This creamy cucumber salad is cool, crisp, and refreshing with a tangy dressing and fresh dill. The perfect side dish for summer cookouts, barbecues, or a light weeknight meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Cool and refreshing, perfect for warm days.
- Quick to prepare with just a few ingredients.
- Creamy dressing clings perfectly to crisp cucumber slices.
- Versatile side dish for potlucks, barbecues, or family dinners.
- Can be made ahead for easy entertaining.
- Fresh dill adds bright, herbal flavor.
- Simple substitutions for different tastes or diets.
Ingredients
- 2 large cucumbers (about 20 oz / 560 g), thinly sliced
- 1 small red onion (4 oz / 115 g), thinly sliced
- 1 cup (240 g) sour cream
- 2 tbsp (30 ml) mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp (30 ml) white vinegar
- 1 tbsp (15 g) granulated sugar
- 1 tsp (6 g) salt
- 1/2 tsp (2 g) black pepper
- 2 tbsp (6 g) fresh dill, chopped
Step-by-Step Directions
- Wash the cucumbers thoroughly. Slice them into thin rounds, about 1/8 inch thick. Place the slices in a large mixing bowl.
- Peel and thinly slice the red onion. Add the onion slices to the bowl with the cucumbers.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the sour cream, mayonnaise, vinegar, sugar, salt, and black pepper until smooth and well combined.
- Pour the dressing over the cucumbers and onions. Toss gently until all the vegetables are evenly coated.
- Stir in the fresh dill. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed, adding more salt or vinegar to your liking.
- Chill the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to blend. Stir gently again before serving.
Pro Tips & Variations
- Slice cucumbers evenly for consistent texture.
- If cucumbers are extra watery, sprinkle with salt and let sit 10 minutes, then blot dry before dressing.
- Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a lighter version.
- Fresh dill gives the best flavor, but dried dill works in a pinch.
- Try adding thinly sliced radishes for extra crunch.
- Swap vinegar for lemon juice for a citrusy twist.
- Use English cucumbers for fewer seeds and tender skin.
- Add a pinch of garlic powder for a deeper flavor.
- Make it dairy-free with vegan sour cream or cashew cream.
- Adjust sweetness by reducing or omitting sugar as desired.
Serving & Pairings
This creamy cucumber salad is a wonderful side dish for grilled chicken, fish, or burgers. It also pairs beautifully with seafood dishes and roasted meats.
For a balanced meal, serve alongside roasted potatoes, fresh green beans, or corn on the cob. A crisp white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc or a sparkling water with lemon makes a refreshing drink pairing.
Storage & Reheating
- Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Stir before serving, as dressing may separate slightly.
- Not ideal for freezing, as cucumbers lose texture when thawed.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream? Yes, Greek yogurt makes the salad lighter and still creamy.
- Should I peel the cucumbers? Peeling is optional. English cucumbers have tender skins that do not need peeling.
- How do I prevent the salad from getting watery? Salt the cucumber slices and let them rest before adding dressing to reduce excess moisture.
- Can I make this salad ahead? Yes, prepare it up to 12 hours ahead, but stir before serving for best consistency.
- What other herbs can I use besides dill? Fresh parsley, chives, or mint are good substitutes for dill.
Estimated Nutrition (per serving)
Approximate values: 160 calories, 12 g fat, 9 g carbohydrates, 3 g protein, 320 mg sodium. These numbers are estimates and will vary by ingredients used.
Cook’s Notes
- Use chilled cucumbers for extra crunch.
- Taste the dressing before mixing with vegetables to adjust seasoning.
- Do not skip fresh dill for authentic flavor.
- For potlucks, keep chilled until serving to maintain freshness.
- Serve in a shallow bowl for easy tossing and presentation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream?
Yes, Greek yogurt makes the salad lighter and still creamy.
Should I peel the cucumbers?
Peeling is optional. English cucumbers have tender skins that do not need peeling.
How do I prevent the salad from getting watery?
Salt the cucumber slices and let them rest before adding dressing to reduce excess moisture.
Can I make this salad ahead?
Yes, prepare it up to 12 hours ahead, but stir before serving for best consistency.
What other herbs can I use besides dill?
Fresh parsley, chives, or mint are good substitutes for dill.
Conclusion & CTA
This creamy cucumber salad is an easy, refreshing side dish that everyone loves. It’s quick to make and flexible with substitutions. Try it for your next cookout, weeknight dinner, or picnic.
If you make this recipe, leave a comment, share your version, or pass it on to a friend who loves summer salads. Don’t forget to snap a photo and share it with family or friends.
Print
Creamy Cucumber Salad Recipe with Fresh Dill
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This creamy cucumber salad is cool, crisp, and refreshing with a tangy dressing and fresh dill. The perfect side dish for summer cookouts, barbecues, or a light weeknight meal.
Ingredients
- 2 large cucumbers (about 20 oz / 560 g), thinly sliced
- 1 small red onion (4 oz / 115 g), thinly sliced
- 1 cup (240 g) sour cream
- 2 tbsp (30 ml) mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp (30 ml) white vinegar
- 1 tbsp (15 g) granulated sugar
- 1 tsp (6 g) salt
- 1/2 tsp (2 g) black pepper
- 2 tbsp (6 g) fresh dill, chopped
Instructions
- Wash the cucumbers thoroughly. Slice them into thin rounds, about 1/8 inch thick. Place the slices in a large mixing bowl.
- Peel and thinly slice the red onion. Add the onion slices to the bowl with the cucumbers.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the sour cream, mayonnaise, vinegar, sugar, salt, and black pepper until smooth and well combined.
- Pour the dressing over the cucumbers and onions. Toss gently until all the vegetables are evenly coated.
- Stir in the fresh dill. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed, adding more salt or vinegar to your liking.
- Chill the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to blend. Stir gently again before serving.
Notes
Use chilled cucumbers for extra crunch. Taste and adjust the dressing before mixing. Do not skip fresh dill for authentic flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: No Cook
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: Creamy Cucumber Salad, cucumber salad recipe, dill cucumber salad, summer side dish, easy salad