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Creamy Dill Cucumber Salad: The Best Summer Side

creamy dill cucumber salad - featured image

This creamy dill cucumber salad with red onion is a quick and easy summer side dish that’s perfect for hot days. Thin, crisp cucumber slices are coated in a tangy, herb-flecked dressing with just enough bite from the red onion.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 large English cucumbers (about 1.5 pounds total)
  • 1 medium red onion (use half, thinly sliced)
  • 3 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
  • 1 tablespoon white vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt (plus more for salting cucumbers)
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground

Instructions

  1. Wash the cucumbers thoroughly. If using English cucumbers, leave the skin on; if using regular garden cucumbers, peel them. Cut off the ends and slice into thin rounds, about 1/8-inch thick.
  2. Place cucumber slices in a large colander set over a bowl or in the sink. Sprinkle with 1 teaspoon kosher salt and toss gently. Let sit for 20-30 minutes to draw out excess moisture.
  3. While cucumbers rest, slice the red onion into thin half-moons. If desired, soak slices in cold water for 10 minutes to mellow the flavor, then drain and pat dry.
  4. Rinse and pat dry the fresh dill. Remove the fronds from the thick stems and chop finely to get about 3 tablespoons.
  5. In a medium bowl, combine sour cream, mayonnaise, white vinegar, sugar, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and black pepper. Whisk until smooth. Stir in the chopped dill.
  6. After 20-30 minutes, rinse the cucumber slices briefly with cool water to remove excess salt. Pat dry thoroughly with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels.
  7. Transfer dried cucumber slices to a large mixing bowl. Add the sliced red onion. Pour the dressing over and toss gently until every slice is coated.
  8. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. Stir gently before serving. Serve cold.

Notes

Don’t skip the salting step—it prevents the salad from becoming watery. Let the salad rest in the fridge for at least 1 hour for best flavor. Use fresh dill for the brightest taste. For a dairy-free version, use vegan sour cream and vegan mayonnaise.

Nutrition

Keywords: creamy dill cucumber salad, cucumber salad with red onion, summer side dish, easy cucumber salad, creamy cucumber salad