🥒✨ Creamy Cucumber Salad (Crisp, Cool & Refreshing)

A creamy, tangy cucumber salad with fresh dill, onion, and a smooth dressing. Takes 10 minutes and pairs wonderfully with grilled meats, picnics, or light lunches.

🧾 Ingredients (Serves 4–6)

Salad

• 2 large cucumbers, thinly sliced
  (English or Persian cucumbers work best)

• ½ red onion, thinly sliced

• 2 tbsp fresh dill, chopped

Creamy Dressing

• ½ cup sour cream
  (or Greek yogurt for a lighter version)

• 1 tbsp mayonnaise (optional, for extra creaminess)

• 1 tbsp lemon juice or white vinegar

• 1–2 tsp sugar or honey (optional, balances tang)

• ½ tsp garlic powder

• ½ tsp salt

• ¼ tsp black pepper

🍽️ Instructions

1. Prepare the cucumbers

• Slice cucumbers thinly (use a knife or mandoline).

• Optional: sprinkle with ½ tsp salt, let drain 10 minutes, and pat dry — helps avoid watery salad.

2. Mix the dressing

In a bowl whisk together:

• Sour cream

• Mayo

• Lemon juice or vinegar

• Sugar/honey

• Garlic powder

• Salt & pepper

Mix until smooth and creamy.

3. Combine

• Add cucumbers, red onion, and dill into a large bowl.

• Pour dressing over and toss gently to coat.

4. Chill & serve

• Chill at least 10–20 minutes for best flavor.

• Serve cold.

✨ Optional Add-Ins

• Sliced radish

• Chopped chives

• Crumbled feta

• Thinly sliced green onion

• A pinch of paprika

• Fresh mint

• Yogurt instead of sour cream for a lighter version

🥗 Light & Healthy Version

Use:

• ½ cup Greek yogurt

• 1 tsp olive oil

• Lemon juice

• Skip sugar

❓ Q&A / Troubleshooting

Q1. How do I keep the salad from getting watery?

• Use English or Persian cucumbers (less water).

• Sprinkle cucumber slices with salt, let drain 10–15 minutes, then pat dry.

• Add dressing right before serving if prepping ahead.

Q2. Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes! Replace dressing with:

• Vegan sour cream

• Or coconut yogurt + lemon + salt

Q3. Can I use yogurt instead of sour cream?

Absolutely.
Greek yogurt makes it:

• Lighter

• Higher protein

• Slightly tangier

Q4. How long does it last?

Best eaten same day, but keeps 1–2 days in fridge.
It will release water over time — just stir before serving.

Q5. Can I add tomatoes?

You can, but add them right before serving because tomatoes release water and soften the salad.

Q6. Can I make this with peeled cucumbers?

Yes, peeling or leaving the skin on is personal preference.
Thin skin (English cucumbers) doesn’t need peeling.

Q7. What does dill add? Can I skip it?

Dill adds freshness and classic cucumber-salad flavor.
If you don’t like it, substitute:

• Parsley

• Chives

• Mint

Q8. Can I make it sweeter or tangier?

• Sweeter → add ½–1 tsp honey

• Tangier → add more lemon juice or vinegar.