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.