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Creamy cucumber salad always brings me back to lazy summer afternoons at family picnics. It is a crisp and tangy side that cools you off and brings everyone back for seconds. Laced with fresh dill and a creamy dressing, this dish never fails at potlucks or backyard gatherings.
The first time I made this just like my grandma did I could not believe how fast it disappeared from the table. Now my friends ask for the recipe every single summer.
Ingredients
- Cucumbers: thinly sliced look for firm unblemished skins for the best crunch
- Red onion: sliced thin for color and gentle bite choose onions that feel hard and heavy
- Sour cream: for a creamy dressing always choose a full fat sour cream for extra richness
- White vinegar: brings brightness any basic white vinegar works well
- Fresh dill: the signature herb of this salad use plump fragrant sprigs
- Granulated sugar: just a pinch to balance the vinegar choose fine white sugar
- Salt: to enhance all the flavors kosher salt blends evenly
- Garlic powder: for subtle savory notes fine powder ensures smooth mixing
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Slice the Vegetables:
- Use a sharp knife or mandoline to cut cucumbers and onions into paper thin slices. Pat the cucumber slices dry with paper towels to reduce extra water and keep the salad crisp.
- Mix the Dressing:
- In a medium bowl whisk together sour cream white vinegar dill sugar salt and garlic powder. Stir well until everything is completely blended and the dressing is creamy and smooth.
- Combine Ingredients:
- Add the sliced cucumbers and onions to the bowl. Use clean hands or tongs to gently toss everything together making sure every slice gets coated in the creamy dressing.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Top the salad with a little extra chopped dill and grind over some fresh black pepper if you like. Serve straight away for crunch or cover the bowl and chill for even more flavor.
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Storage Tips
If you need to make the salad ahead slice your cucumbers and onions ahead of time and keep them in an airtight container. The dressing can sit in another container until you are ready to mix. Leftovers keep crisp for up to three days in the fridge but always stir before serving as the dressing might separate slightly.
Ingredient Substitutions
Greek yogurt can replace sour cream for a lighter but still creamy texture. If you do not have fresh dill dried dill works in a pinch just use less since it is more potent. Red onions can be swapped for sweet white onions for a milder flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this salad next to grilled chicken or fish or tucked into a picnic basket for a barbeque. It brightens up heavy dishes and can even be spooned over sandwiches as a fresh topping.
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Cultural Notes
Creamy cucumber salad has roots in European summer cooking especially in German and Polish homes where gardens overflow with cucumbers and dill at the start of summer. Recipes like this travel across generations with each family tweaking the dressing just a little to match their taste.
I absolutely love dill in this salad. Once my niece helped sprinkle it into the bowl and she was so proud when everyone raved about that fresh burst of herbs.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → How do you keep cucumber salad from getting watery?
Pat sliced cucumbers dry with paper towels before mixing. This reduces excess moisture and keeps the salad creamy.
- → Can you make cucumber salad ahead of time?
Yes, it's best if made at least an hour in advance. This allows the flavors to blend and the salad to chill nicely.
- → What type of cucumber works best?
English or Persian cucumbers work well because they're tender and have minimal seeds, but use what you have on hand.
- → How long does this salad last in the fridge?
Stored in an airtight container, it keeps for up to 3 days. Stir gently before serving leftovers.
- → Is there a substitute for sour cream?
Plain Greek yogurt is a great alternative and adds a tangy flavor while keeping the salad creamy.
- → Can I add other herbs?
Fresh dill is classic, but you can also mix in chives or parsley for extra flavor and color.