If you’re craving something fresh, vibrant, and delightfully tangy, this Creamy Cucumber Dill Salad Recipe is the perfect dish to brighten your meal. It balances crisp, cool cucumbers with a lush, herbaceous dressing that feels like a gentle hug for your taste buds. Whether you’re serving it alongside grilled meats, packing it for a picnic, or just want a light, refreshing side, this salad delivers an unbeatable combination of creaminess and crunch with every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe comes together with simple, wholesome ingredients that work harmoniously to create a dish bursting with flavor. Each element—from the fresh cucumbers to the fresh dill and tangy vinegar—plays a crucial role in crafting that perfect balance of creaminess, sharpness, and herby freshness.
- 2 large cucumbers: Thinly sliced for crisp texture and a refreshing base.
- 1/2 small red onion: Adds a subtle sharpness and beautiful color contrast.
- 1 cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt): The creamy foundation that carries the flavor beautifully; Greek yogurt lightens the dish.
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise: Enhances creaminess and richness in the dressing.
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill (or 1 teaspoon dried): Provides bright, aromatic herbal notes that make the salad unique.
- 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar (or apple cider vinegar): Adds just the right amount of tang to balance the creaminess.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Offers subtle savory depth without overpowering the salad.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Brings out all the flavors, adjust to your preference.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds mild heat for a perfectly rounded taste.
- 1 teaspoon sugar (optional): A touch of sweetness to balance the acidity if desired.
How to Make Creamy Cucumber Dill Salad Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables
Begin by washing your cucumbers thoroughly. You can peel them if you want the salad to be creamier in texture, or leave the skin on for extra crunch and color. Slice the cucumbers as thinly as you can—they should be delicate but still sturdy enough to hold up to the dressing. Thinly slice the red onion as well; these slices will add a gentle zing and a lovely pop of reddish-purple to the salad.
Step 2: Make the Dressing
In a medium bowl, whisk together the sour cream (or Greek yogurt), mayonnaise, freshly chopped dill, and vinegar until smooth. Sprinkle in the garlic powder, salt, pepper, and sugar if using, then stir until all the ingredients come together in a luscious, creamy mix. This dressing is where all the magic happens—it’s tangy, herby, and soulful all at once.
Step 3: Combine the Salad
Transfer your sliced cucumbers and red onion to a large mixing bowl. Pour the dressing over the top, then toss everything gently yet thoroughly. Make sure every slice is coated in that rich, flavorful dressing so that each bite is filled with deliciousness.
Step 4: Chill and Serve
For peak flavor, pop your salad into the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This resting time lets the cucumbers soak up the creamy dill dressing, making the entire dish come alive with vibrant, melded flavors. While you can serve it immediately, chilling truly takes this Creamy Cucumber Dill Salad Recipe to the next level.
Step 5: Garnish (Optional)
Before serving, add an extra sprinkle of fresh dill on top or lay a few cucumber slices as a pretty garnish. It not only enhances the look but also adds a fresh aroma that invites your senses to the table.
How to Serve Creamy Cucumber Dill Salad Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh dill is the star garnish here; lightly scatter chopped dill over the top to heighten the herbaceous notes. You might also consider a sprinkle of smoked paprika or thin lemon zest strips for a splash of color and an added twist. These simple garnishes turn your salad into a beautiful centerpiece.
Side Dishes
This creamy cucumber dill salad pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken, roasted fish, or even hearty sandwiches. It’s a refreshing palate cleanser alongside smoky barbecue or spicy dishes. Try it with pita and hummus for a Mediterranean vibe, or serve it next to a classic burger for a cooling contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, layer the salad in clear jars or mason jars for picnics or lunches. You can also use cucumber cups by hollowing out thick slices and filling them with this creamy salad—perfect for entertaining! Another idea is to serve it over a bed of mixed greens for a light lunch or as an appetizer topping on crisp crostini.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Creamy Cucumber Dill Salad Recipe keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The cucumbers may slightly soften and release some water, so give the salad a gentle toss before serving to redistribute the dressing.
