Easy Creamy Cucumber Salad in Just 5 Minutes!

Looking for a refreshing, quick side dish that tastes amazing and takes almost no time to prepare? This Easy Creamy Cucumber Salad is your go-to solution! It’s the perfect blend of crunchy cucumbers, tangy dressing, and fresh herbs, all made in just 5 minutes.

Whether you’re prepping for a summer BBQ, weeknight dinner, or need something light and cooling, this recipe checks all the boxes. Plus, it’s easy to customize for different diets and flavor preferences.

Not only does it taste great, but cucumbers are also incredibly good for you. They’re low in calories and full of hydration benefits. If you’re curious about the health benefits of cucumbers, Medical News Today explains them in detail.

And for those worried about slicing cucumbers quickly and safely, using a mandoline slicer is a game-changer. Not sure how to use one? Serious Eats has an excellent guide that walks you through how to use it without the risk of slicing your fingers.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Takes just 5 minutes to prepare
• No cooking required
• Only a handful of ingredients
• Super versatile and customizable
• Naturally vegetarian, and easily made vegan or keto

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need to make this easy creamy cucumber salad:

• 2 large English cucumbers, thinly sliced
• ¼ red onion, thinly sliced
• ½ cup sour cream (or plain Greek yogurt)
• 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 1 tablespoon fresh chopped dill (or ¾ tsp dried dill)
• 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance the tang)
• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

Substitutions & Variations

• Use Greek yogurt for a lighter, tangier version. Healthline has a great comparison between sour cream and Greek yogurt for those watching calories or protein intake.
• Want it dairy-free? Try coconut yogurt or almond yogurt instead.
• Replace red wine vinegar with apple cider vinegar, white wine vinegar, or even fresh lemon juice.

Optional Add-Ins

You can easily elevate the base recipe with:

• Crumbled feta cheese for a Mediterranean touch
• Sliced cherry tomatoes for sweetness and color
• Chopped avocado for creaminess
• A tablespoon of capers for a salty kick
• Finely chopped sun-dried tomatoes for an umami punch

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to bring this salad together in under 5 minutes:

1. In a mixing bowl, combine:
   • Sour cream (or yogurt)
   • Vinegar
   • Dill
   • Sugar (optional)
   • Garlic powder
   • Salt and pepper
2. Whisk everything until smooth and well blended.
3. Add in the thinly sliced cucumbers and onions.
4. Toss gently to coat every slice in the creamy, tangy dressing.

Pro Tips for the Best Results

• Use English cucumbers for their thin skin and fewer seeds.
• Slice evenly with a mandoline or sharp knife.
• Pat cucumbers dry before mixing to avoid watery dressing.
• Taste the dressing and adjust vinegar, salt, or sugar to your liking.
• Serve immediately or chill for up to 30 minutes before serving.

What to Serve With Creamy Cucumber Salad

This salad pairs wonderfully with grilled or roasted mains like:

• Grilled lemon chicken
• Shrimp skewers
• BBQ ribs
• Falafel or veggie burgers
• Mediterranean grain bowls

It’s also a hit at potlucks, picnics, and as a quick lunch side.

Nutritional Info (Per Serving)

• Calories: 89
• Carbs: 9g
• Protein: 2g
• Fat: 6g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 5g
• Rich in Vitamin C, Potassium, and Calcium

This salad is gluten-free, and can be made low-carb by skipping the sugar or using a substitute like stevia.

How to Store It

• Best served immediately for crunch and flavor.
• Can refrigerate for up to 24 hours in an airtight container.
• Avoid freezing—cucumbers don’t freeze well.
• For make-ahead, store dressing separately and mix before serving.

FAQs

Can I make creamy cucumber salad ahead of time?

Yes! Make the dressing and store it in the fridge. Add cucumbers just before serving to keep it crisp.

How do I keep cucumbers from getting soggy?

Salt and pat them dry, or use seedless cucumbers like English or Persian varieties.

What kind of vinegar works best?

Red wine vinegar is classic, but apple cider or lemon juice are excellent substitutes.

Can I use yogurt instead of sour cream?

Absolutely. Greek yogurt works perfectly and offers a protein boost.

How long will this salad last?

Ideally 24 hours in the fridge. After that, cucumbers begin to release water and become mushy.

Creative Variations to Try

• Add mustard and honey for a sweet & tangy twist
• Toss in chopped fresh mint or parsley for added aroma
• Include sliced radishes for extra crunch and spice
• Stir in a spoon of mayonnaise for a Southern-style creaminess
• Use spicy chili flakes for a bit of heat

A Quick History Note

Creamy cucumber salads have their roots in Eastern European and Southern American cuisines. Known as “Mizeria” in Poland, they’ve been adapted globally thanks to their simplicity and cooling flavor. This modern version amps up the freshness with dill and red onion.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Creamy Cucumber Salad is everything you want in a side dish: fast, flavorful, healthy, and endlessly adaptable. Whether you’re hosting friends or prepping lunch for one, it’s guaranteed to become a staple in your kitchen. Ready in just 5 minutes, you can whip it up anytime the craving hits!

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