This creamy cucumber salad is fresh, crunchy, and full of flavor—making it the perfect healthy summer side dish. Made with crisp cucumbers, sharp red onions, and a smooth, tangy dressing, it’s a quick and easy recipe that comes together in minutes using simple, everyday ingredients.
Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue, preparing a picnic, or just need something light to go with your dinner, this easy cucumber salad is a cool, refreshing choice. It’s naturally low in carbs, gluten-free, and incredibly versatile. Serve it alongside grilled chicken, steak, or salmon—or enjoy it on its own as a quick lunch or snack.
This is one of those go-to salads you’ll keep making all season long.
Salads are one of the easiest and most satisfying dishes you can whip up for a quick lunch or a flavorful side. Whether it’s a classic antipasto salad, a hearty keto taco salad, or this refreshing creamy cucumber salad, they’re all crowd-pleasers thanks to their fresh ingredients and bold flavors.
What makes this creamy cucumber salad especially great is how fast and effortless it is to prepare. With just a few simple steps and minimal prep time, it’s ready to enjoy in minutes—perfect for busy days, summer picnics, or weeknight dinners.
Light, crisp, and full of creamy flavor, this cucumber salad makes a fantastic side for grilled meats, burgers, or even your next BBQ spread. If you’re looking for a quick and easy salad recipe that’s low in carbs, gluten-free, and full of fresh ingredients—this is the one to keep on repeat.
Why You’re Going to Love This Creamy Cucumber Salad Recipe
- Ready in Just 10 Minutes – This recipe is incredibly quick and easy to make, perfect for busy days or last-minute gatherings.
- Light, Refreshing & Hydrating – With crisp cucumbers and a cool, creamy dressing, this salad is the ultimate way to beat the heat on hot summer days.
- Healthy & Low-Carb – Naturally low in carbs and made with fresh, wholesome ingredients, it’s a keto-friendly side dish you can feel good about.
- Made from Pantry Staples – You only need a few basic, easy-to-find ingredients like cucumbers, sour cream or Greek yogurt, red onion, and vinegar.
- Versatile Pairing – It’s the perfect side dish for grilled meats, barbecue, burgers, seafood, or even a light lunch on its own.
- Perfect for BBQs & Potlucks – This creamy cucumber salad is always a hit at picnics, potlucks, and family cookouts. It holds up well and complements just about any main dish.
- Customizable to Your Taste – Add fresh herbs like dill or chives, a splash of lemon juice, or even a touch of garlic for your own personal twist.
- Make-Ahead Friendly – You can prep it ahead of time and let it chill in the fridge to deepen the flavors—making your life even easier when entertaining.
Ingredients for Creamy Cucumber Salad
You’ll only need a handful of fresh, simple ingredients to create this refreshing and creamy cucumber salad. Here’s what you’ll need and why each one matters:
- Cucumbers – The star of the dish. Use fresh, firm cucumbers with smooth skin and no soft spots. English cucumbers or Persian cucumbers are ideal because they’re seedless and have thinner skins, but regular slicing cucumbers work too.
- Sour Cream – Adds rich creaminess and a mild tang that balances the crisp freshness of the cucumbers. You can also use Greek yogurt for a higher-protein option with a similar creamy texture.
- Olive Oil – A splash of extra virgin olive oil adds depth and a silky finish to the dressing, helping the flavors blend beautifully.
- Lemon Juice – Freshly squeezed lemon juice brightens up the salad and adds a light, citrusy tang. White vinegar or apple cider vinegar can also be used as a substitute.
- Fresh Dill – Chopped dill brings that classic cucumber salad flavor. Fresh dill gives the best taste and aroma, but dried dill can work in a pinch (use about one-third of the amount).
- Garlic Powder – Adds subtle garlic flavor without overpowering. You can use fresh minced garlic if you want a bolder kick.
- Red Onion – Thinly sliced red onion adds a pop of color and a slightly sweet, sharp contrast. You can swap in yellow or white onion depending on your preference.
- Salt & Black Pepper – Essential for seasoning. Add to taste to bring out all the other flavors.
