There’s something about a cold, creamy cucumber salad that instantly feels like summer. Maybe it’s the crisp bite of fresh cucumbers straight from the fridge, the cool and tangy dressing, or the way it works with almost anything from burgers on the grill and pulled pork sandwiches to potlucks and weeknight dinners.
This is a simple, refreshing, and incredibly creamy side dish packed with the nostalgic flavors of childhood backyard barbecues. The recipe combines thin slices of cucumbers and red onion with mayonnaise, sour cream, vinegar, seasonings, and just a hint of sweetness into a creamy, tangy side dish that tastes even better after chilling in the fridge. The cucumbers stay crisp, the dressing gets extra flavorful, and the whole thing becomes a recipe you want to steal bites of on your way to the cookout.
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If you haven’t noticed, one thing I really love to include on this site is recipes that work great as make-ahead options. Because life can get busy, and having meals that taste great fresh but even better the next day are great ways to ease the stress of cooking, so you can enjoy more of life. This recipe is one of those perfect make-ahead dishes, because a few hours or even a day in the fridge packs this creamy cucumber salad with fresh flavor in every bite.
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Cucumber Salad
There’s a reason creamy cucumber salad has been a side dish for years. It’s one of the easiest, most refreshing side dishes you can make, and somehow it works for almost every occasion.
Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue, putting together a quick weeknight dinner, meal prepping lunches, or bringing a side dish to a potluck, this recipe always fits right in. And if you need more convincing, here are a few more reasons why I (and you) will love this recipe!
- A delicious contrast of textures and flavors.
- So fast & easy to prepare!
- Extremely budget-friendly.
- A great way to use up fresh produce without spending much money.
- Easy to customize to your liking.
- Perfect to pair with heavy meals like rich barbecue.
- Fantastic make-ahead dish!
Keep reading to see why so many readers visit this recipe year after year.
Cucumber Salad Ingredients at-a-Glance
This cucumber salad recipe uses simple, everyday ingredients that work together to create big flavor with very little effort. The ingredient list is short, so gather the following, and you’re already halfway there.
- Cucumbers (traditional or English)
- Red Onion
- Mayonnaise
- Sour Cream
- Red Wine Vinegar
- Sugar
- Garlic Powder
- Italian Seasoning
- Salt & Pepper
Measurements for each ingredient, along with instructions for making Creamy Cucumber Salad, are in the printable recipe card below.
Printable Creamy Cucumber Salad Recipe Card
Ingredients
- 3 large English cucumbers, thinly sliced
- ½ large red onion, thinly sliced
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1 ½ tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Thinly slice your cucumbers and red onion with a mandoline. I prefer mine sliced very thin, but you can cut yours thicker if you prefer.
- Place the sliced cucumbers in a strainer in the sink or over a bowl. Sprinkle the cucumbers with 2 tsp of salt, and toss to evenly coat the cucumbers. Allow them to sit for 10-15 minutes, tossing occasionally, to allow the excess moisture in the cucumbers to drain.
- In a large bowl, add the mayonnaise, sour cream, red wine vinegar, sugar, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder. Season with salt and pepper. Whisk well to combine.
- Gently pat the cucumbers dry and add them along with the onions to the bowl of dressing. Toss well to coat. Cover and refrigerate until ready to eat.
- Before serving, give the salad one final taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
Step-by-Step Instructions with Photos
This recipe is super simple, and I’ve included a few visuals to make it even easier to understand how to make this dish! You’ll have creamy cucumber salad ready to enjoy in no time.
Step 1: Slice Cucumbers and Onions
Thinly slice the 3 large English cucumbers and 1/2 large red onion with a mandoline. I prefer mine quite thin, but you can always adjust the thickness to your liking.
Step 2: Salt the Cucumbers
Place the sliced cucumbers in a strainer in the sink or over a bowl. Sprinkle the cucumbers with 2 teaspoons of salt and toss to evenly distribute the salt. Allow them to sit for 10-15 minutes, tossing occasionally.
This helps to draw out excess moisture from the cucumbers so the salad doesn’t get too watery. Salting the cucumbers is also a great way to infuse more flavor into this dish. After about 10-15 minutes, gently pat the cucumbers dry of any excess moisture.
Step 3: Mix the Dressing
In a large bowl, add the 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 1/2 cup sour cream, 1 tbsp red wine vinegar, 1 tbsp sugar, 1 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning, and 1 tsp garlic powder. Whisk well to combine.
