Cucumber Salad Recipe With Cream Cheese

Discover the perfect balance of crisp cucumbers and creamy, tangy dressing with this cucumber salad recipe with cream cheese. It's an easy, refreshing side dish that's perfect for any occasion.

Cucumber salad with cream cheese is that perfect balance of crisp and creamy that makes every bite delightful. Imagine the crunch of fresh cucumbers mingling with the lusciousness of cream cheese, all tied together with a hint of dill and tangy lemon. This salad isn’t just refreshing; it’s downright addictive. Whether you're serving it at a summer barbecue, a potluck, or just a weekday dinner, it’s bound to be a crowd-pleaser. Let’s dive into how to make this fantastic dish, the ingredients you need, and why it’s such a hit.

What Makes This Cucumber Salad Recipe with Cream Cheese Special?

Cucumber salad is a classic dish, but adding cream cheese takes it to another level. The cream cheese adds a rich, velvety texture that complements the crisp cucumbers beautifully.

This version of the salad stands out for its simplicity and elegance, making it perfect for both casual and formal occasions. If you're a fan of dishes like Chicken Souse or a light Tajin Sorbet for dessert, you'll love this recipe.

A Quick Glance at the Ingredients

• Cucumbers: The star of the dish. Choose firm, fresh cucumbers for the best crunch.
• Cream Cheese: Adds that creamy, indulgent texture.
• Red Onion: For a bit of sharpness and color.
• Sour Cream: Helps to smooth out the cream cheese.
• Fresh Dill: Gives a burst of freshness.
• Lemon Juice: Adds a tangy note.
• White Vinegar: Balances the creaminess with a bit of acidity.
• Sugar: Just a touch to balance the flavors.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning.

Cucumbers

Cucumbers are the foundation of this salad. They provide a refreshing crunch and a slightly sweet flavor that pairs well with the creamy dressing. Opt for English cucumbers or Persian cucumbers for their thin skins and minimal seeds. If you're using standard cucumbers, consider peeling them to reduce bitterness.

Cream Cheese

Cream cheese is what sets this cucumber salad apart from the rest. It gives the salad a luxurious texture that’s creamy without being heavy. Make sure to use full-fat cream cheese for the best flavor and texture. Light or whipped cream cheese can also work if you prefer a lighter version.

Red Onion

Red onions add a beautiful color and a sharp, slightly sweet flavor. They complement the cucumbers and cream cheese perfectly. If you find raw onions too strong, you can soak the slices in cold water for about 10 minutes to mellow their flavor.

Sour Cream

Sour cream helps to blend the cream cheese into a smooth, cohesive dressing. It also adds a tangy flavor that brightens up the salad. Greek yogurt can be a good substitute if you’re looking for a healthier alternative.

Fresh Dill

Dill is a classic pairing with cucumbers. It adds a bright, herby flavor that cuts through the richness of the cream cheese. Fresh dill is best, but if you’re using dried dill, reduce the amount by half since dried herbs are more concentrated.

Lemon Juice and White Vinegar

A bit of acidity is essential to balance the creamy dressing. Lemon juice adds a fresh, citrusy note, while white vinegar provides a more straightforward acidity. Together, they create a perfectly balanced dressing.

Sugar, Salt, and Pepper

A small amount of sugar helps to balance the acidity and bring out the natural sweetness of the cucumbers. Salt and pepper are crucial for seasoning. They enhance all the flavors, making the salad taste vibrant and well-rounded.

Why You'll Love This Cucumber Salad Recipe with Cream Cheese

This cucumber salad is not just about taste; it’s also incredibly versatile. It pairs well with a variety of main dishes, from grilled meats to seafood. Imagine serving it alongside a Spiedie Sandwich or as a refreshing side to Chicken Souse. The creamy texture of the salad contrasts beautifully with the crisp cucumbers, making each bite a delightful experience.

Perfect for Any Occasion

This salad is ideal for summer gatherings, barbecues, or even as a light lunch. It’s cool, refreshing, and can be made ahead of time, which makes it perfect for entertaining. Plus, it’s a great way to use up those cucumbers from your garden.

