This creamy cucumber salad is the perfect balance of cool, crisp cucumbers and tangy dressing, making it a refreshing side dish for summer. The dill adds a fragrant touch, and the combination of sour cream and mayonnaise provides a creamy, indulgent texture.
Ideal for outdoor gatherings or a simple family meal, this salad is easy to prepare, and the flavors get even better as it sits in the fridge. Its simple yet elegant presentation, with vibrant green cucumbers and red onions, makes it an eye-catching dish that will elevate any table setting.
Full recipe:
Ingredients:
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2 medium cucumbers, thinly sliced
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1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced
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1/2 cup sour cream
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2 tablespoons mayonnaise
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1 tablespoon white vinegar
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1 teaspoon fresh dill, chopped (or 1/2 teaspoon dried dill)
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1 teaspoon sugar
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Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
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Slice the cucumbers and red onion thinly and place them in a large bowl.
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In a separate small bowl, combine the sour cream, mayonnaise, white vinegar, dill, sugar, salt, and pepper. Stir well to create the creamy dressing.
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Pour the dressing over the cucumbers and onion, mixing until evenly coated.
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Cover and refrigerate the salad for at least 1 hour before serving, to allow the flavors to meld together.
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Give the salad a good stir before serving, and enjoy!
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 0 minutes | Total Time: 10 minutes
Kcal: 130 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
Background of the Recipe
The creamy cucumber salad is a dish that has been a staple in many households for years. With its origins rooted in fresh, simple ingredients, it’s an easy-to-make salad that requires minimal preparation but delivers maximum flavor. Traditionally, cucumber salad is a combination of cucumbers and a tangy dressing, but this recipe takes it a step further by adding creamy sour cream and mayonnaise, which gives it a rich and indulgent texture.
The versatility of this salad makes it a perfect dish for almost any occasion. Whether you are looking for a light lunch, a side dish for a hearty main course, or something to bring to a summer potluck or barbecue, this creamy cucumber salad fits the bill. The ingredients are common, inexpensive, and easy to find, making it accessible for anyone to recreate. It’s a dish that can be quickly thrown together, yet it feels indulgent due to the creamy dressing, which adds a comforting richness.
Why This Recipe is So Popular
What makes this recipe stand out is its perfect balance of flavors and textures. The crunchy, refreshing cucumbers are the star of the dish, while the tomatoes bring a burst of sweetness. The red onion adds a mild sharpness, and the creamy dressing brings everything together. The use of dill in the recipe adds an herby note that brightens up the dish, giving it an extra layer of flavor.
Another reason this creamy cucumber salad has become so beloved is its versatility. You can easily adjust the ingredients to suit your tastes. For example, you can substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream for a lighter option that’s still creamy but with added protein. You can also experiment with different herbs like parsley, basil, or chives if you prefer something other than dill. Additionally, you can switch up the vinegar used in the dressing, such as using red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar, depending on your flavor preference. This flexibility makes it an excellent dish to adapt to different occasions, tastes, and dietary preferences.
The Health Benefits of Creamy Cucumber Salad
While creamy cucumber salad may seem like an indulgent dish, it does offer several health benefits, particularly when made with fresh and wholesome ingredients. Cucumbers are incredibly hydrating because they are made up of over 90% water, which helps keep the body hydrated. This makes them particularly refreshing, especially in warmer weather. They are also low in calories and contain essential vitamins and minerals, including Vitamin K, Vitamin C, and potassium. Cucumbers have antioxidants that help protect the body from free radicals, and their high water content aids digestion and promotes healthy skin.
Tomatoes, another key ingredient in this salad, are rich in vitamins such as Vitamin C, potassium, and folate. They are also a great source of antioxidants, particularly lycopene, which has been linked to reduced risks of heart disease and certain cancers. The red onion adds another boost of health benefits, including anti-inflammatory properties and potential cardiovascular benefits.
The creamy dressing, made with sour cream and mayonnaise, provides a source of fat that helps the body absorb fat-soluble vitamins like Vitamins A, D, E, and K. However, to keep the salad on the healthier side, you can use lighter versions of these ingredients, or opt for alternatives such as Greek yogurt. This way, you can still enjoy the creamy texture without all the extra calories.
Why This Creamy Cucumber Salad is the Best Option for Every Occasion
One of the biggest reasons why this creamy cucumber salad stands out is its ease of preparation. Unlike more complex salads that require chopping, roasting, or other time-consuming steps, this salad can be made in just 10 minutes. This makes it a great option for busy weeknights when you need something quick and refreshing to serve alongside dinner. It’s also perfect for meal prep since it can be stored in the refrigerator for several hours, or even overnight, allowing the flavors to meld together even more.
This salad is not only easy to prepare but also incredibly versatile. It pairs well with almost any main dish. Whether you’re serving it alongside grilled meats, fish, or even as a vegetarian dish on its own, the creamy cucumber salad adds a refreshing contrast to heavier meals. Its light, cool nature is a perfect complement to a hot summer day or a barbecue, making it a popular choice for outdoor gatherings, picnics, or family cookouts.
Additionally, this salad can easily be adapted for different dietary needs. You can make it vegan by substituting the sour cream and mayonnaise for plant-based alternatives. You can also make it dairy-free by using dairy-free yogurt instead of sour cream. It’s naturally gluten-free, making it suitable for those with gluten sensitivities or those on a gluten-free diet.
Tips for Making the Perfect Creamy Cucumber Salad
While the recipe is simple, there are a few tips to ensure that your creamy cucumber salad turns out perfectly every time. First, when slicing the cucumbers, try to slice them as thinly as possible to create a delicate texture that pairs well with the creamy dressing. You can peel the cucumbers if you prefer, but leaving the skin on gives the salad extra color and nutrients.
Another important tip is to salt the cucumbers before assembling the salad. Cucumbers have a high water content, and salting them helps draw out some of the excess moisture, ensuring that your salad doesn’t become watery. After salting, let the cucumbers sit for about 10-15 minutes, then gently pat them dry with paper towels to remove any excess water.
For the dressing, you can easily customize the flavor to suit your preferences. If you like your salad tangier, you can add more vinegar or even a squeeze of lemon juice. For a sweeter version, add a little more sugar. The key is to taste as you go and adjust the seasoning until you achieve the balance of flavors you love.
Conclusion
The creamy cucumber salad is a classic, refreshing, and easy-to-make dish that offers both comfort and health benefits. It’s a versatile side dish that can accompany any meal, whether casual or formal, and can be customized to suit a variety of tastes and dietary needs. Its light, crisp, and creamy nature makes it an ideal choice for summer meals, and its simple ingredients make it accessible to everyone. Whether you’re preparing it for a family dinner or a backyard barbecue, this creamy cucumber salad will undoubtedly be a crowd-pleaser and an essential part of your recipe repertoire.