This Creamy Cucumber Salad is a timeless classic—just like Grandma used to make! Featuring crisp cucumbers, red onions, fresh dill, and a tangy creamy dressing, it’s the ultimate no-fuss side dish for summer. Whether you call it Creamy Cucumbers, Creamed Cucumbers, or just one of your favorite Cucumber Salads, this refreshing dish is perfect for backyard BBQs, potlucks, and casual weeknight dinners. Easy to prep ahead and packed with nostalgic flavor, this salad is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser all season long!

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Cucumber Salad

🥒 Fresh & Flavorful – Loaded with crunchy cucumbers and zesty dill, every bite is bursting with brightness.
🍽️ Perfect for Summer – This summer salad is made for sunny days and outdoor meals.
⏱️ Quick & Easy – Just 10 minutes of prep and a handful of ingredients is all you need.

It’s the kind of salad that’s effortlessly impressive—refreshing enough for hot afternoons, and hearty enough to stand up to grilled meats or a simple sandwich lunch.

Ingredients You’ll Need To Make Creamy Cucumber Salad

Here’s what makes this Creamy Cucumber Salad so special:

Cucumbers – Crisp, juicy cucumbers are the base of this salad. You can use classic slicing cucumbers, or go with English or Persian cucumbers for a milder, sweeter flavor and fewer seeds.
Red Onion – Thinly sliced red onion adds bite and a pop of color. You can substitute green onion, white onion, or even chives for a milder taste.
Sour Cream – Full-fat sour cream gives the dressing its signature creamy texture. Greek yogurt is a great alternative if you’re looking for a healthier twist.
Vinegar – A splash of white vinegar adds brightness and balances the richness of the cream. Golden balsamic or white wine vinegar also works beautifully.
Fresh Dill – This is the herb that truly makes this salad shine. It adds a fragrant, almost lemony flavor that pairs perfectly with cucumbers.
Sugar – Just a touch of sugar enhances the natural sweetness of the cucumbers without overpowering the dish.
Salt & Garlic Powder – These simple seasonings round everything out and add that savory kick.

How to Make Creamy Cucumber Salad

This Creamy Cucumber Salad comes together in three easy steps:

Slice the Veggies
Wash your cucumbers and slice them thinly. Use a mandoline or sharp knife for even cuts. Slice your red onion into thin rings and set aside.
Whisk the Dressing
In a large bowl, whisk together sour cream, vinegar, fresh dill, sugar, salt, and garlic powder. Adjust seasoning to taste.
Combine & Chill
Add the cucumbers and onions to the dressing. Toss gently until everything is evenly coated. Chill for at least 1 hour to let the flavors develop.
Serve & Garnish
Before serving, garnish with a sprinkle of fresh dill and cracked black pepper for that final touch of freshness.

Tips for the Best Summer Salad

Pat Cucumbers Dry: Removing excess moisture helps the dressing cling better and keeps your salad from becoming watery.
Let It Rest: This salad tastes even better after it’s been refrigerated for an hour or two.
Make Ahead Friendly: Store the sliced veggies separately and mix them with the dressing right before serving if prepping in advance.

Recipe Variations For Creamy Cucumber Salad

Want to mix things up? Try one of these tasty twists on the classic:

Add tomatoes, avocado, or chickpeas for extra texture and nutrition.
Swap dill for mint, parsley, or basil for a different flavor profile.
Stir in a spoonful of mayonnaise for added richness.
Add a squeeze of lemon juice to brighten up the flavor.
Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a lighter option.

Can You Make Creamy Cucumber Salad with Yogurt?

Absolutely! Greek yogurt is a fantastic substitute for sour cream if you’re looking for a healthier or protein-packed version. You can also experiment with ranch dressing or a mix of yogurt and mayo to customize the creaminess and flavor.

Storage & Make-Ahead Tips

Best Chilled: For the best flavor, make this salad at least 1 hour ahead of time.
Fridge Friendly: It keeps well for up to 3 days in an airtight container in the fridge.
Avoid Soggy Veggies: If you’re making it further in advance, store the dressing and veggies separately until just before serving.

More Cucumber Salad Recipes to Try

Conclusion

Whether you’re reminiscing about Grandma’s kitchen or creating new summer memories of your own, this Creamy Cucumber Salad is a timeless side dish that never goes out of style. Refreshing, easy, and endlessly customizable, it deserves a spot at every summer table.