This recipe solves that with three smart tricks:
Salt the cucumbers first – Draws out excess moisture
Use a thick, tangy dressing – Stays creamy, not runny
Let it chill – Flavors deepen and meld
The result? A salad that’s creamy, crisp, and bursting with flavor — without the sogginess.
🍴 Ingredients (Serves 4–6)
English cucumbers (or Persian)
2 large
Thin skin, fewer seeds, extra crisp
Red onion
¼ cup, thinly sliced
Adds bite and color
Mayonnaise
½ cup
Creamy base (use full-fat for best texture)
Sour cream or Greek yogurt
¼ cup
Adds tang and lightens the dressing
Apple cider vinegar or white vinegar
1 tbsp
Brightens the flavor
Sugar
1–2 tsp
Balances acidity (adjust to taste)
Salt and pepper
To taste
Essential seasoning
Fresh dill (optional)
1 tbsp, chopped
Fresh herbal note — highly recommended
✅ No fresh dill? Use 1 tsp dried dill.
🥣 Step-by-Step: How to Make Creamy Cucumber Salad
Step 1: Prep the Cucumbers
Slice cucumbers thinly (use a mandoline for even slices)
Place in a colander and sprinkle with 1 tsp salt
Toss and let sit 15–20 minutes — this draws out water
Rinse lightly and pat dry with a clean towel
✅ Pro Tip: English or Persian cucumbers are best — no need to peel or seed.
Step 2: Make the Dressing
In a large bowl, whisk together:
Mayonnaise
Sour cream (or Greek yogurt)
Vinegar
Sugar
Salt and pepper
Fresh dill (if using)
Taste and adjust — more sugar for sweetness, more vinegar for tang.
Step 3: Combine & Chill
Add cucumbers and red onion to the dressing
Gently toss to coat
Cover and refrigerate at least 1 hour (or up to 4 hours)
✅ Why wait? Chilling lets the cucumbers absorb flavor and keeps them crisp.
Step 4: Serve & Enjoy
Stir before serving
Garnish with extra dill or a sprinkle of paprika
Serve cold with:
Grilled chicken or fish
BBQ ribs
Sandwiches
Or all by itself
Leftovers? They keep for 2–3 days in the fridge — though it’s rarely that long!
🧑🍳 Pro Tips for the Best Salad Every Time
Don’t skip the salting step
Prevents watery salad
Use full-fat mayo
Creamier texture, better flavor
Add a splash of lemon juice
Extra brightness
Soak red onion in cold water for 5 mins
Takes the harsh edge off
Make it ahead
Tastes even better the next day
Also, try adding hard-boiled eggs or crispy bacon for a heartier version.
🍽️ Final Thoughts: Sometimes the Best Side Dish Is the One That Feels Like a Hug and a Refresh at the Same Time
We chase bold flavors.
We love spicy, smoky, complex dishes.
But sometimes, all we need is something cool, creamy, and simple.
This creamy cucumber salad is exactly that.
It’s not flashy.
It’s not fancy.
It’s just good.
So next time you’re planning a meal and wondering what to bring…
Don’t overthink it.
Grab some cucumbers.
Grab the mayo.
Make this salad.
Because sometimes, the difference between “just food” and “I need seconds”…
Isn’t in the main course.
It’s in the bowl on the side.
And once you make this?
You’ll wonder how you ever had a summer cookout without it.