If you’re hunting for the ultimate cooling side this summer, look no further than Dad’s Creamy Cucumber Salad Recipe. This family staple is more than just a salad—it’s a crisp, tangy, and luscious bowl of comfort memories: crunchy cucumbers and vibrant red onion get tossed with a dreamy sour cream and dill dressing that has just the right balance of freshness and creaminess. Every bite is a throwback to cookouts and backyard family dinners, with a flavor that’s both nostalgic and totally crave-worthy. It’s the dish everyone goes back for seconds, and trust me, it’s about to become a legend at your table!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Just a handful of kitchen staples bring Dad’s Creamy Cucumber Salad Recipe to life. Each ingredient plays an important role, from adding crisp texture to creamy richness, and those signature pops of bright, herbal flavor.
- 2 large cucumbers: The star of the show—they bring that juicy, crunchy bite that perfectly soaks up the creamy dressing.
- ½ small red onion: Thin slices add a mild sharpness, color, and a subtle zing that wakes up the salad.
- ½ cup sour cream: This is the creamy base, making every bite silky and smooth (you can sub in Greek yogurt for a lighter twist).
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise: Adds richness and that extra creamy mouthfeel everyone loves.
- 1 tablespoon white vinegar: A splash of acid brightens up all the flavors and balances the creaminess.
- 1 teaspoon sugar: Just a hint brings out the vegetables’ sweetness and keeps flavors lively.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Essential for enhancing every ingredient and drawing out cucumber’s natural flavors.
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper: A subtle kick that rounds out the dressing’s flavor profile.
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried): Dill is the fresh, fragrant finishing touch that gives this salad its classic taste.
How to Make Dad’s Creamy Cucumber Salad Recipe
Step 1: Make the Creamy Dressing
Grab your favorite large mixing bowl and whisk together the sour cream, mayonnaise, white vinegar, sugar, salt, and black pepper. Stir with energy—the goal is a smooth, creamy dressing with no lumps. Now’s the moment to add in the chopped dill; fresh dill really makes the flavors sing, but dried works beautifully in a pinch. This mixture is the heart and soul of Dad’s Creamy Cucumber Salad Recipe!
Step 2: Slice the Veggies
Using a sharp knife or mandoline, slice the cucumbers into thin, even rounds. The thinner, the better—they’ll absorb all that delicious dressing! Next, slice up your red onion finely. If the onion is especially potent, you can soak the slices in cold water for a few minutes before adding to mellow out the flavor.
Step 3: Combine and Coat
Add the sliced cucumbers and red onion right into the bowl with your creamy dill dressing. Use tongs or a big spoon to toss everything together, making sure the vegetables are fully coated. Don’t be shy—gentle mixing ensures every piece gets love from the dressing. If you want to up the crunch, give your cucumbers a quick sprinkle of salt after slicing and gently pat dry before adding.
Step 4: Chill and Develop Flavor
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and pop it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This is when the magic happens—the flavors meld, and the veggies become even more refreshing. It’s worth the short wait for that cool, flavorful finish only Dad’s Creamy Cucumber Salad Recipe can deliver.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Right before serving, give your salad a good toss to redistribute the dressing. Pile it onto your favorite platter or straight onto plates, taking in that fresh dill aroma and those vibrant, creamy cucumbers. Get ready for big smiles!
How to Serve Dad’s Creamy Cucumber Salad Recipe
Garnishes
For the prettiest presentation, top your salad with an extra sprinkle of fresh dill or a few thin cucumber ribbons. A pinch of cracked black pepper or even some delicate chive blossoms can make this dish look restaurant-worthy with almost zero effort.
Side Dishes
Dad’s Creamy Cucumber Salad Recipe is a versatile side that pairs beautifully with just about anything off the grill—think burgers, grilled chicken, or salmon. It also shines next to sandwiches, barbecue, or even as a refreshing side on a holiday table alongside heavier dishes.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving individual portions in small mason jars or cocktail glasses for picnics or potlucks—super cute and totally portable. For a family-style vibe, a big rustic bowl always wins. You can even layer it over leafy greens for a fancier twist, letting that creamy dressing double as a salad topper.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Dad’s Creamy Cucumber Salad Recipe should be stored in an airtight container in the fridge. It stays fresh and delicious for up to 2 days—after that, the cucumbers may begin to release too much water and lose their signature crunch, but the flavor will still be fantastic.
Freezing
Freezing isn’t recommended for this recipe. The creamy dressing may separate and cucumbers will become limp and watery after thawing, which takes away from the salad’s signature crisp texture. It’s best enjoyed freshly made or within a couple of days.
Reheating
There’s no need to reheat Dad’s Creamy Cucumber Salad Recipe—it’s meant to be enjoyed cold, straight from the fridge. If you find that some liquid has pooled at the bottom after chilling, just give the salad a good toss before serving.
FAQs
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Absolutely! In fact, making Dad’s Creamy Cucumber Salad Recipe a few hours ahead lets the flavors meld together nicely. Just give it a fresh toss before serving to redistribute the dressing.
What type Side Dish
English or Persian cucumbers are your best bet since they have tender skins and fewer seeds, but regular garden cucumbers work well too. If using large cucumbers with lots of seeds, consider scooping some seeds out for the best texture.
How can I reduce the wateriness of the salad?
If you want extra-crisp cucumbers, sprinkle the slices with a bit of salt and let them sit in a colander for 10 minutes, then gently pat dry before mixing with the dressing. This keeps the salad delightfully crunchy.
Can I substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream?
Definitely! Greek yogurt is a fantastic lighter substitute and adds a playful tang. The salad will be just as creamy, with a slightly different flavor that some find even more refreshing.
Is this salad gluten-free and vegetarian?
Yes, Dad’s Creamy Cucumber Salad Recipe is naturally gluten-free and vegetarian, making it a wonderful option for guests with particular dietary needs.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something special about a dish that brings back memories and still wows with every bite. I hope you’ll give Dad’s Creamy Cucumber Salad Recipe a try soon—whether you’re gathering family, feeding friends, or just looking to treat yourself to something crisp, creamy, and truly satisfying!
Print
Dad’s Creamy Cucumber Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes (including chilling)
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free
Description
Enjoy the refreshing flavors of Dad’s Creamy Cucumber Salad, a delightful side dish perfect for summer gatherings or as a light meal on its own. Creamy dressing, crisp cucumbers, and a hint of dill combine to create a dish that’s both creamy and crunchy.
Ingredients
Cucumbers:
- 2 large cucumbers, thinly sliced
Red Onion:
- ½ small red onion, thinly sliced
Dressing:
- ½ cup sour cream
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon white vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried dill)
Instructions
- Prepare the Dressing: In a large bowl, whisk together sour cream, mayonnaise, vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper until smooth. Stir in the chopped dill.
- Combine Ingredients: Add sliced cucumbers and red onion to the bowl. Toss to coat evenly with the dressing.
- Chill and Serve: Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld. Serve chilled.
Notes
- For a lighter version, use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream.
- If cucumbers are watery, sprinkle with salt, let sit for 10 minutes, then pat dry.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: ½ cup
- Calories: 80
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 170mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
