Amazing Cucumber Salad: 3 Simple Steps

Name: Amazing Cucumber Salad: 3 Simple Steps
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 large cucumbers, thinly sliced; 1 cup sour cream; 1/4 cup mayonnaise; 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped; 1 tablespoon white vinegar; 1 teaspoon sugar; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced (optional)

by Jannet Lisa

30 de July de 2025

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Cucumber salad has been my go-to for beat-the-heat meals ever since I was a kid. My mom would whip up this incredibly refreshing side dish on the hottest summer days, and the crisp, cool crunch of the cucumbers always felt like a little bit of magic. It’s just so simple to make, and I’ve discovered that this easy cucumber salad is a crowd-pleaser every single time. If you’ve ever wondered how to make cucumber salad that’s both creamy and tangy, you’re in the right place! Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Cucumber Salad

This refreshing salad is a winner for so many reasons:

It boasts a wonderfully crisp texture and a cool, creamy flavor that’s perfect on a hot day.
You can whip up this easy cucumber salad in just 15 minutes of prep time, making it a weeknight lifesaver.
It’s packed with healthy ingredients, offering a light and refreshing option that’s good for you.
Super budget-friendly, using simple, accessible ingredients that won’t break the bank.
This creamy cucumber salad is always a hit with the whole family, even picky eaters!
The simple combination of fresh dill and tangy vinegar creates a delightful taste sensation.
It’s incredibly versatile, pairing perfectly with grilled meats, sandwiches, or as a standalone side.

Ingredients for Creamy Cucumber Salad

Gather these simple ingredients for a delightful cucumber salad with dill and vinegar. You’ll find that the quality of your produce really shines through in this simple cucumber salad dressing.

3 large cucumbers – peeled and thinly sliced; using firm cucumbers ensures a great crunch.
1 cup sour cream – the base for our creamy dressing, giving it that signature richness.
1/4 cup mayonnaise – adds another layer of creaminess and helps bind the dressing.
2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped – this herb is key for that classic dill cucumber salad flavor.
1 tablespoon white vinegar – provides a bright, tangy contrast to the creamy elements.
1 teaspoon sugar – balances the vinegar and enhances the natural sweetness of the cucumbers.
1/2 teaspoon salt – to bring out all the flavors.
1/4 teaspoon black pepper – for a subtle kick.
1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced (optional) – adds a bit of sharp flavor and color to your cucumber salad.

How to Make Cucumber Salad

Making this refreshing salad is incredibly straightforward, perfect for any occasion. You’ll get a delicious, creamy cucumber salad in no time!

Step 1: Prepare your cucumbers. Wash them thoroughly and then thinly slice them. For an even crisper salad, you can peel the cucumbers before slicing, or leave the peel on for extra nutrients and color. Uniform slicing is key for the best texture.
Step 2: Create the dressing. In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup sour cream, 1/4 cup mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons fresh dill (chopped), 1 tablespoon white vinegar, 1 teaspoon sugar, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Whisk everything together until you have a smooth and creamy cucumber salad dressing. The aroma of fresh dill mixing with the tangy vinegar is just wonderful!
Step 3: Combine ingredients. Add your sliced cucumbers and the optional 1/4 cup red onion to the bowl with the dressing.
Step 4: Toss gently. Using a spoon or spatula, gently toss all the ingredients together, ensuring each cucumber slice is evenly coated with the simple cucumber salad dressing. You want the creamy dressing to cling to every piece.
Step 5: Chill for flavor. For the absolute best flavor, cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This chilling time allows the flavors to meld beautifully, transforming it into a truly delightful marinated cucumber salad.
Step 6: Serve and enjoy! Give the salad one last gentle stir before serving your perfectly chilled and refreshing cucumber salad. It’s ready to be the star of your meal!

Pro Tips for the Best Cucumber Salad

Here are my go-to tips to make sure your cucumber salad is always a hit:

For the best texture, I always recommend using English cucumbers or Persian cucumbers, as they have fewer seeds and thinner skin, meaning you don’t even need to peel them!
Don’t skip the chilling step! Letting the salad marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes is crucial for the flavors to really meld together.
Taste and adjust seasonings before serving. You might want a little more vinegar for tang, or a touch more sugar for sweetness, depending on your preference.
If you’re making a cucumber onion salad, slice the red onion very thinly to ensure it’s not overpowering.

