Cucumber Salad Recipe With Mayo and Sour Cream: Cool and Creamy Side Dish

This refreshing cucumber salad combines crisp vegetables with a creamy dressing that’s both tangy and rich. The balance of mayo and sour cream creates a smooth, velvety texture that clings beautifully to every bite.

Perfect for summer picnics or as a light side dish, this recipe comes together in minutes. Thinly sliced cucumbers and onions soak up the flavors, making it a crowd-pleaser every time.

Ingredients for Cucumber Salad Recipe with Mayo and Sour Cream

Crisp cucumbers and a tangy, creamy dressing make this dish a summer favorite.

The cucumbers are key here—English cucumbers have thinner skins and fewer seeds, so you don’t need to peel them. Look for firm, bright green ones at Whole Foods or your local grocery store. The onions add a nice bite, but if you’re sensitive to raw onion, soak the slices in cold water for 10 minutes before mixing. Hellmann’s and Duke’s are my go-to mayo brands for that classic creamy texture.

No fresh dill? Dried dill at one-third the amount works fine. If you’re out of sour cream, Greek yogurt is a great substitute (use the same amount). For a lighter version, swap the mayo for half the amount of Greek yogurt—just know the dressing will be a bit tangier. The vinegar can be white, apple cider, or even rice vinegar (add a pinch more sugar if using rice).

This salad holds up well in the fridge for 2-3 days, though it’s best the first day when everything’s super crisp. Store it in an airtight container—if it separates, just give it a stir before serving. Doubling the batch? No problem, it scales perfectly for picnics or potlucks.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Cucumber Salad With Mayo and Sour Cream

This method ensures a perfectly balanced dressing with crisp, fresh vegetables.

Step 1: Prepare and Salt the Vegetables

Thinly slice the 2 whole English Cucumbers and 0.5 whole Red Onion. I use a mandoline for perfectly even slices, but a sharp knife works just as well. Transfer them to a colander and sprinkle with the 1 tsp Salt.

Toss gently to distribute the salt, then let them sit for 10 minutes. This draws out excess moisture, which prevents a watery salad. You’ll see liquid pooling in the colander—that’s exactly what you want.

Step 2: Make the Creamy Dressing

In a medium bowl, whisk together the 0.5 cup Mayonnaise, 0.5 cup Sour Cream, 2 tbsp White Vinegar, 1 tbsp Granulated Sugar, and 0.5 tsp Black Pepper. The mixture should be smooth with no lumps.

Taste and adjust seasoning if needed, but remember the vegetables will add flavor too. The sugar balances the vinegar’s acidity, while the pepper adds a subtle kick. This dressing should coat the back of a spoon but still be pourable.

Step 3: Combine and Chill

Rinse the salted cucumbers and onion under cold water to remove excess salt, then pat them dry with a clean towel. This step is crucial—you want to keep the vegetables crisp, not soggy.

Add the vegetables to the bowl with the dressing. Sprinkle in the 2 tbsp Fresh Dill and fold everything together gently. The dill adds a bright, herby note that complements the cool creaminess perfectly.

Step 4: Rest and Garnish Before Serving

Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This chilling time allows the flavors to meld together beautifully. The cucumbers will soften slightly but retain their crispness.

Just before serving, give the salad a final stir and garnish with the 2 tbsp Fresh Parsley. The parsley adds a pop of color and a fresh finish. Serve chilled for the best texture and flavor.

Creative Variations of These Flavors

Herbed Garden Twist

Swap the fresh dill for 2 tbsp chopped tarragon or 1 tbsp each of chives and parsley. The anise-like flavor of tarragon pairs beautifully with the creamy dressing, while the chive-parsley combo adds a milder, more layered herb profile. I love this version for spring gatherings. 🌿

Spicy Kick Variation

Add ½ tsp cayenne pepper or 1 finely diced jalapeño to the dressing for heat lovers. The cool creaminess balances the spice perfectly. For extra depth, mix in 1 tsp smoked paprika—it adds a subtle smokiness that works wonderfully with grilled meats.

Sweet and Tangy

Increase the sugar to 2 tbsp and add 1 tbsp honey for a sweeter twist. This version is especially popular with kids. Balance the sweetness with an extra 1 tbsp vinegar to keep the tangy edge that makes this salad so refreshing.

Mediterranean Style

Fold in ½ cup crumbled feta cheese and ¼ cup sliced Kalamata olives for a Greek-inspired take. The salty feta and briny olives cut through the richness, while the olives add a meaty texture. I often add 1 tsp dried oregano to the dressing for extra authenticity. 💫

Crunchy Additions

For extra texture, stir in ½ cup toasted sunflower seeds or ¼ cup chopped walnuts just before serving. The nuts add a satisfying crunch that contrasts with the creamy dressing. Toast them in a dry pan over medium heat for 3-4 minutes until fragrant.

Lighter Version

Replace the mayo with ½ cup Greek yogurt and the sour cream with ¼ cup low-fat yogurt. The result is tangier but still creamy. I find adding 1 tsp Dijon mustard helps maintain the richness while keeping it lighter. Perfect for those watching their calories without sacrificing flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions