When summer cucumbers are crisp, fresh, and plentiful, this Creamy Cucumber Salad is an easy way to turn them into a refreshing side dish. Thinly sliced cucumbers and red onion are tossed in a tangy sour cream dressing with fresh lemon juice and chopped dill. The result is cool, creamy, and bright, with just enough onion bite and herbal flavor to complement everything from grilled meats to simple sandwiches.
This straightforward recipe uses three medium cucumbers, a little red onion, sour cream, the juice of one lemon, and fresh dill, along with kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper. It takes about 15 minutes to prepare, making it a practical choice for backyard barbecues, picnics, potlucks, and weeknight dinners. Because the ingredient list is short, fresh produce makes a noticeable difference in the finished salad.
For the best texture, slice the cucumbers and red onion thinly so they mix easily with the dressing and are simple to serve. In a separate bowl, whisk the sour cream with lemon juice and chopped dill until smooth, then season with salt and pepper. Toss the dressing with the cucumber and onion just before serving so the vegetables stay crisp. If you’re preparing the salad ahead, keep the dressing separate and combine everything closer to mealtime; cucumbers naturally release water as they sit.
A mandoline vegetable slicer can help you cut the cucumbers and onion into even, thin slices quickly. Use the hand guard and follow the manufacturer’s safety instructions, especially when slicing the last pieces.
Finish the salad with a little extra fresh dill and freshly cracked black pepper. It pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, burgers, barbecue ribs, roasted potatoes, or sandwiches. The cool, tangy dressing is especially welcome alongside smoky or richly seasoned dishes, helping balance the meal without requiring extra cooking.
Whether you’re using cucumbers from your garden or picking them up at the market, this creamy cucumber salad is an uncomplicated summer favorite. With fresh dill, bright lemon, and a smooth sour cream dressing, it delivers plenty of flavor with very little effort.
Want more cucumber recipes? Try these out:
- Cool Cucumber Dressing
- Noodle Bar’s Spicy Cucumbers
- Easy Garlic Cucumber Dip
- Thai Cucumber Relish – Ajad
Creamy Cucumber Salad
- Total Time: :30
- Yield: 4 1x
Ingredients
- 3 medium cucumbers, thinly sliced
- 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/3 c. sour cream
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1 tbsp. chopped dill
- kosher salt
- Freshly cracked black pepper
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine cucumbers and onion.
- In a medium bowl, combine sour cream, lemon juice and dill and whisk until smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
- Pour dressing over cucumbers and onions and toss until combined. Garnish with more dill and serve.
Notes
- Cucumbers contain multiple B vitamins, including vitamin B1, vitamin B5, and vitamin B7 (biotin). B vitamins are known to help ease feelings of anxiety and buffer some of the damaging effects of stress. Cucumbers are rich in two of the most basic elements needed for healthy digestion: water and fiber.
- Prep Time: :15
- Cook Time: :15
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Combine