Sometimes the simplest recipes are the ones you make again and again.
This 5 minute cucumber salad is exactly that kind of dish. Crisp cucumber, fresh dill and a creamy, tangy dressing come together in minutes to create a refreshing side that goes with almost anything.
It’s the kind of salad I make constantly in summer – alongside barbecued meats, grilled fish, roasted chicken or even spooned into wraps and sandwiches. It’s fresh, light and incredibly easy to throw together when you need something quick to brighten up dinner.
Even better, this recipe uses just a handful of ingredients and takes about five minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute barbecue spreads.
Simple food at its best!
Why You’ll Love This Cucumber Salad
There are plenty of cucumber salad recipes out there, but this one has become a regular in my kitchen for a few very good reasons.
- It takes five minutes – No cooking, no complicated prep – just chop, mix and serve.
- It’s incredibly refreshing – Cucumber naturally has a cool, crisp flavour that makes this salad perfect alongside heavier dishes.
- It works with almost any dinner – From barbecues to weeknight meals, this salad pairs beautifully with meat, fish or vegetarian dishes.
- It uses simple ingredients – Everything here is easy to find in a normal supermarket and you may already have most of it at home.
If you’re looking for quick side dishes to serve with dinner, this one is hard to beat.
Ingredients for Cucumber Salad
This easy cucumber salad uses just a few ingredients, but each one helps create the final balance of flavours.
- Cucumber – The star of the dish. A large cucumber provides lots of crunch and freshness. Cutting it lengthways first creates nice bite-sized pieces that hold the dressing well.
- Soured cream – Soured cream forms the creamy base of the dressing. It adds a gentle tang and coats the cucumber slices beautifully without feeling heavy.
- Fresh dill – Dill and cucumber are a classic combination. The herb adds a bright, slightly grassy flavour that lifts the whole salad.
- White wine vinegar – A splash of vinegar sharpens the dressing and balances the richness of the soured cream.
- Salt and pepper – Just a small pinch enhances the flavour of the cucumber and herbs.
How to Make 5 Minute Cucumber Salad
This salad really is as quick as it sounds.
1. Prepare the cucumber and dill
Cut the cucumber in half lengthways, then slice it into half-moon shapes. Place the slices into a mixing bowl.
Finely chop the fresh dill and add it to the bowl with the cucumber.
2. Make the dressing
Add the soured cream and white wine vinegar along with a pinch of salt and black pepper.
3. Mix everything together
Stir until the cucumber slices are evenly coated in the creamy dressing.
Serve immediately, or chill for 10–15 minutes if you prefer the salad extra cold.
Tips for the Best Cucumber Salad
Because this salad is so simple, a few small tips can make it even better.
- Slice the cucumber evenly Even slices help the dressing coat everything evenly.
- Taste before serving You may want to adjust the seasoning slightly depending on the size of your cucumber.
- Use fresh herbs Fresh dill really makes a difference here and gives the salad its signature flavour.
- Serve chilled If you have time, chilling the salad briefly in the fridge makes it even more refreshing.
What to Serve with Cucumber Salad
This easy cucumber salad is incredibly versatile and pairs beautifully with lots of different meals.
It works especially well with:
- One Pan Roast Chicken and Pilau Rice
- Roast Leg of Lamb with Vegetables
- Barbecued Whole Sea Bream
- Barbecued Pork Loin with Smoky BBQ Rub
- Classic Cheeseburger
Because it’s fresh and creamy, it’s the perfect contrast to richer dishes.
If you’re planning a summer meal, this salad is fantastic alongside simple recipes like grilled meats, traybakes or pasta dishes.
You can also browse my collection of easy weeknight dinners for more recipes that pair perfectly with quick side dishes like this.
5 Minute Creamy Cucumber Salad
Equipment
- Chopping board
- Sharp knife
- Spoon
Ingredients
- 1 large cucumber
- 200 ml soured cream
- 20 g fresh dill
- 1 tbsp white wine vinegar
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cut the cucumber in half lengthways, then slice into half-moons. Place in a mixing bowl.
- Finely chop the dill and add it to the bowl.
- Add the soured cream, white wine vinegar, salt and black pepper.
- Mix well until the cucumber is evenly coated in the dressing.
- Serve immediately, or chill in the fridge for 10–15 minutes before serving.