The Creamy Cucumber Dill Salad is a refreshing blend of crisp cucumber slices and tangy red onions, all tossed in a rich, herbaceous sour cream dressing. This dish offers the perfect balance of creamy texture and garden-fresh crunch, making it a favorite for warm-weather meals and casual gatherings alike.
Ideal as a side for grilled meats, BBQs, or served as a stand-alone light lunch, this recipe is incredibly easy to prepare and even easier to enjoy. With its minimal ingredients and no-cook preparation, it brings bright flavor and elegant simplicity to your table with minimal effort.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
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2 large cucumbers, thinly sliced
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½ small red onion, thinly sliced
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1 cup sour cream
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1 tablespoon mayonnaise
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2 tablespoons fresh dill, finely chopped
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1 tablespoon white vinegar
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½ teaspoon garlic powder
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½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
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¼ teaspoon black pepper
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Optional: pinch of sugar for balance
Directions:
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Wash and thinly slice cucumbers. Pat dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
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Thinly slice the red onion and add to a large mixing bowl with the cucumbers.
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In a small bowl, whisk together sour cream, mayonnaise, dill, vinegar, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Add a pinch of sugar if desired.
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Pour the creamy dressing over the cucumber and onion mixture. Toss until everything is evenly coated.
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Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld.
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Serve chilled, garnished with extra dill if desired.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 0 minutes | Total Time: 10 minutes (plus chilling time)
Kcal: 95 kcal | Servings: 6 servings
Creamy Cucumber Dill Salad: A Cool, Crisp Classic for Every Occasion
There’s something uniquely refreshing about the simple combination of crisp cucumbers, aromatic dill, and a creamy tangy dressing. Creamy Cucumber Dill Salad has stood the test of time across generations, making it one of the most beloved side dishes for picnics, barbecues, potlucks, and family dinners. This dish brings together a few humble ingredients to create a vibrant medley of textures and flavors that cools the palate and complements heavier mains effortlessly.
While cucumber salads vary widely in cultures and cuisines, this version focuses on a classic blend familiar in American and Eastern European kitchens. It evokes the nostalgic flavors of summer gatherings, where bowls of this chilled salad would sit beside grilled meats, baked beans, and buttered corn. The creamy dressing, often made with sour cream or yogurt, delivers a tangy richness that balances beautifully with the crisp, watery bite of fresh cucumber. Add to that the herbaceous lift of dill, and you have a side dish that’s equal parts comforting and revitalizing.
Why You’ll Love This Salad
1. Incredibly Refreshing
Creamy Cucumber Dill Salad is designed for warm weather. Cucumbers are composed of over 90% water, which not only hydrates but also gives the salad its signature crunch. The cooling properties of cucumber make this dish perfect for hot summer days, offering a crisp and hydrating component to any meal.
2. Quick and Simple
With a prep time of just 10 minutes, this salad is a lifesaver when you’re short on time. It doesn’t require any cooking, making it a convenient choice for busy weeknights, last-minute guests, or impromptu picnics. All you need is a sharp knife, a few staple ingredients, and a mixing bowl.
3. Easily Customizable
One of the beauties of this recipe is its adaptability. You can tweak the ingredients to suit your taste or dietary preferences. Prefer a lighter version? Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream. Need a vegan option? Swap in a dairy-free alternative. Want more depth? Add a splash of lemon juice or a pinch of sugar to balance the flavors.
4. Versatile Side Dish
This salad pairs wonderfully with a variety of mains. Serve it alongside grilled chicken, lamb, or burgers. It’s also a great companion to rich or spicy dishes, offering a cooling counterbalance. From Eastern European feasts to Mediterranean-inspired spreads, this salad fits seamlessly.
Key Ingredients and Their Roles
Cucumbers:
The star of the dish. Cucumbers provide a juicy crunch and refreshing base. English cucumbers are often preferred due to their thin skin and minimal seeds, but standard slicing cucumbers work just as well when peeled and de-seeded.
Red Onion:
Thinly sliced red onions add a sharp bite and a touch of sweetness. Soaking them in cold water for a few minutes can mellow their intensity while preserving their crunch.
Sour Cream:
Creates the creamy dressing that envelops every slice of cucumber. Its tanginess adds depth and a rich texture. For a lighter take, you can substitute part or all with plain Greek yogurt.
Mayonnaise (Optional):
A tablespoon of mayo lends an extra creamy, velvety consistency. It’s completely optional and can be omitted if you prefer a thinner, tangier dressing.
Fresh Dill:
The herb that defines this salad. Dill adds a burst of fresh, grassy flavor with just a hint of anise. Fresh is best, but dried dill can be used in a pinch—just reduce the quantity.
Vinegar:
White vinegar adds acidity, brightening the overall flavor and balancing the creaminess of the dressing. You can experiment with apple cider vinegar or lemon juice for a different twist.
Garlic Powder, Salt, and Pepper:
These pantry staples round out the flavor profile. Garlic powder offers subtle depth without overpowering the dill, while salt and pepper are essential for seasoning.
Nutritional Benefits
Cucumbers are low in calories but rich in hydration and fiber, making them excellent for digestion and overall wellness. Dill is known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. When made with Greek yogurt or light sour cream, the salad also provides a decent dose of protein and probiotics. This makes it a wholesome addition to your meals, not just delicious but also good for your gut health and hydration levels.
Serving Tips
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Chill Before Serving: The salad tastes best when it’s had time to sit in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and the cucumbers to absorb the creamy dill dressing.
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Garnish Right Before Serving: A sprinkle of extra dill or freshly ground black pepper on top just before serving adds a beautiful finish.
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Double the Batch: Hosting a larger gathering? This salad can easily be scaled up. Just be mindful of the salt, too much can cause the cucumbers to release excess water and dilute the dressing.
Storage and Make-Ahead
Creamy Cucumber Dill Salad is best enjoyed fresh, but it can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. If making ahead, consider salting and draining the cucumbers first to remove excess water and avoid a watered-down dressing later. You can also prep the dressing separately and toss with the cucumbers shortly before serving to retain maximum crunch.
Variations to Try
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Greek-Inspired Twist: Add crumbled feta cheese, kalamata olives, and a squeeze of lemon juice for a Mediterranean version.
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Spicy Kick: Mix in a dash of cayenne or sliced jalapeños for a bit of heat.
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Crunch Factor: Top with toasted sunflower seeds or chopped walnuts for added texture.
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Protein Boost: Add chickpeas or diced grilled chicken to turn it into a light meal or lunchbox option.
Cucumber Salad Around the World
Cucumber salads appear in many global cuisines. In Germany, you’ll find Gurkensalat, which is very similar to this creamy version but often uses vinegar and sugar. In Thai cuisine, cucumber salads are made with a sweet and spicy vinaigrette, while in Korea, Oi Muchim features cucumbers in a spicy, garlic-rich chili dressing. This creamy dill rendition may be rooted in American comfort food but draws on a tradition of celebrating cucumbers in all their crisp glory.
Conclusion
Creamy Cucumber Dill Salad is more than just a side dish, it’s a seasonal favorite that offers freshness, simplicity, and versatility. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep time, it manages to deliver maximum flavor. Whether you’re hosting a backyard cookout, packing a picnic basket, or just looking for a quick and healthy addition to your dinner, this salad deserves a spot on your table.
Its refreshing qualities make it a go-to choice for warmer months, but it’s just as satisfying year-round thanks to its simple, wholesome ingredients. Once you try it, you’ll understand why it’s a staple in so many homes. It’s creamy. It’s tangy. It’s herbaceous. And it’s everything you didn’t know you needed in a salad.