salad’s texture negatively. |
| Reheating | This salad is best served cold or at room temperature; avoid reheating to preserve flavor and texture. |
| Meal Prep Considerations | Keep cucumbers and dressing stored separately if preparing ahead to prevent sogginess; combine shortly before serving for the best quality. |
FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About creamy cucumber salad
What type of cucumber is best for making creamy cucumber salad?
English cucumbers or Persian cucumbers are ideal for creamy cucumber salad because they have thin skins and small seeds, which means you usually don’t need to peel or seed them. Regular field cucumbers tend to have thicker skins and larger seeds, so if you use those, it’s best to peel and remove the seeds to avoid bitterness and a watery salad.
How do I prepare the dressing for a creamy cucumber salad?
The dressing typically combines sour cream, mayonnaise, white vinegar, a touch of sugar, salt, and freshly chopped dill. For a lighter version, you can replace sour cream with plain Greek yogurt. Whisk the ingredients together until smooth and adjust seasoning to taste. This creamy dressing balances the crispness of cucumbers with tangy and slightly sweet notes.
Can I make creamy cucumber salad in advance without it becoming soggy?
Yes, you can prepare this salad ahead of time for up to 4 to 5 hours. To keep cucumbers crisp, slice them and any onions separately, and store the dressing in a different container. Combine everything about an hour before serving. This method prevents excess water from making the salad soggy while allowing flavors to meld.
How long does creamy cucumber salad stay fresh when refrigerated?
When stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, creamy cucumber salad stays fresh for 2 to 3 days. Before serving, it’s a good idea to drain off any extra liquid to maintain texture. If the salad feels dry after resting, stir in a bit more sour cream or Greek yogurt to refresh the creaminess.
Is it okay to add onions or other herbs to creamy cucumber salad?
Absolutely. Thinly sliced white or red onions add a nice bite, and soaking them briefly in cold water helps reduce sharpness. You can also include fresh herbs like basil, parsley, or extra dill to vary the flavor. These additions give the salad more depth and can be tailored to your taste preferences.
creamy cucumber salad
- Total Time: 1 hr 15 mins
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
🥒 Enjoy the crisp, refreshing flavors of Creamy Cucumber Salad, a perfect tangy side for warm weather meals.
🍤 Paired with a savory steak and shrimp stir fry, this salad balances creaminess with fresh herbs for a well-rounded dinner experience.
Ingredients
2 English cucumbers
⅓ cup sliced white onion
½ cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
3 tablespoons mayonnaise
¼ cup chopped fresh dill
3 tablespoons white vinegar
½ teaspoon granulated sugar
¼ teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and pepper
Additional fresh dill
Instructions
First Step: Prepare and Slice Cucumbers and Onions Wash the cucumbers thoroughly, then slice them into ¼-inch thick rounds using a sharp knife or mandoline for consistent texture. If using onions, thinly slice ⅓ cup of white onion and soak them in cold water for 10 minutes to mellow sharpness; drain before using.
Second Step: Make the Creamy Dressing In a large mixing bowl, whisk together ½ cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt), 3 tablespoons mayonnaise, ¼ cup chopped fresh dill, 3 tablespoons vinegar, ½ teaspoon sugar (optional), ¼ teaspoon garlic powder (optional), and salt and pepper to taste. Blend until smooth and creamy.
Third Step: Combine Salad Components Add the cucumber slices and onions (if using) to the dressing bowl. Gently toss with a spatula or salad tongs to ensure every cucumber slice is evenly coated with the creamy dressing.
Fourth Step: Refrigerate to Marry Flavors Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer the salad to a sealed container. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld and the cucumbers to remain crunchy while absorbing the dressing’s tangy notes.
Final Step: Adjust Seasonings and Serve Before serving, taste the creamy cucumber salad and adjust salt, pepper, or vinegar levels as desired. Garnish with additional fresh dill or a sprinkle of lemon zest for an inviting presentation. Serve chilled alongside grilled steak stir fry or shrimp for a refreshing contrast.
Notes
🥒 Use English or Persian cucumbers for best texture and peel field cucumbers to reduce bitterness.
🧅 Soak sliced onions in cold water to mellow their sharpness.
⏳ Refrigerate the salad for at least an hour to allow flavors to meld and cucumbers to stay crisp.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Chilling Time: 1 hr
- Category: Side Dish, Salad
- Method: No-cook, Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/8 of recipe
- Calories: 80 kcal
- Sugar: 3.5 g
- Sodium: 35 mg
- Fat: 6.5 g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 6 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 1.5 g
- Cholesterol: 12 mg
Keywords: Creamy Cucumber Salad, Savory Steak, Shrimp Stir Fry, Refreshing Side