Recipe Notes

Expert Tips for Creamy Cucumber Salad

1. Use large cucumbers as they offer great texture and shape for this salad. The smaller cucumbers feel lost in the creamy sauce.
2. When possible use fresh dill, as it has a fresher taste. However, dried dill can be used here too but use 1/3 rd of the amount.
3. When it comes to onions, use the level and intensity of onion flavor that works for you! Some prefer a strong onion taste and use white onions while other love red onions. We have made it with chives only or scallions and it was just as great.
4. To slice the cucumbers you can use a food processor or mandolin slicer. It's not about having super thin slices, but rather having uniform thickness.
5. For the dressing, we prefer a mix of mostly sour cream, and some mayo. We use avocado oil mayo as it's our favorite.
6. You can use entirely Greek yogurt for a healthy and tangier salad, but we love it creamier.
7. You can mix. the dressing ahead of time and keep it in the fridge for 4 days.
8. The creamy dressing is GREAT over other salads, sandwiches or used as a dip!
9. It's best to dress the salad right before serving to avoid the cucumbers being watery.

Variations on the Cucumber Salad

• Greek Yogurt Cucumber Salad: Replace some or all of the sour cream with full-fat Greek yogurt for a lighter, protein-rich version.
• German Cucumber Salad: Use all sour cream with a slightly sweeter dressing.
• Mediterranean Version: Add crumbled feta, garlic, and lemon zest.
• Keto Friendly Version: Omit the sugar.

How to Make this recipe ahead of time

It's best to make the dressing up to 4 days ahead of time. Dress the salad up to 1 hour before serving, and no more. The cucumbers release some water after being salted, and you can end up with a soggy salad.

How to Store Creamy Cucumber Salad

The salad will keep up to 2 days in the fridge. If you feel the salad has gotten too soggy, simply drain some water out of it before serving. You can compensate that by adding 1 tablespoons of sour cream, or more as needed. Mix everything well and taste for seasoning.

Troubleshooting

• Why Is My Salad Watery?: The cucumbers were not salted and drained thoroughly.
• What if the Dressing Too Thick?: Add a small splash of vinegar or lemon juice.
• Why Does It Taste Bland?: Increase the dill, vinegar, salt, and pepper.

What is the best cucumber for creamy cucumber salad?

English and Persian cucumbers are best because they contain fewer seeds and less water.

Can I make creamy cucumber salad ahead of time?

Yes. It tastes even better after chilling, though it is best within one day.

Can I use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream?

Absolutely. Greek yogurt creates a lighter and tangier dressing.

How do I keep creamy cucumber salad from getting watery?

Salt and drain the cucumbers before combining them with the dressing.

Is creamy cucumber salad healthy?

Yes. It is low in carbohydrates and can be lightened further by using Greek yogurt.