This Creamy Cucumber Salad is a delicious side that everyone will love. It pairs well with any protein and carb for a balanced meal.
Cucumbers are always in season and available in Ontario (thank you, greenhouses!) so they're a staple in my weekly grocery haul. I love eating them on a snack plate or sliced with a ranch dip, but they're also amazing as a standalone veggie in salads.
This creamy cucumber salad uses just sliced cucumbers tossed in a delicious yogurt-based dressing, packed with flavor and fresh herbs. I also love serving it alongside crispy potatoes and a protein like salmon or chicken breast for an easy, balanced dinner.
Creamy Cucumber Salad
Why This Recipe Is Dietitian Approved
- Lightened up version of a classic. Many cucumber salads can be quick heavy with high fat dressings and mayo, so I wanted to make a lightened up version that still tastes good.
- Perfect fresh veggie side dish. This is a great veggie-based side when you don't want to turn on the stove or oven.
- Ready in 5 minutes. It's so fast to make!
Ingredients
Cucumbers. I recommend using smaller, persian cucumbers. Due to their size, these contain less moisture and smaller seeds, making them easier to slice. They also keep this salad from getting super soggy. If you are using a different type of cucumber, I recommend english cucumbers over field cucumbers, as they have a thinner skin and smaller seeds.
Red onion. For a little spice and flavor variety.
Avocado. I also love the creaminess of the avocado paired with the crunchy cucumber. It's also a great source of healthy fats and fiber.
Dressing. We use plain Greek yogurt, vinegar, honey, fresh dill, and olive oil in this simple creamy dressing.
The complete ingredient list with measurements can be found in the recipe card below.
Instructions
- In a large serving bowl, whisk together greek yogurt, vinegar, olive oil, salt, black pepper, dill and honey.
- To the bowl, add cucumbers, red onion and avocado. Then toss to combine.
Substitutions and Variations
To make gluten-free: this recipe is naturally gluten-free.
To make dairy-free: use a thick, non-dairy yogurt of choice.
To make nut-free: this recipe is naturally nut-free.
Some optional add-ins that I love in this cucumber salad:
- Feta cheese: adding ¼ cup of crumbled feta cheese adds a subtle saltiness that complements the creamy flavours perfectly!.
- Cherry tomatoes: for a Mediterranean-inspired cucumber salad, add in about ½ cup halved cherry tomatoes.
- Capers: about 1 tablespoon of capers will add the perfect salty addition for an elevated flavour profile.
White vinegar can be replaced with lemon juice or red wine vinegar.
Equipment
Storage
This recipe stays fresh for about 4-5 hours once made. If you are looking to make this in advance, I recommend storing the cucumber, and red onions separately from the dressing and adding in the avocado when you are ready to eat.
Top Tips for Success
The key to a good cucumber salad is slicing the cucumbers thinly which helps them combine with the dressing and soak up the flavour! I also recommend using a mandolin (and protecting glove) to get thin, even slices.
Frequently Asked Questions
I don't recommend making this salad for meal prep as the cucumbers will get soggy if left overnight in the fridge. If you are looking to make this ahead of time, I recommend slicing up the cucumbers and red onion in advance and making the dressing. Store the cucumbers and red onion in a container separate form the dressing. When you are ready to combine, simply drizzle the dressing over the cucumbers. Add avocado when ready to eat if desired.
It's a great side alongside any protein like salmon or chicken thighs and also a carb like rice, quinoa or roasted potatoes.
More Salad Recipes
If you liked this salad, try these recipes next:
- Cucumber and Carrot Salad
- Cucumber and Bell Pepper Crunch Salad
- Chickpea Feta Cucumber Quinoa Salad
- Chopped Mediterranean Cucumber Salad
See you in the kitchen!
PS. I love seeing my recipes in action! If you decide to make this creamy cucumber salad, don't forget to snap a photo and tag me on Instagram- @nourishedbynic or leave a comment and rating below letting me know how you liked it!
📖 Recipe
Creamy Cucumber Salad
Ingredients
- ½ cup plain greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon white vinegar
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoon fresh dill finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 6 persian cucumbers thinly sliced (I like using a mandolin)
- ½ red onion thinly sliced
- 1 avocado diced
Instructions
- In a large serving bowl, whisk together greek yogurt, vinegar, olive oil, salt, black pepper, dill and honey.
- To the bowl, add cucumbers, red onion and avocado. Toss to combine.
Abby says
This was delicious! It fulfilled a pregnancy craving while being super nutritious. Thank you!
Stephanie says
This is so yummy, easy to make and healthy!!! Thank you!
Nicole Addison says
a quick, easy no-bake veggie side dish perfect to pair with any main