Dad's Creamy Cucumber Salad Recipe

There's something wonderfully nostalgic about a bowl of Dad's Creamy Cucumber Salad chilling in the fridge on a summer afternoon. The crisp crunch of cucumbers paired with a tangy, velvety dressing brings back memories of backyard barbecues and easy Sunday dinners.

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I remember my dad meticulously slicing the cucumbers paper-thin and whisking up the creamy dressing while humming to his favorite tunes. Simple, cool, and endlessly comforting, this salad is not just a dish—it's a summer staple that never goes out of style.

Ready to see why this beloved recipe should be in your rotation? Let’s dive into the details.

Why You'll Love This Dad's Creamy Cucumber Salad

Cool, crisp, and irresistibly creamy, this cucumber salad checks all the boxes for a perfect side dish.

First off, it's unbelievably quick and easy. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep, you can have this ready in under 15 minutes. It’s the ideal last-minute side dish that still impresses.

This salad is budget-friendly, using ingredients you probably already have on hand. Cucumbers, sour cream, vinegar, and a few pantry staples come together to make magic.

It’s also refreshingly light, making it a perfect balance for grilled meats, hearty casseroles, or anything coming off the smoker. It cuts through richness with just the right amount of tang.

And finally, it's family-approved. Even picky eaters can't resist the creamy texture and mellow flavor. My kids devour it every time.

This is the kind of recipe that makes a quiet hero out of a humble cucumber.

Ingredients Notes

The magic of Dad's Creamy Cucumber Salad lies in the balance of just a few ingredients. Each one plays an important role in achieving that signature taste and texture.

Cucumbers are, of course, the star of the show. I prefer using English cucumbers because they're less watery and have a thinner skin, which means you don't need to peel them. If using regular cucumbers, just peel them and scoop out the seeds for best results.

Sour cream forms the creamy base of the dressing. It gives the salad that rich, tangy finish that keeps you going back for more. You can substitute Greek yogurt for a lighter version, but I always go with full-fat sour cream for the most nostalgic flavor.

White vinegar adds the right punch of acidity. It balances the creaminess beautifully and gives the salad that bright, zippy flavor. Apple cider vinegar also works and adds a slightly fruity twist.

Sugar, salt, and black pepper round everything out. The sugar softens the sharpness of the vinegar, while salt enhances the flavor of the cucumbers. A generous grind of fresh black pepper ties it all together with a hint of heat.

You won’t need any fancy tools, but a mandoline slicer can help you get those ultra-thin cucumber slices that absorb the dressing perfectly. A sharp knife works just fine, too.

How To Make This Dad's Creamy Cucumber Salad

Creating this creamy cucumber salad couldn’t be simpler. Follow these steps to bring a bit of summer nostalgia to your table.

Start by washing your cucumbers thoroughly. If you're using English cucumbers, you can leave the skin on for color and texture. For regular cucumbers, peel and seed them before slicing. Use a sharp knife or mandoline to cut them into very thin rounds—about ⅛ inch thick is ideal.

Place the sliced cucumbers in a large colander and sprinkle them with salt. Let them sit for about 20 minutes to draw out excess moisture. This step helps prevent the salad from becoming watery. Afterward, gently pat them dry with paper towels.

While the cucumbers are draining, make the dressing. In a medium bowl, whisk together sour cream, vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper until smooth. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed—sometimes I add an extra pinch of sugar depending on how tangy the vinegar is.

Transfer the cucumbers to a large mixing bowl and pour the dressing over the top. Stir gently to coat every slice. The cucumbers should be fully covered but not swimming in dressing.

Cover the bowl and let the salad chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving. This gives the flavors time to meld and the cucumbers to soften slightly without losing their crunch.

From start to finish, you’re looking at about 15 minutes of hands-on time. The hardest part? Waiting for it to chill before diving in.

Storage Options

This creamy cucumber salad stores surprisingly well for a couple of days, though it's best eaten fresh.

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The salad will keep for up to 2-3 days, though the cucumbers may release more water over time, slightly thinning the dressing.

If you plan to make it ahead, consider prepping the cucumbers and dressing separately. Combine them just an hour or so before serving to maintain the freshest texture.

To refresh leftovers, give the salad a quick stir and, if needed, add a spoonful of sour cream to bring back that creamy consistency. A splash of vinegar can also perk up the flavor after sitting.

For best results, avoid freezing—the cucumbers will lose their texture and become mushy once thawed.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about this recipe is how easy it is to tweak based on what you have on hand or your flavor preferences.

For a lighter version, swap out the sour cream with plain Greek yogurt or a mix of yogurt and light mayo. It gives you a similar creamy tang without all the richness.

Add some fresh herbs like dill, chives, or parsley for an extra pop of flavor and color. Dill, in particular, plays beautifully with cucumber and gives the salad a classic deli vibe.

Want a bit of crunch? Toss in some thinly sliced red onion or shallots. They'll add sharpness and depth, plus a touch of vibrant color.

If you're out of white vinegar, try lemon juice for a citrusy twist. It keeps things bright and refreshing, especially on a hot day.

This salad also makes a great base for protein additions like chopped hard-boiled eggs or diced cooked shrimp, turning it into a light meal on its own.

Don’t be afraid to make this recipe your own. Once you’ve mastered the base, the possibilities are endless.

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