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Fresh Creamy Cucumber Dill Salad with Red Onion

creamy cucumber dill salad - featured image

A quick and easy creamy cucumber dill salad with red onion, perfect for summer. Crisp cucumbers, fresh dill, and a silky dressing create a refreshing and satisfying side dish.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 large English cucumbers, thinly sliced (about 1/8 inch thick)
  • 1 small red onion, thinly sliced and soaked in cold water for 10 minutes
  • 2 tablespoons fresh dill, finely chopped
  • 1/2 cup sour cream (full-fat recommended, or swap with Greek yogurt for lighter option)
  • 1/4 cup Greek yogurt
  • 1 tablespoon white vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt (plus 1/4 teaspoon for cucumbers)
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

  1. Wash and thinly slice 2 large English cucumbers into rounds about 1/8-inch (3 mm) thick. Place the slices in a colander, sprinkle with 1/4 teaspoon salt, and toss gently. Let them sit for 10 minutes to draw out excess moisture, then pat dry with paper towels or a clean kitchen towel.
  2. Thinly slice 1 small red onion and place the slices in a bowl of cold water. Let them soak for 10 minutes to mellow their sharp bite, then drain and pat dry.
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup sour cream, 1/4 cup Greek yogurt, 1 tablespoon white vinegar, 1 teaspoon sugar, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
  4. In a large mixing bowl, add the drained cucumbers, red onions, and 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh dill. Pour the dressing over and toss gently but thoroughly to coat every slice evenly.
  5. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors marry and the salad develop its creamy, tangy taste.
  6. Give the salad a quick stir before serving. Taste once more for salt and pepper, adjusting if necessary. Serve chilled.

Notes

Salting cucumbers draws out moisture to prevent sogginess. Soaking red onions mellows their sharpness. Chill salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to let flavors meld. For dairy-free, substitute sour cream and Greek yogurt with coconut or cashew-based yogurt. Adjust vinegar to taste or swap with apple cider vinegar or lemon juice for softer tang. Drain excess liquid before serving if salad becomes watery.

Nutrition

Keywords: cucumber salad, creamy cucumber salad, dill salad, summer salad, red onion salad, easy salad recipe, quick salad, healthy side dish