Creamy Cucumber Salad - The Best Easy Summer Side
Creamy Cucumber Salad - The Best Easy Summer Side is a easy American recipe that serves 6. 150 calories per serving. Recipe by Sip and Feast on YouTube.
Prep: 20 min | Cook: PT0M | Total: 30 min
Cost: $4.39 total, $0.73 per serving
Ingredients
- 3 pieces English Cucumber (Larger cucumbers; ends trimmed, seeds scooped out, sliced thin)
- 0.5 medium onion Red Onion (Thinly sliced; yields about 1 cup)
- 3 tablespoons Fresh Dill (Stems removed, tender parts chopped)
- 0.125 teaspoon White Pepper (Adjust to taste; stronger than black pepper)
- 0.5 teaspoon Fine Sea Salt (Fine grain for even distribution)
- 0.5 teaspoon Granulated Garlic (Garlic powder)
- 2 tablespoons Granulated Sugar (Balances the vinegar)
- 2 tablespoons White Vinegar (Distilled white vinegar)
- 0.25 cup Mayonnaise (New York style (e.g., Hellmann's))
- 0.5 cup Sour Cream (Can substitute Greek yogurt in equal amount)
Instructions
Prepare Cucumbers
Trim the ends off each English cucumber, halve lengthwise, scoop out the seeds with a spoon, pat dry, then slice into thin half‑moon pieces.
Time: PT5M
Slice Red Onion
Cut off the root and stem of the red onion, then slice it very thinly until you have about 1 cup of rings.
Time: PT3M
Chop Dill
Remove the tough stems from the fresh dill, then finely chop to measure roughly 3 tablespoons.
Time: PT2M
Make Dressing
In a mixing bowl combine sour cream, mayonnaise, granulated sugar, white vinegar, white pepper, fine sea salt, and granulated garlic. Whisk until smooth.
Time: PT3M
Combine Vegetables and Dressing
Add the cucumber slices, red onion rings, and chopped dill to the bowl with the dressing. Toss gently until everything is evenly coated.
Time: PT4M
Chill
Transfer the salad to an airtight container, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight, to let flavors meld.
Time: PT0M
Serve
Stir the salad once more before serving. If desired, drain any excess liquid and fold in a little extra mayo or sour cream for extra creaminess.
Time: PT1M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 150
- Protein
- 2 g
- Carbohydrates
- 12 g
- Fat
- 10 g
- Fiber
- 1 g
Dietary info: Vegetarian, Gluten‑Free
Allergens: Dairy, Eggs (in mayonnaise)
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of English Cucumber: Persian cucumber, regular cucumber
- Instead of Red Onion: Sweet onion, white onion, yellow onion
- Instead of Fresh Dill: Dried dill (1 tsp)
- Instead of White Pepper: Black pepper
- Instead of Fine Sea Salt: Kosher salt (adjust amount)
- Instead of Granulated Garlic: Fresh minced garlic (1/4 tsp)
- Instead of Granulated Sugar: Honey (1 tbsp), maple syrup (1 tbsp)
- Instead of White Vinegar: Apple cider vinegar
- Instead of Mayonnaise: Vegan mayonnaise
- Instead of Sour Cream: Greek yogurt
Equipment Needed
- Cutting Board
- Chef's Knife
- Spoon (for scooping seeds)
- Measuring Spoons
- Measuring Cups
- Mixing Bowl
- Whisk or Spoon
- Plastic Wrap
- Refrigerator
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Removing cucumber seeds to avoid excess water
- Balancing sugar and vinegar in the dressing
- Chilling the salad for at least 2 hours for flavor development
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use a chilled mixing bowl to keep the dressing cool while mixing
- If you prefer a brighter flavor, add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice just before serving
Troubleshooting
Salad is watery
Make sure to scoop out cucumber seeds and pat the slices dry before mixing; also drain any excess liquid after chilling.
Flavor is bland
Adjust salt, add a pinch more sugar or a splash more vinegar, and let it chill longer for the flavors to develop.
Too sour
Add a little more sugar or a teaspoon of extra mayonnaise to balance the acidity.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Not recommended; texture will change.
