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Creamy Cucumber Dill Salad

creamy cucumber dill salad - featured image

A fresh, tangy, and creamy cucumber dill salad with red onions that is quick to prepare and perfect for warm weather. This light and satisfying side dish is ideal for picnics, BBQs, or light dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 large or 3 medium cucumbers, thinly sliced (English cucumbers recommended)
  • ½ medium red onion, thinly sliced
  • ½ cup sour cream (full-fat recommended; can substitute Greek yogurt or plant-based alternatives)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh dill, finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon white vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
  • ½ teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
  • ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon garlic powder (optional)

Instructions

  1. Wash and dry the cucumbers well. Using a sharp knife or mandoline, slice them thinly—about ⅛ inch (3 mm) thick. Set aside in a mixing bowl.
  2. Peel and slice ½ medium red onion as thinly as possible. If desired, soak the slices in cold water for 5 minutes then drain well. Add to the cucumbers.
  3. In a separate small bowl, combine ½ cup sour cream, 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill, 1 tablespoon white vinegar, 1 teaspoon granulated sugar, ½ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, and ¼ teaspoon garlic powder if using. Whisk until smooth and creamy.
  4. Pour the dressing over the cucumber and onion slices. Gently toss with a mixing spoon or salad tongs until evenly coated, avoiding breaking the cucumber slices.
  5. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, preferably an hour, to let flavors meld and cucumbers soften slightly.
  6. Before serving, stir and taste. Adjust salt, pepper, or dill if needed. Optionally add a little extra vinegar to brighten the flavor.

Notes

For best texture, slice cucumbers and onions thinly and drain excess moisture by salting and resting cucumbers in a colander for 10 minutes before patting dry. Add dressing just before serving if preparing in advance to avoid sogginess. Fresh dill is preferred for best flavor. Can be adapted for dairy-free and vegan diets by substituting sour cream with plant-based alternatives.

Nutrition

Keywords: cucumber salad, creamy cucumber salad, dill salad, summer salad, easy side dish, BBQ side, fresh cucumber salad