There’s something undeniably refreshing and comforting about a Creamy Cucumber Cheddar Salad. This vibrant dish combines crisp English cucumbers, sharp cheddar, zesty red onion, and a tangy, ultra-creamy dressing—all finished with a flutter of fresh dill. It’s quick to assemble, light yet satisfying, and just as perfect for backyard barbecues as it is for weekday lunches. If you love no-fuss sides that deliver big on flavor and color, this Creamy Cucumber Cheddar Salad will become a staple on your table all summer long.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Sometimes the best flavors come from the simplest, most familiar ingredients. Each item here adds its own character, whether it’s a pop of color, a punch of sharpness, or creamy richness that brings everything together. Here’s what you’ll need for the ultimate Creamy Cucumber Cheddar Salad:
- English cucumbers (3 cups, sliced): Their thinner skins and crisp bite make them perfect for salads, so there’s no need to peel!
- Sharp cheddar cheese (1/2 cup, shredded): Opt for a bold, robust cheddar—its flavor shines through and pairs beautifully with cool cucumber.
- Red onion (1/4 cup, thinly sliced): Adds peppery crunch and a gorgeous pop of color.
- Sour cream (1/2 cup): The backbone of your luscious dressing; use full-fat for best flavor, or swap for Greek yogurt for a lighter touch.
- Mayonnaise (2 tablespoons): Boosts creaminess and helps meld all the dressing flavors together.
- White vinegar (1 tablespoon): Delivers the zippy tang that balances rich dairy and cheese.
- Dijon mustard (1 teaspoon): Adds a subtle hug of heat and complexity to each bite.
- Garlic powder (1/4 teaspoon): Rounds out the dressing with a mellow, savory depth.
- Salt and black pepper (to taste): Essential for seasoning, so don’t be shy and taste as you go.
- Fresh dill (chopped, for garnish): Brings a final swirl of bright, herbal freshness that makes the salad pop.
How to Make Creamy Cucumber Cheddar Salad
Step 1: Whisk Up the Creamy Dressing
Grab a large mixing bowl and add the sour cream, mayonnaise, white vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Whisk everything together until the mixture is completely smooth and silky. This creamy base will cling to every slice of cucumber and create that signature tangy richness Creamy Cucumber Cheddar Salad is known for.
Step 2: Add the Crunchy Veggies and Cheese
Fold in the sliced cucumbers, red onion, and shredded sharp cheddar cheese. Be gentle yet thorough—you want the dressing to coat every piece without crushing the delicate cucumbers or breaking up the cheese too much. At this point, the salad already looks irresistible!
Step 3: Toss and Chill
Gently toss your salad until all the veggies and cheddar are evenly coated in the creamy dressing. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 20 minutes. This chilling step allows the flavors to marry and the dressing to soak into the cucumbers, which truly brings the Creamy Cucumber Cheddar Salad together.
Step 4: Garnish and Serve
Just before serving, sprinkle plenty of chopped fresh dill on top. This final touch is simple but takes the whole dish to new heights. Serve chilled and enjoy every cool, creamy, and crunchy bite!
How to Serve Creamy Cucumber Cheddar Salad
Garnishes
Freshly chopped dill is the classic choice and brightens up the salad beautifully. For a twist, add thinly sliced chives or even a pinch of smoked paprika. If you’re feeling fancy, a few extra shreds of cheddar or some paper-thin radish slices on top can add even more color and crunch.
Side Dishes
This Creamy Cucumber Cheddar Salad is the ultimate partner for grilled meats, burgers, or sandwiches. It also pairs nicely with hearty vegetarian mains—think quiches, savory tarts, or even simple buttered corn on the cob. Don’t forget to bring it along to potlucks or picnics; it’s always a crowd-pleaser!
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving individual portions in cute mason jars for picnics or lunches, or hollow out mini bell peppers and fill them with the salad for a beautiful party appetizer. You can even pile it high onto a bed of mixed greens for a more substantial lunch bowl. However you serve it, the bold flavors of Creamy Cucumber Cheddar Salad will shine.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store your leftover Creamy Cucumber Cheddar Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The cucumbers may release some water as the salad sits, so give it a quick toss before serving to redistribute the dressing. If needed, drain off any excess liquid that collects at the bottom of the bowl.
Freezing
Unfortunately, this isn’t a salad that freezes well—the creamy dressing and crisp cucumbers tend to get watery and mushy once thawed. For the best flavor and texture, enjoy your Creamy Cucumber Cheddar Salad fresh or within a couple of days of making it.
Reheating
This dish is definitely meant to be enjoyed cold, so reheating isn’t necessary or recommended. Simply serve it straight from the fridge, and you’ll enjoy the crisp, cooling flavors at their peak.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Salad
Absolutely! While English cucumbers are known for their tender skin and minimal seeds, Persian cucumbers work beautifully as well. Standard garden cucumbers can be used, but you may want to peel and seed them for the best texture in your Creamy Cucumber Cheddar Salad.
Is there a way to lighten up the dressing?
For a healthier twist, swap the sour cream for nonfat Greek yogurt and opt for light mayonnaise. The end result is just as creamy, with a little extra tang, and still delivers all those satisfying flavors you love in Creamy Cucumber Cheddar Salad.
What other mix-ins can I try?
If you’re craving more texture, diced celery, thinly sliced radishes, or even halved cherry tomatoes make excellent additions. Feel free to get creative—Creamy Cucumber Cheddar Salad is flexible and lets you make it your own.
How far ahead can I make this salad?
You can make Creamy Cucumber Cheddar Salad up to 24 hours in advance, but for optimal crunch, it’s best enjoyed the day it’s made. The dressing continues to soften the cucumbers over time, so a shorter chill keeps everything perfectly crisp.
Can I make this salad dairy-free?
For a dairy-free version, try using your favorite plant-based yogurt and shredded vegan cheddar. The creamy dressing will still bring everything together and you’ll capture the essence of a classic Creamy Cucumber Cheddar Salad.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a salad that’s easy, crowd-pleasing, and absolutely bursting with flavor, give Creamy Cucumber Cheddar Salad a try! It’s crisp, satisfying, and always a hit wherever it goes. You’ll find yourself whipping it up on repeat for potlucks, family dinners, or just because. Go ahead, grab those cucumbers and get mixing!
Print
Creamy Cucumber Cheddar Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free
Description
This Creamy Cucumber Cheddar Salad is a refreshing and flavorful side dish that’s perfect for summer gatherings or a quick meal. The creamy dressing pairs perfectly with the crisp cucumbers and sharp cheddar cheese.
Ingredients
Cucumbers:
- 3 cups sliced English cucumbers
Cheese:
- 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
Vegetables:
- 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion
Dressing:
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon white vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Garnish:
- Chopped fresh dill for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Dressing: In a large bowl, whisk together sour cream, mayonnaise, vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the sliced cucumbers, red onion, and shredded cheddar cheese to the bowl. Toss gently until everything is evenly coated in the dressing.
- Chill and Serve: Cover and refrigerate for at least 20 minutes before serving to allow flavors to blend. Garnish with fresh dill before serving.
Notes
- For a lighter version, use Greek yogurt in place of sour cream.
- Add diced celery or radishes for extra crunch.
- This salad is best enjoyed the same day as it may become watery over time.
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