Dad’s Creamy Cucumber Salad Recipe
If there’s one dish that shouts “summer at Dad’s” louder than the rest, it’s Dad’s Creamy Cucumber Salad Recipe. Crisp cucumbers, tangy red onion, and the smoothest, dill-flecked dressing bring a cool freshness to every bite, making this timeless side a hit at cookouts, family meals, or any day you’re craving something light yet irresistibly flavorful. Whether you’re an old pro with chilled salads or just looking to add a breezy favorite to your recipe box, this is one you’ll reach for again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Just a handful of simple ingredients go into Dad’s Creamy Cucumber Salad Recipe, but don’t let that fool you—each one plays a crucial role in crafting its irresistible taste and classic texture. The flavors are bright and the colors pop, bringing something special to the table with almost no effort.
- Cucumbers: Thinly sliced and refreshingly crisp, they’re the real star—English or standard work great, just be sure to slice as thin as you can for maximum crunch!
- Red onion: Adds a touch of sharpness and a beautiful purple hue that makes every serving pop.
- Sour cream: Creates the salad’s signature creamy base, giving every bite its luscious, tangy finish.
- Mayonnaise: A spoonful amps up the richness and gives the dressing just the right balance and body.
- White vinegar: Packs just enough tang to make the flavors in the salad sing—apple cider vinegar also works for a twist.
- Granulated sugar: A teaspoon of sweetness smooths out any tart edges—it’s subtle, but you’ll miss it if it’s not there!
- Salt: Brings out all the bright flavors of the veggies and elevates the whole dish.
- Black pepper: A pinch gives a little gentle warmth without overpowering the crisp, fresh flavors.
- Chopped fresh dill: The garden-fresh, aromatic heart of this recipe—scatter a little extra on top for color and charm.
How to Make Dad’s Creamy Cucumber Salad Recipe
Step 1: Make the Creamy Dressing
Grab your favorite large mixing bowl—the one with room to toss things freely. Start by whisking together the sour cream, mayonnaise, white vinegar, sugar, salt, black pepper, and the chopped fresh dill. Whisk until everything comes together into a smooth, dreamy dressing that already smells like summer picnics.
Step 2: Slice the Cucumbers and Onion
Using a sharp knife or a mandoline (for super-thin, even slices), cut your cucumbers and red onion. The thinner, the better—crispness is key! If you’re worried about watery cucumbers, sprinkle a bit of salt on them, let them rest in a colander for 10–15 minutes, and then pat them dry. This little trick keeps your salad perfectly creamy.
Step 3: Mix Everything Together
Tip the sliced cucumbers and red onion right into the bowl of creamy dressing. Gently toss until every slice is evenly coated, making sure that lovely dill flecks stick to everything. The colors should look as good as the flavors promise to taste!
Step 4: Let It Chill
Cover your bowl and pop it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This is the secret step—the chill gives all the flavors enough time to meld into something even better than the sum of its parts. If you have time, a whole hour works wonders.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
When you’re ready to serve, give the salad one last gentle stir. Scoop it into a serving bowl and sprinkle with extra fresh dill for a finish that’s as pretty as it is flavorful. This is Dad’s Creamy Cucumber Salad Recipe in all its cool, creamy glory!
How to Serve Dad’s Creamy Cucumber Salad Recipe
Garnishes
A generous sprinkle of extra fresh dill on top of the salad adds a fresh pop of green and a burst of classic cucumber-and-dill aroma. If you’re feeling a bit fancy, a scatter of thinly sliced chives or a dash of freshly cracked black pepper can take the look and taste up another notch.
Side Dishes
Dad’s Creamy Cucumber Salad Recipe is right at home next to grilled chicken, smoky barbecue, pulled pork sandwiches, or any summer picnic fare. It also pairs delightfully with hearty potato dishes, roasted veggies, and even simple grilled fish—think of it as your go-to cool contrast for any rich main course.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to give this classic a twist, try serving it in individual mason jars for a charming BBQ touch, or scoop into lettuce cups for a breezy, party-friendly starter. For special occasions, arrange the salad atop a vintage platter with overlapping cucumber rings and bright sweeps of onion for old-school flair—guests will be wowed before they even taste their first forkful!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any extra Dad’s Creamy Cucumber Salad Recipe in an airtight container in the fridge. It’ll stay crisp and fresh for up to two days—after that, the cucumbers may lose a bit of their crunch, but the flavor is still wonderfully tangy and cool.
Freezing
Because the salad is made with a dairy-based dressing and water-rich cucumbers, freezing isn’t recommended. The texture of both tends to suffer in the freezer, resulting in a watery and less appetizing finished dish.
Reheating
This is one of those rare gems that’s best served chilled, never heated! If you’ve prepped ahead, just give the salad a gentle stir and serve it straight from the fridge—no oven or microwave required.
FAQs
Can I make Dad’s Creamy Cucumber Salad Recipe in advance?
Absolutely! In fact, making it a few hours ahead (or even the night before) helps the flavors blend beautifully. Just give it a good stir before serving to revive the dressing.
What’s the best type Side Dish
English cucumbers work perfectly for Dad’s Creamy Cucumber Salad Recipe because they’re seedless and especially crisp, but regular large cucumbers are great, too. If using the latter, you might want to peel and seed them for the best texture.
Can I substitute Greek yogurt for the sour cream and mayo?
Yes! Greek yogurt is a fantastic swap if you’d like a lighter, tangier dressing with a bit more protein. It keeps things creamy while lightening up the flavor—you might never look back!
How do I keep the salad from getting watery?
If your cucumbers are particularly juicy, slice them, lightly salt, and let them drain in a colander for 10–15 minutes before adding them to the salad. Pat dry with paper towels, then proceed as usual for a thick and creamy salad every time.
Is there a way to make this recipe vegan?
Definitely—just use your favorite plant-based sour cream and mayo alternatives. The taste and texture stay wonderfully close to the classic, and the freshness of the dill truly shines.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a no-fuss, crowd-pleasing recipe that never fails to deliver big flavor, Dad’s Creamy Cucumber Salad Recipe is a must-try. Bring it to your next cookout, pack it for lunch, or just whip it up as a refreshing weeknight side—you’ll love how easy, tasty, and reliably comforting this classic salad is. Go ahead and give it a spot in your summer rotation!
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Dad’s Creamy Cucumber Salad Recipe
- Total Time: 15 minutes (plus chilling time)
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This creamy cucumber salad recipe is a refreshing and easy-to-make side dish that’s perfect for summer picnics or BBQs. The combination of cool cucumbers, tangy dressing, and fresh dill creates a delicious dish that pairs well with grilled meats or sandwiches.
Ingredients
Cucumbers:
- 2 large cucumbers (thinly sliced)
Dressing:
- 1/2 small red onion (thinly sliced)
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon white vinegar
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill (plus more for garnish, optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Dressing: In a large bowl, whisk together the sour cream, mayonnaise, white vinegar, sugar, salt, pepper, and chopped dill until smooth and well combined.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the sliced cucumbers and red onion to the bowl and toss until evenly coated with the dressing.
- Chill and Serve: Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld. Stir gently before serving and garnish with extra dill if desired.
Notes
- For a lighter version, you can use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream and mayonnaise.
- If your cucumbers are very watery, lightly salt them and let sit in a colander for 10–15 minutes, then pat dry before mixing into the salad.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
