Can I use regular slicing cucumbers instead of Kirby cucumbers?

Absolutely! Regular slicing cucumbers work well too, though they tend to have more seeds and moisture. I recommend scooping out the seeds before slicing and perhaps giving them extra time in the salt-draining step to ensure your salad isn't watery.

Why is my cucumber salad watery even after salting?

This usually happens if the cucumbers weren't drained thoroughly enough or if the salad has been sitting for some time. Make sure to really shake off excess moisture after salting, and even pat the cucumber slices with paper towels before mixing with the dressing. Also, serve the salad promptly after preparing for best results.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes! There are several good plant-based sour cream alternatives available now that work beautifully in this recipe. Coconut yogurt can also work well, though it will add a slight coconut flavor to your salad.

How far in advance can I make this salad?

For optimal texture and flavor, it's best to combine the cucumbers and dressing no more than 2 hours before serving. However, you can prep all components separately up to a day ahead and assemble just before your meal.

Creamy Cucumber Salad Recipe

Name: Creamy Cucumber Salad Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Total time: 20 min
Yield: 5
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 to 4 Kirby pickling cucumbers; 2 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt (divided); 1 cup sour cream; 3 tablespoons white vinegar; 1/2 teaspoon sugar; 1 small clove garlic (minced); 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill

This Creamy Cucumber Salad is a refreshing side dish that brings together the crispness of fresh cucumbers with a tangy, creamy dressing that’s absolutely irresistible. Ready in just 20 minutes, it’s the perfect accompaniment to summer barbecues, weeknight dinners, or anytime you need a cool, light side that doesn’t require turning on the oven. The balance of creaminess with the bright punch of vinegar and fresh dill creates a classic dish that never goes out of style!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Simple: With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep, this salad comes together in minutes, making it perfect for those busy evenings when you need something fresh on the table fast.
Refreshingly Light: The cool, crisp cucumbers paired with the tangy dressing create a dish that’s especially refreshing during warmer months, but welcome any time of year.
Versatile: Works beautifully alongside everything from grilled meats to hearty sandwiches, making it an ideal sidekick to virtually any main course.
Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prep the components ahead of time and combine them just before serving for maximum freshness.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Kirby pickling cucumbers: These smaller cucumbers have a delightful crunch and fewer seeds, making them ideal for this salad. Their firm texture holds up beautifully against the creamy dressing.
Kosher salt: Used both to draw out excess moisture from the cucumbers (ensuring your salad isn’t watery) and to season the dressing. The coarser texture of kosher salt works perfectly for drawing out cucumber moisture.
Sour cream: The creamy base of our dressing that brings richness and body to the salad. It creates that classic, velvety texture that makes this salad so satisfying.
White vinegar: Provides the essential tang that balances the richness of the sour cream. This acidity brightens the entire dish and cuts through the creaminess.
Sugar: Just a touch to balance the acidity of the vinegar without making the salad sweet. It rounds out the flavors beautifully.
Garlic: Adds a subtle depth of flavor that complements the fresh ingredients without overpowering them.
Fresh dill: The signature herb that makes this salad sing! Its bright, slightly grassy flavor pairs perfectly with cucumbers and adds beautiful flecks of green to the creamy white dressing.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Lighter Version

Swap half or all of the sour cream with Greek yogurt for a lighter, protein-packed alternative that still delivers creaminess.

Herbed-Up

Experiment with different herbs! Try mint, parsley, or chives either in addition to or instead of the dill for a different flavor profile.

Scandinavian Style

Add thinly sliced red onion and a tablespoon of fresh lemon juice for a more Nordic twist on this classic.

Spicy Kick

Include a pinch of red pepper flakes or a small amount of finely diced jalapeño to add some heat to this cool salad.

