Go Back
–+ servings
Cucumber Salad
This vintage cucumber salad recipe is a classic example of simple American home cooking that became especially popular during the mid-20th century. Made with crisp cucumbers, sliced onions, vinegar, sour cream, and dill seed, it balances tangy, creamy, and refreshing flavors in a way that pairs beautifully with grilled meats, summer suppers, and picnic spreads. Recipes like this were beloved because they transformed inexpensive garden vegetables into a cool and flavorful side dish with very little effort. The brief salting and draining step helps the cucumbers stay crisp while the creamy dressing adds richness without overwhelming the fresh vegetables. Perfect for warm-weather meals, this salad remains a nostalgic favorite for potlucks, cookouts, and family dinners.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 0 minutes
Resting/Chilling Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Course Salad
Cuisine American
Servings 6
Calories 78 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cucumbers (medium, peeled and thinly sliced)
  • 1 onion (large, sliced into rings)
  • 1 ½ tsp salt
  • ¾ cup water
  • ¾ cup vinegar
  • 1 tsp sugar
  • ½ cup sour cream
  • 1 tsp dill seed
  • 1 to 2 drops hot pepper sauce
  • 1 dash black pepper

Instructions
 

Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables

  • Peel the cucumbers.
  • Thinly slice the cucumbers and onion.

Step 2: Salt the Cucumbers and Onions

  • Place the cucumbers and onions in a bowl.
  • Sprinkle with salt and toss gently.

Step 3: Make the Vinegar Mixture

  • Combine the water, vinegar, and sugar in a bowl or measuring cup.
  • Stir until the sugar dissolves.

Step 4: Soak the Vegetables

  • Pour the vinegar mixture over the cucumbers and onions.
  • Let stand at room temperature for 1 hour.

Step 5: Drain Thoroughly

  • Drain the cucumber mixture well to remove excess liquid.

Step 6: Prepare the Creamy Dressing

  • Combine the sour cream, dill seed, hot pepper sauce, and black pepper in a bowl.
  • Mix until smooth.

Step 7: Finish the Salad

  • Add the drained cucumbers and onions to the dressing.
  • Toss gently to coat evenly.

Step 8: Chill and Serve

  • Cover and chill before serving.
  • Serve cold.

Tips

  • Use English cucumbers for fewer seeds and a milder flavor.
  • Add fresh dill for extra herbal flavor.
  • Substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream for a lighter version.
  • Add thinly sliced radishes for extra crunch and color.
  • Chill overnight for a stronger tangy flavor.
  • A pinch of garlic powder adds savory depth.
  • Use apple cider vinegar for a slightly sweeter taste.
  • Add cherry tomatoes for a fresh summer variation.
  • Sprinkle paprika on top before serving for color.
  • Pair with grilled chicken, burgers, or barbecue dishes.

Nutrition

Calories: 78kcalCarbohydrates: 6gProtein: 1gFat: 6gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.3gMonounsaturated Fat: 1.5gCholesterol: 15mgSodium: 520mgPotassium: 180mgFiber: 1gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 210IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 45mgIron: 0.4mg
Keyword creamy cucumbers, cucumber salad, dill salad, easy side dish, onion salad, picnic food, retro recipes, sour cream dressing, summer salad, vintage recipe
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!