Freezing
Because of the sour cream and fresh vegetables, freezing this salad is not recommended. The texture will suffer and it may separate upon thawing, losing the delightful creaminess you’ve worked so hard to achieve.
Reheating
This salad is best served chilled or at room temperature, so reheating is unnecessary and not advised. Instead, allow leftovers to come to room temperature naturally for the best flavor and texture.
FAQs
Can I use other herbs besides dill?
Absolutely! While dill provides that classic flavor that defines this salad, you can experiment with fresh parsley, chives, or even a touch of tarragon for a slightly different but equally tasty herbaceous note.
Is Greek yogurt a good substitute for sour cream?
Yes, Greek yogurt makes a fantastic lighter substitute that adds a bit more tang and protein without sacrificing creaminess. It also gives the dressing a fresher note that some prefer.
How thin should I slice the cucumbers?
Thin slices, about 1/8-inch thick, work best. They absorb the dressing well and provide a delicate crunch without being too watery or overwhelming.
Can I prepare this salad ahead of time?
Definitely! Preparing the salad a few hours ahead, or even the night before, allows the flavors to meld together beautifully. Just be sure to store it in the fridge and give it a quick toss before serving.
What if I don’t have white wine vinegar?
No worries—apple cider vinegar is a perfect substitute and adds a slightly fruity note. You can also use a mild lemon juice to add that bright acidity.
Final Thoughts
I’m genuinely excited for you to try this Creamy Cucumber Dill Salad Recipe at home. It’s one of those dishes that feels simple but instantly elevates any meal with its fresh, creamy, and tangy personality. Once you taste that blend of crisp cucumbers, fragrant dill, and luscious dressing, you’ll want to make it over and over again. Enjoy every spoonful and happy cooking!
Print
Creamy Cucumber Dill Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Creamy Cucumber Dill Salad is a refreshing and easy-to-make side dish featuring thinly sliced cucumbers and red onion tossed in a tangy and creamy dill dressing. Perfect for summer meals or as a light accompaniment, this salad combines the cool crunch of fresh vegetables with a velvety blend of sour cream, mayonnaise, and fresh herbs. Its quick preparation and vibrant flavors make it an ideal choice for picnics, barbecues, or a healthy snack.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 2 large cucumbers, thinly sliced
- 1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced
Dressing
- 1 cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt for a lighter option)
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried dill)
- 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, for balance)
Instructions
- Prepare the Vegetables: Wash the cucumbers thoroughly and slice them thinly. You may peel them if you prefer a less textured salad, but leaving the skins on adds extra crunch. Also, thinly slice half a small red onion to add a sharp bite to the salad.
- Make the Dressing: In a medium bowl, combine the sour cream or Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, chopped fresh dill (or dried dill), white wine vinegar, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and sugar if using. Stir all ingredients together until the dressing is smooth and well blended.
- Combine the Salad: Transfer the sliced cucumbers and red onion to a large mixing bowl. Pour the creamy dill dressing over the vegetables and toss everything gently but thoroughly to ensure each slice is evenly coated with the dressing.
- Chill and Serve: For best flavor, cover the salad and refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. While you can serve the salad immediately, chilling enhances the taste and texture.
- Garnish (optional): Just before serving, sprinkle additional fresh dill or add a few cucumber slices on top for a fresh and attractive garnish that brightens the presentation.
Notes
- Using Greek yogurt instead of sour cream is a lighter alternative while maintaining creaminess.
- Adjust salt and garlic powder according to personal taste preference.
- Adding sugar balances the acidity of the vinegar but is optional based on sweetness preference.
- This salad is best served chilled and consumed within 1-2 days for optimal freshness.
- For a crisper cucumber, salt the slices lightly and drain excess moisture before mixing with the dressing.
