Cool, crisp, creamy, and full of classic flavor! This Old-Fashioned Creamy Cucumber Salad combines fresh cucumbers and onions with a tangy, lightly sweet sour cream dressing. It’s the perfect easy side dish for summer barbecues, family dinners, picnics, or meal prep.
 Ingredients
For the Salad
- 3 large cucumbers, thinly sliced
- ½ medium sweet or red onion, very thinly sliced
- 1 tsp salt, for drawing out excess moisture
For the Creamy Dressing
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 tbsp white vinegar or apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped, or 1 tsp dried dill
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ¼ tsp salt, or to taste
Optional Garnish
- Fresh dill
- Chopped chives
- Extra black pepper
 Instructions
1. Prepare the cucumbers
Wash the cucumbers well. Peel them if desired, then slice them into thin rounds.
Place the cucumber slices in a colander or bowl and sprinkle with 1 teaspoon salt. Toss gently and let them sit for 20–30 minutes. This helps remove excess water and keeps the salad from becoming watery.
2. Drain and dry
After resting, gently squeeze or pat the cucumbers dry with paper towels. Transfer them to a large bowl.
3. Add the onion
Thinly slice the onion and add it to the cucumbers.
4. Make the creamy dressing
In a separate bowl, whisk together:
- Sour cream
- Vinegar
- Sugar
- Dill
- Garlic powder
- Black pepper
- Salt
Mix until smooth and creamy.
5. Combine
Pour the dressing over the cucumbers and onions. Toss gently until everything is evenly coated.
6. Chill
Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving. For even better flavor, chill for 1–2 hours.
7. Serve
Give the salad a gentle stir before serving. Garnish with fresh dill, chives, or extra black pepper if desired.
 Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Resting Time: 20–30 minutes
- Chill Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: About 1 hour
- Servings: 6
 Approximate Nutrition Per Serving
Nutrition may vary depending on the brands and exact ingredients used.
- Calories: 90–120
- Protein: 2–3g
- Carbohydrates: 7–9g
- Fat: 6–8g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 4–6g
 Nut Information & Allergy Notes
Nut-Free: Yes, this recipe contains no tree nuts or peanuts as written.
However, always check packaged ingredients for allergen warnings and possible cross-contact.
Contains:
- Dairy — from sour cream
Naturally:
- Peanut-Free
- Tree Nut-Free
- Egg-Free
- Soy-Free
- Gluten-Free, if all packaged ingredients and seasonings are certified gluten-free
Dairy-Free Option
Replace the sour cream with your favorite plain dairy-free sour cream or thick unsweetened plant-based yogurt. Check labels if nut allergies are a concern, as some plant-based products may contain almond or other tree nuts.
 Tips for the Best Cucumber Salad
- English or Persian cucumbers are great because they contain fewer seeds.
- Salting the cucumbers is important—it prevents a watery dressing.
- For a sweeter old-fashioned flavor, add an extra teaspoon of sugar.
- For extra tang, add a little more vinegar.
- Use full-fat sour cream for the richest and creamiest texture.
- Make it a few hours ahead, but it is best enjoyed within 24 hours for maximum crispness.
 Q&A
Q: Do I have to peel the cucumbers?
No. Peeling is optional. If the skin is thin and tender, you can leave it on.
Q: Why is my cucumber salad watery?
Cucumbers naturally release a lot of moisture. Salting and draining them before adding the dressing helps reduce excess liquid.
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare it several hours ahead and refrigerate it. For the best texture, enjoy it within 24 hours.
Q: How long does creamy cucumber salad last?
Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2–3 days, although the cucumbers will soften and release more water over time.
Q: Can I use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream?
Absolutely! Plain Greek yogurt gives the salad a lighter texture and adds extra protein.
Q: Can I make it without sugar?
Yes. Simply leave out the sugar, or use your preferred sugar substitute.
Q: Can I add other vegetables?
Yes! Try adding sliced radishes, cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, or shredded carrots.
Q: What should I serve with creamy cucumber salad?
It pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, steak, burgers, fish, barbecue dishes, roasted meats, or sandwiches.
 A cool, creamy, crunchy classic that never goes out of style!
With years of experience in restaurant research and local SEO, Sara creates accurate, user-friendly guides that work for both people and search engines. Her goal is to help users go from search results to their nearest restaurant or menu choice with as few clicks as possible.
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