There’s something timeless about a creamy cucumber salad with mayo; it’s cool, crisp, and always hits the spot on a warm day. This classic side brings together fresh cucumbers and a tangy mayo-based dressing for the kind of flavor that’s simple yet unforgettable. Whether you’re hosting a BBQ or need a quick side, this creamy cucumber salad with mayo fits right in.
The magic lies in the balance; creamy dressing, crunchy cucumbers, and a hint of vinegar for that refreshing zing. Best of all, this creamy cucumber salad with mayo comes together in under 15 minutes with ingredients you likely have in your kitchen. Easy, fresh, and absolutely satisfying—this one’s a keeper.
Why This Creamy Cucumber Salad Recipe Stands Out
This creamy cucumber salad with mayo isn’t just a recipe—it’s a tradition that’s stood the test of time. Passed down through generations, it’s the kind of dish that shows up at every summer gathering; not too heavy, not too fussy—just cool, crisp, and full of flavor. Unlike denser sides like potato or pasta salad, this creamy cucumber salad with mayo stays light and refreshing, making it perfect for hot days and rich dinner plates alike.
Its versatility is what keeps it on repeat. Whether you're serving pulled pork, fried chicken, grilled burgers, or a flaky piece of fried fish, this creamy cucumber salad with mayo is the tangy, cooling side your dinner table needs. From backyard BBQs to quiet weeknight meals, it’s always the right call.
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Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- English cucumbers
- Yellow onion, thinly sliced
- Mayonnaise
- White vinegar
- Granulated sugar
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Fresh dill, chopped
Optional Add-ins for Variations:
- Sour cream
- Tomato, diced
- Hard-boiled eggs, chopped
- Celery seed
See recipe card for quantities.
Instructions
Prep the Cucumbers
- Slice your cucumbers into thin rounds (about ⅛-inch thick).
- Place them in a colander, sprinkle generously with salt, and let sit for 15-20 minutes.
- This draws out excess water.
- After draining, rinse the cucumbers under cold water and pat them completely dry with paper towels.
Make the Creamy Dressing
- In a large bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, white vinegar, sugar, salt, black pepper, and dill until smooth.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed - add more vinegar for tang or sugar for sweetness.
Combine and Chill
- Add the dried cucumber slices and thinly sliced onions to the dressing bowl.
- Gently fold everything together until evenly coated.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.
- Give it a final stir and your quick cucumber salad with mayonnaise dressing is ready!
- Step 1: Prep the Cucumbers
Salting cucumbers helps remove moisture and keeps the salad from getting watery.
- Step 2: Make the Creamy Dressing
Whisk together the mayo, vinegar, sugar, and seasonings until smooth and tangy.
- Step 3: Combine and Chill
Combine all ingredients and refrigerate before serving for best flavor.
Expert Tips for the Best Creamy Cucumber Salad with Mayo
Want to take your creamy cucumber salad with mayo from good to unforgettable? These professional kitchen secrets and common pitfalls can make all the difference.
Professional Kitchen Secrets:
- Master the salt trick: Always salt your cucumbers first. It draws out excess moisture, keeping your creamy cucumber salad with mayo from turning into a soupy mess.
- Crisp it up: After rinsing off the salt, give your cucumbers a quick 5-minute soak in ice water. It sharpens the crunch in the best way.
- Double-drain technique: Some pros swear by draining cucumbers twice—once after salting, then again after mixing in the dressing—for a thicker, creamier finish.
- Serve it fresh: This creamy cucumber salad with mayo is at its best within the first 24 hours; after that, the cucumbers can lose their crunch.
Common Mistakes to Avoid:
- Tomato trouble: Adding tomatoes too early? They release water and make the salad soggy. If using them, toss them in just before serving.
- Drowning in dressing: Start with a little; add more if needed. Too much dressing can overpower the crisp cucumbers.
- Skipping the dry-off: Always pat cucumbers dry after rinsing—moisture is the enemy of creamy texture.
- Thick slices: Cut cucumbers too thick, and the salad loses that delicate, refreshing bite.
Smart Substitutions
Want to tweak your creamy cucumber salad with mayo to better suit your preferences or dietary needs? Here are some easy swaps that keep the flavor while customizing the classic:
- For extra tang: Add an extra splash of vinegar to boost brightness without overpowering the creamy base.
- For a lighter version: Replace half the mayo with plain Greek yogurt; you’ll still get that creamy texture with a little extra tang—perfect for a lightened-up creamy cucumber salad with mayo.
- For dairy-free: Simply use vegan mayonnaise to enjoy a dairy-free creamy cucumber salad with mayo that’s just as rich and satisfying.
- For low-carb: Skip the sugar or use a low-carb sweetener to keep your creamy cucumber salad with mayo keto-friendly without losing that sweet-tangy balance.
Recipe Variations and Dietary Modifications
The beauty of a creamy cucumber salad with mayo is how easy it is to tweak to fit your tastes, your table, or your lifestyle. Whether you’re going for classic, bold, or health-conscious, there’s a version for everyone.
Classic Variations:
- Creamy Cucumber and Onion Salad with Mayo: This is the traditional take we’ve covered above—simple, refreshing, and a staple at any picnic or potluck.
- Creamy Cucumber Tomato Salad with Mayo, Sugar, and Vinegar: Toss in diced tomatoes for extra color and juiciness, but be sure to add them right before serving to keep your creamy cucumber salad with mayo from turning watery.
- German-Style Cucumber Salad: Add thinly sliced radishes and swap in white wine vinegar for a tangier European twist.