What’s the secret to perfect cucumber salad?

The secret is all about the prep and chill time! Using the best way to cut cucumbers for salad – thinly and uniformly – ensures they absorb the dressing beautifully. Letting it marinate allows the flavors to deepen. For more on food preparation techniques, you can explore resources on knife skills.

Can I make cucumber salad ahead of time?

Yes, absolutely! This cucumber salad is actually better when made a few hours ahead of time. It allows the cucumbers to soften slightly and soak up that delicious dressing. Just store it covered in the refrigerator. It’s a great make-ahead option, similar to how you might prepare beet salad for a gathering.

How do I avoid common mistakes with cucumber salad?

A common mistake is using watery cucumbers. Make sure to use fresh, firm ones. Also, avoid over-dressing or over-mixing, which can make the salad mushy. Gentle tossing is key!

Best Ways to Serve Cucumber Salad

This versatile salad is a fantastic accompaniment to a wide range of dishes. Its crisp and refreshing nature makes it the perfect counterpoint to richer flavors. I love serving it alongside grilled chicken or fish, as the coolness of the cucumber salad cuts through any richness beautifully.

It’s also a fantastic addition to a summer barbecue spread, pairing wonderfully with burgers, hot dogs, and pulled pork. For a lighter meal, try it with a simple sandwich or wrap. If you’re a fan of dill, this dill cucumber salad is especially delightful with roasted potatoes or a hearty lentil soup. It truly brightens up any plate!

Amazing Cucumber Salad: 3 Simple Steps - Cucumber Salad - additional detail

Nutrition Facts for Cucumber Salad

Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect in each serving of this delightful cucumber salad:

Calories: 150
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Protein: 3g
Carbohydrates: 10g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 8g
Sodium: 300mg

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used. For more information on general nutrition, you can visit the National Library of Medicine’s nutrition portal.

How to Store and Reheat Cucumber Salad

Proper storage ensures your delicious cucumber salad stays fresh and flavorful. After serving, allow any leftover salad to cool slightly before transferring it to an airtight container. I find glass containers work best for keeping this marinated cucumber salad recipe tasting great. You can store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. While it’s not ideal for freezing, if you do need to store it long-term, wrap portions tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and enjoy cold, as reheating can make the cucumbers mushy.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cucumber Salad

What makes this cucumber salad so refreshing?

The high water content in cucumbers, combined with the bright, tangy dressing, makes this salad incredibly refreshing. It’s the perfect cool-down dish for warm weather, offering a crisp bite that’s incredibly invigorating.

Can I make a cucumber salad without sour cream?

Absolutely! If you prefer a lighter or dairy-free option, you can easily make a vinegar cucumber salad. Simply omit the sour cream and mayonnaise and increase the white vinegar slightly, perhaps adding a touch more olive oil and herbs for flavor. You could also use plain Greek yogurt as a substitute for a creamy, lower-fat dressing.

How long will this cucumber salad last in the refrigerator?

This cucumber salad should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator and will typically last for about 3 to 4 days. While it’s best enjoyed within the first couple of days for optimal crispness, it remains perfectly edible for longer.

What are some good additions to a cucumber salad?

You can customize this salad easily! Consider adding thinly sliced radishes for a peppery crunch, cherry tomatoes for sweetness and color, or even some feta cheese for a salty kick. A sprinkle of fresh chives or parsley also adds a lovely freshness.

Variations of Cucumber Salad You Can Try

While this creamy cucumber salad is fantastic on its own, I love experimenting with different flavor profiles! If you’re looking for something a bit different, try these easy twists. For a vibrant and slightly sweet option, consider a cucumber tomato salad recipe, adding chopped cherry tomatoes and a sprinkle of fresh basil.

Another popular choice is a classic cucumber onion salad recipe, where you can boost the onion flavor by using a mix of red and green onions. If you prefer a tangier bite, a German cucumber salad recipe often incorporates a bit of Dijon mustard into the vinegar dressing. For a lighter, dairy-free take, simply omit the sour cream and mayonnaise and increase the vinegar and oil, perhaps adding some fresh herbs like chives or parsley.