Dad’s Creamy Cucumber Salad Recipe

Every summer, this Creamy Cucumber Salad makes a triumphant return at family gatherings, backyard barbecues, and weeknight dinners. It’s a classic that never disappoints—refreshingly crisp, luxuriously creamy, and bursting with gentle sweetness and a subtle tang. Best of all, the entire salad can be whipped up with just a few simple ingredients and absolutely minimal effort, making it the perfect side dish for busy nights or relaxed weekends alike.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This isn’t just any cucumber salad—it’s the one that people ask for again and again, the dish that disappears fastest from the table. Here are a few reasons why everyone falls in love:

• Speed and Simplicity: There’s zero fussing over complicated steps here. Slice, mix, and chill. That’s it.
• Ultimate Refreshment: Creamy, cool, and packed with crunch—this salad is honestly like a breeze on a hot day.
• Crowd-Pleasing Flavors: Creamy mayo, zesty vinegar, gentle sweetness, a herby tickle of dill, and just enough pepper to wake everything up.
• Easy to Tweak: The basic ingredients are incredibly forgiving. Short on something? No problem—swaps and add-ons work beautifully.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what goes into Dad’s Creamy Cucumber Salad and the role each brings to the table:

• Cucumbers: The cool, crunchy star of the show. Opt for firm, fresh cucumbers—English cucumbers work especially well for fewer seeds.
• Sweet Onion: Adds a pop of gentle bite and subtle sweetness that balances out the creamy dressing perfectly.
• Sea Salt: Essential for drawing out moisture from the cucumbers, keeping the salad crisp instead of watery.
• Mayonnaise: The secret to the salad’s silky texture and satisfying richness. If you want a lighter touch, try swapping part of the mayo for Greek yogurt.
• Vinegar: Brightens up the dressing with a pleasant tang. White vinegar is classic here, but apple cider vinegar is a tasty stand-in.
• White Sugar: Just a hint to round out the flavors and mellow the acidity.
• Dried Dill Weed: Brings that unmistakable, summery herby flavor—a must for true cucumber salad fans.
• Garlic Powder: Adds depth without overpowering. Fresh minced garlic can work if you want a punchier flavor.
• Ground Black Pepper: Wakes everything up with gentle heat—don’t skip it!

Note: If you prefer, slice the cucumbers with a mandoline for perfectly even crunch.

Variations

Looking to experiment? There are so many fun ways to make this salad your own:

• Lighter Dressing: Use half Greek yogurt, half mayo, or swap in sour cream for a tangier version.
• Add Fresh Herbs: Fresh dill, parsley, or chives add brightness and color.
• Spicy Twist: Toss in a pinch of red pepper flakes or thinly sliced jalapeños for a gentle kick.
• Cucumber Substitutes: Try zucchini or thinly sliced radishes for a change of pace.
• Low-Sugar Option: Skip or reduce the sugar if you prefer your salad less sweet.

How to Make Dad’s Creamy Cucumber Salad

Truly, this salad couldn’t be any easier. Here’s a straightforward play-by-play:

Step 1: Prep the Veggies

Peel and thinly slice the cucumbers and sweet onion. Place both in a large bowl, then sprinkle generously with sea salt. Toss everything together, cover with plastic wrap, and let it rest for about 30 minutes—this draws out excess water and ensures your salad stays crisp.

Step 2: Drain Well

After salting, transfer the cucumber and onion mixture to a colander and set it over a sink or bowl. Let it drain for another 30 minutes, stirring from time to time to release all that extra liquid. The goal here is crunchy—not soggy!

Step 3: Make the Creamy Dressing

In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, vinegar, white sugar, dried dill, garlic powder, and black pepper until totally smooth and luxurious.

Step 4: Combine and Chill

Toss the drained cucumber and onion with the creamy dressing until everything is evenly coated. Cover the bowl again and refrigerate for at least 2 hours. This lets the flavors fully meld and turn each bite into pure bliss.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

• Salt and Drain Thoroughly: Don’t skimp on this step—it’s the secret to an irresistibly crisp salad!
• Taste and Adjust: After chilling, taste and tweak the seasoning if needed. Add more dill or a dash of vinegar for a brighter bite.
• Go for Even Slices: A mandoline or food processor can make slicing a breeze (just watch your fingers).
• Let It Chill: Don’t rush the chilling step; the creamy dressing needs time to work its magic.

How to Serve

This salad pairs beautifully with just about anything:

• Grilled Meats: Chicken, steak, burgers, or sausages—something smoky and savory against the cool, creamy salad is always a hit.
• Light Lunches: Add alongside sandwiches, wraps, or even tuck it into pitas for a refreshing crunch.
• Picnics and Potlucks: It travels well and stays crisp for hours when kept chilled.
• Toppings and Garnishes: Sprinkle with extra fresh dill, cracked pepper, or sliced radishes.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Transfer any remaining salad to an airtight container and refrigerate. It’s best enjoyed within 2-3 days for maximum freshness and crunch.

Freezing

Not recommended! Freezing causes the cucumbers to get mushy and the dressing to separate.

Reheating

No need to reheat—this dish is served cold! Just give it a good stir before serving to revive the creamy consistency.

FAQs

Can I make this cucumber salad ahead of time?
Absolutely. In fact, letting it chill for a few hours (or overnight) only improves the flavor. Just keep it tightly covered in the fridge.

What kind of cucumbers work best?
English cucumbers are ideal because they’re less seedy and yield a nice crunch, but standard garden cucumbers work just fine—just peel them well.

How can I cut down on calories or fat?
Swap part (or all) of the mayo for nonfat Greek yogurt or light sour cream for a lighter, tangier version that’s still creamy.

The salad tastes watery after a day. What should I do?
Cucumbers naturally release liquid over time. If leftovers seem watery, simply drain off excess liquid and stir to redistribute the dressing.

Final Thoughts

Dad’s Creamy Cucumber Salad is a true taste of nostalgia—cool, crisp, and delightfully creamy, all without any kitchen stress. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or prepping a quick weeknight side, this salad is as easy as it is delicious. Give it a try, and don’t be surprised if it becomes a staple at your own table!

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