There’s something about the refreshing crunch of cucumbers paired with a creamy dressing that instantly transports me to sunny summer days. I’ve been making this Creamy Cucumber Salad for years, and it’s one of those recipes that never fails to bring comfort and smiles. Whether I’m hosting a backyard barbecue, preparing a quick side for a weeknight dinner, or bringing a dish to a family gathering, this salad always fits the occasion. I love how quickly it comes together and how beautifully it complements both grilled dishes and hearty mains.

What makes this salad truly special is its perfect balance—crisp cucumbers, a creamy yet tangy dressing, and just the right amount of seasoning. It’s cool, crisp, and full of flavor. Once you try it, I promise it’ll become a staple in your kitchen too.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

You’ll love this Creamy Cucumber Salad for its simplicity, speed, and refreshing flavor. It’s the kind of recipe you can throw together last minute but still feel proud to serve. It’s light yet satisfying and makes any meal feel a little more special. Plus, it’s naturally gluten-free and can easily be made dairy-free or vegan with a few adjustments.

Versatile

This salad pairs well with so many dishes. It’s great alongside grilled chicken, turkey burgers, or even baked fish. You can also enjoy it on its own as a light lunch. Feel free to add thinly sliced red onions, fresh dill, or even a handful of cherry tomatoes if you want to change things up. It’s a recipe that’s very easy to customize depending on your mood or what you have on hand.

Affordable

You only need a handful of basic ingredients, most of which you probably already have in your kitchen. It’s budget-friendly, especially during cucumber season, when they’re fresh and inexpensive. It’s proof that a delicious dish doesn’t have to be complicated or costly.

Ingredients for the Recipe

Here’s what you’ll need to make this simple yet satisfying salad:

2 large cucumbers (sliced thin)
½ cup plain yogurt or sour cream
1 tablespoon mayonnaise
1 tablespoon white vinegar or lemon juice
1 teaspoon sugar
½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
1 tablespoon fresh dill (chopped – optional)
1 small garlic clove (minced – optional)

How to Prepare This Recipe

Preparing this Creamy Cucumber Salad is as easy as it is satisfying. In just a few simple steps, you’ll have a cool, creamy side dish that complements any main course. The key to perfecting this salad is getting the texture just right—crisp cucumbers paired with a smooth, tangy dressing. I always begin by selecting fresh, firm cucumbers and gathering the rest of my ingredients beforehand to keep the process smooth.

Let me walk you through the full step-by-step process to make this salad effortlessly.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Preparation

Step 1: Wash and slice the cucumbers
Start by rinsing the cucumbers under cold water. Pat them dry with a clean towel. Then, using a sharp knife or mandoline slicer, slice the cucumbers thinly and evenly. Thin slices help absorb the dressing more effectively and keep the texture light. You can peel the cucumbers if you prefer a softer texture, but I usually leave the skin on for extra crunch and color.

Step 2: Salt the cucumbers (optional but recommended)
Place the sliced cucumbers in a colander and sprinkle them with about ½ teaspoon of salt. Let them sit for 15–20 minutes. This draws out excess moisture and keeps the salad from becoming watery. Afterward, rinse the slices briefly with cold water to remove the excess salt, then pat them dry thoroughly using paper towels. This step makes a noticeable difference in texture.

Step 3: Prepare the creamy dressing
In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine ½ cup of plain yogurt (or sour cream), 1 tablespoon of mayonnaise, 1 tablespoon of white vinegar or fresh lemon juice, 1 teaspoon of sugar, ¼ teaspoon of ground black pepper, and a small pinch of salt. Whisk the ingredients together until the dressing becomes smooth and well combined. If you’re using garlic, mince it finely and add it in. For added freshness, stir in one tablespoon of chopped fresh dill. This gives the salad a gentle herbaceous note that enhances the coolness of the cucumber.

Step 4: Combine cucumbers and dressing
Add the sliced cucumbers to the bowl of dressing. Gently toss everything together using a spatula or wooden spoon. Be sure every cucumber slice is evenly coated. Take care not to break the cucumber slices while mixing—gentle folding works best. Once mixed, cover the bowl and refrigerate the salad for at least 20 minutes. Chilling helps the flavors meld and gives the salad its full flavor potential.

Step 5: Taste and adjust
Before serving, give the salad a quick stir and taste it. If it needs more tang, add a splash more vinegar or lemon juice. If it feels too tangy, a small pinch of sugar can help balance it out. Adjust salt and pepper to your liking. Some people even enjoy adding a sprinkle of paprika on top for a touch of color and mild heat.

Quick and Easy

This recipe comes together in under 30 minutes and requires no cooking, no fancy tools, and very little prep. It’s ideal for busy days or spontaneous get-togethers. You can even prepare it a few hours in advance and store it in the fridge—just give it a gentle stir before serving. It travels well too, making it perfect for potlucks and picnics.

Customizable

One of the best things about this Creamy Cucumber Salad is how adaptable it is. You can swap yogurt with sour cream for a richer flavor or use Greek yogurt if you want it thicker and higher in protein. If you’re avoiding dairy, use a plant-based yogurt alternative and skip the mayonnaise or opt for a vegan version. You can also experiment with different herbs like mint or parsley, and add thinly sliced red onions for a little bite. For a spicier version, a pinch of ground mustard or cayenne works wonders.

For extra crunch, I sometimes add thinly sliced radishes or even a handful of shredded carrots. They blend in beautifully with the creamy dressing and bring in subtle sweetness and color.

Popular With Many People

This salad has universal appeal—it’s creamy without being heavy, fresh without being bland, and quick without sacrificing taste. It’s well-loved by both kids and adults, and even those who don’t typically enjoy cucumbers often change their minds after tasting it. I’ve served this salad at summer brunches, Ramadan iftars, weeknight dinners, and even wedding buffets—and it always disappears fast.

CREAMY CUCUMBER SALAD

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This Creamy Cucumber Salad is a refreshing and creamy side dish made with crisp cucumber slices and a tangy yogurt-based dressing. It’s light, affordable, and quick to prepare—perfect for warm-weather meals, picnics, or as a cool contrast to spiced mains. With its smooth, herby flavor and simple ingredients, it’s a favorite that works for almost any occasion.

Author: Lura Skye
Prep Time: 15
Cook Time: None
Total Time: 0 hours
Yield: 4 1x

Instructions

Wash and slice cucumbers: Rinse cucumbers thoroughly. Pat dry. Slice them thinly with a sharp knife or mandoline. Optionally, peel the cucumbers if a softer texture is preferred.
Salt and drain: Place sliced cucumbers in a colander. Sprinkle with ½ teaspoon salt. Let sit for 15–20 minutes to draw out moisture. Rinse briefly under cold water and pat completely dry using paper towels.
Make the dressing: In a bowl, whisk together yogurt, mayonnaise, vinegar (or lemon juice), sugar, salt, and black pepper until smooth. If using garlic or dill, add them now and mix well.
Combine: Add the dried cucumber slices to the dressing. Gently fold the salad until all slices are evenly coated.
Chill: Cover and refrigerate for 20 minutes or more before serving. Stir again before serving and adjust seasoning as needed.

Notes

Use Greek yogurt for a thicker consistency.

Fresh dill enhances the flavor, but parsley or mint are good alternatives.

To keep the salad crisp, always salt and drain cucumbers before mixing.

Serve cold as a side to grilled turkey burgers, chicken dishes, or vegetable plates.

Easily made dairy-free with plant-based yogurt and mayonnaise.

FAQs

Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare this Creamy Cucumber Salad in advance. For the best texture, it’s recommended to make it no more than 4–6 hours before serving. Store it in the refrigerator in an airtight container. Before serving, stir it again to redistribute the dressing evenly.

How do I keep the salad from getting watery?
Salting and draining the cucumbers before adding the dressing is key. This simple step removes excess water and keeps the salad from turning soggy. Pat the cucumber slices dry thoroughly after rinsing them to preserve that creamy texture.

What type of yogurt works best?
Plain full-fat yogurt gives the dressing a rich, creamy consistency. You can also use Greek yogurt for a thicker texture or low-fat yogurt for a lighter option. Plant-based yogurts like coconut or almond work well for dairy-free versions.

Can I substitute dill with other herbs?
Absolutely. Fresh parsley, mint, or chives are all great alternatives. Each offers a slightly different flavor profile, so feel free to experiment based on your preference.

Is this salad suitable for meal prep?
It is best eaten fresh, but it can be stored in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Beyond that, the cucumbers may release too much moisture.