Creamy Cucumber Salad With Dill Recipe
Looking for a refreshing side dish that’s both creamy and crisp? This creamy cucumber salad with dill delivers incredible flavor in just 15 minutes! With its perfect balance of tangy dressing and fresh herbs, it’s the ideal companion to any summer meal.
Just like our popular potato salad recipe, this cucumber creation will become your go-to crowd-pleaser for potlucks and family gatherings.
Table of Contents
What is Creamy Cucumber Salad with Dill?
Ever wondered why this simple salad has such a fancy name? Well, it’s basically cucumbers dressed up in their Sunday best! This classic dish combines crisp cucumber slices with a rich, creamy dressing and fragrant dill.
As they say, “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach” – and this salad certainly proves that point! Ready to make your kitchen smell like a garden paradise?
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Cucumber Salad with Dill
Fresh and Light Perfection
This salad offers the perfect balance of creamy richness and refreshing crunch. Each bite delivers cool cucumber paired with a luscious dressing that’s both tangy and smooth. The fresh dill adds an aromatic touch that transforms simple ingredients into something extraordinary.
Budget-Friendly Home Cooking
Making this salad at home costs a fraction of what you’d pay at the deli. With just a few affordable ingredients, you can create a restaurant-quality side dish that feeds a crowd. It’s much more economical than our loaded coleslaw recipe, yet equally satisfying.
Flavorful Ingredients That Shine
The star ingredients work in perfect harmony – crisp cucumbers provide texture, while the creamy dressing adds richness. Fresh dill brings an herbaceous note that elevates every bite. The addition of red onion gives a subtle bite that complements the cooling cucumber perfectly.
Ready to whip up this delightful salad in your own kitchen? Let’s get cooking!
How to Make Creamy Cucumber Salad with Dill
Quick Overview
This creamy cucumber salad with dill is incredibly simple to prepare and absolutely delicious. The combination creates a refreshing side dish with a rich, tangy dressing that perfectly complements the crisp cucumbers.
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Chilling Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Serves: 6-8 people
Key Ingredients for Creamy Cucumber Salad with Dill
- 3 large English cucumbers, thinly sliced
- 1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons white vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 3 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Cucumbers
Wash and dry the cucumbers thoroughly. Using a sharp knife or mandoline slicer, cut the cucumbers into thin, even slices about 1/8 inch thick. Place the sliced cucumbers in a large colander and sprinkle with 1 teaspoon of salt. Toss well and let sit for 15 minutes to draw out excess moisture.
Step 2: Slice the Onion
While the cucumbers are draining, thinly slice the red onion into half-moon shapes. If you prefer a milder onion flavor, soak the sliced onion in cold water for 10 minutes, then drain and pat dry.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Dressing
In a large mixing bowl, combine sour cream, mayonnaise, white vinegar, and sugar. Whisk until smooth and well combined. Add the chopped fresh dill, remaining salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Mix until the dressing is creamy and all seasonings are evenly distributed.
Step 4: Drain and Rinse Cucumbers
After 15 minutes, rinse the salted cucumbers under cold water to remove excess salt. Using clean hands or a clean kitchen towel, gently squeeze the cucumber slices to remove as much water as possible. This step is crucial for preventing a watery salad.
Step 5: Combine and Chill
Add the drained cucumbers and sliced red onion to the bowl with the creamy dressing. Toss gently but thoroughly until all ingredients are well coated with the dressing. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Step 6: Final Touches
Before serving, give the salad a final gentle stir and taste for seasoning. Adjust salt, pepper, or vinegar as needed. Garnish with additional fresh dill if desired.
What to Serve Creamy Cucumber Salad with Dill With
This versatile salad pairs beautifully with grilled meats like barbecue chicken, pork chops, or salmon. It’s also perfect alongside hearty dishes such as meatloaf, fried chicken, or beef stew. For lighter meals, serve it with sandwiches, wraps, or as part of a summer picnic spread.
Consider pairing it with other fresh sides like corn on the cob, tomato salad, or coleslaw for a complete summer feast. It also complements rich dishes like mac and cheese or loaded baked potatoes perfectly.
