A Taste of Summer: Family Memories in Every Bite
Growing up in an Italian household, summer meals were always about freshness, flavor, and simplicity. My Nonna had a way of transforming humble garden vegetables into dishes that made you feel like royalty. Every time the summer sun kissed our backyard garden, the cucumbers would flourish — cool, crisp, and begging to be the star of the meal. This Creamy Cucumber Salad was a staple at our family picnics, always resting next to a loaf of crusty bread and slices of prosciutto.
Today, I’m sharing this beloved recipe with you — but with a slightly creamy, tangy twist that’s also a nod to traditional German-style cucumber salads. Whether you’re planning a BBQ, a picnic, or just a light dinner side dish, this creamy cucumber salad is about to become your favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Cucumber Salad
Light and Refreshing
Ready in Just 15 Minutes
Perfect for BBQs, Picnics, and Potlucks
Easily Made Ahead
Naturally Gluten-Free and Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 3 large cucumbers, thinly sliced
- 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon white vinegar
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped (or 1 tsp dried dill)
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Equipment Needed
- Large mixing bowl
- Sharp knife or mandoline slicer
- Whisk
- Measuring spoons
How to Make Creamy Cucumber Salad
Step 1: Prepare the Cucumbers
Start by thinly slicing the cucumbers. A mandoline slicer gives perfectly even slices, but a sharp knife works beautifully too. For an extra-crisp salad, you can sprinkle the cucumber slices with a little salt and let them drain in a colander for 15 minutes to remove excess water.
Step 2: Slice the Onion
Thinly slice a small red onion. If you’re not a fan of raw onion’s sharpness, soak the slices in cold water for about 5 minutes to mellow their bite.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Dressing
In a large bowl, whisk together:
- Sour cream
- Mayonnaise
- White vinegar
- Lemon juice
- Sugar
- Garlic powder
- Salt and pepper
- Fresh dill
The dressing should be creamy, tangy, and slightly sweet — absolutely divine!
Step 4: Combine
Toss the cucumbers and onions into the bowl with the dressing. Gently fold until everything is evenly coated.
Step 5: Chill and Serve
Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
Pro Tips for the Best Creamy Cucumber Salad
- Use English cucumbers if possible — they have fewer seeds and thinner skins.
- Drain cucumbers for crispness: salting them first helps avoid a watery salad.
- Fresh dill makes a huge difference — but if using dried dill, start with less and taste.
- Let it chill: Don’t skip chilling — it deepens the flavor!
- Serve cold: This salad tastes best when nice and cold.
Variations You’ll Love
- Greek Twist: Swap dill for mint and add a handful of crumbled feta cheese.
- Spicy Kick: Stir in a teaspoon of sriracha or hot sauce.
- Low-Fat Version: Replace sour cream and mayo with Greek yogurt for a lighter option.
- Vegan Version: Use plant-based sour cream and mayonnaise.
How to Store Creamy Cucumber Salad
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Pro Tip: Stir before serving, as the cucumbers will naturally release some liquid.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 120 kcal
- Fat: 9g
- Carbs: 6g
- Protein: 2g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 3g
(Note: Nutrition can vary based on specific ingredients used.)
What to Serve With Creamy Cucumber Salad
This cooling salad pairs wonderfully with:
- Grilled Chicken or Steak
- Roast Salmon or other seafood
- BBQ Ribs
- Falafel or Hummus Plates
- Classic Burgers or Veggie Burgers
It’s the ultimate side dish for any summer feast!
Conclusion: Make Creamy Cucumber Salad Your New Summer Staple
Few dishes capture the pure, sunny essence of summer like a Creamy Cucumber Salad. Easy, light, and brimming with fresh flavor, this salad will quickly become a family favorite at every gathering. With its balance of creamy dressing, crisp cucumbers, and zesty dill, it’s pure magic in a bowl.
Don’t forget to make a double batch — it disappears faster than you think!