Pineapple Cucumber Salad Recipe

There’s something about the cool crunch of a Creamy Cucumber Salad that instantly transports you to a sunny backyard picnic. With its velvety dressing, crisp cucumbers, and hint of tanginess, this dish is refreshing, satisfying, and oh-so-easy to throw together.

this Recipe

I first whipped up this salad on a scorching summer afternoon when turning on the oven felt like a punishment. It became an instant classic—light, creamy, and surprisingly addictive. Now, it's a staple in our fridge all summer long, perfect for everything from family cookouts to simple weeknight dinners.

Let’s dive into why this salad belongs on your table.

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Cucumber Salad

Get ready to meet your new go-to side dish. This Creamy Cucumber Salad checks all the boxes for a crowd-pleasing, no-fuss favorite.

First and foremost, it’s ridiculously easy to make. With just a few ingredients and minimal prep time, you can have it chilling in the fridge in under 15 minutes. Perfect for those last-minute BBQ invites or when dinner needs a quick, fresh sidekick.

It’s also incredibly budget-friendly. Cucumbers, a bit of sour cream or yogurt, some vinegar, and pantry staples are all you need. You probably already have everything on hand, which makes this a smart and economical choice.

Don’t underestimate its refreshing power. On hot days, this salad is a lifesaver. The cucumbers stay cold and crunchy, while the creamy dressing provides a cooling contrast that’s hard to beat.

Lastly, it’s versatile enough to go with just about anything. Whether you’re serving burgers, grilled chicken, or sandwiches, this salad fits right in—and often steals the spotlight.

Let’s take a closer look at the simple ingredients that make this salad shine.

Ingredients Notes

The beauty of this Creamy Cucumber Salad lies in its simplicity. Just a handful of ingredients come together to create a dish that’s cool, creamy, and full of flavor.

Cucumbers are obviously the star of the show. I prefer using English cucumbers because their skins are thinner and seeds are smaller, which means you don’t have to peel or seed them. If you’re using regular cucumbers, consider peeling and scooping out the seeds for the best texture.

Sour cream provides the base for our creamy dressing. It brings a rich, tangy flavor that pairs beautifully with the crispness of the cucumbers. For a lighter option, Greek yogurt works wonderfully too—just be sure to choose a full-fat version for the best texture.

Vinegar adds that essential tang. I like using white vinegar for a clean bite, but apple cider vinegar adds a touch of sweetness if that’s more your style. A little goes a long way, so start small and adjust to taste.

Red onion slices bring a subtle sharpness that balances the creaminess of the dressing. Thinly slicing them is key—you want them to melt into the salad, not overpower it. If raw onion is too strong for your taste, try soaking the slices in cold water for 10 minutes before mixing them in.

A pinch of dill—fresh or dried—adds that signature herby freshness that gives this salad its nostalgic flair. If you’ve got fresh dill, use it! It makes a noticeable difference in both aroma and flavor.

You won’t need any fancy equipment for this recipe. A sharp knife, a mixing bowl, and a spoon are all you need. If you have a mandoline, it’s great for evenly thin cucumber slices, but not essential.

How To Make This Creamy Cucumber Salad

Making this Creamy Cucumber Salad couldn’t be easier. In fact, the hardest part might be waiting for the flavors to meld in the fridge.

Start by preparing your cucumbers. Wash them thoroughly, then slice them thinly—about ⅛-inch thick is ideal. If you're using regular cucumbers, peel them first and remove the seeds with a spoon before slicing. Place the slices in a colander and sprinkle with a little salt. Let them sit for about 15 minutes to draw out excess moisture, then pat them dry with a clean towel or paper towels.

While the cucumbers are resting, whip up the dressing. In a medium bowl, stir together sour cream, vinegar, a dash of sugar, and a bit of salt and pepper. Mix until smooth. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed—it should be tangy with a touch of sweetness and a creamy finish.

Add in the sliced red onions and dill to the dressing and stir to combine. By now, your cucumbers should be ready to go. Gently fold them into the dressing mixture, making sure each slice is coated.

Once everything is mixed, cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This resting time allows the cucumbers to soak up the dressing and lets the flavors marry beautifully. You’ll notice a big difference between freshly mixed and chilled salad.

When you're ready to serve, give the salad a gentle stir and a final sprinkle of dill if desired. The entire process from start to finish takes under 20 minutes, plus a short chill time. It’s truly effortless.

Storage Options

This salad stores surprisingly well, making it ideal for meal prep or next-day snacking.

To keep it fresh, store your Creamy Cucumber Salad in an airtight container in the fridge. It’s best enjoyed within 2-3 days, as the cucumbers will start to soften the longer they sit in the dressing.

If you're planning to serve it later or bring it to a picnic, you can prep the cucumbers and dressing separately. Combine them about 30 minutes before serving for the freshest texture.

Avoid freezing this salad. The high water content of cucumbers doesn’t play well with freezing, and the dressing can separate once thawed.

To re-serve, just stir gently and taste to see if it needs a pinch of salt or fresh dill to revive the flavor.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about this recipe is how adaptable it is. Whether you're working with dietary restrictions or just want to change things up, there are plenty of ways to tweak it.

For a dairy-free version, swap out the sour cream for a plant-based alternative. Coconut yogurt or cashew cream both work surprisingly well and still deliver that creamy texture.

If you prefer a sweeter twist, add a teaspoon of honey or agave to the dressing. This can help balance the tanginess, especially if you're using Greek yogurt.

Want to make it extra crunchy? Toss in thinly sliced radishes or chopped celery. These additions give the salad a refreshing crunch and pair beautifully with the creamy dressing.

Add some protein to turn this into a full meal. Shredded rotisserie chicken or chickpeas are easy add-ins that make it more filling without complicating the recipe.

For a spicy kick, stir in a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or a spoonful of horseradish. It’s a fun way to give the salad an unexpected edge.

Feel free to get creative and make it your own. The base is simple and forgiving, which means you can experiment confidently. Whether you stick to the classic or add your own flair, this Creamy Cucumber Salad is sure to be a hit.

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