Ina Garten’s Creamy Cucumber Salad is the perfect side dish when you want something fresh, light, and irresistibly creamy. Featuring crisp cucumbers, a tangy-smooth dressing, and a hint of fresh dill, this salad pairs beautifully with everything from grilled meats to casual picnics.

It’s easy to prepare, requires just a few simple ingredients, and brings cool, refreshing flavor to any meal.

What Is Ina Garten’s Creamy Cucumber Salad?

This salad is made by thinly slicing cucumbers and tossing them in a creamy dressing of sour cream, vinegar, and seasonings. Ina’s version keeps it classic with a clean, bright flavor and a silky texture that clings perfectly to the cool cucumber slices.

Other Ina Garten Recipes

Reasons to Try Ina Garten’s Creamy Cucumber Salad

Crisp and refreshing – Perfect for warm weather meals
Light yet satisfying – Balanced with a creamy dressing
Quick and easy – Ready in less than 20 minutes
Pairs with a wide variety of dishes – A versatile side
Minimal ingredients – Pantry and fridge staples
Make-ahead friendly – Tastes better after chilling
Elegant yet simple – True Barefoot Contessa style

Ingredients Needed to Make Ina Garten’s Creamy Cucumber Salad

4 large cucumbers, thinly sliced
1 small red onion, thinly sliced
¾ cup sour cream
2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried dill)
1 teaspoon kosher salt
½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Instructions to Prepare Ina Garten Creamy Cucumber Salad

Step 1: Prepare the vegetables

Peel the cucumbers (if desired) and thinly slice them into rounds. Thinly slice the red onion as well. Place both in a large bowl.

Step 2: Make the dressing

In a separate bowl, whisk together the sour cream, white wine vinegar, dill, salt, and pepper until smooth and well combined.

Step 3: Combine and toss

Pour the dressing over the cucumber and onion mixture. Toss gently until all the slices are evenly coated.

Step 4: Chill and serve

Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and the salad to chill properly.

Step 5: Garnish if desired

Sprinkle with extra fresh dill or a few cracks of black pepper before serving for a beautiful finish.

What Goes Well With Ina Garten’s Creamy Cucumber Salad

Grilled chicken or fish – Light and refreshing contrast
Barbecue ribs or pulled pork – Cool creaminess balances smoky meats
Roast beef sandwiches – Great picnic side
Spicy dishes like curry or tacos – Soothes the heat
Burgers and hot dogs – Classic barbecue companion
Crispy fried chicken – Complements rich, crunchy meals
Chilled rosé or white wine – Refreshing beverage pairing

Key Tips for Making Ina Garten’s Creamy Cucumber Salad

Use seedless cucumbers if possible – Persian or English cucumbers stay crisp
Salt cucumbers first if needed – Helps draw out excess water (optional step)
Slice cucumbers evenly – For a consistent texture
Chill before serving – Essential for best flavor
Adjust seasoning after chilling – Cucumbers can dilute the flavor slightly
Use fresh dill if possible – Brightens the whole salad
Serve within a few hours – Keeps cucumbers crisp

Creative Variations of Ina Garten’s Creamy Cucumber Salad

Add thinly sliced radishes – For extra crunch and peppery flavor
Mix in a few cherry tomatoes – Adds sweetness and color
Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream – For a lighter version
Include crumbled feta cheese – Mediterranean twist
Swap dill for mint or parsley – Different herbal notes
Add a pinch of sugar to the dressing – If you like it slightly sweet
Toss in sliced avocados before serving – Creamy and luxurious

Storage Guidelines for Ina Garten’s Creamy Cucumber Salad

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator – Best within 24 hours
Stir before serving again – The Dressing may separate slightly
Do not freeze – Cucumbers become watery and mushy when frozen
Add fresh herbs again before serving – If making ahead, refresh flavors

Reheating Tips for Ina Garten’s Creamy Cucumber Salad

No reheating needed – This salad is served cold
Stir gently if dressing separates – Restores creaminess
Serve straight from the fridge or slightly chilled – Best texture and flavor

Nutritional Value (per serving, approx.)

Calories: 120
Protein: 2g
Carbohydrates: 6g
Fat: 10g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 300mg

A light, refreshing side dish that’s as healthy as it is delicious.

FAQs

Can I make Ina Garten’s creamy cucumber salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare it a few hours ahead. It’s best chilled for at least 30 minutes, but for maximum freshness, serve it the same day you make it.

Do I need to peel the cucumbers for creamy cucumber salad?

Peeling is optional. If using English or Persian cucumbers, you can leave the skin on for extra texture and color.

Why is my cucumber salad watery?

Cucumbers release water as they sit. To minimize this, lightly salt the cucumber slices and drain them before adding the dressing.

Can I substitute yogurt for sour cream in this recipe?

Yes, plain Greek yogurt is a great substitute for sour cream if you prefer a lighter, tangier version of the salad.

Wrapping Up

Ina Garten’s Creamy Cucumber Salad is a simple, refreshing classic that never goes out of style. With its cool crunch, smooth dressing, and subtle dill flavor, it’s the perfect addition to any summer meal, barbecue, or casual get-together. Quick to prepare and irresistibly tasty, it’s a dish you’ll find yourself making again and again.