This creamy cucumber salad is a cool and refreshing side dish, perfect for warm days. Made with crisp cucumbers, creamy yogurt, and a hint of dill, it’s a tasty treat!
I love how quickly I can whip this up. Just chop, mix, and chill—it’s a breeze! Pair it with grilled meats for a delicious combo the whole family will enjoy.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cucumbers: Fresh cucumbers are key for crunch and freshness. I love using English cucumbers—they’re sweeter and have fewer seeds. If you can’t find them, regular cucumbers work well too. Just peel them if the skin is thick or waxy.
Onion: Red onions add a nice color and a mild taste. If you prefer a milder flavor, you can swap them for green onions or even use sweet onions like Vidalia. Just note that the color of your salad may change!
Greek Yogurt: This is the base for our creamy dressing. If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, try using coconut yogurt or unsweetened almond yogurt. You can also use sour cream for a different flavor profile.
Dill: Fresh dill brings a lovely brightness. I strongly recommend using fresh when you can, but if dried is all you have, it’s still a good alternative. Just remember, dried dill is stronger, so you’ll need less.
Vinegar: White vinegar gives a nice tang. If you want a different taste, apple cider vinegar can work too. Just keep in mind that it has a bit of sweetness, which might change the flavor slightly.
How Do I Make the Creamy Dressing Smooth?
Getting the dressing perfectly smooth is important for this salad. A smooth dressing means each cucumber slice is coated nicely for great flavor. Here’s how to achieve that:
- First, make sure your yogurt or sour cream is at room temperature. Cold dairy can be harder to mix.
- Whisk the yogurt and mayonnaise together in a large bowl until smooth. A fork or hand whisk does a great job!
- Add the chopped dill, vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper gradually, mixing well after each addition.
- For extra creaminess, you can use a blender or food processor if you’re up for it!
Mix until it’s well combined, and don’t forget to taste it. Adjust the seasoning to make it just right!
How to Make Creamy Cucumber Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salad:
- 4 medium cucumbers, thinly sliced
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
For the Dressing:
- 1 cup Greek yogurt (or sour cream)
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried dill)
- 2 teaspoons white vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sugar (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and you’ll want to chill it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. So, in total, you’ll need about 40 minutes before your delicious creamy cucumber salad is ready to serve!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Creamy Dressing:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the Greek yogurt (or sour cream) and mayonnaise. Use a whisk or a spoon to mix them together until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This dressing is the base of your salad, so make sure it’s well blended!
2. Add Flavor to the Dressing:
Next, stir in the chopped dill, white vinegar, sugar (if you decided to use it), and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Mix everything together so that all the flavors meld nicely. Give it a taste to see if you want to add a little more seasoning!
3. Combine the Vegetables:
In another bowl, toss together the sliced cucumbers and red onion. This helps to have the crunchy veggies ready for the creamy dressing.
4. Dress the Salad:
Now, pour the creamy dressing over the cucumber and onion mixture. Gently toss everything together until all the veggies are well-coated in the dressing. Be careful not to crush the cucumbers!
5. Chill and Serve:
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to come together. When you’re ready to serve, taste the salad one more time and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Enjoy your refreshing creamy cucumber salad chilled!
Can I Use Different Types of Cucumbers?
Absolutely! While English cucumbers are a great choice due to their tender skin and minimal seeds, you can use any variety, like Persian cucumbers or even standard slicing cucumbers. Just be sure to peel them if the skin is tough or waxy!
How Can I Make This Salad Dairy-Free?
If you want to make a dairy-free version, substitute the Greek yogurt and sour cream with a dairy-free yogurt alternative, such as coconut or almond yogurt. Just make sure it’s unsweetened to keep the flavor balanced!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
To keep leftovers fresh, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keep in mind that the cucumbers will release water over time, so give it a quick stir before enjoying again!
Can I Add Other Vegetables to This Salad?
Yes, you can! Consider adding cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, or even radishes for added crunch and flavor. Just chop them into bite-sized pieces and mix them in with the cucumbers and onions for a colorful twist!