How to Make Creamy Cucumber Salad
This creamy cucumber salad is one of the easiest and most refreshing side dishes you can make. Ready in just 10 minutes, it’s the perfect low-effort recipe for summer cookouts, quick lunches, or meal prep. Here’s how to make it step-by-step:
Make The Dill Dressing
Add the sour cream, chopped dill, olive oil, lemon juice, and garlic powder in a large bowl. Whisk the ingredients together until well combined, and then season with sea salt and black pepper to taste.
Prepare The Vegetables
Wash the cucumber and red onion, and then slice them thinly using a sharp knife or a mandoline.
Mix the Salad
Add the sliced cucumber and red onion to the bowl of dressing, and then use a silicone spatula to mix everything together until well combined.
Garnish the salad with fresh chopped dill, and then serve and enjoy. This creamy dill cucumber salad is perfect for backyard barbecues, picnics, or anytime you want a light and refreshing side dish.
Tips and Variations for the Best Creamy Cucumber Salad
- Use Seedless Cucumbers or English Cucumbers – Opt for seedless cucumbers (like English cucumbers) for a crunchier texture and less water content. If using regular cucumbers, you can peel and deseed them to avoid excess moisture that can water down the dressing.
- Chill Before Serving – Let the salad rest in the fridge for 20–30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together and makes the salad extra refreshing—especially on hot summer days.
- Make the Dressing Ahead – Prepare the dill sour cream dressing in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It keeps well for up to 3 days and can save time if you’re hosting or meal prepping.
- Add Crunch with Nuts or Seeds – For a fun texture twist, add a handful of chopped walnuts, slivered almonds, or sunflower seeds just before serving. This works especially well if you’re making it as a lunch salad.
- Spice It Up – Add a pinch of red pepper chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce if you like a bit of heat. It balances beautifully with the creamy, tangy dressing.
- Swap Sour Cream for Greek Yogurt – Looking for a lighter or higher-protein option? Replace sour cream with plain full-fat Greek yogurt. It still gives a creamy texture with a little extra tang—and cuts down on calories.
- Experiment with Fresh Herbs – While dill is traditional, you can switch it up with fresh mint, parsley, or chives for a different flavor profile. Even a sprinkle of crushed garlic adds depth if you’re a garlic lover.
- Mellow Out the Onion – If red onion feels too strong, soak the slices in cold water for 5–10 minutes before adding them to the salad. This trick takes the edge off while keeping the crunch.
Storing Ideas
- Fridge: You can store any cucumber salad leftovers in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Serving Ideas
Once you taste this cucumber salad recipe, you will discover that it pairs well with many summery dishes. Here are some great ideas:
- Grilled or Oven Roasted Chicken
- This salad is perfect for backyard barbecues, picnics, or anytime you want a light and refreshing side dish.
- Chicken or pork kabobs
- Stuffed Chicken Recipes
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Freeze This Creamy Cucumber Salad?
This salad can not be stored in the freezer since the cucumber doesn’t freeze well.
Can I Make This Salad Ahead Of Time?
Sure, in fact, this homemade cucumber salad recipe tastes even better after the flavors have had time to enhance in the fridge.
Can I Add Other Ingredients To The Salad?
Yes, feel free to add your favorite ingredients to this salad, such as chopped nuts, herbs, or other vegetables.
More Salad Recipes
Creamy Cucumber Salad
Description
Ingredients
- 2 long English cucumbers sliced into 1/4" slices
- 1 red onion small
- 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 2 tbsp fresh dill chopped
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp lemon juice or white vinegar
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 1/2 tsp sea salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Add the sour cream, chopped dill, minced garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, and garlic powder in a large bowl. Whisk until well combined. Season with sea salt and black pepper to taste.
- Slice the cucumber and red onion using a sharp knife or a mandoline.
- Add the cucumbers and onion over the dressing and mix using a silicone spatula until everything is well combined.
- Garnish with fresh chopped dill, and enjoy.
How do we calculate the nutrition info?
These nutrition facts listed are determined using nutrition information from the USDA Food Database. Our nutrition facts are accurate, but if you are using different products, please make your calculations. Net carb count is calculated by subtracting both fiber and sugar alcohols because they don’t raise blood sugar.