Fresh & Zingy Ina Garten’s Creamy Cucumber Salad Recipe
Cool summer days call for a delightful cucumber salad with Ina Garten’s creamy touch that promises to refresh and delight.
Her classic recipe blends crisp ingredients with a tangy dressing that makes every bite memorable.
Fresh cucumbers mingle with cool, smooth cream for a side dish that screams seasonal comfort.
Chopped herbs add a burst of green vibrancy to this simple yet elegant salad.
The dressing brings a zesty punch that elevates ordinary vegetables into something extraordinary.
creamy, crunchy, and utterly satisfying, this salad stands ready to complement any main course.
Grab your ingredients and get ready to experience a summer classic that will have everyone asking for seconds.
How to Make Ina Garten Creamy Cucumber Salad
Cucumber Flavor Fusion
Cucumber Prep Ritual Small slices of crisp cucumber transform into a refreshing base. Sprinkle sea salt to draw out moisture and enhance natural crunchiness. Let sit briefly before gently patting dry.
Creamy Dream Blend Silky dairy creates a luscious foundation. Fresh dill and tangy vinegar dance together, bringing bright Mediterranean vibes to the mix. Whisk ingredients until smooth and harmonious.
Flavor Symphony Red onion joins the cucumber, creating a delightful crunch and sharp undertone. Gently fold everything together so each slice gets perfectly coated with the zesty dressing.
Chill and Savor Allow the salad to rest in the refrigerator, letting flavors mingle and develop deeper complexity. Serve cold as a perfect summer side that whispers freshness with every bite.
Easy Add-Ons for Ina Garten Creamy Cucumber Salad
Mix Greek yogurt with sour cream for a lighter, tangier dressing that cuts down on calories while maintaining creamy texture.
Experiment with fresh chives, parsley, or mint alongside dill to create complex, layered herb profiles that elevate the salad's freshness.
Add toasted sunflower seeds or sliced almonds for unexpected crunch and nutty undertones that complement the cool cucumber base.
Incorporate diced grilled chicken, crumbled feta cheese, or smoked salmon to turn this side dish into a satisfying main course perfect for summer lunches.
How to Serve Ina Garten Creamy Cucumber Salad at Meals
Pair with Grilled Proteins: Serve alongside juicy grilled chicken, succulent salmon, or tender pork chops for a refreshing and creamy side dish that balances rich, hot entrees.
Create a Summer Picnic Spread: Pack this cucumber salad in a portable container for outdoor gatherings, barbecues, or beach picnics as a cool and tangy accompaniment to sandwiches and grilled meats.
Top with Crunchy Extras: Sprinkle some toasted sunflower seeds, chopped chives, or crispy bacon bits over the salad just before serving to add extra texture and a delightful crunch that elevates the creamy base.
Make a Light Lunch: Transform this cucumber salad into a satisfying light meal by adding diced feta cheese, sliced hard-boiled eggs, or grilled shrimp to create a more substantial and protein-packed dish.
Save and Store Ina Garten Creamy Cucumber Salad Like a Pro
Refrigerate to Enhance Flavor: Let the cucumber salad chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. This resting time allows the ingredients to blend and intensify their delicious taste.
Store Smartly in Airtight Container: Transfer the salad to a sealed glass or plastic container to maintain freshness. Keep refrigerated and consume within 2-3 days for the best quality and crispness.
Minimize Watery Texture: Pat cucumbers thoroughly dry after salting to prevent excess liquid from diluting the creamy dressing. This technique ensures a rich, thick consistency that holds up well during storage.
Avoid Freezing Recommendation: This salad contains sour cream and fresh vegetables, which don't freeze well. Enjoy the cucumber salad fresh and crisp directly from the refrigerator for the most delightful eating experience.
Quick Recipe Overview
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
Calories: 100 kcal
Servings: 4
Ingredients Checklist for Ina Garten Creamy Cucumber Salad
For Vegetables:
Cucumbers: Crisp, refreshing base that adds a cool crunch to the salad, best when firm and bright green with minimal seeds.
Red Onion: Sharp, zesty accent that provides a delightful bite and beautiful color contrast, select firm onions without soft spots.
