Creamy Cucumber Salad Recipe

5 from 5 votes
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This Creamy Cucumber Salad Recipe needs to make its way to your dinner table immediately! It comes together in under 10 minutes, uses simple fridge staples, and pairs perfectly with fish, chicken, or steak. If you’re looking for a fresh, classic side that never gets old, this is the one.

A bowl of Creamy Cucumber Salad with Mayo features sliced cucumbers, red onions, and fresh dill, placed on a wooden table with cucumbers, garlic, and a halved lemon nearby. A spoon rests in the bowl.

Growing up, my parents made a version of this salad all the time, and it’s still a recipe that feels super nostalgic to me. Cool, crunchy cucumbers, a tangy creamy dressing, and plenty of fresh dill make this creamy cucumber salad with mayo the kind of dish you’ll proudly bring to a picnic, summer BBQ, or potluck. Looking for more simple but delicious sides? Try my Crispy Smashed Potatoes with Lemon Dill & Chive Dressing and Raw Carrot Salad with Calabrian Chili & Tahini Dressing.

😍 Why You’ll Love Creamy Cucumber Salad

Family classic: This is the cucumber salad I grew up eating. Simple, nostalgic, and always on the table alongside whatever my parents were grilling or roasting.
Fresh and creamy: Cool, crunchy cucumbers tossed in a tangy, herby dressing with fresh dill, lemon, and just enough richness.
Made with simple ingredients: A handful of fridge staples come together to create the perfect side.
Quick and dependable: Ready in under 10 minutes, no cooking required, and always a crowd-pleaser at picnics, BBQs, and potlucks.

🥒 Ingredients To Make This Creamy Cucumber Salad Recipe

Mini cucumbers: are crisp, cool, and refreshing. Thinly sliced, they soak up the creamy dressing while still keeping that fresh crunch.
Red onion: adds just the right amount of sharpness and colour, balancing the richness of the dressing without overpowering the cucumbers.
Sour cream or Greek yogurt: forms the tangy, creamy base of the dressing and keeps the salad light but satisfying.

Mayonnaise: brings richness and that classic creamy cucumber salad flavour that makes this feel nostalgic and familiar.
Garlic: minced finely, it adds flavour without taking over the salad.
Fresh dill: is absolutely essential here. It adds a bright, herbaceous flavour that makes this salad taste fresh and summery.
Lemon juice: adds acidity and brightness, cutting through the creaminess and keeping everything balanced.
Salt: enhances all the flavours and brings the cucumbers and herbs to life.

✔ How To Make This Creamy Cucumber Salad Recipe

Using a mandolin or sharp knife, slice cucumbers into similar sized pieces. Set aside until ready to use.

Using a mandolin or sharp knife, slice the red onion into similar sized pieces. Set aside until ready to use.

🤝 Sammy’s Tips for Creamy Cucumber Salad with Mayo

  • Use a mandolin if you have one. The thinner the better in my opinion for this salad.
  • Use fresh here! Dried doesn’t taste the same.
  • I always serve this one right away! The longer the salad sits, the more watery and soggy it becomes.

In a large bowl, whisk together the sour cream, mayonnaise, garlic, fresh dill, lemon juice and salt. Taste here to see if you want to add more salt.

Add the cucumbers and red onion and mix to combine. Enjoy right away.

Sliced cucumbers, red onions, minced garlic, fresh dill, mayonnaise, and yogurt are arranged on a wooden cutting board—everything you need to create the perfect Creamy Cucumber Salad Recipe. A lemon half and striped towel add a fresh touch.

🗒 Variations

Extra creamy: Add an additional tablespoon or two of sour cream or Greek yogurt if you like a thicker, more indulgent dressing.
More tangy: Increase the lemon juice slightly or add a splash of white wine vinegar for a brighter, sharper bite.
Lighter version: Use all Greek yogurt and skip the mayo for a tangier, lighter take on this creamy cucumber salad.

🗒 Substitutions

Mini cucumbers: English cucumbers work just as well. If using regular cucumbers, remove the seeds to prevent excess moisture.
Sour cream: Greek yogurt is a great swap and keeps the dressing thick and tangy.