Dietary Adaptations:
- Paleo-Friendly: Go with avocado oil mayo and swap the sugar for coconut sugar to keep things Paleo-approved without compromising the taste.
- Keto-Friendly: Leave out the sugar or sub in a keto-approved sweetener like erythritol for a low-carb creamy cucumber salad with mayo that still delivers on flavor.
- Vegan Version: Use plant-based mayo and check that your sugar is vegan-certified to enjoy a creamy cucumber salad with mayo without any animal products.
- Lighter Option: Replace half the mayonnaise with plain Greek yogurt to reduce calories while keeping that creamy texture.
Equipment
Must-Have Tools:
- Large mixing bowl - Glass or stainless steel works best for mixing
- Sharp knife - For clean, even cucumber slices
- Cutting board - Preferably one designated for vegetables
- Colander - Essential for draining the salted cucumbers
- Whisk - For smooth dressing preparation
Nice-to-Have Equipment:
- Serving spoon - A slotted spoon works well for serving
- Mandoline slicer - Creates perfectly uniform cucumber slices
- Salad spinner - Helps dry cucumbers thoroughly after rinsing
Storage and Meal Prep Tips
- Refrigerator Storage: Store your creamy cucumber salad recipe with mayo in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in a covered container. However, it tastes best within the first 24 hours when the cucumbers are still crisp and fresh.
- Make-Ahead Tips: You can prepare the dressing up to 3 days in advance and store it separately. Slice and salt the cucumbers the morning you plan to serve the salad, then combine everything just before serving for the best texture.
- What NOT to Freeze: Never freeze cucumber salad. The high water content in cucumbers means they'll become mushy and unappetizing when thawed.
- Best Serving Practices: Always serve this easy creamy cucumber salad for BBQs chilled. Use a slotted spoon when serving to leave excess liquid in the bowl, and give it a gentle stir if the dressing has separated.
The Chill Trick Grandma Never Told You
Years ago at a family picnic, I noticed my aunt’s creamy cucumber salad with mayo was always the crunchiest; no soggy cucumbers, no watery dressing. Curious (and slightly jealous), I finally asked her secret. She smiled, leaned in like she was sharing classified intel, and said: “Paper towel. Right on top. Under the wrap. Trust me.”
And trust her, I did. Now, every time I make creamy cucumber salad with mayo, I lay a paper towel right over the salad before sealing it up. It quietly soaks up any sneaky moisture, keeping everything crisp and fresh. Bonus tip? Chill your serving bowl in the freezer for 10 minutes before serving. It keeps the salad cool longer—and impresses guests like you wouldn’t believe.
FAQ
How to make cucumber salad with mayonnaise?
To make a delicious creamy cucumber salad with mayo, slice fresh cucumbers and onions, then toss them in a simple dressing made with mayonnaise, vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper. Chill before serving to enhance the flavor and texture.
What are the ingredients in creamy cucumber salad?
A classic creamy cucumber salad with mayo typically includes cucumbers, sliced onion, mayonnaise, white vinegar, sugar, salt, black pepper, and fresh or dried dill for a burst of herby freshness.
What should not be mixed with cucumber salad?
When making creamy cucumber salad with mayo, avoid adding high-moisture ingredients like tomatoes too early, as they can water down the dressing and make the salad soggy. Add those just before serving if desired.
What is the secret ingredient in cucumber salad?
The secret to a perfect creamy cucumber salad with mayo is a paper towel placed directly on the salad before covering and chilling—it absorbs excess moisture and keeps everything crisp and fresh.
A Cool Classic You’ll Make Again and Again
This creamy cucumber salad with mayo proves that simple, honest ingredients can turn into something unexpectedly crave-worthy. It's creamy, crisp, tangy, and has that old-fashioned charm that just works—whether it's a potluck, family dinner, or a hot afternoon when you need something cool on your plate.
What I love most about this recipe is how effortlessly it fits into any meal; it’s the kind of side that plays nice with just about everything. And if you're as cucumber-obsessed as I am, you might also want to check out my Cucumber Caprese Salad—fresh, juicy, and bursting with basil—or the Spicy Cucumber Salad for days when you need a little kick.
So go ahead—gather those fresh cucumbers, stir up that creamy mayo dressing, and give this classic a try. I have a feeling your family and friends will be back for seconds… and asking for the recipe. Let me know how you like to serve it—or if you’ve got your own cucumber twist up your sleeve!
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Pairing
These are my favorite dishes to serve with this Creamy Cucumber Salad with Mayo recipe:
Creamy Cucumber Salad with Mayo
Equipment
- 1 Large mixing bowl
- 1 Cutting board
- 1 Sharp knife
- 1 Whisk
- 1 Colander
- 1 Paper towels
- 1 Slotted spoon
Ingredients
- ¾ English cucumbers Thinly sliced
- 1 Medium yellow onion Thinly sliced
- 0.75 cup Mayonnaise Full-fat recommended
- 3 tablespoon White vinegar For tangy balance
- 2 tablespoon Granulated sugar Adjust to taste
- 1 teaspoon Salt For cucumber prep
- 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper Freshly ground
- 2 tablespoon Fresh dill Or 1 tablespoon dried dill
Instructions
- Slice cucumbers and place in colander. Salt them and let sit for 15–20 minutes to draw out water. Rinse and pat dry.
- In a bowl, whisk mayonnaise, vinegar, sugar, salt, pepper, and dill until smooth. Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Add cucumbers and onions to dressing. Gently fold until evenly coated.
- Cover with plastic wrap, press a paper towel directly onto salad surface, and refrigerate 30 minutes.
- Stir gently and serve cold. Use a slotted spoon to avoid excess moisture.
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