How to Make Creamy Cucumber Salad

Step 1: Prep the Cucumbers

Peel the Kirby cucumbers and slice them as thinly as possible—the thinner, the better for absorbing the delicious dressing. Sprinkle with 2 teaspoons of kosher salt, toss gently, and place in a colander over the sink or a bowl. Let them sit for about 30 minutes to draw out excess moisture.

Step 2: Make the Dressing

While the cucumbers are draining, combine the sour cream, remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt, white vinegar, sugar, minced garlic, and chopped fresh dill in a medium bowl. Whisk thoroughly until everything is well incorporated and the dressing is smooth.

Step 3: Combine and Serve

After the cucumbers have drained, gently shake the colander to remove any remaining water droplets. Using paper towels, pat them lightly if they still seem wet. Add the cucumbers to the dressing and fold gently to combine, making sure every slice is coated with the creamy mixture. For best results, refrigerate for at least 15 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Slice Uniformly: Try to cut the cucumber slices to a uniform thickness so they’ll absorb the dressing evenly.
Salt Thoroughly: Don’t skip the salting step! It’s crucial for drawing out moisture that would otherwise make your salad watery.
Drain Well: After salting, make sure to shake off as much moisture as possible from the cucumber slices to prevent diluting your creamy dressing.
Fresh Dill Matters: While dried dill can work in a pinch, fresh dill provides a significantly brighter flavor that really makes this salad special.
Chill the Ingredients: Working with cold sour cream and chilled cucumbers helps the salad come together better and ensures it’s refreshing from the first bite.

How to Serve

Perfect Pairings

This creamy cucumber salad is the ideal companion to grilled meats like chicken, steak, or pork chops. The cool, tangy flavors complement smoky grilled flavors beautifully.

Summer Spread

Include this as part of a summer picnic or barbecue spread. It pairs wonderfully with burgers, hot dogs, and other classic cookout fare.

International Meal

Serve alongside hearty Eastern European dishes like schnitzel or goulash, where its coolness provides wonderful contrast to rich, heavy mains.

Simple Lunch

Enjoy a larger portion as a light lunch with a slice of hearty bread and perhaps some sliced tomatoes on the side.

Make Ahead and Storage

Timing It Right

For maximum freshness, this salad is best assembled no more than 2 hours before serving. You can prepare the cucumber slices and dressing separately up to a day ahead, then combine when ready to serve.

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Keep in mind that the cucumbers will continue to release water, making the dressing thinner over time.

Refreshing Leftovers

If your leftover salad has become watery, simply drain off the excess liquid and add a small dollop of fresh sour cream to bring back the creamy consistency.

Freezing

This salad doesn’t freeze well due to the high water content of cucumbers and the dairy-based dressing, so it’s best enjoyed fresh.

FAQs

Can I use regular slicing cucumbers instead of Kirby cucumbers?

Absolutely! Regular slicing cucumbers work well too, though they tend to have more seeds and moisture. I recommend scooping out the seeds before slicing and perhaps giving them extra time in the salt-draining step to ensure your salad isn’t watery.
Why is my cucumber salad watery even after salting?

This usually happens if the cucumbers weren’t drained thoroughly enough or if the salad has been sitting for some time. Make sure to really shake off excess moisture after salting, and even pat the cucumber slices with paper towels before mixing with the dressing. Also, serve the salad promptly after preparing for best results.
Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes! There are several good plant-based sour cream alternatives available now that work beautifully in this recipe. Coconut yogurt can also work well, though it will add a slight coconut flavor to your salad.
How far in advance can I make this salad?

For optimal texture and flavor, it’s best to combine the cucumbers and dressing no more than 2 hours before serving. However, you can prep all components separately up to a day ahead and assemble just before your meal.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Cucumber Salad is one of those deceptively simple recipes that proves you don’t need complicated techniques or exotic ingredients to create something truly delicious. The combination of crisp, fresh cucumbers with the tangy, herb-flecked dressing creates a side dish that’s both comforting and refreshing. Give it a try alongside your next dinner—I’m confident it will become a regular in your recipe rotation!