When summer’s heat kicks in and you’re craving something that’s cool, crisp, and utterly refreshing, look no further than Creamy Cucumber Dill Salad. This classic, Eastern European-inspired dish balances crunchy cucumbers and tangy red onion with a luscious, herby creaminess that’s impossible to resist. If you’re searching for a light side that’s packed with fresh flavor and perfect for backyard barbecues, potlucks, or weekday lunches, this salad checks every box—and then some!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Creamy Cucumber Dill Salad lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient brings something special—vivid green crunch from cucumbers, a zip of red onion, and a dreamy dressing that ties it all together. Here’s what you’ll need (and why you need it!):
- Cucumbers: The star of the show, cool and juicy—opt for seedless varieties for extra crunch.
- Red onion: Adds a pop of color and a gentle sharpness that livens up every bite.
- Sour cream: Brings the signature creamy texture and light tang that’s oh-so-satisfying.
- Mayonnaise: Rounds out the dressing with richness and depth.
- Fresh dill: The essential herb, infusing a burst of flavor and that classic summery aroma.
- White vinegar: Perks up the salad with gentle acidity, balancing the richness of the dressing.
- Sugar: Just a hint to offset the tang and enhance overall balance.
- Garlic powder: Subtle but essential—adds warmth to the creamy base.
- Salt and black pepper: Absolutely vital for bringing all the flavors together—add to taste!
How to Make Creamy Cucumber Dill Salad
Step 1: Prepare the Creamy Dressing
In a medium-sized mixing bowl, whisk together the sour cream, mayonnaise, white vinegar, sugar, garlic powder, chopped dill, salt, and black pepper. Whisk until the mixture is completely smooth and the dill is nicely distributed. This step is all about layering flavor into the base—taste the dressing and adjust the seasoning if you’d like a bit more zing or creaminess!
Step 2: Slice the Vegetables
Thinly slice the cucumbers and red onion. For the cucumbers, a mandoline works wonders (but a steady hand and a sharp knife do the trick, too). The thinner the slices, the more evenly they’ll soak up all that delicious dressing. If your cucumbers are particularly watery, pat them dry with a paper towel for the best texture.
Step 3: Toss Everything Together
Add your sliced cucumbers and red onion right into the bowl with your dressing. Using a spatula or large spoon, gently toss until every slice is coated in that irresistible creamy mixture. Take care not to stir too aggressively—this keeps the cucumbers crisp and the salad looking gorgeous!
Step 4: Chill for Maximum Flavor
Cover the bowl and refrigerate the Creamy Cucumber Dill Salad for at least 30 minutes. This helps the flavors meld together, turning good salad into great salad! When you’re ready to serve, give it a quick stir and marvel at how the dill and vinegar have worked their magic.
How to Serve Creamy Cucumber Dill Salad
Garnishes
Dress up your Creamy Cucumber Dill Salad with a flourish of extra fresh dill, a pinch of cracked black pepper, or even a handful of microgreens. For a bright finish, a sprinkle of lemon zest just before serving adds a subtle sparkle. Presentation makes that first cool forkful even more inviting!
Side Dishes
This salad loves to share the table. Pair it with smoky grilled meats, flaky salmon, or alongside potato dishes for a delightful textural contrast. It shines as a counterpoint to hearty barbecue fare, but also complements picnic classics like deviled eggs and sandwiches.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to wow at your next gathering, try serving Creamy Cucumber Dill Salad in individual glasses for an elegant starter. Or pile it onto crisp lettuce cups for a handheld snack at outdoor get-togethers. For added crunch, scatter over toasted pepitas or chopped walnuts right before serving.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Creamy Cucumber Dill Salad is at its best on the day it’s made, when the cucumbers still have bite. But if you find yourself with leftovers, simply cover and refrigerate—the salad will keep for up to 2 days. If some excess liquid accumulates, give it a quick toss before serving again.
Freezing
This is one dish you’ll want to enjoy fresh! Freezing creamy salads with cucumber tends to change their texture and make the sauce watery, so it’s best to prepare only as much as you’ll need within a couple of days.
Reheating
No need to reheat—Creamy Cucumber Dill Salad is designed to be enjoyed chilled, straight from the fridge. If it’s been sitting out or you’d like it extra icy-cold, pop it back in the refrigerator for a few minutes before serving.
FAQs
Can I use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream?
Absolutely! Greek yogurt is a fantastic substitute and makes the dressing lighter while still delivering all the tang and creaminess you crave in Creamy Cucumber Dill Salad.
What kind of cucumbers work best?
English or Persian cucumbers are ideal, as they’re seedless and have tender skins. If you’re using standard cucumbers, consider peeling and seeding them for the very best texture.
How long can I let the salad sit before serving?
Letting Creamy Cucumber Dill Salad rest for at least 30 minutes in the fridge gives the flavors time to meld beautifully, but you can chill it for up to 2 hours in advance.
Can I add other vegetables?
Definitely! Radishes, thinly sliced celery, or even sweet cherry tomatoes are lovely additions that play well with the creamy dill dressing.
Will my salad get watery?
Cucumbers naturally release some water as they sit in the dressing. If you want to minimize this, pat the cucumber slices dry before tossing them in and only salt right before serving.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend Creamy Cucumber Dill Salad enough—there’s just something about its cool crunch and herbal zing that lifts any meal. If you’re ready for a side that tastes like sunshine in a bowl, gather those simple ingredients, give it a try, and share the freshness with your favorite people!
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Creamy Cucumber Dill Salad Recipe
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, Low-Carb
Description
This Creamy Cucumber Dill Salad is a refreshing and flavorful side dish that is perfect for summer gatherings. The combination of cool cucumbers, tangy sour cream, and fresh dill creates a deliciously creamy salad that pairs well with grilled meats or as a light lunch option.
Ingredients
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
- 1 tablespoon white vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 large cucumbers, thinly sliced
- ½ small red onion, thinly sliced
Sauce:
Salad:
Instructions
- Prepare the Dressing: In a medium bowl, whisk together sour cream, mayonnaise, vinegar, sugar, garlic powder, dill, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the sliced cucumbers and red onion to the dressing, then toss gently to coat all the vegetables.
- Chill: Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Serve: Serve the salad chilled as a refreshing side dish.
Notes
- For a lighter version, use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream.
- If cucumbers release excess liquid, pat them dry with paper towels before mixing.
- Best enjoyed the same day, but can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad, Side Dish
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Eastern European-Inspired, American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 145
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 190 mg
- Fat: 11 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 9 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg
