Creamy Cucumber Salad

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Creamy Cucumber Salad is not only light and refreshing but also packed with flavor. The crisp texture of the cucumbers, combined with the creamy, tangy dressing, makes each bite perfectly satisfying. The dill and vinegar give it a little zing, while the sour cream adds a luscious creaminess. It’s versatile, easy to make, and can be prepared ahead of time, making it a perfect side dish for summer parties, BBQs, or just a healthy, satisfying snack.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Salad:

• 2 large cucumbers (English cucumbers work best, but any variety will do)

• ½ small red onion, thinly sliced (optional)

• 1 tablespoon fresh dill (or 1 teaspoon dried dill)

• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

For the Dressing:

• ½ cup sour cream

• ¼ cup mayonnaise

• 1 tablespoon white vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)

• 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, for a touch of sweetness)

• 1 garlic clove, minced

• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

Preparing the Cucumbers:

1. Slice the cucumbers: Wash the cucumbers and slice them thinly. If you prefer, you can peel the cucumbers first, but leaving the peel on adds color and extra nutrients. For extra crispness, you can also sprinkle the cucumber slices with a little salt and let them sit in a colander for about 15 minutes to draw out excess water. This step is optional but helps avoid a watery salad.

2. Add onions (optional): If using red onion, thinly slice it and add it to the cucumbers. This adds a nice crunch and a bit of sharpness to the salad, but you can skip it if you prefer a milder flavor.

Making the Dressing:

1. Mix the dressing: In a medium bowl, combine the sour cream, mayonnaise, white vinegar, sugar (if using), minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Whisk until smooth and well combined. Taste the dressing and adjust the seasoning as needed. You can add more vinegar for tanginess or more sugar for sweetness.

Assembling the Salad:

1. Toss the cucumbers: Add the cucumber slices and red onion (if using) into a large bowl. Pour the creamy dressing over the top and gently toss to combine until all the cucumbers are coated in the creamy dressing.

2. Add herbs: Stir in the fresh dill and parsley for an extra burst of flavor. If you like, garnish the top with a little more fresh dill or parsley.

Serving:

Serve the creamy cucumber salad immediately, or let it chill in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. The salad can also be prepared ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 1 day.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4-6

• Prep Time: 10-15 minutes

• Chill Time: 30 minutes (optional)

• Total Time: 10-15 minutes (not including chilling time)

Variations

• Greek Yogurt Dressing: Replace the sour cream and mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a healthier, tangier version of this salad.

• Add Avocado: For extra creaminess, add sliced avocado to the salad. It pairs beautifully with the cucumbers and dressing.

• Spicy Kick: Add a dash of cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes, or a chopped jalapeño for some heat.

• Cucumber Salad with Tomatoes: Add halved cherry tomatoes for a burst of color and flavor. The sweetness of the tomatoes complements the cool cucumbers and creamy dressing.

• Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store any leftover cucumber salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1-2 days. The salad is best enjoyed fresh, as the cucumbers may release water over time, but it will still be delicious for a couple of days.

• Refrigerating: The salad can be kept in the fridge for up to 1 day before the cucumbers start to soften and release more liquid. Stir gently before serving again.

FAQs

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes! You can make this salad a few hours in advance and refrigerate it until you’re ready to serve. The flavors will meld together, making it even tastier.

Can I use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream?

Yes, Greek yogurt is a great substitute for sour cream. It adds a tangy flavor and makes the salad a little lighter. You can use an equal amount in place of the sour cream.

How can I avoid a watery salad?

To prevent the cucumbers from releasing too much water, you can salt them lightly and let them sit in a colander for about 15 minutes before adding them to the salad. This helps draw out excess moisture.

Can I add other vegetables to this salad?

Absolutely! This salad is versatile. You can add sliced bell peppers, radishes, or even carrots for extra crunch and flavor. Feel free to customize it based on what you have on hand.

Can I make this salad vegan?

Yes, to make it vegan, substitute the sour cream and mayonnaise with vegan alternatives (such as cashew cream or a vegan mayo) and skip the dairy-based garnishes like cheese.

Conclusion

Creamy Cucumber Salad is the perfect balance of refreshing and creamy, with the crunch of cucumbers and the richness of the dressing. It’s a versatile dish that’s easy to prepare, making it ideal for any occasion, whether as a side dish for a BBQ or as a light snack. With its vibrant flavors and creamy texture, this salad is sure to be a hit at your next gathering. Quick to make and even easier to enjoy, Creamy Cucumber Salad is a delicious and refreshing treat!

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