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–+ servings
Creamy Cucumber Salad 1

Creamy Cucumber Salad

This refreshingly crisp and delightfully creamy cucumber salad combines the cooling properties of fresh cucumbers with a tangy, herb-infused dressing that's perfect for balancing rich BBQ dishes. Whether you're hosting a backyard cookout or need a quick side dish for a weeknight meal, this simple yet impressive recipe will become your go-to summer favorite.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 0 minutes
Chilling Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Side Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 6 servings
Calories 95 kcal

Equipment

  • Colander
  • Mandoline (optional)
  • Mixing Bowl

Ingredients
  

For the Salad

  • 2 large English cucumbers or 4-5 Persian cucumbers for extra crispness
  • 1/2 medium red onion thinly sliced
  • 1 tsp salt for drawing out cucumber moisture

For the Dressing

  • 1/2 cup sour cream Greek yogurt works as a lighter alternative
  • 2 tbsp mayonnaise
  • 1 tbsp white vinegar apple cider vinegar is a good alternative
  • 2 tbsp fresh dill finely chopped
  • 1 tsp sugar or honey for a natural sweetener
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions
 

  • Wash the cucumbers thoroughly and decide whether to peel them. For English cucumbers, the skin is tender enough to leave on. Slice the cucumbers into thin (approximately 1/8-inch) rounds.
  • Place cucumber slices in a colander, sprinkle with 1 teaspoon of salt, and let sit for 10 minutes. This draws out excess moisture, preventing your salad from becoming watery later.
  • After salting, gently pat the cucumber slices with paper towels to remove surface moisture.
  • Slice the red onion thinly and place in cold water for 5 minutes to mellow the sharp flavor.
  • In a medium bowl, combine sour cream, mayonnaise, vinegar, sugar, garlic powder, fresh dill, salt, and pepper. Whisk until smooth and well incorporated.
  • Pat the onions dry, then add the cucumber slices and onion to a large bowl. Pour the dressing over and gently toss until everything is evenly coated.
  • For best flavor development, refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.

Notes

For a lighter version, use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream and mayonnaise, reducing calories by approximately 30% while boosting protein content.
For a dairy-free option, substitute coconut yogurt, which adds a subtle sweetness that complements the cucumbers beautifully.
This salad stays fresh in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, though it's best enjoyed within 24 hours when the cucumbers still maintain their signature crunch.

Nutrition

Calories: 95kcalCarbohydrates: 5gProtein: 1.5gFat: 8gSaturated Fat: 3gSodium: 230mgFiber: 1gSugar: 3g
Keyword Cucumber Salad, Creamy Cucumber Salad, Summer Salad, Cucumber Dill Salad
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