If you’re looking for a perfectly refreshing side that’s equal parts creamy and crisp, this is the salad to make on repeat all summer long. Dad’s Creamy Cucumber Salad is my tried-and-true favorite for family gatherings, picnics, and those lazy dinners on the porch—each bite takes me right back to summers at home, digging into bowls overflowing with crunchy cucumber, sweet onion, and that irresistible savory-sweet dressing. With just a handful of simple pantry staples, you’ll whip up something so deliciously cool and classic, it might just become your new family tradition, too.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You won’t believe how just a few basic ingredients can create something so memorable! Every element in Dad’s Creamy Cucumber Salad pulls its weight, bringing texture, color, and full-on flavor to the table. Let’s talk through why each is essential:
- Cucumbers: Opt for large, firm cucumbers—these are the backbone of the salad, offering supreme crunch and fresh flavor.
- Sweet onion: Thinly sliced for a gentle bite and touch of natural sweetness, balancing out the tangy, creamy dressing perfectly.
- Sea salt: Essential for drawing out excess moisture from the cucumbers and onion, keeping your salad crisp, not soggy.
- Mayonnaise: The heart of the creamy dressing; use your favorite brand for the richest, silkiest base.
- Vinegar: A splash of sharpness to brighten up every bite and cut through the richness of the mayo.
- White sugar: Just enough sweetness to round out the flavors and mellow the tanginess.
- Dried dill weed: No cucumber salad is complete without dill for that classic herbal lift—fresh or dried both work.
- Garlic powder: Brings a subtle, savory warmth to the dressing that doesn’t overpower the fresh vegetables.
- Ground black pepper: Adds a gentle kick and is the final touch for a balanced profile.
How to Make Dad’s Creamy Cucumber Salad
Step 1: Salt and Rest the Cucumbers & Onion
Begin by tossing your sliced cucumbers and onion with the sea salt in a large mixing bowl. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and let the mixture sit for 15 to 30 minutes—this crucial step draws out water from the vegetables, ensuring that Dad’s Creamy Cucumber Salad stays satisfyingly crunchy and never watery.
Step 2: Drain Well
Transfer your salted cucumber and onion mixture into a colander set over a bowl or directly in the sink. Let it drain for 15 to 30 minutes, giving it a few stirs as you go to help release all that extra liquid and excess salt. You’ll end up with perfectly crisp veggies ready to soak up the dressing.
Step 3: Whisk the Creamy Dressing
In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, vinegar, sugar, dried dill, garlic powder, and black pepper until you have a silky, smooth dressing. You can tailor the mayo to your preferred thickness—add a little extra if you love it extra creamy!
Step 4: Combine and Toss
Pour your homemade dressing over the drained cucumber and onion mixture. Gently toss everything together so every slice is coated in that deliciously creamy sauce. That’s when Dad’s Creamy Cucumber Salad truly comes to life—cool, tangy, and rich in flavor.
Step 5: Chill and Let Flavors Mingle
Cover your bowl with fresh plastic wrap and refrigerate the salad for at least 1 to 2 hours before serving. If you can wait that long, you’ll be rewarded—the flavors meld together and the salad gets even better with time.
How to Serve Dad’s Creamy Cucumber Salad
Garnishes
For a finishing touch, sprinkle additional dried or fresh dill on top just before serving. A dusting of cracked black pepper or even a few sprigs of chives can add color and a touch of elegance.
Side Dishes
This salad is a star at any cookout or potluck—pair it with grilled chicken, bratwurst, pulled pork, or even a simply roasted salmon. The cool, creamy contrast is a dream next to anything spicy or smoky, and its lightness works with just about every summertime plate.
Creative Ways to Present
You can spoon Dad’s Creamy Cucumber Salad into mason jars for a fun picnic feel, pile it high on a platter lined with lettuce leaves, or serve in individual bowls for easy portioning. Bonus points for topping with radish slices, cherry tomato halves, or a flourish of edible flowers for a festive pop of color.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Refrigerate leftover Dad’s Creamy Cucumber Salad in an airtight container for up to three days. The salad actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop—just give it a gentle stir before serving each time.
