I love creating my Creamy Cucumber Salad that brings together thinly sliced cucumbers, tangy red onions, garlic, and fresh dill. The combination of sour cream, mayonnaise, and vinegar delivers an unexpected twist that reminds me of cherished memories. This salad offers a refreshing side dish with enticing flavors. I enjoy every bite.

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I’ve been experimenting with a few old-school recipes recently and this Creamy Cucumber Salad is one of my favorites. It’s exactly how my grandma used to make it, with a few tweaks to brighten it up.

I start with thinly sliced cucumbers and red onions, which give it that satisfying crunch, then mix in a blend of sour cream and mayo for an irresistibly creamy texture. A little splash of white vinegar and a teaspoon of sugar add a perfect tangy sweet twist that really wakes up the flavors.

I also toss in some minced garlic and freshly chopped dill, which remind me a bit of some of those fancier versions like Creamy Cucumber Salad With Greek Yogurt or even a Keto Creamy Cucumber Salad, but this one keeps it simple and rustic. Salt and pepper seal the deal and make the salad pop in every bite.

Trust me, its simplicity is what makes it so addicting!

Why I Like this Recipe

I love this creamy cucumber salad because it’s super easy to make. I just thinly slice my cucumbers and red onions and toss them with a creamy dressing that has the perfect mix of tangy vinegar, a little sweetness, and the punch of garlic.

I also really like that it reminds me of the time my grandma used to make something similar so whenever i prepare it, it feels like a little taste of home.

Another reason i keep coming back to this recipe is because its super refreshing and light which makes it the perfect side dish for summer picnics or when youre grilling outside with friends.

Ingredients

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Cucumbers provide a crisp texture and fiber that keeps the salad light.
Red onion brings a sharp, tangy bite and plenty of vitamin C to the mix.
Sour cream delivers a rich, tangy creaminess that helps bind all the flavors.
Mayonnaise adds a smooth, velvety finish that mellows out the acidity.
Fresh dill supplies a zesty herbal lift with antioxidants and a fresh appeal.
Garlic infuses a punchy, aromatic flavor that deepens the overall taste.
White vinegar cuts through the richness, balancing creaminess with a tart kick.
Sugar lightly balances the tang, adding a subtle sweetness to the full mix.
Salt and pepper heighten each ingredient’s natural flavors while preserving balance and spice.

Ingredient Quantities

2 medium cucumbers, thinly sliced

1/2 red onion, thinly sliced

1/2 cup sour cream

1/2 cup mayonnaise

1 tablespoon white vinegar

1 teaspoon sugar

1 clove garlic, minced

2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped

Salt and pepper to taste

How to Make this

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1. Start by washing your cucumbers and slicing them thinly, then do the same with half a red onion

2. In a large bowl, mix together the 1/2 cup sour cream and 1/2 cup mayonnaise until they are well combined

3. Stir in 1 tablespoon of white vinegar, 1 teaspoon of sugar, and the minced garlic. Make sure everything mixes well

4. Add in the chopped fresh dill and season with salt and pepper to taste

5. Toss in the sliced cucumbers and red onions with the dressing

6. Mix everything together slowly so that the veggies don’t break too much

7. Let the salad chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes so that the flavors get to know each other

8. Taste it and adjust any seasoning if needed before serving up this delicious creamy cucumber salad just like grandma made it!

Equipment Needed

1. Clean sink – For washing the cucumbers
2. Sharp knife – To slice the cucumbers and red onion
3. Cutting board – For safe and easy slicing
4. Measuring cups and spoons – To accurately measure sour cream, mayo, vinegar, and sugar
5. Large mixing bowl – For combining the dressing and tossing the veggies
6. Mixing spoon or spatula – To stir the ingredients properly
7. Refrigerator – To chill the salad and let the flavors meld

FAQ

Q: Can I use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream?

A: Yup, you can try using Greek yogurt if you want a healthier option. It might give a slight tangy flavor change though.

Q: How long does the salad last in the fridge?

A: It keeps well for up to 2 days if stored in an airtight container. After that the cucumbers might get a bit soggy.

Q: Do I really need to slice everything so thin?

A: Thinner slices absorb the dressing better. If the cucumbers and onions are too thick, the flavors might not mix as well.

Q: What if I don't like a strong garlic taste?

A: You can reduce the amount of garlic or even leave it out. The salad will still be tasty without it.

Q: Can I mix the dressing ahead of time?

A: Definitely. Mixing the sour cream, mayonnaise, vinegar, sugar, garlic and dill ahead of time helps the flavors meld better.

Creamy Cucumber Salad Recipe Substitutions and Variations

For the sour cream, you can use plain greek yogurt if you want a tangy taste with less fat.
If you’re out of mayonnaise, try blending in more greek yogurt with a squeeze of lemon juice for extra creaminess.
You could swap the white vinegar for apple cider vinegar for a slightly fruitier flavor.
Dont have fresh dill? Use dried dill instead (just use about half the amount) or a pinch of fennel seeds for a different twist.
Replace the teaspoon of sugar with a drizzle of honey to add a natural sweetness that blends in nicely.

Pro Tips

1. Try using a mandoline slicer to get even cucumber and onion slices; it makes the whole salad feel less clumpy and more consistent even if you don’t have a fancy tool, a sharp knife works fine too.

2. If you have extra time, let the salad chill for about an hour instead of just 30 minutes. This gives the flavors more time to meld together, even though waiting can be kind of tough when you’re hungry.

3. To keep the veggies from getting mushy, gently toss the salad after adding the dressing. Overmixing can break down the crispness of the cucumbers and onions, which is one of the best parts of the taste.

4. Don’t be afraid to adjust the tanginess to your liking. If the salad seems too mild, squeeze in a bit of lemon juice or add a smidge more vinegar—small tweaks can really brighten up the whole dish.

Creamy Cucumber Salad Recipe

Recipe by Toni Baldesera

0.0 from 0 votes

Servings

servings

Calories

125

kcal

Equipment: 1. Clean sink – For washing the cucumbers
2. Sharp knife – To slice the cucumbers and red onion
3. Cutting board – For safe and easy slicing
4. Measuring cups and spoons – To accurately measure sour cream, mayo, vinegar, and sugar
5. Large mixing bowl – For combining the dressing and tossing the veggies
6. Mixing spoon or spatula – To stir the ingredients properly
7. Refrigerator – To chill the salad and let the flavors meld

Ingredients

2 medium cucumbers, thinly sliced
1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
1/2 cup sour cream
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1 tablespoon white vinegar
1 teaspoon sugar
1 clove garlic, minced
2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

Start by washing your cucumbers and slicing them thinly, then do the same with half a red onion
In a large bowl, mix together the 1/2 cup sour cream and 1/2 cup mayonnaise until they are well combined
Stir in 1 tablespoon of white vinegar, 1 teaspoon of sugar, and the minced garlic. Make sure everything mixes well
Add in the chopped fresh dill and season with salt and pepper to taste
Toss in the sliced cucumbers and red onions with the dressing
Mix everything together slowly so that the veggies don’t break too much
Let the salad chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes so that the flavors get to know each other
Taste it and adjust any seasoning if needed before serving up this delicious creamy cucumber salad just like grandma made it!

Notes

Below you’ll find my best estimate of this recipe’s nutrition facts. Treat the numbers as a guide rather than a rule—great food should nourish both body and spirit. Figures are approximate, and the website owner assumes no liability for any inaccuracies in this recipe.