This creamy cucumber salad recipe is one of the easiest sides you can make — thinly sliced cucumbers and red onion tossed in a tangy, slightly sweet sour cream dressing, ready in 15 minutes with zero cooking involved. It's a classic cookout and potluck side for good reason: light, refreshing, and the kind of easy cucumber salad recipe that comes together faster than almost anything else on the table. Whether you're serving it alongside grilled meat, packing it for a picnic, or just want a quick, healthy side dish, this one hits the mark every time.
Why you'll love this recipe
- ✓Ready in 15 minutes with no cooking required.
- ✓Light, tangy dressing that isn't overly heavy despite being creamy.
- ✓A great make-ahead side — it actually improves after chilling.
Prep
15 min
Cook
0 min
Total
15 min
Yield
4 servings
Ingredients
- 3 large cucumbers, thinly sliced
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 tsp salt, for drawing out moisture
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 2 tbsp mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp white vinegar
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped (or 1 tsp dried)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- 1Toss the sliced cucumbers with 1 teaspoon of salt in a colander and let sit for 10 minutes to draw out excess water, then pat dry with paper towels.
- 2Whisk together the sour cream, mayonnaise, vinegar, and sugar in a large bowl.
- 3Add the cucumbers, red onion, and dill to the bowl and toss to coat evenly in the dressing.
- 4Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- 5Refrigerate for at least 15-20 minutes before serving, or up to a day ahead.
Notes & Tips
- Salting the cucumbers first is the key step — it keeps the salad from turning watery once dressed.
- English or seedless cucumbers work especially well since they have fewer seeds and thinner skin.
- This salad keeps well in the fridge for up to 2 days, though it's crispest within the first day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to peel the cucumbers?
No, peeling is optional — leaving the skin on adds color and texture, though you can peel them if you prefer a softer bite.
Why do you salt cucumbers before making salad?
Salting draws out excess water from the cucumbers, which prevents the finished salad from becoming watery and diluting the dressing.
Can I make this cucumber salad ahead of time?
Yes, it can be made up to a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator — the flavor actually improves after a few hours of chilling.
What can I substitute for sour cream?
Plain Greek yogurt makes a good substitute for sour cream, offering a similar tangy flavor with a bit more protein.
What goes well with creamy cucumber salad?
It pairs especially well with grilled meats, burgers, sandwiches, or as part of a summer cookout spread alongside other sides.
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