This Creamy Cucumber Salad offers a burst of freshness with every bite. The crisp cucumbers pair perfectly with the tangy, creamy dressing, while the fresh herbs—dill, parsley, and chives—add a delightful burst of flavor. It’s a light, refreshing dish that makes for the perfect side to accompany grilled meats, seafood, or as a snack on its own. Whether served at a summer picnic, a family barbecue, or as a simple weeknight dinner side, this salad is guaranteed to be a hit. It’s easy to prepare, and the creamy dressing combined with the cool cucumbers makes it a great way to stay refreshed on warm days. Plus, with a dash of fresh herbs and a touch of olive oil, it’s a salad that feels both light and indulgent at the same time.
Full recipe:
Ingredients:
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2 large cucumbers, peeled and sliced
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1 teaspoon kosher salt
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1 cup sour cream
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1/2 cup mayonnaise
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2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
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1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
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1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
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1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
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1 tablespoon fresh chives, chopped
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1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
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1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
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1 tablespoon olive oil
Directions:
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Place the sliced cucumbers in a large colander and sprinkle with the kosher salt. Toss to combine and set aside for 10 minutes to allow excess water to drain out.
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In a large bowl, combine the sour cream, mayonnaise, white wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, dill, parsley, chives, black pepper, and garlic powder. Stir until well blended.
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After the cucumbers have drained, pat them dry with a paper towel to remove any remaining moisture. Add the cucumbers to the dressing and toss to coat evenly.
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Drizzle olive oil over the salad and give it one final toss to combine.
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Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 0 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Kcal: 120 kcal per serving | Servings: 4 servings
Creamy Cucumber Salad: A Refreshing Classic
Cucumbers are one of those vegetables that seem to always be in season. They are light, refreshing, and perfect for making salads that pair well with a variety of dishes. Creamy Cucumber Salad is a classic dish that brings out the best in cucumbers by combining them with a tangy and creamy dressing. This recipe is simple yet packs a punch with fresh flavors from herbs like dill, parsley, and chives. It’s a versatile side dish that works beautifully for casual family dinners or elegant gatherings.
A Refreshing and Creamy Side Dish
Cucumber salads have been a staple in many cultures for centuries, prized for their crisp texture and hydrating qualities. When you add a creamy dressing, the result is a dish that is cool, creamy, and incredibly satisfying, especially when served on a warm day. The creamy element of this recipe comes from a blend of sour cream and mayonnaise, which perfectly balances the natural freshness of the cucumbers.
In this version of the creamy cucumber salad, the dressing is lightened up with white wine vinegar and Dijon mustard, giving the salad a nice tangy kick that elevates its flavor. The result is a refreshing side that perfectly complements heavy mains like grilled meats, seafood, or even vegetarian dishes.
Health Benefits of Cucumbers
Cucumbers are not only tasty but also offer a wealth of health benefits. High in water content (about 95%), cucumbers are great for hydration, especially during the warmer months. Hydration is key for maintaining healthy skin, improving digestion, and supporting overall body function. The water in cucumbers also helps in detoxification, flushing out toxins from the body and keeping the kidneys in check.
Furthermore, cucumbers are a low-calorie food, which makes them a great option for those watching their calorie intake. With only about 16 calories per cup, they are an excellent choice for anyone trying to maintain or lose weight. The high fiber content in cucumbers also aids in digestion, helping to prevent constipation and promote a healthy gut.
In this creamy cucumber salad recipe, cucumbers are complemented with fresh herbs that not only provide flavor but also add health benefits. Dill, parsley, and chives are rich in vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin C and calcium, and they have been known to have antioxidant properties, further boosting the nutritional value of this salad.
Why This Recipe Stands Out
This Creamy Cucumber Salad is the best because it balances flavors in a way that is both simple and sophisticated. The creamy dressing is not overpowering, allowing the cucumbers to shine through while adding richness and a tangy note from the mustard and vinegar. The fresh herbs provide bursts of flavor that elevate this dish from a typical cucumber salad to something special.
Another reason this recipe is so beloved is because of its versatility. You can adjust the ingredients based on your preferences. If you’re not a fan of mayonnaise, feel free to swap it out for Greek yogurt or even sour cream alone for a different flavor profile. The herbs can be mixed and matched as well—fresh mint, tarragon, or basil would all work wonderfully in this recipe, offering a slightly different twist. This makes it easy to adapt the salad to your taste.
This salad also works as a perfect accompaniment to a wide range of dishes, from grilled chicken and roasted vegetables to heavier mains like burgers or barbecued ribs. Its refreshing taste helps to cut through the richness of many main dishes, adding balance to any meal.
Perfect for All Occasions
One of the reasons this creamy cucumber salad is so popular is because it is incredibly versatile and easy to prepare. Whether you’re hosting a barbecue, a potluck, or a casual family dinner, this salad is guaranteed to be a hit. It can be prepared ahead of time and chilled in the fridge, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully. This makes it an excellent option for meal prepping, especially when you need to prepare a side dish that requires minimal effort.
The beauty of this recipe is that it is appropriate for almost every occasion. It’s light and refreshing for summer meals, but it also works well as a complement to heavier dishes in the winter. The freshness of the cucumber paired with the creaminess of the dressing provides a lovely contrast to rich, comforting dishes like stews, roasts, and casseroles.
Customizing the Recipe to Suit Your Needs
This recipe for creamy cucumber salad is highly customizable. For a dairy-free or vegan option, you can swap out the sour cream and mayonnaise for plant-based alternatives like vegan sour cream and cashew or soy-based mayonnaise. For those who prefer a lighter option, using Greek yogurt in place of the sour cream and mayonnaise will provide the same creamy texture with added protein.
If you’re looking to add a bit of crunch, you can add thinly sliced red onion or even some chopped nuts such as walnuts or almonds. For an extra punch of flavor, try adding a squeeze of lemon juice or a dash of hot sauce to the dressing. The beauty of this salad is its flexibility, and you can always make adjustments based on what you have in your pantry or your personal flavor preferences.
A Great Make-Ahead Salad
Creamy cucumber salad is a perfect dish for meal prepping. Not only does it come together quickly, but it also keeps well in the refrigerator for several days. If you are preparing this salad ahead of time for a party or event, just make sure to cover and refrigerate it for at least an hour to allow the flavors to come together.
The cucumbers may release some moisture as the salad sits, so it’s always a good idea to drain them well before mixing with the dressing. After chilling, you can give the salad a quick toss to redistribute the flavors and enjoy it again. This makes it a convenient choice when preparing meals for the week or for busy weeknights.
Conclusion
Creamy Cucumber Salad is a simple yet refreshing dish that perfectly combines the freshness of cucumbers with the richness of a tangy, creamy dressing. With its ability to complement a wide variety of main dishes, this salad is a versatile and healthy option for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a summer BBQ or looking for a light side dish for a weeknight meal, this creamy cucumber salad will never disappoint. It’s easy to make, can be customized to suit your tastes, and offers a refreshing burst of flavor with every bite. Enjoy this delightful salad as a nutritious and delicious addition to your meal lineup!