Why You’ll Love this Creamy Pressed Cucumber Salad
If you’ve been searching for the perfect summer side dish, this creamy pressed cucumber salad might just be your new obsession.
It’s cool, invigorating, and incredibly simple to prepare—exactly what you need when temperatures soar.
I love how this salad transforms humble cucumbers into something special. The pressing technique removes excess moisture, creating a crisp texture that won’t water down the creamy dressing.
And that dressing? Just the right balance of tangy sour cream, subtle vinegar, and fresh chives.
Best of all, you can make it ahead of time for potlucks or barbecues. Who doesn’t appreciate a no-fuss recipe?
What Ingredients are in Creamy Pressed Cucumber Salad?
This invigorating cucumber salad requires just a handful of simple ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen.
What makes it special isn’t fancy components but rather the technique that transforms ordinary cucumbers into something extraordinary. The combination of crisp cucumber with a creamy, tangy dressing creates the perfect balance that works with practically any summer meal.
- 3 burpless cucumbers (approximately 14-16 inches long each)
- 1½ cups sour cream
- 2 tablespoons fresh chives, chopped
- 1 tablespoon salt (used only for the optional pressing step)
- 2 tablespoons white balsamic vinegar
- ¼ teaspoon white pepper
- 1 teaspoon sugar (more to taste)
When shopping for this recipe, the cucumber selection matters most. Burpless cucumbers work beautifully because they’ve fewer seeds and thinner skin, but English or Persian cucumbers make excellent substitutes if you can’t find burpless varieties.
For the best flavor, use fresh chives rather than dried, and feel free to adjust the sugar to your preference—some like their cucumber salad a bit sweeter to balance the tanginess of the sour cream and vinegar.
And don’t worry if you’re not familiar with white balsamic vinegar; it provides a milder, more delicate flavor than traditional balsamic but regular white vinegar works in a pinch.
How to Make this Creamy Pressed Cucumber Salad
Making this cucumber salad is wonderfully simple, though there’s a special technique that elevates it from good to spectacular. Start by washing and slicing your 3 burpless cucumbers using the thinnest setting on your vegetable slicer. Those paper-thin slices are what give this salad its delicate texture—the kind that makes people wonder what your secret is.
Place all those beautiful cucumber rounds in a large bowl and add 1 tablespoon of salt, tossing everything together to guarantee even coverage.
Now comes the game-changing (but optional) step: pressing the cucumbers. This might sound a bit strange if you’ve never done it before, but trust me, this technique transforms the salad completely.
For perfect temperature control in other recipes, a premium meat thermometer can be an invaluable kitchen investment.
Place a plate directly on top of your salted cucumber slices, then add weight by setting jars or cans on top of the plate. For sanitation’s sake, put those weights inside a plastic bag so they don’t come in contact with any liquid that gets pressed out. Let everything sit for about 20 minutes, then drain off the accumulated liquid.
Repeat this pressing process two more times, giving the cucumbers a good stir between each pressing. What you’re doing is removing excess moisture that would otherwise water down your beautiful creamy dressing.
When the pressing is complete, it’s time to create the creamy mixture that makes this salad so addictive. Stir in 1½ cups of sour cream, 2 tablespoons of white balsamic vinegar, ¼ teaspoon of white pepper, 1 teaspoon of sugar (add more if you prefer it sweeter), and 2 tablespoons of freshly chopped chives.
A quality stand mixer would make combining these ingredients effortless and thorough.
Give everything a gentle toss to coat the cucumber slices evenly, then taste and adjust the seasonings as needed. Pop the bowl into the refrigerator to chill until serving time.
And don’t worry if you decide to skip the pressing step—your salad will still be delicious, though considerably more liquid will gather at the bottom of the bowl. In that case, simply use a slotted spoon when serving to leave the excess liquid behind.
Creamy Pressed Cucumber Salad Substitutions and Variations
While the classic recipe creates a delicious cucumber salad, you’ll love how versatile this dish can be with just a few simple swaps.
Try Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a tangier, protein-packed version. Not a fan of chives? Substitute dill, mint, or even basil for completely different flavor profiles.
I love adding thinly sliced red onions for color and bite, or toss in some halved cherry tomatoes for sweetness.
Crumbled feta cheese makes this salad wonderfully Mediterranean.
And if white balsamic vinegar isn’t in your pantry, regular white vinegar or lemon juice works perfectly.
After all, cooking should be fun, not rigid.
What to Serve with Creamy Pressed Cucumber Salad
Cucumber salad doesn’t just stand alone on your table—it needs the right companions to create a memorable meal.
I love pairing this creamy side with smoky grilled meats like bratwurst or chicken thighs. The cool, tangy flavor cuts through richness beautifully.
For a lighter option, serve alongside a summery quiche or frittata with fresh herbs.
It’s particularly divine with salmon—whether poached, grilled, or baked.
Looking for a complete summer spread? Add some crusty bread, cold cuts, and a pitcher of lemonade for an effortless lunch that feels special without the fuss.
The cucumber’s invigorating crunch complements almost anything savory.
Final Thoughts
Although you might think of cucumber salad as simple fare, I’ve found that these humble ingredients create something truly special.
The creamy tang of sour cream, the subtle bite of white pepper, and the freshness of chives elevate those crisp cucumber slices into a dish worth savoring.
Whether you take the time to press your cucumbers or opt for the quicker version, you’ll be rewarded with a revitalizing side that complements nearly any meal.
Sometimes the simplest foods bring the most pleasure, don’t they? There’s something so satisfying about transforming a few quality ingredients into a dish that feels both nostalgic and exciting.
For a more colorful variation, consider adding grape tomatoes similar to those used in vibrant veggie pasta salads for a pop of color and sweetness.
