Estimated reading time: 7 minutes
There are two things I can count on every summer—my garden producing more cucumbers than I expected and me looking for delicious ways to use every single one of them! It seems like they grow overnight. One day I have a few cucumbers, and the next day I’m filling bowls and giving extras away to family and friends. That’s exactly why this Creamy Cucumber Onion Salad has become one of my favorite summertime traditions.
It’s one of those old-fashioned recipes that never goes out of style. The crisp cucumbers, sweet onions, and creamy sour cream dressing come together in just minutes, yet the flavor tastes like you spent much longer making it.
I especially love serving this salad alongside burgers, grilled chicken, steaks, or anything else coming off the grill. Then, just before serving, I sprinkle a little Everything Bagel seasoning over the top. It adds just the right savory crunch and gives this classic recipe a little extra something that everyone notices.
If your garden is overflowing with cucumbers—or you simply grabbed a few at the farmers market—this easy recipe is one you’ll find yourself making again and again all summer long.
Table of contents
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Cucumber Onion Salad
There are so many reasons this recipe has stayed in my summer rotation for years.
- Ready in about 15 minutes.
- Perfect for using fresh garden cucumbers.
- Cool, creamy, and refreshing on hot summer days.
- Made with simple pantry ingredients.
- Even better after it chills.
- The Everything Bagel seasoning adds an irresistible finishing touch.
- Perfect for cookouts, potlucks, family dinners, and picnics.
- Easy to make ahead.
Tools I Use
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Ingredients You’ll Need
- English cucumbers – Crisp, mild, and nearly seedless.
- Sweet onion – Adds just enough bite without overpowering the salad.
- Sour cream – Creates a rich, creamy dressing.
- Mayonnaise – Adds extra creaminess and helps stabilize the dressing.
- White vinegar – Brightens the flavors.
- Granulated sugar – Balances the tanginess.
- Fresh dill – Gives the salad that classic flavor. (Dried dill works too.)
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Fresh chives (optional)
- Everything Bagel seasoning – My favorite finishing touch.
How to Make Creamy Cucumber Onion Salad
Step 1: Slice the Vegetables
Wash the cucumbers and slice them into thin, even rounds. Thinly slice the sweet onion as well. If you’re using garden cucumbers with thick skins, you can peel them first if you prefer.
Step 2: Mix the Dressing
In a medium bowl, whisk together the sour cream, mayonnaise, white vinegar, sugar, fresh dill, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy.
Step 3: Combine
Add the cucumbers and onions to a large mixing bowl. Pour the dressing over the vegetables and gently fold everything together until every slice is coated.
Step 4: Chill
Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least one hour. Although you can serve it right away, the flavor becomes even better after the salad has had time to chill.
Step 5: Finish and Serve
Right before serving, sprinkle Everything Bagel seasoning over the top along with a few extra sprigs of fresh dill for a beautiful presentation.
Nettie’s Tips for the Best Creamy Cucumber Onion Salad
Use English cucumbers whenever possible.
They stay crisp longer, contain fewer seeds, and don’t need peeling.
Slice everything thin.
Thin cucumber and onion slices soak up the creamy dressing much better than thick pieces.
Don’t skip the chilling time.
An hour in the refrigerator allows all the flavors to blend together beautifully.
Want an even crispier salad?
Lightly salt the cucumber slices and let them sit in a colander for about 20 to 30 minutes. Pat them dry before mixing them into the dressing. This removes excess moisture and keeps the dressing extra creamy.
Add the Everything Bagel seasoning last.
Sprinkling it on just before serving keeps the seeds crunchy while adding an extra layer of flavor that pairs perfectly with the creamy dressing.
Make-Ahead & Storage
One of my favorite things about this Creamy Cucumber Onion Salad is that it’s actually better after it has had a little time to chill. The cucumbers soak up all that creamy dill dressing, and the flavors blend together beautifully.
To Make Ahead: Prepare the salad up to 24 hours in advance. For the freshest presentation, wait to sprinkle on the Everything Bagel seasoning until just before serving.
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Give the salad a quick stir before serving, as the cucumbers will naturally release a little moisture.
Freezing: This salad is not recommended for freezing because the sour cream dressing and cucumbers will lose their texture once thawed.
Variations
One of the best things about this recipe is how easy it is to customize.
- Stir in crumbled bacon for a smoky twist.
- Add halved cherry tomatoes for extra color.
- Mix in sliced radishes for a peppery bite.
- Toss in shredded sharp cheddar cheese.
- Add extra fresh herbs like basil, parsley, or chives.
- For a little tang, squeeze fresh lemon juice over the top just before serving.
What to Serve with Creamy Cucumber Onion Salad
This cool, creamy salad pairs perfectly with just about anything on the grill.
Some of my favorites include:
- Grilled burgers
- Grilled pork chops
- Marinated hot dogs
- Texas Toast Double Smash Burgers
- Grilled chicken
- Smoked haddock
- BBQ ribs
- Pulled pork sandwiches
- Crispy fried chicken
It also makes a wonderful addition to potlucks, picnics, family reunions, and backyard cookouts.
FAQ
Can I make Creamy Cucumber Onion Salad the day before?
Yes! In fact, I think it tastes even better after a few hours in the refrigerator. Just wait until serving to sprinkle on the Everything Bagel seasoning so it stays nice and crunchy.
Should I peel the cucumbers?
English cucumbers don’t need peeling. If you’re using larger garden cucumbers with thicker skins, peeling them is completely optional.
Why did my dressing become watery?
That’s perfectly normal. Cucumbers naturally release moisture as they sit. Simply give the salad a gentle stir before serving.
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Creamy Cucumber Onion Salad
Ingredients
- 2 large english cucumbers thinly sliced
- 1 medium sweet onion thinly sliced
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon white vinegar
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried dill)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives optional
- 1 tablespoon Everything Bagel seasoning for garnish
- Fresh dill sprigs for garnish
Instructions
- Thinly slice the cucumbers and sweet onion.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the sour cream, mayonnaise, vinegar, sugar, dill, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Add the cucumbers and onions to a large bowl.
- Pour the dressing over the vegetables and gently toss until evenly coated.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
- Before serving, sprinkle with Everything Bagel seasoning and garnish with fresh dill and chives, if desired.
Notes
- English cucumbers stay crisp the longest.
- Garden cucumbers can be peeled if the skins are thick.
- For extra-crisp cucumbers, lightly salt them for 20–30 minutes, then pat dry before mixing with the dressing.
- Sprinkle the Everything Bagel seasoning on just before serving for the best texture.