How to Make Creamy Cucumber Salad
How to Make Creamy Cucumber Salad is a easy American recipe that serves 6. 95 calories per serving. Recipe by Well Done on YouTube.
Prep: 1 hr 30 min | Cook: PT0M | Total: 1 hr 45 min
Cost: $4.57 total, $0.76 per serving
Ingredients
- 2 pieces English Cucumber (thinly sliced using a mandolin or sharp knife)
- 1 small Sweet Onion (thinly sliced)
- 1 tablespoon Kosher Salt (for drawing out water from cucumber and onion)
- 1 cup Sour Cream (full‑fat for best creaminess; Greek yogurt can be used instead)
- 2 tablespoons Rice Vinegar (adds tangy brightness)
- 2 tablespoons Fresh Dill (chopped)
- 2 tablespoons Fresh Chives (chopped, optional)
- to taste Black Pepper (freshly ground)
- 1/2 teaspoon Additional Salt (for seasoning the dressing)
Instructions
Slice Cucumbers
Using a mandolin or a sharp knife, slice the English cucumbers into thin, even rounds.
Time: PT5M
Slice Sweet Onion
Thinly slice the sweet onion on the mandolin or with a knife.
Time: PT3M
Salt and Drain
Place the cucumber and onion slices in a colander, sprinkle with 1 tablespoon kosher salt, toss to coat, and let sit.
Time: PT5M
Rest to Extract Water
Allow the salted vegetables to sit for about 1 hour, tossing once or twice to ensure even water extraction.
Time: PT1H
Pat Dry
Transfer the cucumber and onion to a clean kitchen towel or paper towels and pat dry thoroughly.
Time: PT5M
Make Dressing
In a mixing bowl, combine 1 cup sour cream, 2 tbsp rice vinegar, 2 tbsp chopped fresh dill, 2 tbsp chopped chives, 1/2 tsp additional salt, and black pepper to taste. Whisk until smooth.
Time: PT5M
Combine Salad
Add the dried cucumber‑onion mixture to the dressing and toss gently until everything is evenly coated.
Time: PT3M
Serve and Garnish
Transfer the salad to a serving bowl, garnish with a little extra fresh dill and a pinch of black pepper.
Time: PT2M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 95
- Protein
- 1 g
- Carbohydrates
- 6 g
- Fat
- 8 g
- Fiber
- 1 g
Dietary info: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, Low-Carb
Allergens: Dairy
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of English Cucumber: Persian cucumber, regular cucumber
- Instead of Sweet Onion: red onion, white onion
- Instead of Kosher Salt: table salt
- Instead of Sour Cream: Greek yogurt, plain yogurt
- Instead of Rice Vinegar: apple cider vinegar, white wine vinegar
- Instead of Fresh Dill: dried dill (1 tsp)
- Instead of Fresh Chives: green onions
Equipment Needed
- Mandolin Slicer (optional)
- Chef's Knife
- Cutting Board
- Colander
- Mixing Bowl
- Whisk or Spoon
- Serving Bowl
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Salting cucumbers and onions to draw out excess water
- Patting the vegetables completely dry before adding dressing
- Ensuring the dressing is mixed thoroughly to coat all slices
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use chilled sour cream for an extra refreshing bite.
- Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to brighten the flavor.
- For extra crunch, sprinkle toasted sesame seeds just before serving.
Troubleshooting
Salad turns watery after mixing.
Make sure the cucumbers and onions are fully patted dry after the salting step. If needed, let them sit on paper towels for a few extra minutes.
Dressing is too thick.
Thin the dressing with a teaspoon of milk, water, or extra rice vinegar until the desired consistency is reached.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Not recommended; texture changes when frozen.
Room temperature: Can sit out for up to 2 hours; keep chilled for longer periods.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Prepare the salted cucumber‑onion mixture up to step 5 a day ahead; keep dry in the fridge.
- Store the dressing separately and combine just before serving for maximum freshness.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of Creamy Cucumber Salad in American barbecue cuisine?
Creamy cucumber salad emerged as a lighter alternative to traditional potato salad, offering the same creamy texture with fewer carbs. It became popular at summer barbecues and potlucks across the United States, especially in regions where fresh cucumbers are abundant.
What are the traditional regional variations of Creamy Cucumber Salad in American cuisine?
In the South, dill and sour cream are common, while in the Pacific Northwest, vinaigrette‑based cucumber salads are favored. Some Midwestern versions add a touch of sugar or use mayonnaise instead of sour cream.
How is Creamy Cucumber Salad authentically served in American summer gatherings?
It is typically served chilled in a shallow serving bowl, garnished with fresh dill and a sprinkle of black pepper. It accompanies grilled meats, burgers, and other barbecue staples as a refreshing side.
What occasions or celebrations is Creamy Cucumber Salad traditionally associated with in American culture?
The salad is a staple at Fourth of July picnics, backyard barbecues, family reunions, and potluck gatherings during the warm months when cucumbers are at their peak.
How does Creamy Cucumber Salad fit into the broader American side‑dish tradition?
It reflects the American love for creamy, comfort‑style sides while adapting to modern health trends. Like coleslaw and potato salad, it offers a cool contrast to hot grilled foods.
What are the authentic traditional ingredients for Creamy Cucumber Salad versus acceptable substitutes?
Traditional ingredients include English cucumber, sweet onion, sour cream, rice vinegar, fresh dill, chives, and kosher salt. Acceptable substitutes are Greek yogurt for sour cream, apple cider vinegar for rice vinegar, and dried dill (1 tsp) if fresh is unavailable.
What other American dishes pair well with Creamy Cucumber Salad?
It pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, smoked ribs, burgers, corn on the cob, and classic mac & cheese, providing a crisp, tangy counterpoint to richer proteins.
What makes Creamy Cucumber Salad special or unique in American cuisine?
Its uniqueness lies in the combination of a creamy sour‑cream base with the bright, fresh crunch of cucumbers, while the salting step removes excess moisture, keeping the dressing from becoming watery.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Creamy Cucumber Salad?
Common errors include skipping the salting step, which leads to a soggy salad, and not patting the vegetables dry before adding the dressing. Over‑mixing can also bruise the cucumber slices.
Can I make Creamy Cucumber Salad ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes, you can prepare the salted cucumber‑onion mixture up to step 5 a day ahead and keep it refrigerated. Store the dressing separately and combine just before serving for optimal texture.
What does the YouTube channel Well Done specialize in?
The YouTube channel Well Done focuses on straightforward, home‑cooked recipes that emphasize fresh, seasonal ingredients and simple techniques, making everyday meals accessible to home cooks of all skill levels.
How does the YouTube channel Well Done's approach to American side‑dish cooking differ from other cooking channels?
Well Done prioritizes minimal ingredient lists, clear step‑by‑step visuals, and practical tips like using a mandolin for uniform slices, whereas many other channels may use more elaborate or exotic ingredients.
Last updated: August 29, 2026
