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.
