If you’re searching for something that’s both refreshing and irresistibly creamy, look no further than this Creamy Cucumber Dill Salad. Each bite is crunchy, cool, and laced with the bright herbiness of fresh dill, all nestled in a tangy, velvety dressing. It’s the kind of side dish that instantly elevates your meal, and it never fails to earn rave reviews at summer gatherings or as a crisp companion to weeknight dinners. Trust me, once you’ve tried this Creamy Cucumber Dill Salad, it will quickly become a staple for any occasion that calls for something fresh and satisfying.

Creamy Cucumber Dill Salad Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this recipe is in its simplicity; every ingredient plays an important part, adding just the right pop of flavor, creaminess, or texture. Let’s take a closer look at what you’ll need to create this delightful dish:

English Cucumbers: Their mild flavor and tender skin mean you don’t need to peel them, and they’re less watery than regular cucumbers—perfect for keeping the salad crisp.
Red Onion: Sliced thin, red onion brings a mild bite and gorgeous color that really makes the salad pop on your plate.
Sour Cream: This is the creamy foundation—full-fat brings the best flavor, but lighter versions work in a pinch.
Mayonnaise: Just enough to add extra silkiness without taking over the fresh flavor of the vegetables.
White Vinegar: A dash of acidity brightens the whole salad and balances out the creamy richness.
Fresh Dill: The star of the show! Fresh dill is wonderfully aromatic, but dried works well if that’s what you have on hand.
Garlic Powder: Offers a gentle garlicky base note that enhances the dressing without overpowering it.
Salt & Black Pepper: Essential for bringing all those flavors together—season to taste at the end!

How to Make Creamy Cucumber Dill Salad

Step 1: Slice the Vegetables

Begin by thinly slicing your English cucumbers and red onion. The thinner, the better—the veggies will soak up more of that luxurious dressing and each forkful will have the perfect texture. You can use a sharp knife or a mandoline for perfectly even slices. If your cucumbers seem very wet, feel free to pat them dry with a paper towel before mixing to keep the salad crisp.

Step 2: Whisk Up the Creamy Dill Dressing

In a separate small bowl, combine the sour cream, mayonnaise, white vinegar, dill, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Whisk until the mixture becomes smooth and the dill is evenly distributed. This dressing is the heart of any Creamy Cucumber Dill Salad, uniting all the ingredients with its tangy, herby richness.

Step 3: Toss Everything Together

Add your sliced cucumbers and red onion to a large mixing bowl. Pour the creamy dill dressing over the vegetables and toss gently until everything is evenly coated. Be careful not to break up the cucumber slices—gentle folding does the trick to keep everything looking beautiful.

Step 4: Chill to Perfection

Cover your salad and pop it into the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This short chill gives the flavors time to meld together, making every bite of your Creamy Cucumber Dill Salad even more harmonious. If you have the patience, letting it sit for a couple hours is even better!

Step 5: Stir and Serve

Right before serving, give everything one last gentle stir to redistribute the dressing. Sometimes a little liquid may separate as the salad sits—just stir it back in for a perfectly creamy texture. Your Creamy Cucumber Dill Salad is now ready to wow!

How to Serve Creamy Cucumber Dill Salad

Garnishes

Sprinkle a bit of extra fresh dill or a turn of cracked black pepper over the top just before serving for a burst of color and fragrance. You could even add a pinch of flaky sea salt or some thinly sliced radishes if you want to jazz things up. Simple garnishes not only make this Creamy Cucumber Dill Salad look even more appetizing, they add fresh flavor right at the finish.

Side Dishes

This salad absolutely shines next to grilled chicken, salmon, or anything smoky and charred from the barbecue. It’s fantastic with sandwiches or wraps—think of it as a crisp, tangy counterpoint to anything creamy or rich. For a vegetarian spread, pair it with herby roasted potatoes, lentil patties, or even a plateful of ripe tomatoes and feta.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve your Creamy Cucumber Dill Salad in individual cups or mason jars for picnics and potlucks—they travel beautifully and look charming. Try layering it as part of a summer salad platter, or nestle it inside lettuce cups for a fun appetizer. Feeling extra fancy? Spoon it over avocado halves for an elegant starter that’s sure to impress.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have extra Creamy Cucumber Dill Salad, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It keeps well for up to two days, although the cucumbers may start to soften slightly as they sit. Give the salad a quick stir before serving to reincorporate any dressing that may have settled at the bottom.

Freezing

Freezing isn’t recommended for this particular salad, since cucumbers and dairy-based dressings tend to lose their appealing texture when thawed. The crispness and creamy consistency that make Creamy Cucumber Dill Salad so irresistible are best enjoyed fresh from the fridge.

Reheating

Luckily, this salad is designed to be served cold, so there’s no need to worry about reheating! If your salad has been in the fridge for a while, let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving to take off the chill and ensure all the flavors shine through.

FAQs

Can I use regular cucumbers instead of English cucumbers?

Absolutely! Just peel and seed regular cucumbers if you like, since their skins are thicker and they can be more watery. Patting the slices dry before mixing helps keep your Creamy Cucumber Dill Salad crisp and fresh.

Is there a way to make this salad lighter?

You bet! Swap out the sour cream and mayonnaise for plain Greek yogurt for a tangy, protein-rich spin on the classic. The salad still turns out creamy and flavorful, just with fewer calories.

How far in advance can I make Creamy Cucumber Dill Salad?

You can make the salad up to four hours ahead and store it in the fridge. The flavors meld beautifully as it chills, though for best texture, enjoy within a day of making. Stir well before serving!

Can I use dried dill instead of fresh?

Yes, dried dill works well in this recipe—use about one teaspoon in place of the tablespoon of fresh dill. If you can get your hands on fresh dill, it adds a special vibrant flavor to your Creamy Cucumber Dill Salad.

What gives this salad its creamy texture?

The creamy dressing is a blend of full-fat sour cream and mayonnaise, which together create a silky base. The vinegar and dill cut through the richness, while the cucumbers provide a crisp bite with every forkful.

Final Thoughts

If you love dishes that are as easy to make as they are delightful to eat, you’ll want to try this Creamy Cucumber Dill Salad as soon as possible. It’s refreshing, flavorful, and guaranteed to disappear fast at your next meal. Gather your ingredients and treat yourself to a salad that’s just as perfect for lazy summer lunches as it is for special get-togethers!

Creamy Cucumber Dill Salad Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.9 from 22 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 10 minutes (plus chilling)
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free

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Description

This Creamy Cucumber Dill Salad is a refreshing and flavorful side dish that is perfect for any summer gathering. The combination of crisp cucumbers, zesty red onions, and a creamy dill dressing makes this salad a standout addition to your table.

Ingredients

Scale

Cucumbers:

2 large English cucumbers, thinly sliced

Red Onion:

1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced

Dressing:

1/2 cup sour cream
2 tablespoons mayonnaise
1 tablespoon white vinegar
1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried dill)
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and black pepper, to taste

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Instructions

Prepare Vegetables: Place the sliced cucumbers and red onion in a large bowl.
Make Dressing: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the sour cream, mayonnaise, white vinegar, dill, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth.
Combine: Pour the dressing over the cucumbers and onions, and toss until evenly coated.
Chill: Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to blend. Stir gently before serving.

Notes

For a lighter version, use plain Greek yogurt in place of sour cream and mayonnaise.
This salad is best served chilled and can be made a few hours ahead.
Pat the cucumbers dry before mixing to reduce excess moisture.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Category: Side Dish
Method: No-Cook
Cuisine: American