Creamy Cucumber Salad - A Light and Delicious Summer Salad
Creamy Cucumber Salad - A Light and Delicious Summer Salad is a easy American recipe that serves 4. 80 calories per serving. Recipe by Come Sit At My Table on YouTube.
Prep: 18 min | Cook: PT0M | Total: 25 min
Cost: $4.10 total, $1.02 per serving
Ingredients
- 6 pieces Salad Cucumbers (small salad cucumbers, peeled and sliced)
- 2.5 teaspoons Kosher Salt (or 1.5 teaspoons table salt)
- 8 oz Sour Cream (full‑fat, about 1 cup)
- 0.5 cup Buttermilk
- 2 tablespoons White Vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
- 0.5 teaspoon Granulated Sugar
- 0.5 teaspoon Minced Garlic (jarred; or 1 fresh clove minced)
- 1 tablespoon Fresh Dill (loosely packed, chopped by hand)
Instructions
Make the Dressing
In the mixing bowl combine sour cream, buttermilk, white vinegar, sugar, minced garlic, and fresh dill. Whisk until smooth and creamy.
Time: PT5M
Salt the Cucumbers
Place the whole cucumbers in a separate bowl, sprinkle with kosher salt, and toss. Let sit for 5 minutes to draw out excess moisture.
Time: PT5M
Peel the Cucumbers
Using a vegetable peeler, remove the skin from each cucumber, taking off any green bitter layer underneath if you prefer.
Time: PT3M
Slice the Cucumbers
Slice the peeled cucumbers into rounds or half‑moons, thickness of your choice.
Time: PT3M
Drain the Cucumbers
After the 5‑minute salt rest, drain the cucumbers in a colander and pat dry with paper towels to remove surface moisture.
Time: PT2M
Toss with Dressing
Add the sliced cucumbers to the dressing bowl. Toss gently until every piece is lightly coated. Reserve any extra dressing for later.
Time: PT2M
Store Leftover Dressing
Transfer any remaining dressing to an airtight storage jar and refrigerate.
Time: PT1M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 80
- Protein
- 2 g
- Carbohydrates
- 5 g
- Fat
- 5 g
- Fiber
- 0.5 g
Dietary info: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free
Allergens: Dairy
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Salad Cucumbers: pickling cucumbers, English cucumbers
- Instead of Kosher Salt: table salt
- Instead of Sour Cream: Greek yogurt
- Instead of Buttermilk: milk + 1 tsp lemon juice
- Instead of White Vinegar: apple cider vinegar
- Instead of Granulated Sugar: honey (use less)
- Instead of Minced Garlic: fresh garlic
- Instead of Fresh Dill: dried dill (1 tsp)
Equipment Needed
- Mixing Bowl
- Whisk
- Knife
- Cutting Board
- Measuring Spoons
- Measuring Cup
- Storage Jar with Lid
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Make the Dressing
- Salt the Cucumbers
- Drain the Cucumbers
Chef Tips from the Video
- For extra zing, add a pinch of smoked paprika to the dressing.
- If you like a bit of heat, toss in a few thin slices of jalapeño.
- Use a microplane to grate a tiny amount of lemon zest into the dressing for brightness.
Troubleshooting
Dressing is too thin.
Add a little more sour cream or reduce the buttermilk by a tablespoon.
Cucumbers are watery after mixing.
Make sure to pat the cucumbers dry after draining and consider salting them longer.
Dressing is too salty.
Rinse the cucumbers briefly, pat dry, and add a splash of extra buttermilk or a pinch of sugar.
Storage
Refrigerator: Dressed cucumbers keep 1–2 days; dressing alone keeps up to 3 days.
Freezer: Not recommended; texture will become watery.
Room temperature: Do not leave out more than 2 hours due to dairy.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Prepare the dressing a day ahead and store in a sealed jar.
- Peel and slice cucumbers just before serving to retain crunch.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of creamy cucumber salad in American summer cuisine?
Creamy cucumber salads have been a staple of American picnics and barbecues since the early 20th century, offering a cool, refreshing contrast to grilled meats. The dish reflects the country’s love for dairy‑based dressings and seasonal produce, especially during the hot summer months.
What regional variations of cucumber salad exist within the United States?
In the South, cucumber salad often includes a splash of hot sauce or mustard; in the Midwest, a sweet pickle relish is added; while on the West Coast, many recipes swap sour cream for Greek yogurt for a lighter tang.
How is creamy cucumber salad traditionally served at summer gatherings in American culture?
It is typically served chilled in a large bowl alongside grilled burgers, hot dogs, or barbecue ribs, and is often presented as a family‑style side that guests can help themselves to throughout the event.
What occasions or celebrations is creamy cucumber salad traditionally associated with in American summer culture?
It appears at backyard barbecues, Fourth of July picnics, family reunions, and casual potlucks, where its cool texture balances the heat of outdoor cooking.
What authentic ingredients define a classic American creamy cucumber salad versus acceptable substitutes?
The classic version relies on sour cream, buttermilk, white vinegar, and fresh dill. Substitutes like Greek yogurt for sour cream or apple cider vinegar for white vinegar work, but they change the traditional flavor profile slightly.
What other American side dishes pair well with creamy cucumber salad?
Grilled corn on the cob, baked beans, coleslaw, and potato salad are common companions that complete a classic summer barbecue spread.
How has the creamy cucumber salad evolved over time in American cuisine?
Originally a simple dill‑and‑vinegar cucumber mix, the salad grew richer with the addition of sour cream and buttermilk in the mid‑1900s, reflecting the era’s preference for creamy dressings. Modern health‑conscious versions now use yogurt or reduced‑fat dairy.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making creamy cucumber salad?
Common errors include adding cucumbers to the dressing before they are fully drained, which makes the salad watery, and over‑salting the cucumbers, which can overpower the delicate flavor of the dressing.
How do I know when the creamy cucumber salad is properly dressed and ready to serve?
The cucumbers should be evenly coated with a glossy, thick dressing and feel slightly moist but not soggy. Taste a piece; the flavor should be balanced between creamy, tangy, and lightly salty.
What does the YouTube channel Come Sit At My Table specialize in?
The YouTube channel Come Sit At My Table, hosted by Tom and Melissa, focuses on approachable, family‑friendly home cooking with an emphasis on seasonal ingredients, simple techniques, and meals that fit everyday life.
How does the YouTube channel Come Sit At My Table's approach to American summer side dishes differ from other cooking channels?
Come Sit At My Table prioritizes minimal prep, uses pantry‑friendly ingredients, and often shares personal anecdotes about family meals, creating a warm, relatable vibe that contrasts with more production‑heavy or gourmet‑focused channels.
Last updated: September 6, 2026
