Description
Creamy Cucumber Salad is a refreshing, light, and tangy side dish featuring crisp cucumbers tossed in a luscious creamy dressing made from Greek yogurt or sour cream, fresh dill, garlic, and lemon juice or vinegar. Perfectly chilled, this salad is easy to prepare in under 10 minutes, healthy, and pairs wonderfully with grilled meats or as a standalone snack.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 2 large cucumbers (fresh, crisp, thinly sliced, peel on or half peeled)
- 1 cup Greek yogurt or sour cream
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill, finely chopped
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice or vinegar
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Optional Ingredients
- 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion
- Red pepper flakes or hot sauce (for spicy kick)
- Fresh mint or basil (as herb variations)
- Toasted sunflower or pumpkin seeds (for added crunch)
- Thinly sliced radishes or a drizzle of honey (for sweet contrast)
Instructions
- Prepare Your Cucumbers: Wash the cucumbers thoroughly and slice them thinly to ensure every bite carries the refreshing crispness. For extra crunch, keep the peel on, or peel halfway if you prefer milder skin.
- Make the Creamy Dressing: In a bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt or sour cream, minced garlic, fresh lemon juice or vinegar, finely chopped dill, salt, and pepper until smooth and well combined. This mixture is the heart of the salad’s creamy and tangy flavor.
- Combine and Toss: Gently fold the cucumber slices into the dressing, making sure each slice is evenly coated. Add thinly sliced red onion here if using, for an extra layer of flavor.
- Chill and Serve: Place the salad in the refrigerator for 15–20 minutes before serving. Chilling allows flavors to meld and the salad to cool perfectly, enhancing its craveable qualities.
Notes
- Use seedless cucumbers to reduce excess moisture and keep the salad crisp.
- Salt cucumbers before mixing to draw out water and improve texture.
- Always use fresh herbs like dill for the brightest flavor.
- Adjust lemon juice or vinegar to balance creaminess with the right amount of tang.
- Serve chilled for the best refreshing experience.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
- Freezing is not recommended as cucumbers become mushy and dressing may separate.
- This salad is best served cold or at room temperature; reheating is unnecessary.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 4 g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 7 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 10 mg
Keywords: Creamy cucumber salad, refreshing cucumber salad, tangy cucumber salad, easy side dish, summer salad, healthy cucumber salad