Creamy Cucumber Onion Salad Recipe – A Cool and Tangy Summer Favorite

Looking for a refreshing, creamy side dish that’s perfect for summer? This creamy cucumber onion salad is a time-tested favorite that delivers both flavor and nostalgia. It’s the kind of dish that reminds you of family gatherings, backyard cookouts, and the comforting simplicity of homemade food. With crisp cucumbers, sharp red onions, and a cool, tangy dressing, this salad fits right in with anything from grilled meats to picnic sandwiches.

If you’ve never tried this cucumber onion salad recipe before, you’re in for a treat. It’s quick, easy, and made with ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen. And if it’s something you grew up with, this version will taste just as good as you remember.

Let’s walk through how to make this classic summer dish, step by step.

Why You’ll Love This Cucumber Onion Salad

You’ll love this salad for a dozen reasons, but let’s focus on a few:

• Fast and easy: Just 15 minutes from start to finish.
• Cooling and refreshing: Ideal for hot days and heavy meals.
• Simple ingredients: Nothing fancy—just fresh, affordable pantry staples.
• Make-ahead friendly: Even better after chilling for an hour.
• Naturally gluten-free and vegetarian: A crowd-pleaser for all diets.

Whether you’re hosting a barbecue, packing lunch, or looking for a quick side, this creamy cucumber salad checks every box.

Ingredients for Creamy Cucumber Onion Salad

Before you start slicing and mixing, take a look at what you’ll need. This recipe uses fresh produce and a few seasoning staples to bring everything together into one flavorful bowl.

Ingredients Table

Quantity	Ingredient	Notes
3 cups	Cucumbers, thinly sliced	English or Persian cucumbers work best; peeling optional
1 cup	Red onion, thinly sliced	A mandoline makes this easier and more even
1/2 cup	Sour cream	Substitute Greek yogurt for a lighter option
1 tablespoon	White vinegar	Apple cider vinegar is a good alternative
2 tablespoons	Fresh dill, minced	Dried dill can be used if fresh isn’t available
1 teaspoon	Granulated sugar	Adds balance and rounds out the vinegar’s tang
1/2 teaspoon	Salt	Season to taste
1/4 teaspoon	Garlic powder	Optional but adds depth

These ingredients are easy to find and even easier to customize, which makes this cucumber salad recipe as flexible as it is flavorful.

How to Make Cucumber Onion Salad Step by Step

The beauty of this creamy cucumber salad is how quickly it comes together. Even if you’re not experienced in the kitchen, you’ll have no trouble getting this recipe just right.

Step 1 – Slice the Cucumbers and Onions

Start by washing your cucumbers. If you’re using English or Persian cucumbers, you don’t need to peel them—the skins are thin and tender. For a more traditional texture, slice them into thin rounds using a sharp knife or mandoline.

Red onions can be intense, so cutting them as thinly as possible helps mellow their sharpness and allows the dressing to soak in. A mandoline makes quick work of this too and keeps the slices consistent.

Once sliced, pat the cucumbers dry with a paper towel. This step is important—it removes excess moisture so your dressing doesn’t get watered down.

Step 2 – Mix the Creamy Dressing

In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine:

• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1 tablespoon white vinegar
• 2 tablespoons minced dill
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)

Whisk these together until smooth. The result should be creamy, slightly tangy, and speckled with fresh green dill. If you’re substituting Greek yogurt for sour cream, you may want to adjust the vinegar or sugar slightly to balance the tartness.

Step 3 – Combine the Salad

Add the sliced cucumbers and onions to the bowl. Using a spatula or spoon, gently toss everything together until the vegetables are evenly coated in the dressing. Take care not to mash the cucumbers—this salad should stay crisp.

At this point, you can garnish with a little extra dill or freshly cracked black pepper if you like.

Step 4 – Chill and Serve

While you can serve this cucumber onion salad immediately, it’s even better if you cover it and refrigerate it for 30 minutes to an hour. This short chill time helps the flavors meld, giving you a more balanced and flavorful bite.

When you’re ready to serve, give it one more gentle toss and plate it up next to your grilled burgers, chicken, or favorite picnic dish.

Tips for the Best Cucumber Onion Salad Every Time

To make your cucumber onion salad as crisp and flavorful as possible, keep these simple but important tips in mind:

1. Use the Right Cucumbers

Not all cucumbers are created equal. For this salad, opt for:

• English cucumbers: These are long, thin-skinned, and nearly seedless. They’re perfect if you want a delicate crunch and less moisture.
• Persian cucumbers: Slightly smaller, but just as crisp and sweet.

Avoid standard waxy cucumbers unless you peel them and remove the seeds. Their higher water content can lead to a soggy salad.

2. Slice Everything Thinly

Thin slices of cucumber and red onion absorb the dressing more effectively and create that signature soft-yet-crunchy bite. If you don’t have a mandoline slicer, a very sharp chef’s knife works well—just take your time.

3. Pat the Cucumbers Dry

After slicing, gently pat the cucumber slices with paper towels. This step may seem minor, but it helps reduce the excess moisture that could water down your creamy dressing. Moisture control is key in any creamy cucumber salad.