Freezing
Freezing is not recommended for this salad, as the creamy dressing and cucumbers tend to lose their texture and become watery when thawed. Keep it fresh in the fridge for best results.
Reheating
No reheating required! This dish is meant to be enjoyed cold from the fridge—just scoop, garnish, and serve. If the dressing has separated, simply stir it up to reincorporate the creamy goodness before eating.
FAQs
Can I use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise in Dad’s Creamy Cucumber Salad?
Absolutely! Greek yogurt will give a tangier flavor and lighten the texture, making it a terrific alternative if you want to cut back on mayonnaise. Try using half mayo, half yogurt for the best of both worlds.
Do I need to peel the cucumbers?
Peeled cucumbers keep the salad delicate and easy to eat, but if you’re using thin-skinned or organic cucumbers, you can certainly leave the skin on for extra color, fiber, and crunch.
Why is salting the cucumbers and onions important?
Salting draws out excess water from the vegetables, a step that prevents your salad from turning watery and helps maintain the perfect crisp-tender texture that makes Dad’s Creamy Cucumber Salad so craveable.
Can I add extra veggies or herbs?
Absolutely! Radishes, cherry tomatoes, or even a handful of fresh chopped parsley or chives are all great additions. The recipe is super versatile, so feel free to get creative with what you have on hand.
How far in advance can I make Dad’s Creamy Cucumber Salad?
Make it up to a day ahead for ideal flavor and texture; the longer it sits (up to 24 hours), the better it tastes. Just stir it before serving and adjust seasoning if needed.
Final Thoughts
I hope you give Dad’s Creamy Cucumber Salad a try—and maybe even start your own delicious summer tradition. It’s simple, comforting, and always a conversation starter at the table. Grab those cucumbers and whip up a bowl to share; I promise, you’ll savor every bite!
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Dad’s Creamy Cucumber Salad Recipe
Dad’s Creamy Cucumber Salad is the perfect summer side, featuring crisp cucumber, sweet onions, a tangy dill-infused creamy dressing, and a hint of garlic. This refreshing classic is easy to make, wonderfully cool, and ideal for potlucks or family dinners.
- Total Time: 2 hrs 10 mins
- Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients
Cucumbers & Onions
- 2 large cucumbers, peeled and thinly sliced
- 1 sweet onion, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon sea salt
Creamy Dill Dressing
- 1 ½ cups mayonnaise, or more to taste
- 2 tablespoons vinegar
- 1 tablespoon white sugar
- 1 teaspoon dried dill weed
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
- Salt the Cucumbers & Onions: In a large bowl, mix the sliced cucumbers, sweet onion, and sea salt together. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let the mixture sit for 15 to 30 minutes to draw out excess water from the vegetables.
- Drain the Vegetables: Transfer the cucumber and onion mixture into a colander set over a bowl or in the sink. Let it drain, stirring occasionally, until most of the liquid and salt have drained out, which should take about 15 to 30 minutes. Once well-drained, transfer the vegetables to a large mixing bowl.
- Prepare the Dressing: In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, vinegar, white sugar, dried dill, garlic powder, and ground black pepper until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Combine Salad & Dressing: Pour the dressing over the drained cucumber and onion mixture. Stir thoroughly until all the vegetables are coated evenly in the creamy dressing.
- Chill the Salad: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the salad for 1 to 2 hours before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and the salad to become perfectly chilled.
Notes
- If you prefer a thicker, creamier sauce, simply add more mayonnaise as needed.
- Adjust salt and pepper to taste just before serving, as the initial salting draws out moisture but also seasons the vegetables.
- This salad tastes best cold and can be prepared a few hours ahead of serving.
- Leftovers keep well covered in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 0 mins
- Category: Side-dishes
- Method: No-cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/8 of recipe
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 897mg
- Fat: 33g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 16mg
