Cucumber Salad Recipe Mayonnaise: Cool and Creamy Picnic Staple

This cucumber salad delivers a cool and creamy side dish that’s perfect for picnics or summer gatherings. I’ve refined the balance of crisp cucumbers and tangy mayonnaise to create a refreshing classic.

The secret is using thinly sliced cucumbers and letting the salad rest for 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and the cucumbers to soften slightly, enhancing the texture.

What you’ll get is a dish that’s both light and satisfying, with a smooth, velvety dressing that coats every bite. It’s simple to prepare but impressive in flavor.

Serve it alongside grilled meats, sandwiches, or as a standalone snack. Here’s how to make it.

Ingredients for Cucumber Salad Recipe Mayonnaise

Fresh crisp cucumbers meet tangy creamy dressing for a refreshing picnic staple.

Cucumbers are key here—English cucumbers (the long, skinny kind) have fewer seeds and thinner skin, so no need to peel. Whole Foods or Trader Joe’s usually have the best selection. Look for firm ones with vibrant green color. The mayonnaise should be full-fat for that velvety texture, and I’d recommend Hellmann’s or Duke’s if you want that classic taste.

No fresh dill? Dried dill at one-third the amount works fine. Out of sour cream? Swap in Greek yogurt for a tangier bite. Red onion is ideal for that subtle sharpness, but white or yellow onions work too (just soak in cold water for 10 minutes to mellow the bite). The sugar balances the acidity—honey works too if you’re out of granulated.

This salad tastes even better after 30 minutes in the fridge, once the flavors meld. Keeps well for 2-3 days stored in an airtight container. Give it a quick stir before serving, as the cucumbers release some liquid over time.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Creamy Cucumber Salad

This method ensures a perfectly balanced, creamy salad that stays fresh and crisp for hours.

Step 1: Prepare and Salt the Vegetables

Thinly slice the 2 whole English Cucumbers using a sharp knife or mandoline, leaving the skin on for color and texture. Transfer them to a large bowl. Thinly slice the 0.25 whole Red Onion and add it to the cucumbers.

Sprinkle the vegetables with the 0.5 tsp Salt and toss gently. Let them sit for 10-15 minutes—this draws out excess water, preventing a watery salad. You’ll notice the cucumbers start to release liquid, which is exactly what you want.

Step 2: Make the Creamy Dressing

In a medium bowl, whisk together the 0.75 cup Mayonnaise, 0.25 cup Sour Cream, 2 tbsp White Vinegar, 1 tbsp Granulated Sugar, and 0.25 tsp Black Pepper until smooth. The sugar balances the vinegar’s tang, while the sour cream adds a subtle richness.

Stir in the 2 tbsp Fresh Dill and 1 tbsp Lemon Juice. I like to let the dressing sit for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld—this small step makes a noticeable difference in depth of flavor.

Step 3: Combine and Chill

Drain any excess liquid from the cucumbers and red onion, then gently pat them dry with a paper towel. This ensures the salad stays creamy, not soupy. Add the vegetables to the bowl with the dressing and fold everything together until evenly coated.

Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. Chilling allows the flavors to marry and the cucumbers to soften slightly while still retaining their crispness. Real talk: it’s even better after 2 hours.

Step 4: Garnish and Serve

Just before serving, sprinkle the 1 tbsp Fresh Parsley over the top for a pop of color and freshness. Give the salad one final gentle toss to distribute the parsley evenly.

Serve chilled in a shallow bowl or on a platter. The salad should have a glossy, creamy coating on every slice, with a bright, tangy finish. This dish holds up well at picnics or potlucks, staying crisp and flavorful for hours.

Health Benefits of This cucumber salad recipe mayonnaise

Hydration Boost

This dish is over 95% water, making it an excellent hydrating option. Cucumbers contain natural electrolytes like potassium and magnesium, which help maintain fluid balance in your body. Perfect for hot days or after a workout. 💪

Low-Calorie Goodness

A 1-cup serving contains only about 120-150 calories, mostly from the creamy dressing. The cucumbers themselves are just 16 calories per cup, making this a light yet satisfying choice for weight management.

Digestive Health

The fiber in cucumbers supports healthy digestion, while the probiotics in sour cream (if using a cultured variety) promote gut health. I notice this salad feels gentle on my stomach, even when I have a hearty portion.

Vitamin K Source

Cucumbers provide a good dose of vitamin K, which is essential for blood clotting and bone health. One cup offers about 20% of your daily needs. The red onion adds quercetin, a flavonoid with anti-inflammatory benefits. 🥗

Antioxidant Properties

This salad contains flavonoids and lignans from cucumbers, along with vitamin C from the lemon juice. These compounds help combat oxidative stress. Fresh dill also contributes monoterpenes, which have antioxidant effects.

Heart-Healthy Fats

The mayonnaise and sour cream provide healthy fats that help your body absorb fat-soluble vitamins like A, D, E, and K from the vegetables. I always opt for full-fat versions to maximize these benefits.

Frequently Asked Questions