This creamy old-fashioned cucumber salad with mayo is made with crisp cucumbers, thinly sliced red onions, and fresh dill tossed in a creamy mayo dressing. It takes just 10 minutes to prepare and is the perfect make-ahead side dish for summer BBQs, potlucks, and family dinners.
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What People Are Saying
I've made this a few times, it's so amazing and never lasts long in my house. today I added fresh chopped cilantro, that enhances the refreshing flavour. we love it with or without 🙂 - Sarah
Made this for dinner tonight and my picky boyfriend LOVES it! He ate so much he didn't have room for his chicken. We have a bumper crop of cukes this year so I'll make a lot more of this recipe and share it with family, friends, co-workers, etc. Did I mention I love it too? I LOVE it. - Laurie
I make this cucumber salad at least once a week during summer when my greenhouse is overflowing with cucumbers. It's one of my favorite ways to use them up, and I love how the tangy, slightly sweet dressing coats ever slice.
If you love easy summer salads, try my Panera Tomato Basil Cucumber Salad or Broccoli Crunch Salad next!
Ingredients & Substitutions
You need just a few simple ingredients to make this refreshing cucumber salad:
- Cucumbers. I prefer English cucumbers because they have thin skins and fewer seeds, but regular garden cucumbers work just as well. Peel garden cucumbers if the skins are thick or bitter.
- Red onion. It adds a sharp flavor contrast and beautiful color. Green onions or shallots make good substitutes for a milder flavor.
- Mayonnaise. Full-fat mayonnaise gives the dressing its classic creamy texture. You can replace half with sour cream or plain Greek yogurt for a tangier dressing. Miracle Whip will make the salad sweeter and tangier, so adjust the sugar and vinegar to taste.
- White vinegar. It provides the perfect tang to balance the creamy mayo. Apple cider vinegar works, too, but has a slightly different flavor profile.
- Sugar. Just a touch adds sweetness to counter the vinegar. Adjust to taste or use a sugar substitute if preferred.
- Fresh dill. Fresh dill adds the best flavor. If using dried dill, start with 2 teaspoons and add more to taste, since dried herbs can vary in strength.
See the printable recipe card for exact measurements and a full list of ingredients.
How to Make Old-Fashioned Cucumber Salad with Mayonnaise
Quick Overview
- Combine cucumbers and red onion.
- Mix creamy dressing ingredients.
- Toss everything together with fresh dill.
- Chill to develop flavor.
Step by Step Instructions
- PREP: Peel cucumbers and slice them into thin rounds. Thinly slice red onion. Place both in a large bowl.
- MAKE DRESSING: In a separate bowl, mix together ½ cup mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons white vinegar, 1 tablespoon granulated sugar, ½ teaspoon sea salt, and ¼ teaspoon black pepper until smooth.
- COMBINE: Pour the mayonnaise mixture over the cucumber and onion. Use a spatula to gently mix until all vegetables are evenly coated with the creamy dressing.
- ADD HERBS: Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of fresh chopped dill over the salad and gently toss to combine.
- CHILL: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- SERVE: When ready to serve, give the salad a good stir to redistribute the dressing. Enjoy!
Jeri's Top Tips
- Slice with uniformity. For the best texture and appearance, try to slice the cucumbers to a uniform thickness. A mandoline slicer makes this task incredibly easy.
- Remove excess moisture. After slicing, you can optionally salt the cucumber slices and let them sit in a colander for 30 minutes to draw out excess water. Pat dry before adding to the salad and reduce or omit the salt in the dressing.
- Balance the flavors. Taste your dressing before adding to the cucumbers, and add extra sugar if needed. Adjust to your preference.
- Don't skip the chilling time. While you can serve this cucumber salad immediately, I find that 30 minutes in the refrigerator gives the dressing time to develop its flavor.
- Add the dressing closer to serving for the crunchiest cucumbers. If you're preparing the salad ahead of time for a BBQ or potluck, keep the sliced vegetables and dressing in separate containers until about 30 minutes before serving. This helps prevent the cucumbers from releasing too much water.
What to Serve with Cucumber Salad
This creamy cucumber salad is one of my favorite summer side dishes because it goes with just about anything, especially grilled meats and easy family dinners. And don't forget a slice of No Knead Sourdough Bread to soak up any extra dressing!
Burgers and BBQ: Serve alongside Smoked Burgers, Smash Burgers, Grilled Teriyaki Chicken on a Stick, or Pellet Grill Smoked Brisket.
