Light, refreshing, and packed with fresh flavor, this Creamy Cucumber Dill Salad is a summer staple you'll want to bring to every BBQ, potluck, and backyard dinner.
Why I Love This Recipe
If you're looking for the perfect light and refreshing side dish, this Creamy Cucumber Dill Salad delivers! Crisp cucumbers, tangy yogurt, fresh dill, and a simple homemade dressing come together in a salad that's cool, creamy, and full of flavor.
- Versatile: Pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, salmon, burgers, or veggie wraps.
- Fast & Easy: 15 minutes of prep, chill it, and you're done!
- Healthy Ingredients: Fresh veggies, Greek yogurt or sour cream, and real dill.
- Perfect for Warm Weather: A classic at BBQs, picnics, and potlucks.
It's quick, easy, and the kind of recipe everyone goes back for seconds.
Love crisp, refreshing salads? You'll also want to try my Cucumber Shrimp Salad and Avocado Cucumber Salad-both perfect for summer meals.
Recipe Ingredients
- 3 cucumbers - Thinly sliced
- ½ small red onion - Thinly sliced
- 1½ cups plain yogurt - Or strained sour cream
- 3 Tbsp mayonnaise
- 1 cup fresh dill - Chopped
- 1 Tbsp white vinegar - Or apple cider vinegar
- 1 clove garlic - Minced (or ½ tsp garlic powder)
- 1 tsp sugar
- ½ tsp salt - Divided
- ¼ tsp ground black pepper
Variations and Substitutions
- Add Nuts: Sprinkle in toasted pine nuts or slivered almonds for crunch.
- Switch the Vinegar: Try red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar for a little tang twist.
- Extra Herbs: Add chopped chives, parsley, or mint along with the dill.
- Make it Vegan: Use a dairy-free yogurt and vegan mayonnaise.
For even more fresh flavor, check out my Greek Cucumber Salad or Cucumber Tomato Salad - simple, colorful, and full of crunch.
How To Make Creamy Cucumber Dill Salad
Full ingredients and instructions are also in the recipe card at the bottom of this blog post.
STEP 1: Prepare Cucumbers
Slice 3 cucumbers thinly using a sharp knife or mandoline. Place in a large bowl and sprinkle with ¼ tsp salt. Let them sit for 10-15 minutes to draw out moisture, then blot dry with a paper towel.
STEP 2: Make the Dressing
In a large bowl, whisk together 1½ cups strained yogurt (or sour cream), 3 Tbsp mayonnaise, 1 Tbsp vinegar, 1 minced garlic clove, 1 tsp sugar, ¼ tsp black pepper, and remaining ¼ tsp salt until smooth and creamy.
STEP 3: Assemble the Salad
Add the sliced cucumbers, ½ small thinly sliced red onion, and 1 cup chopped fresh dill to the dressing. Toss gently to combine and coat everything evenly.
STEP 4: Chill Before Serving
Cover and refrigerate for at least 15-30 minutes. Stir gently before serving. Enjoy cold!
Recipe Tips
- Drain the cucumbers well after salting to avoid a watery dressing.
- Use fresh dill for the best flavor - dried dill just isn't the same.
- Strain yogurt or sour cream through a fine mesh sieve if you want an ultra-thick dressing.
- Chill the salad before serving to let all the flavors meld beautifully.
- Slice cucumbers thin for the perfect crunch and texture.
What To Serve With Cucumber Dill Salad
This cool, creamy salad pairs perfectly with:
- Grilled chicken breasts or salmon
- Summer BBQ burgers
- Falafel wraps or veggie pita sandwiches
- Grilled veggies and corn on the cob
How To Store Leftovers
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Before Serving Again: Give it a quick stir - cucumbers release more moisture over time, so you may need to drain a little liquid.
Craving something a little sweet and savory? My Watermelon Cucumber Salad is another easy and refreshing side dish you'll love for hot days.
FAQs
Yes, but for best texture, slice the cucumbers and prep the dressing separately. Mix together just before serving.
Absolutely! Sour cream makes a slightly richer, tangier version that's delicious.
You can omit it, but the mayo adds extra creaminess. Substitute with more yogurt if preferred.
Ingredients
- 3 cucumbers - sliced thin
- ½ small red onion - thinly sliced
- 1 ½ cups plain yogurt - or sour cream, strained
- 3 Tbsp mayonnaise
- 1 cup chopped fresh dill
- 1 Tbsp white vinegar - apple cider
- 1 clove minced garlic - or ½ tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp granulated sugar
- ½ tsp salt - divided
- ¼ tsp ground black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the cucumbers: Slice the cucumbers thinly and sprinkle with ¼ tsp salt. Let sit for 10-15 minutes, then pat dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture.
- Mix the dressing: In a large bowl, whisk together the strained yogurt (or sour cream), mayonnaise, vinegar, minced garlic, sugar, ¼ tsp salt, and black pepper until smooth.
- Assemble the salad: Add the sliced cucumbers, red onion, and chopped fresh dill to the dressing. Gently toss until everything is well coated.
- Chill and serve: Refrigerate the salad for 15-30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to blend. Stir gently before serving.
Notes
- Drain cucumbers after salting to avoid watery salad.
- Use fresh dill for the best flavor.
- Strain yogurt for a thicker dressing.
- Chill salad for 15-30 minutes before serving.
- Slice cucumbers thin for best texture.
- This cucumber dill salad pairs perfectly with grilled chicken, salmon, burgers, or any summer BBQ meal.
Nutrition
Nutrition info is auto-calculated and meant to be an approximation only.
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