Step 4: Mix it All Up
Add the salted cucumbers and sliced red onions to the dressing in the bowl. Toss well to coat, cover, and refrigerate until you are ready to serve.
Homemade Italian Seasoning Recipe
If you’re all out of Italian seasoning or don’t have any on hand, I can almost guarantee you’ll have all the ingredients to make your own batch without another trip to the store! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried rosemary
- 1 tsp dried parsley
- 1 tsp dried marjoram
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
Mix all these spices together in a bowl. Set aside 1 1/2 tsp for the creamy cucumber salad, and store the rest in a jar or an airtight container for future recipes!
Expert Tips for the Best Creamy Cucumber Salad
Making creamy cucumber salad is simple, but a few small techniques can make a huge difference in its final texture and flavor.
Salt the Cucumbers
Salting the cucumbers is one of the most important steps because it removes excess moisture before mixing the salad. Cucumbers naturally contain a huge amount of water. By salting the cucumbers and letting them sit for a bit, the salt naturally draws out the water, so the cucumbers don’t release that liquid into the salad later, watering it down.
This single step dramatically improves texture and keeps the dressing creamy longer. If you skip this step, the dressing can quickly become thin and watery.
Slice the Ingredients Evenly
When slicing the cucumber and onions, I recommend using a mandoline. This is by far one of my favorite kitchen tools, and it is perfect for recipes like this, where you want perfectly even slices for the best texture. Thinly sliced cucumbers absorb flavor better and make it easier to get a bit of everything in each bite, but if you prefer a chunkier texture, you can dice the cucumbers into cubes.
Thin onions give a much more desirable flavor and texture so you aren’t biting into a strong, thick, peppery slice amongst all those smooth, creamy flavors. A mandoline makes it easy to quickly and consistently prep these veggies that are the base for this delicious salad.
Chill the Salad
Chilling the salad before serving is another game-changer. While the salad tastes good immediately, it tastes significantly better after sitting in the fridge for 30-60 minutes or even overnight. The dressing thickens slightly, the onions mellow out, and the flavors blend together much more smoothly.
Taste & Adjust Seasoning
Balance is key to any dish, and a lot of that comes from getting the seasoning right. After making the dressing, taste it before mixing everything together and gradually adjust it until you find the perfect balance of creamy to tangy. Add more vinegar, sour cream, or salt and pepper as needed, then mix everything together when it tastes just right.
As the cucumber salad sits, the flavors will blend and change, so after it has chilled and you are ready to serve, give it one more taste and add any final touches to the flavor just before serving. Cucumbers are mild by nature, which means under-seasoning can quickly lead to a bland salad. Taste and adjust salt, pepper, vinegar, and sweetness as needed.
Ingredients Substitutions & Delicious Variations
This is a wonderful recipe for its incredible flexibility: you can adjust it to dietary needs or preferences, or simply add an extra touch. Even with substitutions like the ones below, the salad stays creamy, refreshing, and delicious.
Substitutions
- Red Onions: Sweet onions or Vidalia onions work just as well.
- Mayonnaise: Swap for Greek yogurt or replace part of it with additional sour cream. You can also swap it for mashed avocado to incorporate healthier fats with a similar texture, although this will change the final taste.
- Sour Cream: Greek yogurt is the best substitute for sour cream, as it has the same texture and adds a slightly tangier flavor.
- Red Wine Vinegar: Swap for white vinegar, apple cider vinegar, or replace part of the vinegar with lemon juice.
- Sugar: Regular granulated sugar can be swapped for honey, maple syrup, or a sugar substitute like monk fruit sweetener. You can also skip the sweetener if you prefer a more savory salad without that touch of sugar.
- Italian Seasoning: Swap for freshly chopped herbs like parsley, chives, dill, or mint to give this salad an even brighter taste.
Variations
- Dairy-Free Version: Swap the mayo and sour cream for dairy-free alternatives, or use plain dairy-free yogurt.
- Fresh Dill: This is one of the best additions to put in this salad. Freshly chopped dill pairs perfectly with the flavors in this recipe.
- Tomato Salad: Cherry tomatoes or diced Roma tomatoes are a great pairing to add color and sweet, fresh flavor.
- Indulgent: Add crispy, chopped bacon for a smoky flavor and a crunchy texture.
- Bold Flavor: Add sliced jalapeños, crushed red pepper flakes, or a dash of hot sauce. It’s the perfect balance of creamy cool dressing and a kick of heat.