🍴 Leftovers? Lucky you.

If you do have leftover creamy cucumber salad, they’ll last about a day in the fridge. Before eating, drain the excess liquid, add a tablespoon or two of sour cream, mix, and serve.

🤔 FAQ’S

Can I store leftovers in the fridge?

You can, although we usually never have leftovers. If you do, they’ll last about a day in the fridge. Before eating, drain the excess liquid, add a tablespoon or two of sour cream, mix, and serve.

Do I need to use a mandolin?

Nope! Just use a sharp knife and slice the cumbers into similar sized pieces.

Can I make this creamy cucumber salad ahead of time?

This salad is best made just before serving. If you need to prep ahead, you can slice the cucumbers and onion and mix the dressing separately. Combine everything right before serving for the best texture.

Why does fresh dill matter so much here?

Fresh dill gives this salad its signature flavour. Dried dill doesn’t deliver the same brightness or aroma and can taste muted in a creamy dressing.

Can I use regular cucumbers instead of mini cucumbers?

Yes. If using English or regular cucumbers, you may want to scoop out the seeds to reduce excess moisture before slicing.

👩🏻‍🍳 Hungry For More?

If you loved this creamy cucumber salad recipe, then make sure to check out a few of my other favourite recipes you may also love:

💌 Let’s Stay Connected

Keep in touch with me on Instagram, TikTokFacebook, and Pinterest! If you do make this creamy cucumber salad recipe (or any recipe of mine) don’t forget to leave a review.

A bowl of Creamy Cucumber Salad with Mayo features crisp cucumbers, red onions, and fresh dill, served on a wooden surface with a spoon, lemon half, and striped cloth for a refreshing touch.
5 from 5 votes

Creamy Cucumber Salad

Cool, crisp cucumbers tossed in a creamy, tangy dill dressing. This refreshing salad comes together fast and makes the perfect easy side for any meal.
Prep: 15 minutes
Cook: 0 minutes
Total: 15 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Prep: 15 minutes
Cook: 0 minutes
Total: 15 minutes
Servings: 4 people

Ingredients 

  • 8 mini cucumbers, thinly sliced
  • 1/2 large red onion , thinly sliced, or 1 small red onion
  • 1/2 cup sour cream, or greek yogurt
  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise
  • 1 large garlic clove, minced
  • 1/4 cup fresh dill, chopped
  • 1/2 lemon, juiced
  • 1/4 tsp salt, or more to taste

Instructions 

  • Using a mandolin or sharp knife, slice cucumbers into similar sized pieces.
    Set aside until ready to use.
  • Using a mandolin or sharp knife, slice the red onion into similar sized pieces.
    Set aside until ready to use.
  • In a large bowl, whisk together the sour cream, mayonnaise, garlic, fresh dill, lemon juice and salt.
    Taste here to see if you want to add more salt.
  • Add the cucumbers and red onion and mix to combine.
  • Enjoy right away.

Nutrition

Calories: 236kcal | Carbohydrates: 17g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 17g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 7g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Trans Fat: 0.03g | Cholesterol: 23mg | Sodium: 258mg | Potassium: 918mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 10g | Vitamin A: 850IU | Vitamin C: 30mg | Calcium: 128mg | Iron: 2mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Additional Info

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Course: Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Servings: 4 people
Calories: 236
Like this recipe? Leave a comment below!

About Sammy Montgoms

I am so glad you are here. I am a BIG foodie gal. I am one of those people who lives to eat, rather than eats to live. I love to create nostalgic Italian dishes (especially pasta), but I also love to whip up simple and quick recipes for my family. Hopefully, my page inspires you to do the same. Thank you for being here, and happy eating!

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5 from 5 votes

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7 Comments

  1. 5 stars
    Your salad caught my eye on Instagram. While I had to use dried dill as I was going by memory while at the grocery store for the ingredients. But even using dried dill this was beyond flavorful and such a treat. Thank you for a delicious recipe!

  2. 5 stars
    I love this recipe! Have made it a dozen times. I use 3t dried dill instead of fresh and the juice of the whole lemon. I like the more tartness. Thank you!