This creamy cucumber sour cream salad is the ultimate 15-minute side dish for busy weeknights or summer BBQs. Made with crisp English cucumbers and a tangy homemade dill dressing, it offers a refreshing crunch that pairs perfectly with any grilled main course. Skip the watery store-bought versions and whip up this easy, vintage-inspired recipe today!
Most of us remember a classic cucumber sour cream salad from childhood cookouts. Whether it was a family picnic or a neighborhood gathering, this creamy side dish was always a favorite. It’s a timeless recipe that has stayed popular for a very good reason.
I’ve recreated that tangy flavor from those vintage family picnics. This version features thinly sliced English cucumbers mixed with red onions and a homemade dressing. I also added fresh dill to take the traditional flavor to a whole new level!
This creamy cucumber sour cream salad is the ultimate side dish for any backyard BBQ or family gathering. It pairs perfectly with grilled favorites like juicy burgers, hot dogs, or my BBQ Chicken Sliders. You can also serve it alongside heavier holiday meals or my slow cooked Jalapeño Popper Chicken to add a refreshing, crisp bite to your plate. No matter the occasion, this easy side dish is always a crowd-pleaser!
Jump to:
- 🥘Easy ingredients needed
- 🔪How to make cucumber sour cream salad
- 🥣Easy recipe substitutions
- 🥗Creative cucumber sour cream salad variations
- 🍽Essential equipment needed
- 🍶Storing your cucumber salad
- 🔪Make ahead & prep tips
- 💭Cucumber sour cream salad top tip
- 🤔🥒What is an English cucumber?
- 🗨️Cucumber sour cream salad FAQ
- 🥄Related
- 🍴Pairing
- 📋Recipe with step-by-step instructions
- 💬 Comments
🥘Easy ingredients needed
- English cucumbers- used for their low water content, tiny seeds, and edible skins
- sour cream- I use Breakstone's or Daisy's reduced fat; use full fat if you want a richer dressing
- red onion- choose this onion variety for a pop of color in the salad
- fresh dill- fresh is best for optimal taste and flavor
- white wine vinegar- a preservative that adds a tangy bite
- sugar- balances the acidity of the white wine vinegar
- sea salt - enhances the fresh dill and tangy vinegar without the metallic aftertaste sometimes found in iodized salt
🔪How to make cucumber sour cream salad
- Step 1: Whisk the sour cream, diced onion, dill, vinegar, sugar and salt.
- Step 2: Add the sliced cucumbers and stir to coat. Chill and garnish with dill sprigs and red onion slices before serving.
For step-by-step instructions, see the recipe card.
Hint: This cucumber sour cream salad tastes much better after marinating in the creamy dressing. Letting it sit in the fridge allows the cool flavors to meld perfectly before serving!
🥣Easy recipe substitutions
- Cucumbers - Persian or mini cucumbers may be used instead because they also have lower water content and edible skins.
- Vinegar - If you don't have white wine vinegar, try using apple cider vinegar, red wine vinegar, or fresh lemon juice. These options maintain the tangy bite required for a classic creamy cucumber salad while adding a subtle fruity note.
- Onions - You can substitute the red onion with sweet Vidalia onions or chopped green onions. Using green onions offers a milder flavor and adds a beautiful bright green color to this easy side dish.
🥗Creative cucumber sour cream salad variations
- Greek Style - Add halved cherry tomatoes, kalamata olives, and crumbled feta cheese to the mix. This version transforms your creamy cucumber salad into a Mediterranean-inspired side dish that pairs perfectly with grilled lamb or chicken.
- Radishes and Chives - Stir in thinly sliced radishes and fresh chopped chives for an extra layer of crunch and a peppery bite. These additions give the cucumber sour cream salad a vibrant pop of color and a fresh, garden-style flavor.
- Spicy Jalapeño - Fold in one finely deseeded and minced jalapeño for a subtle heat that cuts through the creamy dressing. This spicy twist makes your easy side dish stand out at any summer BBQ or festive gathering.
See English Cucumber Salad for another easy side dish that's perfect for picnics and potlucks!
