Are you looking for a refreshing side dish that’s both creamy and light? This creamy cucumber salad is exactly what you need! I’ve been making this family favorite for years, and it never fails to disappear at summer barbecues and potlucks.
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Why You’ll Love This Creamy Cucumber Salad
Nothing beats the cool crunch of fresh cucumbers mixed with a tangy sour cream dressing. This salad is super easy to make and uses simple ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen. Plus, it’s the perfect match for almost any main dish!
What You’ll Need
The secret to an amazing creamy cucumber salad is using fresh ingredients. Here’s what you’ll want to grab:
* 2 large English cucumbers (they’re less watery than regular cucumbers)
* 1 medium red onion
* 1/2 cup sour cream
* 1/4 cup mayonnaise
* 2 tablespoons fresh dill
* 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
* Salt and pepper to taste
Making Your Creamy Cucumber Salad
Let me walk you through how to make this refreshing creamy salad step by step!
Step 1: Prep Your Vegetables
First, grab your sharp knife and cutting board. Thinly slice the cucumbers – you want them about as thick as a quarter. Some people like to peel their cucumbers, but I leave the skin on for extra color and nutrients.
Next, thinly slice the red onion into half-moons. If you find raw onions too strong, here’s a pro tip: soak your sliced onions in cold water for about 10 minutes. This takes away that sharp bite while keeping all the flavor.
Step 2: Make the Creamy Dressing
In a small bowl, mix together:
* Your sour cream
* Mayonnaise
* Chopped fresh dill
* Apple cider vinegar
* A pinch of salt and pepper
The salad dressing should be smooth and creamy. Give it a taste – this is your chance to adjust the seasonings!
Step 3: Put It All Together
Toss your sliced cucumbers and onions with the creamy dressing. Make sure everything gets evenly coated. The salad is ready to eat right away, but it gets even better if you let it chill in the fridge for an hour.
Tips for the Best Cucumber Salad Recipe
Want to make sure your creamy cucumber salad turns out perfect every time? Here are my favorite tips:
1. Use English cucumbers if you can find them. They have fewer seeds and thinner skin than regular cucumbers. - Check out this guide explaining cucumber varieties.
2. Don’t skip the fresh dill! While dried dill will work in a pinch, fresh dill gives this salad an amazing garden-fresh taste.
3. If your cucumbers are really watery, sprinkle them with a little salt and let them sit in a colander for 30 minutes before mixing the salad. This helps keep your dressing creamy instead of watery.
Make It Your Own
Love experimenting in the kitchen? Here are some tasty ways to change up this basic recipe:
* Swap the sour cream mayonnaise for Greek yogurt for a lighter version
* Add cherry tomatoes for extra color and flavor
* Mix in some crumbled feta cheese
* Add a splash of lemon juice for extra tang
What to Serve It With
This creamy cucumber salad goes great with:
* Grilled meats – best grilling recipes for summer entertaining
* Sandwiches
* Burgers
* Spicy foods (the cool, creamy dressing is perfect with heat!)
Storage Tips
This salad will keep in the fridge for 2-3 days, but it’s best enjoyed within 24 hours. The cucumbers will continue to release water as they sit, so you might need to drain off some liquid before serving leftovers.
Where to Find the Best Ingredients
I always recommend getting the freshest ingredients possible for this salad. Your local farmer’s market is perfect for finding crisp cucumbers and fresh dill during the summer months. For kitchen tools and pantry staples, check out my recommended products page.
Ready to make this creamy cucumber salad? Trust me, once you try it, it’ll become your go-to summer side dish. The combination of cool cucumbers, tangy sour cream dressing, and fresh herbs is absolutely unbeatable!
Remember to share your creations with me in the comments below, and don’t forget to save this recipe for later!
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