This Creamy Cucumber Dill Salad Recipe is a refreshing and delightful dish that brings together the crispness of fresh cucumbers with the subtle tang of a creamy, dill-infused dressing. Perfect as a light side or a cooling companion to your summer meals, this salad offers a beautiful balance of flavors and textures that feel both comforting and vibrant. With just a few simple ingredients, you’re about to enjoy a salad that’s as easy to make as it is delicious to eat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right is key to nailing this Creamy Cucumber Dill Salad Recipe. Each component contributes to its light creaminess, fresh crunch, and subtle burst of herbaceous flavor, making the final dish a perfectly balanced treat.
- Cucumbers: Two large cucumbers, thinly sliced, bring the essential crispness and refreshing base.
- Red onion: Half a small red onion, thinly sliced, adds a gentle sharpness without overpowering the salad.
- Sour cream or Greek yogurt: One cup creates the creamy texture; Greek yogurt is a lighter, tangier option.
- Mayonnaise: Two tablespoons enhance richness and help bind the dressing together smoothly.
- Fresh dill: One tablespoon chopped dill gives this salad its signature aromatic and herbaceous note.
- White wine vinegar: One tablespoon adds a subtle acidic kick to brighten the flavors.
- Garlic powder: One teaspoon introduces a mild savory depth without overpowering the freshness.
- Salt: Half a teaspoon, adjusted to taste, brings all ingredients into harmonious flavor.
- Black pepper: A quarter teaspoon adds just the right pinch of warmth.
- Sugar (optional): One teaspoon to balance acidity if desired, creating a subtle sweetness.
How to Make Creamy Cucumber Dill Salad Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables
Start by washing your cucumbers thoroughly and slicing them into thin rounds. You can peel them if you prefer a softer texture or leave the skin on for added crunch and color contrast. Then, thinly slice the red onion to introduce a mild zing and lovely texture to the salad.
Step 2: Make the Dressing
In a medium-sized bowl, combine the sour cream or Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, fresh dill, white wine vinegar, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and sugar if using. Stir these ingredients together until the dressing is smooth, creamy, and evenly mixed. This mixture is the heart of your salad’s luscious texture and bright flavor profile.
Step 3: Combine the Salad
Next, gently toss the sliced cucumbers and red onions in a large bowl. Pour your creamy dressing over the vegetables, and toss carefully to ensure every slice is coated with that delicious dressing, marrying the fresh crunch with the creamy zing beautifully.
Step 4: Chill and Serve
For the best results and flavor development, refrigerate your salad for at least 30 minutes. This chilling step allows the flavors to meld and intensify, making each bite a perfect blend of creamy, tangy, and fresh. You can serve it immediately if pressed for time, but I promise the wait is worth it!
Step 5: Garnish (Optional)
Before serving, a sprinkle of extra fresh dill or a few extra cucumber slices on top offers an inviting presentation and a burst of freshness in every forkful.
How to Serve Creamy Cucumber Dill Salad Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a touch of fresh dill on top not only enhances the salad’s visual appeal but also boosts its signature herbal aroma right before serving. Thin lemon wedges or a dusting of cracked black pepper can also elevate the experience beautifully.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken, seafood, or roasted vegetables. Its cool, creamy texture is a brilliant foil to spicy or smoky main dishes, transforming any meal into a balanced and satisfying feast.
Creative Ways to Present
Try layering the salad in glass jars for a charming picnic treat or use it as a vibrant topping for open-faced sandwiches and wraps. You can also serve it in hollowed-out cucumber boats for an elegant and fun appetizer presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Creamy Cucumber Dill Salad Recipe keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The cucumbers will release some water over time, so give the salad a quick toss before serving again to redistribute the dressing.
Freezing
Since this salad relies on fresh cucumbers and creamy dressing, freezing is not recommended as cucumbers lose their crisp texture and the dressing might separate, altering the salad’s delightful consistency.
Reheating
This salad is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature. Reheating is not advised as it would diminish the refreshing qualities that make this dish so special.
FAQs
Can I use dried dill instead of fresh dill?
Yes, you can substitute dried dill for fresh dill in this recipe. Use about one teaspoon of dried dill for one tablespoon of fresh dill, but keep in mind that fresh dill offers a brighter, more vibrant flavor.
Is Greek yogurt a good substitute for sour cream here?
Absolutely! Greek yogurt makes a fantastic lighter alternative to sour cream, adding a bit more tanginess while maintaining creaminess and richness.
Can I make this salad vegan?
To make it vegan, swap out the sour cream and mayonnaise for plant-based alternatives such as vegan yogurt and vegan mayo. The flavors will remain fresh and tasty!
How long before serving should I make this salad?
Ideally, make the salad at least 30 minutes before serving to let all the flavors blend and the dressing soak into the cucumbers for maximum deliciousness.
What if my cucumbers are very watery?
If your cucumbers release a lot of water, try salting them lightly and letting them sit in a colander for 10-15 minutes, then pat them dry. This step prevents your salad from becoming too watery while keeping it crisp.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Cucumber Dill Salad Recipe is like a cool breeze on a warm day, perfectly balancing fresh crunch with smooth, herby creaminess. It’s so simple yet spectacular, making it an easy go-to that everyone will love. Give it a try the next time you want something fresh, flavorful, and effortlessly satisfying!
Print
Creamy Cucumber Dill Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A refreshing and creamy cucumber dill salad made with thinly sliced cucumbers and red onions tossed in a tangy sour cream and dill dressing. Perfect as a light side dish or a cool accompaniment for summer meals, this salad combines fresh herbs and a hint of garlic for a flavorful, easy-to-prepare dish.
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 can peel them if you prefer a smoother texture or leave the skins on for extra crunch. Thinly slice the half small red onion as well.
- Make the Dressing: In a medium bowl, combine the sour cream (or Greek yogurt), mayonnaise, fresh dill, white wine vinegar, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and sugar if using. Mix well until the dressing is smooth and evenly blended.
- Combine the Salad: In a large bowl, add the sliced cucumbers and red onion. Pour the prepared creamy dressing over the vegetables and toss gently but thoroughly to evenly coat all pieces with the dressing.
- Chill and Serve: For best results, place the salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the salad to chill. Although it can be served immediately, chilling enhances the taste and texture.
- Garnish (optional): Just before serving, garnish with extra fresh dill or a few additional cucumber slices to add a fresh burst of color and flavor.
Notes
- Using Greek yogurt instead of sour cream reduces fat and calories while maintaining creaminess.
- Adjust the amount of garlic powder and salt to your taste preference.
- You can omit sugar if you prefer a more savory profile.
- For a crunchier texture, peel only half of the cucumbers or use English cucumbers for fewer seeds.
- This salad tastes best after sitting in the fridge for at least 30 minutes but can keep well refrigerated for up to 2 days.
