This creamy cucumber salad, also known as German cucumber salad, is a refreshing combination of cucumbers, red onion and dill tossed in a simple dressing. Dill cucumber salad takes just minutes to make and is the perfect side dish for any summer meal.
Creamy cucumber salad is a simple yet satisfying dish that pairs perfectly with grilled chicken kabobs, turkey burgers, marinated salmon, and more. It contains just 7 basic ingredients and can be on your table in no time!
Most of my favorite summer salads include cucumbers – they’re inexpensive, readily available, and so very versatile. This creamy cucumber salad is always at the top of my list, especially during hot summer days because of its light and refreshing taste. Tossed in a light creamy dressing, this chilled salad is the perfect addition to any grilling get together or summer event. Serve it alongside crockpot BBQ chicken, beef brisket or baked pork chops for a memorable meal.
Table of Contents
Cucumber Salad Ingredients
To make this recipe, you will need cucumbers, red onion, dill, salt, black pepper, sour cream and sugar.
How Do You Make Creamy Cucumber Salad?
Start by slicing some cucumbers and red onion, then mince some fresh dill. Place your veggies in a bowl. In a separate bowl, mix together the ingredients for the creamy dressing. Pour the dressing over your veggies and toss together to create the perfect German cucumber salad.
Tips For Creamy Cucumber Salad
- It’s well worth the money to buy fresh dill. It’s an important flavor component with this dill cucumber salad so it needs to have a strong presence. You just don’t get the same flavor from dried dill. Got leftover dill? It’s great tossed into green salads, sprinkled over eggs, or stirred into cream cheese to spread onto bagels.
- Use a mandoline to get super thin slices of cucumber and red onion.
- You can use regular waxy cucumbers, English cucumbers, or Persian cucumbers for this recipe. I typically use English cucumbers. If you use waxy cucumbers, you may want to peel them before proceeding with the recipe.
- If you’re trying to save on calories you can use light sour cream, but I find that regular sour cream produces the creamiest end result. You can also use Greek yogurt.
- For an even tangier salad, try stirring in 2 teaspoons of red wine vinegar or fresh lemon juice.
Quick Tip
Leftovers will stay fresh in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Be aware that the cucumbers will release liquid as they sit in the fridge, so the dressing may get thinner.
Recipe FAQs
Cucumber salad can be made up to 2 hours before you plan to serve it. I find that it’s best to serve this salad as soon as possible, as the cucumbers will release liquid as they sit in the fridge and change the texture of the dressing.
Yes, this creamy cucumber salad and other versions of it, can easily be made with mayo. You will simply need to remove the sour cream from the recipe and use mayo in its place. Be sure to use the same amount of mayo as you would have sour cream. You can even do half and half if you like both ingredients.
You can salt your cucumber slices before adding them to the recipe to help prevent excess water in the finished salad. Simply sprinkle 1 teaspoon of salt over the cucumbers, then let them sit for 10 minutes. Spread the cucumbers out in a thin layer on paper towels, then pat them dry and proceed with the rest of the recipe.
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Creamy Cucumber Salad Flavor Variations
This recipe is delicious as-is, but you can add other ingredients to customize the flavors to your tastes.
- Protein: Stir in some chopped smoked salmon or canned white beans to turn this side dish into a meal. You can also add some sliced grilled chicken breast on top.
- Vegetables: Feel free to add more veggies to your salad. Some great options include roasted red peppers, cherry tomatoes, green bell pepper, olives, avocado or even shaved fennel.
- Herbs: You can add extra fresh herbs to this salad. My favorite additions include fresh chives and parsley.
- Toppings: Finish your dish with crumbled bacon or toasted sliced almonds for added flavor and texture.
There are some recipes that are just so easy that you find yourself making them often just because you can. This is one of those recipes for me. It works as a great side dish, snack, addition to sandwiches, and the list goes on. It’s perfect for potlucks and picnics. Definitely a keeper in my book!
More Cucumber Recipes You’ll Love
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Asian Cucumber Salad
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Thai Cucumber Salad
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Cucumber Tomato Salad
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Greek Pasta Salad
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Creamy Cucumber Salad Video
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Creamy Cucumber Salad
Ingredients
- 5 cups sliced cucumbers peeled and seeds removed
- 1/2 cup red onion peeled, halved and thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh dill
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 tablespoon sugar
Instructions
- Place the cucumbers, red onion and dill in a large bowl.
- In small bowl, mix together the salt, pepper, sour cream and sugar.
- Pour the dressing over the cucumber mixture and toss to coat evenly.
- Serve immediately, or chill for up to 2 hours.
Notes
- It’s well worth the money to buy fresh dill. It’s an important flavor component with this dill cucumber salad so it needs to have a strong presence.
- Use a mandoline to get super thin slices of cucumber and red onion.
- You can use regular waxy cucumbers, English cucumbers, or Persian cucumbers for this recipe. I typically use English cucumbers. If you use waxy cucumbers, you may want to peel them before processing with the recipe.
Oh yes, combining dill, cucumber and onions is such a tasteful idea! It is one of my favorite combos, and I try making a similar dish as often as I can. Great recipe!
Looks so fresh and delicious! This will be a great summer side for potlucks!
Great recipes. I’ve always made with mayo and vinegar, but this sounds even better. I soak my thin sliced cucs in salt water in refrig for a few hours, then drain well. They ‘ll be very crunchy. (got that from my German grandma) Can’t wait to make it.
I’ve been looking for good ideas and ways to eat cucumbers. This looks soooo delicious!
I just love a cool cucumber salad in the summer!
Oooh, I’m drooling as I’m looking at these photos! Bookmarking. Sounds yummy!
This looks like a great summer salad. I’m definitely making it for when my vegetarian mother-in-law visits. YUM!
My kids are a huge fan of this salad. I’ve made it a few times and they gobble it right up! I will have to make it again sometime. Yours looks yummy!
This is very refreshing! I would love to make this when my cucumbers in the garden starts bearing fruits.
I Have always wanted to try this kind of salad! I am going to have to try out your version ASAP!
Yum! I love a good cucumber salad. This looks delicious and I know my family would love me even more if I brought this to our next get together!
I love cucumber salad. I have made it for years with fresh dill from a dill plant that my father-in-law planted. It reseeds itself every year.
This reminds me of a salad my grandmother used to make when I was young. I bet it’s delicious. I’ll have to give it a try.
I have to make sure to try this recipe when I harvest my cucumbers. Love that this is a creamy based salad dressing.
Hmm, I love cucumbers. This salad looks delicious and so fresh! I love the addition of dill. Such a great recipe for all those summer bbq’s.
I’d love this for a side dish over the summer. We grill a lot, and I’m always looking for new side dishes to try. I love cucumbers, so I’ll definitely make this.
Oh my goodness, this sounds absolutely delicious! I bet it is such a nice mix of textures and flavours.
I love a good cucumber salad! I always find them so refreshing and a good addition to almost any meal! I have never tried a creamy dill one, I usually just do a simple apple cider vinegar and herb salt one. Will definitely be trying this soon! Yummy!
What a great summer lunch idea. We are growing cucumbers in our garden this summer, so I will make this once they are ready.
We usually do more of a vinegar dressing when we make a cucumber salad. This would be different change up from the usual. I have everything to make this good looking salad.