4. Let It Chill

If you want peak flavor, let the salad rest in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This gives the vinegar and dill time to penetrate the vegetables and rounds out the sharp bite of the onion.

Variations on Classic Cucumber Onion Salad

One of the best things about this cucumber salad recipe is how versatile it is. Once you’ve mastered the basic version, here are a few fun twists to explore:

Add Sliced Tomatoes

Cherry or grape tomatoes add a pop of sweetness and color. Halve them and toss them in with the cucumbers and onions. This variation pairs especially well with grilled meats or crusty bread.

Use Greek Yogurt Instead of Sour Cream

If you’re looking for a lighter version or want to add a bit more protein, plain Greek yogurt is a perfect swap. It keeps the dressing creamy but adds a slight tang. You might want to adjust the vinegar and sugar a bit to balance the flavor.

Throw in Fresh Herbs

Dill is the star here, but you can also try adding:

• Chopped chives
• Fresh parsley
• A touch of mint for a Middle Eastern twist

Make It Spicy

Add a small amount of finely chopped jalapeño or crushed red pepper flakes if you like a little heat. The creamy base handles spice beautifully.

Add Crunch

For added texture, toss in some chopped celery, radishes, or sunflower seeds just before serving.

These customizations allow you to reinvent your creamy cucumber salad depending on your mood, menu, or what you have on hand.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

If you’re planning ahead or wondering how long this cucumber onion salad lasts, here’s everything you need to know.

Can I Make It in Advance?

Yes! In fact, this salad gets better after it sits in the fridge for a bit. You can:

• Fully prepare it up to one day ahead, just keep it in an airtight container.
• Slice the veggies ahead of time and store them separately, then mix with the dressing before serving.

If you’re prepping for a large event or a busy dinner, this make-ahead approach saves you time and hassle.

How Long Does It Keep?

Your creamy cucumber salad will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just make sure it’s sealed well to prevent it from absorbing other flavors.

Can I Freeze It?

Unfortunately, no. Cucumbers don’t freeze well. The texture becomes mushy and unappealing once thawed, which isn’t what you want in a crisp, refreshing salad.

What to Serve with Cucumber Onion Salad

This dish is extremely versatile and makes an excellent companion to many meals. Here are a few delicious pairing ideas:

Grilled Dishes

• Chicken skewers
• BBQ ribs
• Grilled pork chops
• Smoked sausages

The cool creaminess of the salad balances smoky, savory flavors perfectly.

Picnic and Potluck Favorites

• Deviled eggs
• Cold pasta salads
• Baked beans
• Fried chicken

It fits right in with classic American comfort food.

Light Lunches and Snacks

• Tuna salad sandwiches
• Grilled cheese
• Hard-boiled eggs
• Fresh fruit

Serve it on the side for a low-effort meal that still feels complete.

Whether you’re serving a crowd or just making lunch for yourself, this cucumber salad recipe elevates any plate.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: 49
• Fat: 3g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Cholesterol: 8mg
• Carbohydrates: 6g
• Sugar: 3g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 1g
• Sodium: 138mg

These numbers make it clear: this dish is not only tasty and easy to make—it’s also light enough to enjoy anytime, even if you’re watching your intake.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is cucumber onion salad made of?

This salad is made from fresh cucumbers, red onions, sour cream, vinegar, dill, sugar, salt, and garlic powder. It’s a simple combination that delivers big on flavor and texture.

Can I use white onions instead of red?

Red onions are ideal because they add color and a milder bite. But if white onions are all you have, they work too—just soak them in cold water for 10 minutes to tone down their sharpness.

Why is my cucumber salad watery?

Cucumbers are over 90% water. If you don’t pat them dry before adding to the dressing, they’ll release moisture that waters down the salad. Pat them well with a paper towel after slicing.

How do I make my cucumber onion salad less tangy?

You can reduce the vinegar slightly and add a bit more sugar to balance the flavors. Using Greek yogurt instead of sour cream may also tone down the tang.

Is cucumber salad gluten-free?

Yes, all the ingredients in this creamy cucumber onion salad are naturally gluten-free. Just be sure to check your labels on sour cream or yogurt, as additives can sometimes sneak in.

Can I double this recipe for a party?

Absolutely! It scales beautifully. Just increase the ingredient amounts proportionally and be sure to use a large enough bowl to mix and store.

Final Thoughts: Try This Classic Cucumber Onion Salad Today

There’s a reason this cucumber onion salad recipe has stood the test of time. It’s creamy, crunchy, tangy, and cool—the kind of dish that’s as welcome at a summer BBQ as it is on your weeknight dinner table.

You’ll love how easy it is to put together, and once you’ve made it, you’ll probably start keeping the ingredients on hand. Because once your friends and family taste it, they’re going to request it again and again.

So go ahead—slice those cucumbers, stir up that dressing, and enjoy a salad that’s as comforting as it is refreshing.

Tried this recipe?
Leave a comment below to share your thoughts or any fun twists you added. And if you know someone who needs a new go-to summer side dish, share this article with them today!

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