This Easy Creamy Cucumber Salad is a refreshing delight! With crisp cucumbers and a smooth, tangy dressing, it’s perfect for a quick side dish on warm days.
You can whip it up in no time, just chop, mix, and serve. I love pairing it with grilled meals—such a great way to cool down! 🥒😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cucumbers: Medium cucumbers work great, but consider using Persian or English cucumbers for a sweeter, thinner skin. If you’re short on fresh cucumbers, zucchini can be a fun alternative.
Onion: White onion adds a nice bite, but for a milder taste, go with a sweet onion like Vidalia or a red onion. Shallots are also a lovely choice for a subtle flavor.
Sour Cream: Sour cream gives a creamy texture, but you can swap it with Greek yogurt for a healthier, tangy option. If dairy isn’t an option, try dairy-free yogurt for a similar effect.
Dill: Fresh dill truly brightens this salad. If you can’t find fresh, dried dill works too; just use half since dried herbs are more concentrated. You could also use other herbs like parsley or chives.
How Do You Make Sure the Cucumber Salad Is Not Watery?
To avoid watery cucumber salad, salting the cucumbers is key! Here’s how to do it:
- After slicing the cucumbers, sprinkle them lightly with salt and let them sit for about 10-15 minutes. This draws out excess moisture.
- Pat them dry with a paper towel before mixing in the dressing. This keeps your creamy salad from becoming soupy!
Following these steps will ensure a fresh, crisp salad that holds up well, bringing out the flavors beautifully. Enjoy!
Easy Creamy Cucumber Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 3 medium cucumbers, thinly sliced (about 4 cups)
- 1/2 small white onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 tbsp white vinegar
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 2 tbsp fresh dill, chopped (or 1 tbsp dried dill)
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful salad takes about 15 minutes to prepare, plus an additional 30 minutes to chill in the refrigerator. It’s a quick and easy dish that you can whip up and have ready to enjoy in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Cucumbers
Start by washing your cucumbers thoroughly. Then, using a sharp knife or a mandoline slicer, thinly slice the cucumbers. Place the slices into a large mixing bowl. The thinner you slice them, the easier it will be to mix with the dressing!
2. Add the Onion
Next, take half of a small white onion and slice it thinly. Add the onion slices to the bowl with the cucumbers. The onion will add a lovely crunch and flavor to your salad!
3. Make the Creamy Dressing
In another small bowl, combine the sour cream, white vinegar, sugar, fresh dill, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Whisk everything together until the mixture is smooth and all the ingredients are well combined. This dressing should have a nice balance of creamy and tangy!
4. Combine the Salad
Pour the creamy dressing over the cucumbers and onions in the large bowl. Gently toss everything together so that the dressing evenly coats all the cucumber and onion slices. Be careful not to crush the cucumbers while mixing!
5. Chill and Meld Flavors
Cover your bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and place it in the refrigerator. Allow the salad to chill for at least 30 minutes. This resting time lets the flavors meld together and helps the salad taste even better!
6. Serve & Enjoy
Before serving, give the salad a light toss to combine any dressing that may have settled. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed, adding more salt or pepper according to your preference. Serve chilled as a refreshing side dish!
Enjoy your fresh and creamy cucumber salad as a cool complement to any meal!
FAQ for Easy Creamy Cucumber Salad
Can I Use Different Types of Cucumbers?
Absolutely! While standard medium cucumbers work well, Persian or English cucumbers are great alternatives. They are sweeter and have thinner skins, which can enhance the flavor of your salad.
How Can I Reduce the Wateriness of the Salad?
To prevent your salad from becoming watery, sprinkle the sliced cucumbers with salt and let them sit for about 10-15 minutes to draw out excess moisture. Pat them dry with paper towels before mixing in the dressing.
Can I Prepare This Salad in Advance?
Yes, you can make this salad a few hours ahead of time! Just prepare it according to the instructions, but hold off on adding the dressing until about 30 minutes before serving to maintain the crispness of the cucumbers.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Just keep in mind that the cucumbers may release more water over time, so it’s best enjoyed fresh!
