🥒 Dad’s Creamy Cucumber Salad Recipe – A Cool & Classic Summer Side
Looking for a refreshing and easy side dish to complete your summer meal? Dad’s Creamy Cucumber Salad is the perfect answer. This cool, tangy, and creamy salad has been a family favorite for generations. Made with fresh cucumbers and a smooth, seasoned dressing, it’s ideal for barbecues, potlucks, or a simple weeknight dinner.
In this article, we’ll share the full recipe, preparation tips, nutrition info, and some handy variations to keep it exciting!
📝 Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need for Dad’s classic cucumber salad:
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3–4 medium cucumbers, thinly sliced
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1/2 red onion, thinly sliced (optional for extra zing)
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1/2 cup sour cream
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1/4 cup mayonnaise
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1 tablespoon white vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
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1 tablespoon sugar (adjust to taste)
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1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
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1 tablespoon fresh dill (or 1 tsp dried)
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Salt and black pepper to taste
👨🍳 How to Make Dad’s Creamy Cucumber Salad
Follow these easy steps:
1. Prep the Cucumbers
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Wash and thinly slice the cucumbers. For extra crunch, leave the skins on.
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Optionally, sprinkle a little salt over them and let them sit for 15–20 minutes to draw out excess moisture. Then pat dry with a paper towel.
2. Make the Creamy Dressing
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In a medium bowl, mix together the sour cream, mayo, vinegar, sugar, garlic powder, dill, salt, and pepper.
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Whisk until smooth and well combined.
3. Combine & Chill
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Add the cucumbers (and onions, if using) to the bowl and toss until evenly coated.
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Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving. This allows the flavors to meld.
🧊 Why This Salad Works
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Refreshing: Perfect for hot days and pairs well with grilled meats.
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Simple Ingredients: Pantry staples come together fast.
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Make-Ahead Friendly: Tastes better after chilling.
🔄 Optional Add-ins & Variations
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Add cherry tomatoes for a juicy twist.
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Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a healthier version.
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Add crushed garlic or mustard for more depth.
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Try English cucumbers for a slightly sweeter taste.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
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Serve alongside BBQ ribs, grilled chicken, or burgers.
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Add to a picnic basket or potluck table.
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Pairs beautifully with spicy foods for a cooling contrast.
🧠 Tips for Success
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Slice cucumbers thinly and uniformly for best texture.
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Salt and drain cucumbers if you want to reduce wateriness.
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Use fresh dill whenever possible – it makes a big difference!
🥗 Nutrition (Per Serving – Approximate)
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Calories: 90
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Fat: 7g
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Carbs: 5g
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Protein: 1g
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Fiber: 1g
📌 Final Thoughts
Dad’s Creamy Cucumber Salad is a nostalgic, satisfying, and simple dish that brings comfort to any table. Whether you’re honoring a family recipe or just discovering it for the first time, this cucumber salad is a timeless classic worth sharing.
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