How to Make Cucumber Salad with Cream Cheese

Preparing the Cucumbers

Start by slicing the cucumbers thinly. If you have a mandoline, it’s perfect for this job. You want the slices to be uniform so they soak up the dressing evenly. Place the cucumber slices in a colander, sprinkle with a little salt, and let them sit for about 15 minutes. This helps to draw out excess moisture, which can make the salad watery.

Making the Cream Cheese Dressing

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Add the sour cream, lemon juice, white vinegar, and sugar. Mix until well combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste. This dressing should be smooth, creamy, and slightly tangy.

Combining the Salad

Pat the cucumber slices dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. Add the cucumbers and thinly sliced red onions to the bowl with the cream cheese dressing. Gently toss until the cucumbers and onions are well coated with the dressing.

Adding Fresh Dill

Sprinkle the chopped fresh dill over the salad and gently fold it in. Dill adds a burst of fresh flavor that complements the creamy dressing and crisp cucumbers.

Chilling the Salad

Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. This step is crucial because it helps the dressing to set and the cucumbers to absorb all the delicious flavors.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this cucumber salad chilled, and garnish with extra fresh dill and a sprinkle of black pepper before serving. It’s perfect on its own or as a side dish. Pair it with a Lombatello Steak for a satisfying meal.

Tips and Tricks for the Perfect Cucumber Salad with Cream Cheese

Choosing the Best Cucumbers

For the best results, choose cucumbers that are firm and fresh. English cucumbers are a great choice because they have thin skins and few seeds. If using standard cucumbers, consider peeling them to reduce bitterness and remove large seeds.

Softening the Cream Cheese

Make sure your cream cheese is softened before you start. This makes it easier to mix with the other ingredients and ensures a smooth, creamy dressing. You can leave it at room temperature for about 30 minutes or soften it in the microwave for about 10 seconds.

Balancing the Flavors

Taste the dressing before you mix it with the cucumbers. Adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or sugar if needed. The dressing should be creamy, tangy, and slightly sweet.

Making Ahead

This salad can be made a few hours ahead of time. In fact, it tastes even better after it’s had time to chill in the refrigerator. Just give it a quick stir before serving to redistribute the dressing.

Variations

Try to get creative with this recipe. Add thinly sliced radishes or bell peppers for extra crunch and color. You can also substitute Greek yogurt for the sour cream if you prefer a lighter version.

Cucumber Salad With Cream Cheese

This cucumber salad recipe with cream cheese is a refreshing and creamy delight that's perfect for any occasion. The crisp cucumbers paired with the rich, tangy cream cheese dressing create a harmonious blend of flavors that will leave your taste buds dancing. Whether you're serving it as a side dish at a summer barbecue or a light lunch, this salad is sure to impress. Simple to make and packed with flavor, it's a crowd-pleaser you'll want to make again and again.

Ingredients

• 4 large cucumbers, thinly sliced
• 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 2 tbsp white vinegar
• 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine the cucumbers and red onion. Set aside.
2. In a separate bowl, mix together the cream cheese, sour cream, white vinegar, dill, and garlic powder until smooth and well combined.
3. Pour the cream cheese mixture over the cucumbers and onions, and toss to coat evenly.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
5. Serve chilled, garnished with extra fresh dill if desired.

15 minutes prep time with No cook time.

Serves 6 and contains approximately 150 calories per serving.

American, Vegetarian / Salad, Side Dish

Rated 4.8 by 1347 reviewers.

Recipe Tags: cucumber salad recipe, cream cheese cucumber salad, summer salad, easy side dish, vegetarian salad

Published by: Show Recipe

This cucumber salad recipe with cream cheese is a versatile dish that fits into any meal. It’s simple enough for a casual lunch but elegant enough for a dinner party. The combination of crisp cucumbers, creamy dressing, and fresh dill is simply irresistible. Try it with a Cheesesteak Tortellini for a hearty dinner or as a refreshing side to Blue Jam Garlic Aioli.

Also, feel free to check out other delicious recipes like Bug Juice Camp Drink or Makmoura Recipe for more culinary inspiration. Enjoy your cooking!