This Creamy Cucumber Salad is the chill, refreshing sidekick your summer meals have been begging for. Think crisp cucumber slices bathed in a tangy, herby, and ultra-creamy dressing that clings just right—like sunshine in a bowl! Whether you’re serving it up at a backyard BBQ or need a cooling contrast to something spicy, this salad brings the vibes. Trust me, once you’ve had a bite, you’ll be craving it on repeat. It’s one of those easy BBQ side dishes that doubles as a go-to for healthy snacks recipes too!
Looking for more refreshing salad ideas? Check out our Dilly White Bean Cucumber Salad and this vibrant Tomato Cucumber Mozzarella Salad.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Bursting with fresh, cooling flavors
- Quick and easy—ready in under 15 minutes!
- Creamy, herby, and tangy all at once
- Naturally gluten-free and vegetarian
- Perfect for summer potlucks and picnics
- Great option for low calorie side dishes or clean eating
Recipe Snapshot
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Category | Lunch or Side Dish |
| Cuisine | American, Summery |
| Prep Time | 10 minutes |
| Chill Time | Optional, 30 minutes |
| Servings | 4 |
| Difficulty | Super easy |
Ingredients
- Cucumbers – English or Persian cucumbers for best crunch and fewer seeds
- Red onion – Adds a nice bite and a bit of color
- Greek yogurt – Makes the dressing rich and tangy
- Mayonnaise – Adds creaminess and depth
- Fresh dill – The star herb that brings the salad to life
- Garlic – Just a small clove for a little zing
- Lemon juice – Brightens up the whole dish
- Salt & pepper – Season to taste
Scroll down to the recipe card for full ingredient amounts and instructions.
How to Make Creamy Cucumber Salad
Slice the Cucumbers
Start by slicing your cucumbers thinly. You can use a mandoline for ultra-thin slices or just a sharp knife. If your cucumbers have a waxy skin, give them a quick peel. For extra crunch, you can salt them and let them drain for 10 minutes before patting dry.
Make the Creamy Dressing
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, lemon juice, minced garlic, chopped fresh dill, salt, and pepper. You’re looking for a creamy but pourable consistency—add a splash of water if it’s too thick.
Combine and Chill
Toss the sliced cucumbers and onions into the bowl with the dressing. Gently stir to coat everything evenly. If you’ve got time, let it chill for 30 minutes to let the flavors really mingle. But if you’re in a rush, dive right in!
Pro Tips for the Best Salad
- Use seedless cucumbers for a better texture
- Let it chill for max flavor
- Fresh dill > dried dill, always
- Add a pinch of sugar if your cucumbers are very bitter
Flavor Variations
- Swap dill for fresh mint for a Mediterranean twist
- Add crumbled feta for a salty kick
- Toss in halved cherry tomatoes for color and sweetness
Serving Suggestions
Pair this creamy cucumber salad with grilled chicken, spicy kebabs, or even a simple veggie sandwich. It’s also amazing with crispy falafel or as a fresh bite between bites of a rich pasta dish. It’s one of those versatile side dishes for BBQ that fits right into your low calorie sides lineup.
Make-Ahead & Storage
You can make this salad a few hours ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Just give it a quick stir before serving. Perfect for meal prep cucumber salad lovers!
Leftovers
Leftovers will keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. The cucumbers may release some water, so stir again before serving.
Freezing
This salad doesn’t freeze well, unfortunately. The cucumbers lose their texture and the creamy dressing separates.
Reheating
No need to reheat—this salad is best served cold or at room temp.
FAQs
Can I use sour cream instead of Greek yogurt?
Absolutely! It’ll give the salad a slightly tangier kick.
What kind of cucumbers work best?
English or Persian cucumbers are ideal—they’re crisp and have minimal seeds.
Is this salad keto-friendly?
Yes, it can be! Just ensure your yogurt and mayo choices are low in carbs.
Can I make this dairy-free?
You sure can! Use dairy-free yogurt and mayo to keep that creamy vibe without the lactose.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so timeless about a good creamy cucumber salad. It’s like a little bite of summer—cool, crisp, and comfortingly familiar. Whether you’re scooping it next to a grilled steak or just snacking straight from the bowl, this one’s bound to become a warm-weather favorite. So grab those cukes and let’s get chopping! For fans of healthy cucumber salad clean eating or low calorie side dishes, this one’s an easy win. And let’s not forget—it’s one of those creamy cucumbers recipes that truly delivers on flavor and freshness.
Creamy Cucumber Salad
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Thinly slice cucumbers and red onion using a knife or mandoline. Optionally, salt the cucumbers and let drain for 10 minutes for extra crunch, then pat dry.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, lemon juice, garlic, dill, salt, and pepper to form a creamy dressing.
- Add sliced cucumbers and onions to the bowl and toss to coat. Chill for 30 minutes if desired before serving.