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

  1. Slice Cucumbers

    Using a mandolin or a sharp knife, slice the English cucumbers into thin, even rounds.

    Time: PT5M

  2. Slice Sweet Onion

    Thinly slice the sweet onion on the mandolin or with a knife.

    Time: PT3M

  3. 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

  4. 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

  5. Pat Dry

    Transfer the cucumber and onion to a clean kitchen towel or paper towels and pat dry thoroughly.

    Time: PT5M

  6. 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

  7. Combine Salad

    Add the dried cucumber‑onion mixture to the dressing and toss gently until everything is evenly coated.

    Time: PT3M

  8. 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

Last updated: April 15, 2026

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How to Make Creamy Cucumber Salad

Recipe by Well Done

A light, low‑carb side dish that mimics the creamy comfort of potato salad using crisp cucumbers, sweet onion, sour cream (or Greek yogurt), rice vinegar, fresh dill and chives. Perfect for barbecues, potlucks, or a refreshing snack.

EasyAmericanServes 6

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
1h 28m
Prep
0m
Cook
11m
Cleanup
1h 39m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$4.57
Total cost
$0.76
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • 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

Safety Warnings

  • Mandolin blades are extremely sharp – always use the hand guard and keep fingers away.
  • Handle knives with a stable cutting board to prevent slips.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of Creamy Cucumber Salad in American barbecue cuisine?

A

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.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of Creamy Cucumber Salad in American cuisine?

A

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.

cultural
Q

How is Creamy Cucumber Salad authentically served in American summer gatherings?

A

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.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations is Creamy Cucumber Salad traditionally associated with in American culture?

A

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.

cultural
Q

How does Creamy Cucumber Salad fit into the broader American side‑dish tradition?

A

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.

cultural
Q

What are the authentic traditional ingredients for Creamy Cucumber Salad versus acceptable substitutes?

A

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.

cultural
Q

What other American dishes pair well with Creamy Cucumber Salad?

A

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.

cultural
Q

What makes Creamy Cucumber Salad special or unique in American cuisine?

A

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.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Creamy Cucumber Salad?

A

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.

technical
Q

Can I make Creamy Cucumber Salad ahead of time and how should I store it?

A

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.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Well Done specialize in?

A

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.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Well Done's approach to American side‑dish cooking differ from other cooking channels?

A

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.

channel

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