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If you’re looking for a delightful side dish that’s both refreshing and indulgently smooth, this Creamy Cucumber Salad Recipe has got you covered. With crisp cucumbers and sharp red onion perfectly balanced by a tangy, herby sour cream dressing, this salad is a summer classic that’s simple yet bursting with flavor. It’s one of those dishes you’ll want to make again and again, whether for a picnic, potluck, or a quick fresh bite alongside your favorite meals.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this salad lies in its straightforward, fresh ingredients that each bring something important to the table. From the cool crunch of cucumber to the herbal brightness of dill, every element creates a symphony of flavors and textures.
- English cucumbers: Their thin skin and minimal seeds make them perfect for a crisp, tender bite without bitterness.
- Red onion: Adds subtle sharpness and a lovely punch of color to contrast the creaminess.
- Kosher salt: Essential for drawing moisture out of the cucumbers, keeping the salad crisp and vibrant.
- Sour cream: The creamy heart of the dressing that provides rich tang and velvety texture.
- White vinegar: Brightens the dressing with a gentle acidity that balances the cream’s richness.
- Sugar: A pinch to mellow the acidity and bring harmony to all flavors.
- Fresh dill: Offers aromatic, slightly citrusy notes that elevate the salad to something truly special.
How to Make Creamy Cucumber Salad Recipe
Step 1: Slice the Vegetables Thinly
Start by slicing the English cucumbers and red onion into thin, even rounds. Using a mandolin is ideal for consistency, but a sharp knife and a steady hand work just fine. Thin slices are key to ensuring every bite is tender and easy to enjoy without overwhelming the palate.
Step 2: Salt and Rest the Veggies
Place the sliced cucumbers and onions in a colander set over the sink. Sprinkle kosher salt evenly over them and toss gently to coat. Let this rest for about 30 minutes. This step is crucial because the salt draws out excess moisture from the cucumbers, which keeps your salad from becoming watery and helps maintain that satisfying crunch.
Step 3: Prepare the Dressing
While the cucumbers rest, whisk together the sour cream, white vinegar, sugar, and fresh dill in a bowl until the mixture is smooth and well combined. This creamy dressing is where the magic happens, marrying tangy, sweet, and herbaceous notes into one luscious sauce.
Step 4: Drain and Dry the Vegetables
After the resting period, carefully pat the cucumbers and onions dry with a clean towel or paper towels. Avoid rinsing them, as this would wash away the salt that’s helped pull out the extra liquid, which is essential for keeping the salad crisp.
Step 5: Combine and Chill
Transfer the cucumbers and onion into a large bowl, pour the dressing over, and toss gently until everything is evenly coated. For the best flavor, allow the salad to chill in the fridge for at least 10–15 minutes before serving, letting all the flavors marry beautifully.
How to Serve Creamy Cucumber Salad Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle extra fresh dill or finely chopped chives on top for a fresh, vibrant touch. A grind of black pepper can add an unexpected little kick that complements the creamy dressing perfectly.
Side Dishes
This salad shines alongside grilled meats like chicken or salmon, BBQ ribs, or even as part of a picnic spread with sandwiches and fresh bread. Its cool creaminess is a welcome contrast to smoky, spicy, or hearty dishes.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the Creamy Cucumber Salad Recipe in small glass jars for an elegant individual presentation. For parties, layering the salad with crumbled feta or sliced radishes adds colorful layers and a bit more texture and flavor complexity.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Due to the fresh nature of the cucumbers, the salad is best consumed within 2 days to enjoy optimal crispness and flavor.
Freezing
This salad doesn’t freeze well because cucumbers release too much water and lose their crunch, so it’s best to avoid freezing and instead aim to enjoy it fresh.
Reheating
Reheating is not recommended for this salad since it loses all its delightful fresh texture and the dressing may separate. Serve it cold for the best experience.
FAQs
Can I use regular cucumbers instead of English cucumbers?
Yes, but English cucumbers are preferable because they have thinner skins and fewer seeds, which means less bitterness and a more tender texture in your Creamy Cucumber Salad Recipe.
Is sour cream the only option for the dressing?
Sour cream is traditional and provides a creamy tang, but you can substitute Greek yogurt for a lighter version without losing much flavor or creaminess.
How long should I salt the cucumbers?
About 30 minutes is ideal. This time allows the salt to draw out excess moisture without making the cucumbers too salty or soft, ensuring a crisp, refreshing salad.
Can I prepare this salad in advance for a party?
Definitely! Just mix the salad and dress it, then refrigerate for a few hours before serving. Just be mindful not to prepare it more than a day ahead to keep the cucumbers from turning soggy.
What if I don’t have fresh dill? Can I use dried?
You can use dried dill, but use about half the amount since dried herbs are more potent. Fresh dill will provide a brighter, fresher flavor that really makes this salad sing.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Cucumber Salad Recipe is a perfect example of how a few simple ingredients come together to create a dish bursting with freshness, texture, and flavor. It’s always a hit whether you’re looking for a quick afternoon snack or a beautiful side dish for dinner. Go ahead, give it a try—and watch it quickly become one of your favorite go-to salads!
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Creamy Cucumber Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 40 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Creamy Cucumber Salad is a refreshing and tangy side dish perfect for summer. Thinly sliced cucumbers and red onion are salted to draw out excess moisture, then combined with a smooth dressing made from sour cream, vinegar, sugar, and fresh dill. The salad offers a delicious balance of creamy, crunchy, and zesty flavors, making it an ideal accompaniment for grilled dishes or as a light snack.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 2 English cucumbers
- 1/4 medium red onion
Seasoning
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
Dressing
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/3 cup white vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill (or 1 tablespoon dried dill)
Instructions
- Slice the Vegetables: By hand or with a mandolin, slice the cucumbers and red onion thinly to ensure a delicate texture that will absorb the dressing well.
- Salt and Drain: Place the sliced cucumbers and onions into a colander set in the sink. Sprinkle kosher salt over the veggies and toss to coat evenly. Let them sit for 30 minutes to draw out excess liquid, which helps keep the cucumbers crisp in the final salad.
- Prepare the Dressing: While the veggies are resting, combine the sour cream, white vinegar, sugar, and fresh dill in a bowl. Whisk these ingredients together until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
- Dry the Vegetables: After the resting period, use a clean towel or paper towels to pat the cucumbers and onions dry, removing any excess liquid released by salting. Avoid rinsing as this would remove the flavor and crispness developed.
- Combine and Toss: Transfer the dried cucumbers and onions into a large bowl. Add the prepared dressing and mix thoroughly to coat all the vegetables evenly. If time allows, refrigerate for a short while to meld the flavors before serving.
Notes
- Using a mandolin slicer ensures uniform thin slices, but a sharp knife works as well.
- Do not rinse the cucumbers after salting to maintain their flavor and crisp texture.
- You can substitute fresh dill with dried dill, but fresh dill provides a brighter flavor.
- This salad is best served chilled and can be refrigerated for up to 24 hours.
- For a dairy-free alternative, consider using a vegan sour cream substitute.
