Cucumber onion salad is a crisp, refreshing side dish that brings the taste of summer right to your plate. This recipe combines thinly sliced cucumbers, onions, and sour cream to create the perfect side dish for those hot days when you’re craving something cool and tasty.
The best part? It’s so simple that anyone can make it. Let me show you how to make this creamy cucumber salad.
Chill Out With Creamy Cucumber Onion Salad
his creamy cucumber salad is one of my favorite quick and easy recipes. It’s perfect for beginners or anyone who wants a fast, nutritious side dish with minimal effort—no cooking required, and just a little chopping. The key step is salting the cucumbers for 30 minutes. Trust me, it’s worth it! This simple step makes the cucumbers irresistibly crisp and ready to absorb all the delicious flavors of the creamy dressing.
Speaking of the dressing, it’s a heavenly blend of sour cream, fresh dill, and a squeeze of bright lemon juice. It’s just the right complement to the sharp bite of onions and the refreshing crunch of cucumbers. Each bite is light, satisfying, and packed with fresh, vibrant flavors.
Whether you’re hosting a barbecue or grilling up some meat for dinner, this salad makes the perfect pairing year round. Give it a try—I think you’ll love it as much as I do!
Do you want more salad recipes with cucumbers? Check out my Cucumber Tuna Salad that makes a nice sandwich and Crisp Cucumber Salad Recipe With Zesty Honey Dressing. If you want a tangy dip for your veggies and grilled meats, try this Refreshing Greek Tzatziki Sauce Recipe.
Ingredients You Will
Get ready to whip up a refreshing cucumber onion salad with these simple ingredients.
- Cucumbers: Choose English cucumbers because they have fewer seeds and thinner skins than other varieties. They should be fresh with a bright green color and firm texture.
- Sour cream: If you want to achieve a creamier texture and richer flavor, look for full-fat sour cream with no artificial additives. Check the expiration date to ensure freshness.
- Lemon juice: You’ll want the lemon juice squeezed from a fresh lemon to get the most vibrant flavor. Choose lemons that are hefty, firm, and bright yellow.
- Onion: Opt for red onion to get a milder, slightly sweet flavor of your salad. You’ll want it fresh, so the skin should be firm with dry, papery skin.
- Dill: Select fresh dill with vibrant green leaves to get the most aromatic flavor.
📝 Note: You can find the full recipe with ingredients and measurements in the recipe card located at the bottom of this post.
Variations and Substitutions
- If you want to cut down the calories and fat, substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt.
- Add more vegetables like tomatoes and bell peppers for more nutrition.
- To make the salad a complete meal, add chickpeas or chicken for protein.
- Do you want it spicy? Add some chili flakes or cayenne pepper.
- Aside from dill, you can also use fresh mint or basil for extra flavor.
- Use coconut yogurt or vegan mayo instead of sour cream to make the salad vegan.
- You can use regular cucumbers instead of English cucumbers, but you may need to peel the skin and remove the seeds.
How To Make Cucumber Onion Salad
With just a few steps, you can whip up a refreshing cucumber onion salad.
1
Prepare Cucumbers
Wash your cucumbers, then slice thinly using a sharp knife or mandolin on a cutting board. Depending on your personal preference, you cut the cucumbers into rounds or half-moons.
Once you’re done slicing the cucumbers, place them in a colander set over a bowl to catch any liquid during the salting process.
2
Salt Cucumber Slices
Sprinkle a generous amount of salt over the cucumbers. Give the cucumbers a toss to ensure that they’re evenly coated with the salt. Once done, let them sit for 30 minutes to draw out the excess water. This extra step will make the cucumbers crisper.
After the time has elapsed, rinse the cucumbers under cold water to remove any excess salt. You’ll have to spread them out in a single layer on paper towels or a clean towel to pat them to dry. You might need to repeat the drying process if necessary.
3
Make The Dressing
In a bowl, add sour cream, fresh dill, and lemon juice. Stir well to combine all ingredients, then season with black pepper.
If you want more tang or spice, this is the part where you can adjust the flavor to suit your taste.
4
Assemble The Salad
Chop your onion into fine pieces and toss them into the dressing along with the salted cucumber slices. Using a spoon, toss everything together carefully. Make sure that the vegetables are evenly coated with the dressing.
5
Serve Or Chill
Once your salad is ready, you can immediately serve it while still fresh or refrigerate for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Garnish with some fresh dill or parsley to add some aesthetic appeal.
This salad serves well as a side dish for grilled meats and sandwiches. You can even eat it alone as a light lunch. It’s that good!
Gina’s Tips For Recipe Sucess
- Be careful to use the right amount of salt to draw out the water from the cucumbers. For a medium-sized cucumber or if you double the recipe, you might need a little bit more.
- Cut cucumbers evenly.
- Be careful when patting your cucumbers dry because you might squash them. Do it gently.
- My husband enjoys a little sweetness to his cucumber and onions, so sometimes I add a tablespoon of sugar.
- Start with a small amount of black pepper when seasoning the dressing, then taste and adjust as needed.
Questions I Get Asked About Cucumber Salad
Why soak cucumbers in salt water before making cucumber salad?
Soaking cucumbers in salt water reduces their excess moisture, which prevents your cucumber salad from becoming watery. This step also enhances their flavor and keeps them crisp, making your salad fresh and delicious!
Storing Leftovers
Don’t worry if you have leftover cucumber onion salad because they store well inside the fridge. Transfer the salad to an airtight container and consume it within 1-2 days. This way, you can still enjoy the salad while still crisp and fresh.
When you’re ready to serve, give the salad a quick stir to redistribute the dressing and coat the vegetables evenly. Sprinkle a dash of lemon juice or sprinkle a bit of dill if you find the flavors a bit dull.
Salad Recipes
⚖️ Need a big batch to feed a crowd? You can easily change the number of servings in the recipe card below by tapping 2x or 3x. The ingredient measurements will automatically double or triple. You can then tap print and there you have it, a recipe for a crowd.
Do you have a question about the recipe? Feel free to ask in the comments below. I’m here to help!
Creamy Cucumber Onion Salad
Note: Be sure to read through the recipe’s post for tips and details about this recipe.
Ingredients
- 1 lb English cucumber, 1-2 cucumbers
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 tbsp fresh dill, roughly chopped
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1/4 tsp ground black pepper
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
Instructions
Prep the Cucumbers:
- Peel the cucumbers if desired.1 lb English cucumber
- Thinly slice using a knife or mandolin and place them in a colander or large sieve set over a bowl.
Salt and Drain:
- Sprinkle the cucumber slices with salt and let them sit for 30 minutes to draw out excess moisture.1/2 tsp salt
- Afterward, pat the cucumber slices dry with a clean towel or paper towels.
Make the Dressing:
- In a large bowl, mix the sour cream, fresh dill, lemon juice, and black pepper until well combined.1/2 cup sour cream, 1 tbsp fresh dill, 1 tbsp lemon juice, 1/4 tsp ground black pepper
Assemble the Salad:
- Add the cucumbers and red onion to the dressing.1/4 cup red onion
- Toss until the vegetables are evenly coated.
Serve or Chill:
- Serve immediately, or refrigerate for 30 minutes for a chilled salad.
- Garnish with additional dill if desired before serving.
