Cold Cucumber, Sour Cream Salad
A refreshing cold cucumber salad with sour cream, garlic, and red bell pepper, perfect for light summer meals or as a cooling side dish for any occasion.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Peel, slice in half lengthwise, and de-seed the cucumbers. Sprinkle generously with salt and let sit for 30 minutes.
- Rinse cucumbers in running water to remove salt and pat dry.
- Slice cucumbers into 1/8-inch slices.
- In a bowl, combine sour cream, chopped garlic, diced red bell pepper, dill, salt, and white pepper.
- Add the sliced cucumbers to the dressing and toss to coat.
- Serve immediately or chill before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For an extra crunch, consider adding some thinly sliced radishes or green onions to the salad. If you're short on sour cream, Greek yogurt makes a great substitute for a similar creamy texture. Adjust the garlic according to your taste; roasted garlic can provide a milder flavor. Fresh dill is preferable, but if unavailable, you can use dried dill in a pinch.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this refreshing Cold Cucumber, Sour Cream Salad as a side dish with grilled meats or as part of a light summer meal. It pairs beautifully with Syrian Rice for a complete Mediterranean-inspired feast. Garnish with additional dill or a sprinkle of paprika for added color and flavor.
Storage & Reheating
This salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To maintain the crispness of the cucumbers, avoid mixing the salad until ready to serve. If the cucumbers release too much water, gently drain excess liquid before serving. Do not freeze, as the texture will suffer.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cold Cucumber, Sour Cream Salad contains roughly 67 calories, with 3g protein, 14g carbohydrates, and 0g fat. It is a good source of vitamin C (18% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (12% of the Daily Value), and calcium (10% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 602mg per serving (26% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the salad a few hours in advance. However, it's best to add the cucumbers just before serving to keep them crunchy. If you need to make it a day ahead, store the dressing and cucumbers separately and combine them later.
What can I use if I don't have sour cream?
Greek yogurt is a fantastic substitute for sour cream in this recipe, providing a similar tang and creaminess. You could also use buttermilk for a lighter dressing, but it may alter the thickness of the salad.
How can I add more flavor to this salad?
To enhance the flavor, consider adding a splash of lemon juice or vinegar for acidity. You can also mix in some chopped fresh herbs like parsley or mint. For a spicy kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).