🍽Essential equipment needed
- large mixing bowl
- measuring cups
- measuring spoons
- cutting board
- chef's knife
- wire whisk
- mandoline slicer (optional, but very handy for this recipe)
- mixing spoon
🍶Storing your cucumber salad
Store your cucumber sour cream salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Note that the cucumbers will release more moisture the longer they sit. For the best crunch, try to enjoy this creamy cucumber salad within the first 48 hours!
🔪Make ahead & prep tips
You can easily prep this creamy cucumber salad a day in advance to save time. Simply whisk the dressing and slice the cucumbers, but store them in separate airtight containers in the fridge. For the best texture, toss them together about 2 hours before your party to let the flavors meld without losing that signature crunch!
💭Cucumber sour cream salad top tip
For the best results, use a mandoline slicer to get perfectly even, thin cucumber circles. Consistent slices ensure that every bite of your cucumber sour cream salad is well-coated in the tangy dressing.
🤔🥒What is an English cucumber?
English cucumbers are also known as hothouse cucumbers. These are usually sold individually wrapped in plastic. They are the best choice for this cucumber sour cream salad because they have tiny seeds and thin, edible skin.
Additionally, these cucumbers are denser than other varieties. This gives your easy side dish more substance and a better crunch. Since they aren't as watery, they won't dilute your creamy dressing as quickly. This is a huge bonus if you plan on having leftovers!
🗨️Cucumber sour cream salad FAQ
Most cucumbers (other than English or Persian cucumbers) have a high water content that can dilute your dressing. To prevent this, slice your cucumbers and sprinkle them with salt in a colander for 30 minutes. Rinse them and pat them dry with a paper towel before adding your sour cream dressing.
You can definitely make this easy side dish a few hours before your event. In fact, letting it sit in the fridge for at least 2 hours helps the flavors meld. However, try to eat it within 24 hours for the best crunch and texture.
English cucumbers are the best choice for a creamy cucumber salad. They have thinner skins and fewer seeds than regular varieties. This means they stay crispier and won't make your dressing as runny.
I do not recommend freezing this salad. The sour cream will separate and the cucumbers will become mushy once thawed. This no-bake side dish is much better served fresh or chilled from the refrigerator.
🥄Related
Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:
🍴Pairing
These are my favorite summer dishes to serve with Cucumber Sour Cream Salad:
📋Recipe with step-by-step instructions
Creamy Cucumber Sour Cream Salad
Ingredients
- 5 cups (about 2 large) English cucumbers
- 1 cup sour cream I use Breakstone's or Daisy's reduced fat
- 3 tablespoons red onion finely diced for the dressing; you may choose to add some additional thin rings on top when serving
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill chopped
- 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon white sugar
- 1 teaspoon sea salt can substitute table salt
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, use a wire whisk to combine the sour cream, diced onion, chopped dill, vinegar, sugar and salt. Blend well.
- Add the sliced cucumbers; toss gently with a spoon until well coated.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to blend flavors.
- Stir before serving; optional to add additional red onion slices and a few tiny springs of dill on top.
- Refrigerate any leftovers. Enjoy within 5 days.
Notes
Nutrition
Please note that nutritional information is provided by a third party service and is intended for guidance purposes only. KitchenReadyBetty.com makes no claims to its accuracy.
Janet C. says
This cucumber salad was so easy to make. We loved the fresh dill in the creamy dressing. Will be making this salad again and again!
Kitchen Ready Betty says
Fresh dill is one of my favorite herbs, and it works perfectly in this easy cucumber salad recipe. Thanks for your comment!
Heidi says
This is what I want at all my summer bbq's this summer! The cucumber is so refreshing on a hot summer day and your creamy homemade dressing is simply divine. The fresh dill, red onion and vinegar create such a lovely symphony of flavors!
Kitchen Ready Betty says
You’re right, there is nothing like a refreshing cucumber salad with fresh dill for a summer BBQ. The combination of red onion and vinegar really makes that creamy homemade dressing pop! Since you love those fresh, zesty flavors for outdoor gatherings, you should definitely try my Healthy Potato Salad for your next cookout. Thanks so much for the 5-star review!