🥒 Creamy Cucumber Salad
📝 Description
Creamy Cucumber Salad is a cool, tangy, and refreshing side dish made with crisp cucumbers tossed in a creamy yogurt or sour cream dressing infused with garlic, dill, and lemon. It’s light, hydrating, and perfect for summer meals, BBQs, or as a side to grilled meats and rice dishes.
🛒 Ingredients (Serves 4)
- 3 large cucumbers (thinly sliced)
- ½ small red onion (thinly sliced)
- 1 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (or white vinegar)
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest (optional)
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill (chopped) or 1 teaspoon dried dill
- 1 clove garlic (minced)
- ½ teaspoon sugar (optional, balances flavor)
- ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, for richness)
👩🍳 Instructions
1️⃣ Prepare the Cucumbers
- Wash and thinly slice cucumbers.
- For extra crispness: sprinkle with a little salt and let sit 15–20 minutes.
- Drain excess water and gently pat dry with paper towel.
2️⃣ Make the Creamy Dressing
In a bowl, whisk together:
- Sour cream (or Greek yogurt)
- Lemon juice & zest
- Garlic
- Dill
- Sugar
- Salt & pepper
- Olive oil (if using)
Mix until smooth and creamy.
3️⃣ Combine
- Add cucumbers and red onion to the dressing.
- Toss gently until well coated.
4️⃣ Chill
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.
- Stir before serving and adjust seasoning if needed.
💡 Tips for Best Results
✔ Use English cucumbers for fewer seeds and less bitterness.
✔ For a lighter version, use all Greek yogurt.
✔ Add a splash of apple cider vinegar for extra tang.
✔ Sprinkle paprika or extra dill on top before serving.
✔ Add cherry tomatoes for color and sweetness.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
Perfect with:
- Grilled chicken
- Kebabs
- Rice dishes
- BBQ platters
- Mediterranean wraps
🥗 Nutritional Info (Approx. per serving)
- Calories: 120–150 kcal
- Protein: 4g
- Carbs: 8g
- Fat: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
(Varies depending on sour cream or yogurt used)
🌿 Health Benefits
- 🥒 Cucumbers are hydrating and low in calories
- 🦠 Yogurt provides probiotics for gut health
- 🌿 Dill and garlic have anti-inflammatory properties
- ❤️ Light and heart-friendly when made with Greek yogurt
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes! Best eaten within 24 hours for freshness.
Q: How do I prevent it from getting watery?
Salt and drain cucumbers before mixing.
Q: Can I make it dairy-free?
Yes, use a plant-based yogurt or vegan sour cream.
Q: Can I add protein?
Add chickpeas or grilled chicken to turn it into a light meal.