Room temperature: Do not leave at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Prepare the dressing up to 2 days in advance and store it separately
- The salad can be assembled the night before and chilled overnight
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of Creamy Cucumber Salad (New York Deli Style) in American cuisine?
Creamy cucumber salad is a staple of New York City delis, originating from the early 20th‑century wave of Eastern European immigrants who adapted traditional cucumber salads with American ingredients like mayonnaise and sour cream. It became a beloved side because it balances tangy, sweet, and creamy flavors, perfect for pairing with hearty deli sandwiches.
What are the traditional regional variations of Creamy Cucumber Salad (New York Deli Style) within American deli cuisine?
In Manhattan delis the salad is typically very creamy with a generous amount of mayo and sour cream, while in upstate New York you may find a lighter version that uses more vinegar and less dairy. Some regions add dill weed, others use fresh parsley or chives for a different herb profile.
How is Creamy Cucumber Salad (New York Deli Style) traditionally served in New York delis?
It is usually served chilled in a plastic tub or glass bowl, often spooned onto the side of a pastrami or corned‑beef sandwich. The salad may be drained of excess liquid before serving, and a sprinkle of fresh dill is added for garnish.
What occasions or celebrations is Creamy Cucumber Salad (New York Deli Style) traditionally associated with in American culture?
The salad is a common side at family picnics, barbecues, and holiday gatherings such as Thanksgiving or Christmas brunches, especially when a cold, refreshing side is needed alongside richer meats.
How does Creamy Cucumber Salad (New York Deli Style) fit into the broader American deli cuisine tradition?
It exemplifies the American deli’s love for quick, shelf‑stable sides that can be prepared in bulk, stored, and served cold. The use of mayonnaise, sour cream, and dill reflects the blend of European immigrant flavors with American convenience.
What are the authentic traditional ingredients for Creamy Cucumber Salad (New York Deli Style) versus acceptable substitutes?
Authentic ingredients include English cucumbers, red onion, fresh dill, white pepper, fine sea salt, granulated garlic, sugar, white vinegar, mayonnaise (New York style), and sour cream. Acceptable substitutes are Persian cucumbers, sweet or yellow onions, dried dill (1 tsp), black pepper, garlic powder, honey or maple syrup for sugar, apple cider vinegar, vegan mayo, and Greek yogurt instead of sour cream.
What other American deli dishes pair well with Creamy Cucumber Salad (New York Deli Style)?
It pairs beautifully with classic deli sandwiches such as pastrami on rye, corned‑beef, Reuben, or a simple turkey club. It also complements grilled chicken, hot dogs, and potato salads at a backyard BBQ.
What makes Creamy Cucumber Salad (New York Deli Style) special or unique in American deli cuisine?
Its unique balance of creamy dairy base with a sweet‑sour vinaigrette, plus the fresh dill aroma, sets it apart from other cucumber salads that are either purely vinegary or purely creamy. The seed‑removal technique keeps it from becoming soggy, preserving a pleasant crunch.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Creamy Cucumber Salad (New York Deli Style) at home?
Common errors include forgetting to remove cucumber seeds, which makes the salad watery; over‑mixing the dressing, which can cause it to separate; and not allowing enough chilling time, resulting in muted flavors. Adjust seasoning after mixing and chill for at least two hours.
Why does this Creamy Cucumber Salad (New York Deli Style) recipe use both sugar and white vinegar instead of just one acid or sweetener?
The sugar balances the sharpness of the white vinegar, creating the classic sweet‑tangy profile that defines New York deli cucumber salads. Using both ensures the dressing isn’t overly acidic or cloyingly sweet.
What does the YouTube channel Sip and Feast specialize in?
The YouTube channel Sip and Feast specializes in approachable, home‑cooked comfort food recipes with a focus on classic American and international dishes, often highlighting quick, pantry‑friendly meals and detailed step‑by‑step tutorials.
How does the YouTube channel Sip and Feast's approach to American deli cooking differ from other cooking channels?
Sip and Feast emphasizes simplicity and authenticity, using minimal ingredients and clear explanations of deli techniques such as seed removal and proper chilling, whereas many other channels may add extra flair or complex twists that stray from the traditional deli experience.
Last updated: September 6, 2026
