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Creamy Cucumber Salad Recipe Easy 5-Ingredient Summer Side Dish

creamy cucumber salad recipe - featured image

A refreshing and creamy cucumber salad with a tangy dressing, perfect for summer side dishes. This quick and easy recipe uses just 5 simple ingredients and is ideal for picnics, barbecues, and warm-weather gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 large cucumbers (about 1 lb or 500g), thinly sliced
  • 1 cup (240 ml) full-fat sour cream
  • 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon (15 ml) white vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon (5g) sugar
  • Pinch of salt (optional)
  • Freshly ground black pepper to taste (optional)

Instructions

  1. Rinse 2 large cucumbers under cold water. Peel if using regular cucumbers with thick or waxy skin. Slice thinly about 1/8 inch (3 mm) thick.
  2. Place sliced cucumbers in a colander over a bowl, sprinkle lightly with a pinch of salt, and let sit for 10 minutes. Then gently press or pat dry with paper towels to remove excess liquid.
  3. In a medium bowl, combine 1 cup sour cream, 1 tablespoon white vinegar, 1 teaspoon sugar, and 2 tablespoons fresh chopped dill. Whisk until smooth and creamy. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if desired.
  4. Add the drained cucumber slices to the dressing bowl. Toss gently until every slice is coated evenly.
  5. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let flavors meld.
  6. Give the salad a gentle stir before serving. Garnish with extra dill or freshly cracked pepper if desired. Serve chilled.

Notes

Salt and drain cucumbers to prevent watery salad. Use fresh dill for best flavor. Chill salad for at least 30 minutes before serving. Slice cucumbers evenly about 1/8 inch thick to maintain texture. Optional: use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a lighter, tangier version. For dairy-free, substitute coconut yogurt or vegan sour cream. Add optional spices or vegetables for variations.

Nutrition

Keywords: creamy cucumber salad, cucumber salad, summer side dish, easy cucumber salad, 5-ingredient salad, refreshing salad, picnic salad, barbecue side dish