- Greek-Inspired: Add feta, olives, oregano, and lemon juice for a bright Mediterranean feel.
The possibilities are almost endless, which is one of the reasons it’s hard to get tired of a salad as simple and versatile as this one. This recipe is the perfect base for countless flavor combinations.
What to Serve with Creamy Cucumber Salad
This is the perfect salad for so many reasons, one of them being that it pairs well with a wide range of meals. Its cool, creamy, refreshing flavor makes it especially welcome alongside smoky, grilled, or spicy foods, where a lighter dish helps balance the plate.
One of the most popular pairings is barbecue. The creamy tanginess of cucumber salad is the perfect companion to rich smoked meats like pulled pork, brisket, or BBQ ribs. The salad presents a cool contrast to heavier BBQ flavors.
When the grill is fired up on those long summer nights, pair it with a juicy burger or grilled salmon, or take it to a summertime picnic with some chicken salad sandwiches. It’s a light and refreshing side dish that balances out bread, cheese, and savory proteins.
Here are a few more delicious options to inspire your dinner pairing with this creamy cucumber salad:
- Fried Chicken
- Fried Fish & Chips
- Spicy Sweet Taco Bowl
- Hot Dogs
- Paired with a charcuterie board
- Gyros
How to Store Leftovers
This creamy cucumber salad is delicious fresh and even better after chilling in the fridge for up to a day. Since cucumbers naturally release moisture and soften after cutting, it’s important to store this salad in an airtight container. This will help to preserve both the texture and flavor of this dish.
In general, creamy cucumber salad stays best for about 2-3 days in the fridge. After that, the cucumbers tend to lose their crispiness, and the dressing may become thinner as more moisture is released from the vegetables.
Tip: If you want to freshen leftovers, adding freshly sliced cucumbers, onions, or herbs before serving again can help restore the dish’s texture and flavor.
Cucumber Salad FAQs
Here are a few common reader questions to help you along the way with this recipe.
Why Does Cucumber Salad Get Watery?
Cucumbers naturally contain a very high water content. Once salt and dressing are added, they begin to release even more moisture, which can thin the dressing over time.
The best way to prevent this is to salt the cucumber slices beforehand and let them drain for 10-15 minutes, then pat them dry before mixing them into the dressing.
What are the Best Cucumbers for Cucumber Salad?
English cucumbers are usually the best option because they have thinner skin, fewer seeds, and less water content than standard garden cucumbers. They also tend to stay crisp longer and create better overall texture and flavor in this creamy cucumber salad.
Do I Have to Peel Cucumbers First?
Whether you peel the cucumbers is a matter of preference. I choose not to peel them in this recipe because English cucumbers have thinner skin, and I like the texture and color they add to the salad. Standard garden cucumbers often have thicker skin and a slightly more bitter taste, so you may want to peel them if using this variety, but you don’t need to.
Can I Use Only Mayo or Only Sour Cream?
You can definitely use only mayo or only sour cream in this recipe. Some people prefer an all-mayo dressing for extra richness, while others prefer an all-sour cream dressing for a tangier, lighter flavor. I like to use a mix of the two to create a balanced combination of creaminess and acidity. Greek yogurt is another great substitute, offering a healthier option that still has that tangy flavor and creamy texture.
A Salad for All Seasons
Creamy cucumber salad is one of those simple recipes that doesn’t require hours in the kitchen yet delivers the flavors of an incredibly satisfying dish. With just a few fresh ingredients and a creamy, tangy dressing, you get a side dish that’s cool, crisp, refreshing, and perfect for almost any meal.
Whether you’re serving this at a summer BBQ, family cookout, picnic, holiday gathering, or weeknight dinner, it’s the kind of recipe that’s perfect for any occasion, and will always have people coming back for seconds and thirds. The combination of crunchy cucumbers, zesty onions, and creamy dressing creates the perfect balance of texture and flavor.
This creamy cucumber salad is the perfect reminder that classic recipes stick around for a reason. They’re easy, affordable, reliable, and packed with comforting flavor that works year after year. So if you try this recipe, be sure to leave a comment and let us know how fast it disappears at your next cookout!
More Quick & Easy Side Dishes
Looking for more quick and easy recipes to bring to your next get-together? Check out this roundup of recipes that are perfect as appetizers or sides for any occasion.
Comment For the Cookout!
Did you love this recipe? Will you bring it along to your next summer BBQ or spring picnic, let us know how you plan to enjoy this meal in the comments!
