Before we dive into all things creamy and cucumber-y, I just want to take a moment to say thank you. Seriously—thank you for being here, for cooking alongside me, and for keeping home cooking alive and meaningful. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just getting started, every time you try a recipe, you bring joy to your table. And this one? It’s a summer staple I can’t stop making.
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A Creamy Cucumber Salad That’s Anything but Boring!
This Creamy Cucumber Salad is everything I love in a side dish—cool, crisp, comforting, and ridiculously easy to throw together. With just a few pantry staples, it turns a humble cucumber into something you’ll want to eat by the spoonful.
Think of it as the salad you didn’t know you were missing. Light enough to pair with grilled meats at your next barbecue, but creamy enough to satisfy even the pickiest of eaters. It’s refreshing, zesty, and just the right amount of tangy.
Why You’ll Fall in Love With This Creamy Cucumber Salad
- ✅ Quick & Easy: Just 10 minutes of prep—and the fridge does the rest!
- ✅ Perfect for Make-Ahead: It actually tastes better the longer it chills.
- ✅ Potluck-Approved: Travels well, holds up on the table, and disappears fast.
- ✅ Naturally Gluten-Free & Vegetarian: A crowd-pleaser for all diets.
- ✅ Simple Ingredients: Nothing fancy, just classic flavors that work.
What Does It Taste Like?
In a word? Dreamy. It’s got the crispness of fresh cucumber, the bite of sweet onion, and a rich, tangy dressing that clings to every slice like a creamy hug. The apple cider vinegar and sugar play a balancing act—bright and just sweet enough—while dill and garlic powder bring that extra pop of flavor. It’s nostalgic, yet totally fresh.
Benefits of This Salad (Besides Taste!)
- 🥒 Hydrating & Light: Cucumbers are over 90% water—perfect for hot days.
- 🥄 Low Effort, Big Flavor: You likely already have everything you need.
- ❄️ Chill-Friendly: It stays delicious in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- 🧂 Customizable: Add a little zip or keep it classic—your call!
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Salad:
- 3–4 large cucumbers, peeled and thinly sliced
- 1 sweet onion, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon salt
For the Dressing:
- 1½ cups mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon dried dill (or 1 tablespoon fresh dill)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Kosher salt, to taste
Tools You’ll Need
- Cutting board & knife
- Mandoline (optional, but great for uniform cucumber slices)
- Large mixing bowls
- Colander
- Whisk
- Airtight container (for chilling)
Ingredient Substitutions & Additions
✨ Want to change it up? You’ve got options:
- Swap the mayo: Use Greek yogurt or sour cream for a tangier, lighter twist.
- Add crunch: A handful of chopped celery or sliced radishes brings more texture.
- Make it spicy: A pinch of red pepper flakes gives it a subtle kick.
- Try a different herb: Mint or parsley can work beautifully in place of dill.
Step-by-Step: How to Make Creamy Cucumber Salad
1. Prep the Cucumbers & Onion
In a large bowl, toss the sliced cucumbers and onions with 1 tablespoon of salt. Cover and let sit for 15–30 minutes to draw out the water.
2. Drain Off the Liquid
Transfer the cucumber mixture to a colander and let it drain for another 15–30 minutes, stirring occasionally. This step is key to avoiding a watery salad.
3. Mix the Creamy Dressing
While the cucumbers are draining, whisk together the mayo, vinegar, sugar, dill, garlic powder, and pepper in a large bowl until smooth.
4. Combine & Chill
Stir the drained cucumbers and onions into the dressing. Taste and add more salt if needed. Cover and chill for at least 1 hour before serving. The longer it sits, the better it gets!
What to Serve With Creamy Cucumber Salad
This salad is a match made in heaven with:
- Grilled chicken or steak
- BBQ ribs or pulled pork
- Baked potatoes
- Cold sandwiches
- Any picnic or potluck spread!
Tips for the Best Creamy Cucumber Salad
- 🧂 Don’t skip the salting step—it’s the secret to that perfect, non-watery texture.
- 🕒 Make it ahead—the flavors meld beautifully after a few hours in the fridge.
- 🥄 Use a mandoline for quick, even slices.
- ❄️ Store in a glass container to keep it super fresh.
Storage Instructions
Keep your Creamy Cucumber Salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Stir before serving—some natural separation is normal!
Note: This recipe does not freeze well due to the high water content of cucumbers.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I make this dairy-free?
Absolutely! Use a vegan mayo for a dairy-free, egg-free version.
Do I have to peel the cucumbers?
Nope—if you’re using thin-skinned cucumbers like English or Persian, feel free to leave the peel on for color and texture.
Can I use white vinegar instead of apple cider?
Yes, but it will be slightly tangier. Add a pinch more sugar to balance it out.
How long does this need to chill?
At least 1 hour, but it’s even better after a few hours or overnight.
In Summary: Creamy, Crunchy, Totally Craveable
This Creamy Cucumber Salad is the kind of recipe that shows up once and never leaves your summer menu. It’s cooling, comforting, and makes everything else on your plate taste a little bit better.
And as promised—versatile is the name of the game. You can dress it up or keep it simple, serve it alongside grilled mains or enjoy it solo from the fridge (no judgment!).
Love Peaches Too? Don’t Miss These!
Let’s Connect!
Have you made this Creamy Cucumber Salad? I’d love to see your version!
📌 Share your photos and tag me on Pinterest—let’s inspire more summer cooking together!
💬 Leave a review below and let me know what you served it with!
Nutritional Information (Per Serving – Approx. for 8 servings)
- Calories: 240
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Sugar: 4g
- Protein: 1g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sodium: 510mg
Nutrition may vary based on ingredients used.
