Creamy Cucumber Salad with Sour Cream and Mayo

This creamy cucumber salad is a light and refreshing dish with a tangy kick from the vinegar and sugar. The cool cucumbers combined with the creamy sour cream and mayonnaise dressing create a harmonious balance of flavors, making it the perfect side dish for any meal. Garnished with fresh dill, it adds a pop of color and an aromatic twist, taking the simple cucumber salad to the next level.

It’s an incredibly easy and quick recipe that comes together in just minutes, yet offers a delightful burst of freshness. Whether you’re serving it at a summer picnic or as an accompaniment to your favorite main course, this creamy cucumber salad will be a crowd-pleaser. It’s versatile, customizable, and absolutely delicious!

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

2 large cucumbers
1/2 cup sour cream
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
1 teaspoon sugar
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh dill (optional for garnish)

Directions:

Peel the cucumbers and slice them thinly. Place the slices in a large bowl.
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the sour cream, mayonnaise, white wine vinegar, sugar, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth.
Pour the dressing over the cucumber slices and toss gently to coat them evenly.
Garnish with fresh dill if desired.
Chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving for best flavor.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Kcal: 150 kcal
Servings: 4 servings

Creamy Cucumber Salad with Sour Cream and Mayo – A Crisp, Cool Classic Side Dish for Every Occasion

When it comes to quick, fresh, and versatile side dishes, creamy cucumber salad with sour cream and mayo is a timeless favorite. This dish brings together simple ingredients to create a light yet flavorful salad that pairs beautifully with grilled meats, sandwiches, barbecue, or even a simple rice meal. With its smooth, tangy dressing and refreshing crunch, it’s no wonder this salad has become a staple at picnics, potlucks, family dinners, and holiday spreads.

This salad originates from Central and Eastern European cuisine, where cucumber salads are commonly served as palate cleansers or refreshing accompaniments to heartier meals. The addition of sour cream and mayonnaise gives it a rich and creamy consistency that balances the natural coolness of the cucumber. It’s a wonderful fusion of comfort and refreshment, with just enough tang and sweetness to make it stand out without overpowering your main dish.

Whether you’re hosting a summer backyard barbecue, preparing a simple lunch, or planning a holiday menu, creamy cucumber salad is an easy, make-ahead option that always delivers on flavor. Its ingredients are pantry and fridge staples in most households, and it requires almost no cooking, making it perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings. Even better, the salad tastes even more delicious after chilling for a few hours, as the flavors have more time to meld together.

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Cucumber Salad

Simple ingredients: You likely have everything you need already in your kitchen, just cucumbers, mayo, sour cream, vinegar, sugar, and some seasoning.
Quick to prepare: In under 10 minutes, your salad is ready to chill. It’s great for meal prep and doesn’t require any cooking.
Customizable: Add red onions, dill, or even a touch of mustard for extra depth. This recipe is a great base for your creativity.
Refreshing flavor: Especially during hot weather, the cool crunch of cucumbers mixed with creamy dressing is incredibly satisfying.
Versatile side dish: It pairs wonderfully with grilled meats, fried foods, sandwiches, and spicy dishes. A great way to balance your meals.

The Role of Each Ingredient

Cucumbers: The star of the dish. Choose fresh, firm cucumbers for optimal crunch. English cucumbers are often preferred due to their thinner skin and fewer seeds, but regular cucumbers work great too.
Sour cream: Adds tanginess and a creamy texture. It provides that cool richness that makes this salad soothing and satisfying.
Mayonnaise: Brings smoothness and body to the dressing. Its mild sweetness complements the sour cream and balances out the vinegar.
White wine vinegar: Adds acidity to cut through the creaminess and awaken the palate. You could also use apple cider vinegar or lemon juice as alternatives.
Sugar: A small amount enhances the flavor by providing balance. The sweetness helps tame the tang of the sour cream and vinegar.
Garlic powder (optional): Adds a subtle depth and savory note to the otherwise bright and light flavor profile.
Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning, enhances all the other flavors.
Fresh dill (optional garnish): Dill brings a pop of herbaceous brightness that complements cucumber beautifully. It’s highly recommended if you enjoy its flavor.

