Creamy Cucumber Salad with Dill (Easy 10-Minute Recipe)
This classic cucumber salad features fresh cucumbers, red onions, and fresh dill coated in a delicious yogurt dressing that’s creamy and tangy. It is the perfect side dish for picnics, potlucks, summer meals, and BBQs! A crisp and refreshing salad, ready in just 10 minutes — plus, no mayo needed!
The Ultimate 10-Minute Side Dish
This creamy cucumber salad with dill is the perfect side dish to serve with recipes like an easy chicken shawarma bowl or a teriyaki chicken rice bowl. It’s a refreshing addition to any picnic, potluck, or barbecue, featuring crisp English cucumbers, sharp red onions, and a light yogurt dressing. It comes together in under 10 minutes and can easily be part of your meal planning routine.
When the weather warms up, the last thing you want to do is spend hours over a hot stove. That is why having a few reliable summer recipes in your back pocket is a lifesaver. If you are looking for easy salads that actually taste amazing, this creamy, dill-infused dish deserves a spot on your weekly menu. It is one of those versatile side salad recipes that pairs perfectly with grilled meats at a weekend BBQ, but it is also light enough to pack for a refreshing work lunch.
Why You’ll Love this Creamy Cucumber Salad
Fresh and crunchy – Crisp cucumbers, sharp red onions, and fresh dill combined with a light creamy dressing – the perfect summer salad!
Simple ingredients – You’ll need just a few simple ingredients to make a wonderful creamy cucumber salad! Plus, it’s ready in less than 10 minutes!
Versatile – This is the perfect side dish salad for grill events or quick summer dinners. I love to bring this salad to a picnic with my partner or to a potluck with friends!
Key Ingredients
This simple salad uses simple ingredients that are easy to find.
Fresh cucumbers – I used English cucumbers, as they are sweeter and have thinner skin than other variants. If you choose to use regular cucumbers, make sure to peel the skin, as they are usually waxed. English cucumbers and Persian cucumbers are not waxed because of their delicate, thin skin.
Red Onions – They are optional but add great flavor and a pop of color to this creamy cucumber salad. Feel free to use white or yellow onions for a milder flavor.
Sour Cream or plain Greek yogurt – To make a creamy base, I use sour cream instead of mayo. This makes it healthier and easier to digest.
Fresh Dill – Fresh, aromatic dill is a must for this recipe! If you need a substitute, use fresh chives or parsley. Fresh dill makes this salad super refreshing.
Olive oil – You’ll need just a bit of oil to thin out the creamy base.
Lemon Juice – Lemon brings brightness to this creamy salad.
Seasoning – Season your salad with a pinch of pepper and salt. You can also add some garlic powder for another element in this salad.
How to make Creamy Cucumber Salad
Take a look at the step-by-step photos below for a visual guide to the process. You’ll find the complete written recipe along with helpful tips in the recipe card further down the page.
Make the creamy dressing. In a large bowl, combine the sour cream (or yogurt), olive oil, lemon juice, and fresh dill. Season with a pinch of salt and black pepper.
Prepare the cucumber and onion. With a sharp knife or mandolin, slice the cucumber 1/4-inch thick. Peel the red onion and thinly slice.
Toss together. Combine the sliced cucumbers and onions, then toss with the creamy dressing. Serve immediately, or refrigerate for 30 minutes to let flavors develop.
From my Kitchen (Chef’s Tips)
Choose the right cucumber. I always go for English cucumbers for their sweetness and tender skin. English cucumbers are also great, but try to avoid American cucumbers, as they have thick skin and don’t contain much flavor. I also prefer to keep the skin on, for crunchiness and color.
Slice them thinly. Thin slices give your salad better texture and absorb the creamy dressing. For easy and quick slicing, use a mandolin!
Make ahead – If you are making the salad ahead and keep it in your fridge for a longer time, consider salting your onions. Salt draws out the water, making them firmer and less watery. Simply place the sliced cucumbers in a colander over a bowl, sprinkle with salt and let sit for 15 minutes. Pat dry and use them for the salad.
How to Serve Creamy Cucumber Salad
I make this creamy cucumber salad for all kinds of occasions — from backyard BBQs and potlucks to simple weeknight dinners and holiday gatherings. It’s incredibly versatile and pairs well with just about anything.
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More Summer Salads
Creamy Cucumber Salad
Ingredients
Method
- Make the creamy dressing. In a large bowl, combine the yogurt (or sour cream), olive oil, lemon juice, and fresh dill. Season with a pinch of salt and black pepper.
- Prepare the cucumber and onion. With a sharp knife or mandolin, slice the cucumber 1/4-inch thick. Peel the red onion and thinly slice.
- Toss together. Combine the sliced cucumbers and onions, then toss with the creamy dressing. Serve immediately, or refrigerate for 30 minutes to let flavors develop.
