Servings: 6

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Chill Time: 30 minutes

This Creamy Cucumber Salad is a refreshing, crunchy, and flavorful side dish made with crisp cucumbers, red onion, fresh dill, and a creamy homemade dressing. The dressing combines sour cream and Greek yogurt with lemon juice, vinegar, garlic, and simple seasonings, creating the perfect balance of creamy, tangy, and fresh flavors.

It is an excellent recipe for summer gatherings, family dinners, picnics, barbecues, and potlucks. The salad requires no cooking and can be prepared in just a few minutes. Chilling it before serving allows the cucumbers and dressing to absorb all the delicious flavors.

3 large fresh cucumbers, thinly sliced

½ small red onion, thinly sliced

½ cup sour cream

½ cup plain Greek yogurt

2 tablespoons fresh dill, finely chopped

1 tablespoon lemon juice

1 tablespoon white vinegar

1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil

1 garlic clove, minced

½ teaspoon salt

¼ teaspoon black pepper

½ teaspoon sugar or honey, optional

1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped, optional

1. Prepare the Cucumbers

Wash and dry the cucumbers thoroughly. Slice them into thin, even rounds. You can use a mandoline slicer for quick and consistent slices.

Place the sliced cucumbers in a colander and sprinkle them lightly with salt. Allow them to sit for about 10–15 minutes. Cucumbers contain a lot of water, and this step helps remove some of the excess moisture.

Gently pat the cucumbers dry with paper towels. Do not squeeze them too aggressively because you still want them to remain crisp.

2. Prepare the Creamy Dressing

In a medium mixing bowl, combine the sour cream, Greek yogurt, lemon juice, white vinegar, olive oil, minced garlic, fresh dill, black pepper, and optional sugar or honey.

Whisk everything together until the dressing is smooth and creamy.

Taste the dressing and adjust the seasoning if needed. Add a little more lemon juice for extra tanginess or more dill for a stronger fresh-herb flavor.

3. Combine the Salad

Place the prepared cucumber slices and red onion in a large serving bowl.

Pour the creamy dressing over the vegetables. Using a large spoon or spatula, gently toss everything together until the cucumbers and onions are evenly coated.

Be careful not to mix too aggressively, as the cucumber slices can become soft or break apart.

4. Chill Before Serving

Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. For even better flavor, you can chill it for up to 2 hours.

Give the salad a gentle toss just before serving. Garnish with additional fresh dill or parsley.

Recipe Tips

For the best texture, use firm, fresh cucumbers. English cucumbers are especially good because they have thin skins and fewer seeds.

Salting and draining the cucumbers is an important step because it prevents the dressing from becoming watery.

Fresh dill gives this salad its classic flavor, but dried dill can be used if necessary. If using dried dill, start with about 1 teaspoon and adjust to taste.

For extra crunch, add thinly sliced radishes. You can also add a few cherry tomatoes for color and freshness.

Serving Suggestions

Creamy Cucumber Salad pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken, baked fish, steak, burgers, roasted potatoes, sandwiches, and Mediterranean-style meals. Serve it cold alongside warm grilled foods for a refreshing contrast.

It also makes an excellent addition to summer picnics and BBQ gatherings because it can be prepared ahead of time.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The cucumbers may release additional water as they sit, so gently stir the salad before serving.

Approximate per serving:

Calories: 135

Protein: 5g

Carbohydrates: 8g

Fat: 9g

Fiber: 1g

Sugar: 4g