Top Tips for Perfecting Creamy Cucumber Salad with Dill
Choose the Right Cucumbers
English cucumbers work best because they have fewer seeds and thinner skins. If using regular cucumbers, consider peeling them and scooping out the seeds for better texture.
Salt and Drain Properly
Don’t skip the salting step! This removes excess moisture and prevents your salad from becoming watery. Always rinse and squeeze the cucumbers after salting.
Fresh Dill Makes a Difference
Use fresh dill whenever possible. Dried dill can be substituted, but use only 1 tablespoon instead of 3 tablespoons fresh.
Chill for Best Flavor
Allow the salad to chill for at least 30 minutes before serving. This helps the flavors meld together and creates the best taste experience.
Adjust Seasoning to Taste
Everyone’s taste preferences are different. Start with the recipe amounts and adjust vinegar, salt, or sugar to your liking.
Storing and Reheating Tips
Store leftover creamy cucumber salad with dill in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 3 days. The salad will release more liquid over time, so drain any excess liquid before serving leftovers.
This salad is best enjoyed cold and doesn’t require reheating. If the salad seems watery after storage, simply drain the excess liquid and give it a gentle stir before serving.
For best results, consume within 2-3 days as cucumbers can become soggy over time. This salad is not suitable for freezing due to the high water content of the cucumbers.
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Per Serving (1/8 recipe) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 85 |
| Total Fat | 6g |
| Saturated Fat | 2g |
| Cholesterol | 8mg |
| Sodium | 320mg |
| Total Carbs | 7g |
| Dietary Fiber | 1g |
| Sugars | 5g |
| Protein | 2g |
| Vitamin C | 8% DV |
| Vitamin K | 12% DV |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes! This salad actually tastes better after chilling for a few hours. You can make it up to 24 hours ahead, but it’s best consumed within 3 days for optimal freshness and texture.
What can I substitute for sour cream?
Greek yogurt makes an excellent substitute for sour cream, providing similar tanginess with added protein. You can also use cream cheese mixed with a little milk for a richer texture.
How do I keep my cucumber salad from getting watery?
The key is salting the cucumbers first to draw out moisture, then rinsing and thoroughly draining them. Also, use English cucumbers when possible as they contain less water than regular cucumbers.
Can I add other vegetables to this salad?
Absolutely! Thinly sliced radishes, cherry tomatoes, or bell peppers make great additions. Just remember to adjust the dressing amount accordingly.
Is this salad suitable for meal prep?
While you can prep the ingredients ahead, it’s best to combine everything no more than 24 hours before serving to maintain the best texture and prevent excess water.
Can I use dried dill instead of fresh?
Yes, but use only 1 tablespoon of dried dill instead of 3 tablespoons fresh. Dried herbs are more concentrated in flavor.
How thin should I slice the cucumbers?
Aim for slices about 1/8 inch thick. They should be thin enough to absorb the dressing flavors but thick enough to maintain some crunch.
What’s the best way to slice cucumbers evenly?
A mandoline slicer gives the most even results, but a sharp knife works well too. Take your time and try to keep slices consistent for even flavor distribution.
Recipe Variations and Creative Ideas
Mediterranean Style
Add crumbled feta cheese, cherry tomatoes, and a sprinkle of oregano for a Mediterranean twist. Replace some of the mayonnaise with olive oil for a lighter version.
Asian-Inspired Version
Substitute rice vinegar for white vinegar and add a touch of sesame oil and toasted sesame seeds. Include thin slices of fresh ginger for extra zing.
German-Style Cucumber Salad
Use white wine vinegar instead of regular vinegar and add thinly sliced chives along with the dill. A pinch of caraway seeds adds authentic German flavor.
Spicy Kick Version
Add finely diced jalapeño peppers or a dash of hot sauce to the dressing for those who like a little heat with their cool and creamy salad.
This creamy cucumber salad with dill is more than just a side dish – it’s a refreshing celebration of simple ingredients that come together in perfect harmony. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue or looking for a light lunch option, this versatile salad delivers every time. The combination of crisp cucumbers, aromatic dill, and rich creamy dressing creates a dish that’s both satisfying and refreshing.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and adaptability. You can easily customize it to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs while maintaining that signature creamy, fresh flavor that makes it so irresistible. Give this recipe a try, and you’ll understand why it’s become a favorite among home cooks everywhere!