Name: Grandma’s Creamy Italian Cucumber Salad
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: PT-487592H40M6S
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 medium cucumbers, thinly sliced; 1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced; 1/2 cup mayonnaise; 1/2 cup sour cream; 1 tsp Italian seasoning; 1 tbsp white vinegar or lemon juice; Salt and pepper, to taste

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This salad is incredibly simple yet full of flavor. The creamy Italian dressing soaks into the crisp cucumbers, creating a refreshing bite that’s both savory and slightly tangy. It’s a light dish that works with almost any main course and tastes even better after chilling.

Ingredients

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

Cucumbers, thinly sliced
Red onion, thinly sliced
Mayonnaise
Sour cream
Italian seasoning
White vinegar or lemon juice
Salt and pepper

Directions

Wash and thinly slice cucumbers and red onion.
In a medium bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, Italian seasoning, vinegar or lemon juice, salt, and pepper until smooth.
Add the cucumbers and onions to the dressing and toss until well coated.
Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to allow flavors to meld.
Serve chilled.

Servings and timing

Serves 4–6 people.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Chill Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

Variations

Greek Twist: Add feta cheese and chopped olives.
Herb-Loaded: Mix in fresh dill, parsley, or basil.
Lighter Version: Use Greek yogurt in place of sour cream.
Extra Crunch: Add thinly sliced bell peppers or radishes.
Spicy Kick: Sprinkle in a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes.

Storage/Reheating

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Do not freeze, as cucumbers lose their texture when thawed.
No reheating is needed—serve chilled.

FAQs

Can I use English cucumbers?

Yes, they’re less watery and have fewer seeds.

How do I prevent the salad from getting watery?

Salt the cucumber slices and let them sit for 20 minutes, then pat dry before mixing.

Can I make it ahead of time?

Yes, it tastes even better after chilling for a few hours.

Can I use bottled Italian dressing?

Yes, but mix it with mayo or sour cream for creaminess.

Is this salad gluten-free?

Yes, as long as your seasonings are gluten-free.

Can I skip the onions?

Yes, or replace them with chives for a milder flavor.

Can I add tomatoes?

Yes, but add them just before serving to avoid extra moisture.

Can I use Miracle Whip instead of mayonnaise?

Yes, for a sweeter and tangier flavor.

How long does it last?

Up to 2 days in the fridge.

Can I double the recipe for a party?

Yes, just adjust ingredient amounts accordingly.

Conclusion

Grandma’s Creamy Italian Cucumber Salad is a timeless, refreshing dish that’s perfect for warm weather and family gatherings. With its crisp cucumbers, creamy dressing, and simple seasoning, it’s an easy recipe that delivers classic flavor in every bite.