Easy Creamy Cucumber Potato Salad Recipe to Try Today
If you are looking for a refreshing side dish that’s both satisfying and easy to prepare, this Creamy Cucumber Potato Salad Recipe is a must-try. Combining tender potatoes with crisp cucumbers and a luscious creamy dressing, this salad brings a burst of flavors and textures perfect for summer cookouts, family dinners, or even a quick weeknight meal. It’s simple to make, incredibly delicious, and guaranteed to become a favorite in your recipe collection.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy Preparation: Minimal ingredients and straightforward steps make this salad perfect for cooks of all levels.
- Refreshing Flavor: The cucumber adds a cool, crisp element that balances the creamy dressing beautifully.
- Versatile Side Dish: Complements a wide range of main courses, from grilled meats to vegetarian options.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a picnic, potluck, or casual dinner, this salad fits right in.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Can be prepared in advance, allowing flavors to meld and saving you time on busy days.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Creamy Cucumber Potato Salad Recipe plays a key role, from the starchy potatoes that provide a hearty base to the fresh cucumbers for crunch and brightness. The creamy dressing ties it all together, enhancing each bite with rich and tangy notes.
- Yukon Gold potatoes: These hold their shape well and have a buttery texture ideal for salads.
- Fresh cucumbers: Choose crisp, firm cucumbers for maximum crunch.
- Mayonnaise: Adds creaminess and a mild tang that binds the salad.
- Sour cream: Lends a subtle tartness and silky finish to the dressing.
- Dill or fresh herbs: Enhances freshness with herbaceous notes.
- Red onion: Provides a slight bite and color contrast.
- Lemon juice or vinegar: Brings necessary acidity to balance the creaminess.
- Salt and pepper: Essential to bring all flavors together.
Variations for Creamy Cucumber Potato Salad Recipe
This recipe is wonderfully flexible, so feel free to mix things up depending on your pantry, dietary preferences, or the flavors you’re craving. Customizing it is easy and keeps this salad fresh every time you make it.
- Greek style: Swap sour cream for Greek yogurt and add kalamata olives and feta cheese.
- Spicy twist: Mix in a dash of cayenne pepper or chopped jalapeño for a gentle heat.
- Vegan option: Use vegan mayonnaise and plant-based sour cream alternatives.
- Herb swap: Experiment with fresh parsley, chives, or tarragon instead of dill.
- Bacon addition: Sprinkle crispy bacon bits for smoky depth and extra crunch.
How to Make Creamy Cucumber Potato Salad Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes
Start by washing your Yukon Gold potatoes thoroughly, then boil them whole in salted water until just tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain and allow them to cool before peeling and dicing into bite-size pieces.
Step 2: Slice the Cucumbers and Onion
While the potatoes are cooling, thinly slice your cucumbers and red onion. Removing excess water by lightly salting the cucumbers and letting them sit in a colander for 10 minutes will prevent excess moisture and keep the salad crisp.
Step 3: Make the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, lemon juice or vinegar, chopped fresh dill, salt, and pepper until smooth and balanced to taste.
Step 4: Combine and Toss
Gently fold the diced potatoes, cucumbers, and onion into the creamy dressing. Mix carefully to avoid breaking up the potatoes, ensuring every bite is coated perfectly.
Step 5: Chill and Serve
Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to let the flavors meld. Before serving, give it a quick toss and adjust seasoning if necessary.
Pro Tips for Making Creamy Cucumber Potato Salad Recipe
- Cook potatoes evenly: Choose potatoes of similar size for uniform cooking and texture.
- Drain cucumbers well: Reduces watery salad and keeps the dressing creamy instead of diluted.
- Chill before serving: Cold temperatures enhance flavor melding and refresh the palate.
- Use fresh herbs: Fresh dill or parsley will significantly elevate the salad’s brightness.
- Adjust creaminess: Add more sour cream or mayonnaise depending on your texture preference.
How to Serve Creamy Cucumber Potato Salad Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle extra chopped fresh dill, chives, or a light dusting of paprika on top for a pop of color and an inviting aroma that will impress your guests.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, fish, burgers, or even vegetarian kebabs, making it a versatile complement to any meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the salad in a rustic wooden bowl for casual gatherings, or opt for clear glass bowls to showcase the colorful layers of potatoes and cucumbers for a more elegant look.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover Creamy Cucumber Potato Salad Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to maintain freshness and flavor.
Freezing
Because cucumbers and creamy dressings don’t freeze well, it’s best to avoid freezing this salad to preserve its texture and taste.
Reheating
This salad is best served cold or at room temperature, so avoid reheating to keep the ingredients fresh and the creaminess intact.
FAQs
Can I use other types of potatoes?
Absolutely! While Yukon Gold potatoes are ideal for their creamy texture, red potatoes or fingerlings also work well without falling apart.
How do I keep the cucumbers from making the salad soggy?
Salting and draining sliced cucumbers before mixing helps remove excess water, keeping your salad crisp and fresh.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes! This salad can be made a day ahead to allow the flavors to develop, making it perfect for meal prepping or entertaining.
Can I substitute the sour cream?
You can replace sour cream with Greek yogurt for a healthier option or a tangier flavor depending on your preference.
What should I do if the salad is too thick?
If the dressing feels too thick, simply stir in a little milk or lemon juice to reach your desired consistency without diluting the flavors.
Final Thoughts
There’s something incredibly satisfying about a salad that’s both creamy and refreshing, and this Creamy Cucumber Potato Salad Recipe delivers just that. It’s a versatile, easy-to-make dish perfect for any occasion and guaranteed to impress with its delightful flavor harmony. So go ahead, give this recipe a try today—you might just find your new go-to side!
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Creamy Cucumber Potato Salad Recipe
A refreshing and creamy cucumber potato salad combining tender Yukon Gold potatoes with crisp cucumbers and a tangy, luscious dressing. Perfect as a versatile side dish for summer cookouts, family dinners, and quick meals, this salad is easy to prepare and can be made ahead to enhance its flavors.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes
- 2 medium fresh cucumbers
- 1 small red onion
Dressing
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice or vinegar
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped (or other fresh herbs)
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Potatoes: Wash the Yukon Gold potatoes thoroughly, and boil them whole in salted water for about 15-20 minutes until just tender. Drain and let cool, then peel and dice into bite-sized pieces.
- Slice the Cucumbers and Onion: Thinly slice the cucumbers and red onion. Lightly salt the cucumber slices and let them sit in a colander for 10 minutes to remove excess water, then drain well to keep the salad crisp.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, lemon juice or vinegar, chopped fresh dill, salt, and pepper until smooth and well combined. Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Combine and Toss: Gently fold the diced potatoes, cucumbers, and onion into the creamy dressing, mixing carefully to avoid breaking up the potatoes, ensuring all ingredients are evenly coated.
- Chill and Serve: Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow flavors to meld. Before serving, gently toss again and adjust seasoning if needed.
Notes
- Cook potatoes evenly by choosing similar-sized potatoes to ensure uniform tenderness.
- Drain cucumbers well after salting to prevent a watery salad and keep the dressing creamy.
- Chill the salad before serving to meld flavors and refresh the palate.
- Use fresh herbs like dill or parsley for enhanced brightness and flavor.
- Adjust creaminess by adding more sour cream or mayonnaise according to your texture preference.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 300 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg
Keywords: potato salad, creamy cucumber potato salad, side dish, summer salad, easy potato salad, make-ahead salad, gluten free side
