Description
This Creamy Cucumber Salad is a refreshing and tangy side dish featuring thinly sliced cucumbers and red onions coated in a smooth sour cream dressing, enhanced with fresh dill and subtle spices. Perfect for a light, cool accompaniment to any meal or as a standalone snack, it’s quick to prepare and deliciously creamy without being heavy.
Ingredients
Scale
Salad Ingredients
- 3 cups thinly sliced cucumbers
- 1 cup thinly sliced red onion
Dressing Ingredients
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 tablespoon white vinegar
- 2 tablespoons minced fresh dill
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
- Slice the onion: Cut the red onion into thin slices using a sharp knife or a mandoline slicer to ensure even, delicate pieces for crispness and optimal texture in the salad.
- Prepare the cucumbers: Wash the cucumbers thoroughly, then slice them thinly. Pat the slices dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which helps prevent the salad from becoming watery.
- Make the dressing: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the sour cream, white vinegar, minced fresh dill, granulated sugar, salt, and garlic powder. Stir all the ingredients together until the dressing is smooth and well blended.
- Combine salad components: Add the thinly sliced cucumbers and red onions to the bowl with the dressing. Toss the ingredients gently but thoroughly to coat all the slices evenly with the creamy dressing.
- Garnish and season: Optionally garnish the salad with additional fresh dill sprigs and freshly ground black pepper to enhance freshness and add a touch of spice.
- Serve or chill: Serve the salad immediately to enjoy its crisp texture or cover it and refrigerate for a chilled option. Store any leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to maintain freshness.
Notes
- For the best texture, use firm cucumbers like English or Kirby cucumbers.
- Adjust the amount of vinegar and sugar to your taste preference for more tang or sweetness.
- This salad can be made a few hours ahead to allow flavors to meld, but avoid making it too far in advance to keep cucumbers crisp.
- For a dairy-free option, substitute sour cream with a plant-based alternative.
- Adding a pinch of freshly ground black pepper enhances the flavor but is optional.