Helpful Tips for the Perfect Creamy Cucumber Salad

Slice cucumbers evenly: Use a mandoline slicer if available for uniform slices that ensure even flavor distribution.
Salt the cucumbers (optional): If you want to avoid excess water in your salad, lightly salt the cucumbers and let them sit in a colander for about 15–20 minutes, then pat dry. This step helps draw out moisture and prevents a watery dressing.
Chill before serving: This salad tastes best cold. Allow it to chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld.
Serve fresh: While this salad can last up to two days in the fridge, it’s best enjoyed the same day to preserve the crisp texture of the cucumbers.
Double the batch: It’s so easy and popular that you may want to double the recipe for larger gatherings or meal prepping.

Variations to Try

Add onions: Thinly sliced red onions or shallots add a bit of sharpness and texture contrast.
Go herbaceous: Fresh herbs like parsley, mint, or chives can bring unique dimensions of flavor.
Use Greek yogurt: For a lighter version, substitute Greek yogurt for the sour cream or mayo, or both.
Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne or paprika if you like a little heat with your creaminess.
Make it German-style: Add a dash of mustard or use only sour cream for a traditional twist.

What to Serve with Creamy Cucumber Salad

This salad is a wonderfully flexible side dish that goes with almost everything. Here are some pairing ideas:

Grilled or roasted chicken – The creaminess balances out savory, crispy meats.
BBQ ribs or steak – Cools the palate and cuts through rich flavors.
Fish dishes – Complements baked or grilled fish with a refreshing contrast.
Fried foods – Helps counteract the heaviness of fried chicken, schnitzels, or fritters.
Vegetarian mains – Pairs beautifully with veggie burgers, grain bowls, or pasta bakes.
Picnic spreads – Add it to a buffet with sandwiches, deviled eggs, pasta salads, and fruit.

Make-Ahead and Storage Instructions

Creamy cucumber salad is an ideal make-ahead dish. Simply prepare it as directed and store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It’s best consumed within 24–36 hours to maintain the cucumbers’ crispness. Stir well before serving to recombine the dressing.

Avoid freezing this salad as the texture of the cucumbers and the dairy-based dressing will not hold up well once thawed.

Who Will Love This Recipe?

This salad is perfect for:

Busy parents needing a quick and nutritious side dish
Home cooks preparing picnic or potluck meals
Fans of creamy dressings and crunchy veggies
Anyone following a low-carb or gluten-free diet
People who want to eat more fresh vegetables in a delicious way

It’s family-friendly, kid-approved, and works for just about any dietary need with a few simple tweaks.

Health Benefits of Cucumber Salad

Though it may not be considered a health food by definition, creamy cucumber salad does offer some nutritional benefits:

Hydrating: Cucumbers are over 95% water, helping you stay hydrated.
Low in calories: Especially if you use light versions of sour cream or mayo.
Source of vitamins: Cucumbers provide small amounts of Vitamin K, Vitamin C, and potassium.
Good for digestion: Their water and fiber content help maintain healthy digestion.

With mindful ingredient choices, you can enjoy this salad guilt-free and still feel satisfied.

CONCLUSION

Creamy cucumber salad with sour cream and mayo is the kind of recipe every home cook should have in their back pocket. It’s effortless, inexpensive, and endlessly adaptable. With a refreshing crunch and a rich, creamy dressing, this classic salad is always a hit no matter the occasion. From backyard barbecues and weeknight dinners to holiday feasts and summer picnics, this dish brings simplicity and flavor together in perfect harmony.

So, the next time you’re looking for a quick side that delivers big on taste, try this creamy cucumber salad, you might just find yourself making it again and again.

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