A refreshing and creamy salad that’s perfect for any meal, the Creamy Cucumber Salad (Keto Friendly) is a simple yet flavorful dish that brings together crunchy cucumbers, tangy sour cream, and aromatic dill, with a touch of vinegar for a zesty finish. This keto-friendly version is perfect for those who are following a low-carb diet, yet still crave the satisfying taste of a classic creamy salad.
Whether you’re looking for a quick side dish, a light lunch, or a snack to keep you feeling full without the carbs, this creamy cucumber salad hits all the right notes. The best part? It’s incredibly easy to prepare, making it an ideal recipe for both seasoned cooks and beginners.
Why This Recipe Works
What makes this Creamy Cucumber Salad a standout is its balance of texture and flavor. The cucumbers provide a satisfying crunch, while the sour cream creates a velvety, creamy dressing that coats every bite. Dill adds a burst of freshness, and the white vinegar gives the salad a tangy punch that cuts through the creaminess and brightens the flavors.
For those following a keto lifestyle, this recipe is a dream. Unlike many traditional salads that rely on high-carb ingredients like sugar or mayonnaise, this version sticks to simple, low-carb ingredients, making it the perfect complement to a keto meal plan. Plus, it’s versatile—add more ingredients if desired, or keep it as is for a clean and delicious option.
What You’ll Need For This Recipe
This salad requires only a few simple ingredients, most of which you likely already have on hand. Here’s what you’ll need:
2 Long English Cucumbers – English cucumbers have thin skin and fewer seeds, which makes them perfect for salads. They’re refreshing and crisp, providing the right crunch in every bite.
1/2 Red Onion – Thinly sliced. Red onion adds a bit of sweetness and sharpness to the dish, but you can substitute with white onion as I did for a slightly milder flavor.
1/2 cup Sour Cream – This is the base of the creamy dressing. It gives the salad a rich and velvety texture while keeping it keto-friendly.
1 tablespoon Dill – Fresh or dried dill works well, and it infuses the salad with its signature herbal and slightly tangy flavor.
2 tablespoons White Vinegar – White vinegar brings the acidity needed to balance the richness of the sour cream. You can also substitute apple cider vinegar for a more complex flavor.
How to Make This Recipe
This Creamy Cucumber Salad comes together quickly, and there’s no cooking involved, which makes it an ideal dish for busy days. Here’s how to prepare it:
Prepare the Cucumbers and Onion: Start by washing the cucumbers thoroughly. Slice them into thin rounds or half-moons, depending on your preference. If you’d like, you can peel the cucumbers, though leaving the skin on adds color and texture to the salad. Next, slice the red onion into thin slivers. If you prefer a milder flavor, soak the onion slices in cold water for a few minutes to tone down their sharpness.
Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, combine the sour cream, dill, and white vinegar. Stir until the ingredients are well incorporated. You should have a smooth and creamy dressing. If you want a thinner consistency, add a bit more vinegar or a splash of water to adjust the texture.
Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, combine the sliced cucumbers and onion. Pour the dressing over the vegetables and toss gently to coat everything evenly. Be sure to get every slice of cucumber and onion covered in that creamy dressing.
Chill and Serve: For the best flavor, let the salad chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together and gives the cucumbers time to soften slightly. However, if you’re short on time, you can enjoy it right away.
Tips + Tricks & More For Recipe Success
While this Creamy Cucumber Salad is delicious as is, there are a few tips and tricks to make it even better:
Use Fresh Dill: If you have access to fresh dill, it makes a huge difference in the flavor. Fresh dill has a more vibrant and aromatic taste compared to dried, which can sometimes be a little more muted. Just make sure to chop it finely before adding it to the dressing.
Add Some Sweetness: If you’d like a touch of sweetness to balance the tangy vinegar, you can add a keto-friendly sweetener like stevia, monk fruit, or erythritol. Start with a small amount, as a little goes a long way.
Make It a Meal: If you’re looking to turn this salad into a full meal, add some protein! Grilled chicken, shrimp, or even bacon bits would pair beautifully with this salad. You could also toss in some crumbled feta or shredded cheese for added richness.
Adjust the Acidity: The white vinegar gives this salad a nice tang, but if you prefer a less acidic flavor, you can reduce the vinegar or substitute it with lemon juice for a fresher, citrusy note.
Add More Veggies: If you want to increase the variety of veggies, you can add other ingredients like cherry tomatoes, radishes, or bell peppers for a more colorful and diverse salad.
Make It Ahead: This salad can be made ahead of time, which is great for meal prep. Just store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. The longer it sits, the more the flavors will develop, though the cucumbers may release some water, so you might want to drain it before serving.
Serving Suggestions
This Creamy Cucumber Salad makes a perfect side dish for a variety of meals. Here are some serving ideas:
With Grilled Meats: It pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken, steak, or fish, offering a refreshing contrast to the smoky flavors of the meat.
With Keto Dishes: If you’re following a keto diet, serve this salad alongside keto-friendly dishes like zucchini noodles, roasted vegetables, or a hearty salad with avocado.
As a Picnic Side: This salad is great for picnics or barbecues, especially in the warmer months. It’s easy to pack and always a crowd-pleaser.
With Breakfast or Brunch: Serve it alongside a plate of scrambled eggs, omelets, or smoked salmon for a refreshing addition to your morning meal.
Timing Information
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Chill Time: 30 minutes (optional, but recommended)
Total Time: 40 minutes
Conclusion
This Creamy Cucumber Salad (Keto Friendly) is a simple yet delicious recipe that checks all the boxes—low-carb, flavorful, and incredibly easy to prepare. It’s a refreshing dish that can be enjoyed as a side or a light meal, making it perfect for keto dieters or anyone looking to eat healthier. With a balance of creaminess from the sour cream and a tangy kick from the vinegar, it’s sure to become a favorite in your recipe repertoire. Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue or just looking for a quick and easy lunch, this salad will not disappoint!