Chicken and fish: The cool, creamy dressing pairs perfectly with Grilled Teriyaki Chicken on a Stick, Air Fryer Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs, or Air Fryer Tilapia.
Easy family dinners: Try it with this Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf or Meatloaf with BBQ glaze.
Holiday dinners: Serve with Smoked Prime Rib Roast or Smoked Turkey on Pellet Grill.
Can You Make Cucumber Salad Ahead Of Time?
Yes! This creamy cucumber salad is great for making ahead, especially when you're preparing for a summer BBQ or potluck.
For the best texture, slice the cucumbers and onions and prepare the dressing up to a day ahead. Store them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator, then combine everything about 30 minutes before serving.
If you've already mixed the salad, keep it refrigerated and give it a good stir before serving. The cucumbers will release some liquid as they sit, so the dressing may become thinner.
For potlucks, keep the salad chilled until serving and return leftovers to the refrigerator promptly.
Storage Instructions
This cucumber salad keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The vegetables will continue to release liquid, so you may want to drain some of the excess moisture before serving leftovers.
Recipe FAQs
Slice the cucumbers, sprinkle them lightly with salt, and let them drain in a colander for 20-30 minutes. Pat them dry before adding the dressing. Reduce or omit the salt in the dressing.
Thinly sliced radishes, bell peppers, or cherry tomatoes make excellent additions.
Yes! You can add halved cherry tomatoes or diced tomatoes to this creamy cucumber salad. I recommend adding them just before serving because tomatoes release extra liquid and can make the dressing watery.
Yes, use a plant-based mayonnaise for a dairy-free version with the same creamy texture.
Absolutely! You can leave out the sugar if you prefer a more tangy dressing. You can also replace it with your favorite granulated sugar substitute. Taste the dressing before adding it to the cucumbers and adjust as needed.
More Fresh Summer Salads
Printable Recipe
Creamy Old-Fashioned Cucumber Salad with Mayo
Ingredients
- 2 large English cucumbers peeled + sliced (or 4 regular cucumbers)
- ½ cup red onion thinly sliced
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons white vinegar
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill chopped (or 2 teaspoons dried dill)
Instructions
- PREP: Wash cucumbers and pat dry. Peel if desired and slice into thin, uniform rounds using a sharp knife or mandoline. Thinly slice red onion. Place cucumber slices and red onion in a large bowl.2 large English cucumbers, ½ cup red onion
- DRESS: In a separate bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, white vinegar, sugar, salt, and black pepper until smooth.½ cup mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons white vinegar, 1 tablespoon granulated sugar, ½ teaspoon sea salt, ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- MIX: Pour the dressing over the cucumber mixture. Add chopped fresh dill and gently toss until vegetables are evenly coated.2 tablespoons fresh dill
- CHILL: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
- SERVE: Stir the salad before serving. Garnish with additional dill if desired. Enjoy!
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Notes
- For best results, slice cucumbers to a uniform thickness. A mandoline slicer works perfectly for this.
- To prevent a watery salad, optionally salt cucumber slices and let them drain in a colander for 30 minutes before mixing with dressing. Reduce or omit the salt from the dressing.
- Taste and adjust the dressing - add more sugar for sweetness or vinegar for tang.
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Substitute sour cream or Greek yogurt for half the mayonnaise for a tangier flavor.
Nutrition
The provided nutrition information is automatically calculated. Accuracy is not guaranteed.
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Sarah says
I've made this a few times, it's so amazing and never lasts long in my house. today I added fresh chopped cilantro, that enhances the refreshing flavour. we love it with or without 🙂
Jeri Walker says
I'm so glad you like the cucumber salad Sarah! The chopped cilantro sounds like a great addition - thanks for sharing! 🙂
Laurie says
Made this for dinner tonight and my picky boyfriend LOVES it! He ate so much he didn't have room for his chicken. We have a bumper crop of cukes this year so I'll make a lot more of this recipe and share it with family, friends, co-workers, etc. Did I mention I love it too? I LOVE it. Thank you for sharing.
Jeri Walker says
Hi Laurie, your comment just made my day! I'm so thrilled that both you and your boyfriend loved the recipe! Thank you so much for sharing it with your family and friends - I really REALLY appreciate it! And thank you so much for taking the time to come back and leave a comment! 🙂
NOORJEHAN says
I will try to make this fresh salad to take to a friend's home for dinner gathering.
Jeri Walker says
That sounds like a great idea! I'm sure your friend will appreciate the fresh salad at the dinner gathering. Let me know how it turns out! 🙂