Name: Creamy Italian Cucumber Salad
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 2 large cucumbers, thinly sliced; ½ small red onion, thinly sliced; ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped; ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved (optional); ½ cup mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt for a lighter version); 2 tbsp sour cream (or more yogurt); 2 tbsp red wine vinegar (or white vinegar); 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 tsp Italian seasoning; 1 clove garlic, finely minced or grated; ½ tsp sugar; Salt & black pepper to taste

Creamy Italian Cucumber Salad is one of those side dishes I turn to when I want something refreshing, tangy, and a little creamy to balance a meal. With crisp cucumbers, vibrant herbs, and a rich, zesty dressing, it’s perfect for picnics, potlucks, or just as a cool companion to grilled meats.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

2 large cucumbers, thinly sliced

½ small red onion, thinly sliced

¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped

½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved (optional)

For the Creamy Italian Dressing:

½ cup mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt for a lighter version)

2 tbsp sour cream (or more yogurt)

2 tbsp red wine vinegar (or white vinegar)

1 tbsp olive oil

1 tsp Italian seasoning

½ tsp sugar

1 clove garlic, finely minced or grated

Salt & black pepper to taste

Directions

Prep the Cucumbers:
I thinly slice the cucumbers (peeling them is totally optional). For extra crunch, I like to sprinkle them with a bit of salt and let them sit in a colander for about 15–20 minutes. Then I pat them dry to remove excess moisture.

Make the Dressing:
In a medium bowl, I whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, vinegar, olive oil, Italian seasoning, garlic, sugar, and a pinch of salt and pepper. It comes out creamy and tangy every time.

Toss & Chill:
In a large mixing bowl, I combine the sliced cucumbers, red onion, chopped parsley, and cherry tomatoes if I’m using them. I pour the dressing over everything and toss gently until it’s well coated. Then I pop it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors blend.

Servings and timing

This salad serves 4 to 6 people and takes about 15 minutes to prep, plus at least 30 minutes of chilling time. So, in under an hour, it’s ready to serve.

Variations

I often mix things up depending on what I have on hand:

Add protein: I like tossing in mozzarella pearls or leftover grilled chicken to turn it into a light meal.

Make it dairy-free: I swap in vegan mayo and skip the sour cream—or use a creamy avocado oil dressing.

Tangier version: When I want a bigger flavor punch, I add a splash of lemon juice or an extra spoonful of vinegar.

Storage/Reheating

I keep leftovers covered in the fridge for up to 2 days. Since the cucumbers release moisture over time, I give it a good stir before serving again. I don’t recommend freezing this salad—it’s best enjoyed fresh and crisp.

FAQs

How do I keep the cucumbers from getting soggy?

I like to salt the cucumber slices and let them sit for 15–20 minutes, then pat them dry. This pulls out excess moisture and keeps the salad crunchier.

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, I often make it a few hours ahead. Just be sure to give it a quick stir before serving to redistribute the dressing.

What’s a good substitute for red wine vinegar?

I’ve used white vinegar or apple cider vinegar with great results. Lemon juice can also work if I want a citrusy brightness.

Can I use dried parsley instead of fresh?

Fresh parsley adds more color and a brighter flavor, but in a pinch, I use 1 tablespoon of dried parsley and it still tastes great.

Is this recipe low-carb or keto-friendly?

If I use full-fat mayo and skip the sugar, it fits into a low-carb or keto plan quite nicely.

Conclusion

Creamy Italian Cucumber Salad is one of those recipes I keep coming back to, especially when I need something quick, cool, and packed with flavor. Whether I’m bringing it to a BBQ or pairing it with a weeknight dinner, it always delivers on taste and texture. It’s easy to customize, make-ahead friendly, and just plain satisfying.

📖 Recipe:

Creamy Italian Cucumber Salad

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Author: Sophia
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 4 to 6 servings
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Creamy Italian Cucumber Salad is a refreshing, tangy, and creamy side dish made with crisp cucumbers, red onion, parsley, and a rich Italian-style dressing. It’s perfect for picnics, potlucks, or as a cool companion to grilled meats.