For Creamy Base:
Sour Cream, Greek Yogurt: Luxurious and tangy foundation that creates a silky smooth texture, choose full-fat versions for richer flavor.
For Flavor Enhancers:
Fresh Dill: Aromatic herb that brings a bright, summery essence, look for vibrant green fronds with no wilting.
White Vinegar, Lemon Juice: Adds a bright, acidic punch to balance the creamy dressing, select fresh, high-quality options.
Sugar: Optional sweetener to round out the flavor profile, adjust to personal taste preference.
Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasoning that elevates and balances the entire dish, use freshly ground black pepper for maximum flavor.
Handy Tools for Ina Garten Creamy Cucumber Salad
Cutting Board: Sturdy surface for slicing cucumbers and onions.
Sharp Knife: Crucial for thin, even cucumber and onion slices.
Colander: Perfect for draining and salting cucumber slices.
Large Mixing Bowl: Spacious container for preparing dressing and combining ingredients.
Measuring Spoons: Ensures precise salt, sugar, and pepper measurements.
Mixing Spoon or Spatula: Helps toss and coat salad ingredients evenly.
Ina Garten’s creamy cucumber salad brings classic Hamptons-style comfort to summer gatherings. Crisp cucumbers mingle with tangy dressing, creating a refreshing side dish that pairs perfectly with grilled meats and provides cool relief on warm days.
Ingredients
Scale
2 large cucumbers, thinly sliced
1 small red onion, thinly sliced
1 cup (240 milliliters/8 fl oz) sour cream or Greek yogurt
2 tbsps (30 mL) fresh dill, chopped
1 tbsp (15 mL) white vinegar or lemon juice
1 tbsp (15 mL) sugar (optional)
1 tsp (5 mL) salt, plus extra for salting cucumbers
¼ tsp (1.25 mL) black pepper
Instructions
Preparing Cucumbers: Salt cucumber slices in a colander to draw out moisture, rest for 15-20 minutes. Rinse thoroughly and pat dry with paper towels to eliminate excess liquid.
Crafting Dressing: Whisk sour cream or Greek yogurt with fresh dill, white vinegar, sugar, salt, and black pepper until smoothly blended, creating a vibrant and creamy base.
Combining and Chilling: Integrate cucumber and red onion slices into the dressing, ensuring complete coating. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld and intensify, developing a rich, harmonious taste profile. Serve cold as a refreshing accompaniment or standalone dish.
Notes
Drain Cucumber Moisture: Salt helps extract excess water, preventing a watery salad and ensuring a crisp, concentrated cucumber texture.
Balance Dressing Consistency: Whisk ingredients thoroughly to create a smooth, well-integrated dressing that coats vegetables evenly without separation.
Marinate for Maximum Flavor: Refrigerating the salad allows herbs and seasonings to penetrate cucumber and onion, intensifying the overall taste experience.
Serve Chilled for Freshness: Cold temperature enhances the salad’s crispness and keeps the dressing’s creamy consistency, making it a perfect summer side dish.
Degree: Associate of Applied Science in Baking and Pastry Arts
Focus: Techniques in baking, pastry creation, and dessert presentation.
San Antonio Culinary Institute
Program: Diploma in Farm-to-Table Culinary Practices
Focus: Emphasis on utilizing locally sourced ingredients and understanding seasonal flavors.
Sophia’s passion for baking began in her family kitchen, where she spent hours experimenting with new recipes. With a background in baking and pastry arts, she loves making desserts that are as visually stunning as they are delicious.
Sophia is all about using seasonal, locally sourced ingredients to create treats that everyone will enjoy. When she’s not creating mouth-watering desserts, you can find her gardening, making new recipes, or enjoying a relaxing afternoon with her family.
Sophia Rivera
Recipe Developer & Kitchen Tips Specialist
Expertise
Education
Austin Community College
San Antonio Culinary Institute
Sophia’s passion for baking began in her family kitchen, where she spent hours experimenting with new recipes. With a background in baking and pastry arts, she loves making desserts that are as visually stunning as they are delicious.
Sophia is all about using seasonal, locally sourced ingredients to create treats that everyone will enjoy. When she’s not creating mouth-watering desserts, you can find her gardening, making new recipes, or enjoying a relaxing afternoon with her family.