The creamy cucumber salad is a staple of warm-weather dining—cool, crisp, and bursting with fresh dill and citrusy notes. It’s the kind of side dish that instantly lightens up any main course, be it grilled chicken, fish, or even hearty BBQ favorites. This version adds a luscious twist by using both sour cream and mayo for a velvety texture that clings to every slice of cucumber and onion. The balance of tart lemon juice, white wine vinegar, and a touch of sugar brings all the flavors together in harmony. Whether you serve it at a backyard get-together or a simple weeknight dinner, this salad will disappear fast!
Full recipe:
Ingredients:
-
4 cups thinly sliced English cucumbers
-
1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced
-
1/4 cup sour cream
-
2 tablespoons mayonnaise
-
1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
-
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
-
1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
-
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
-
1/2 teaspoon sugar
-
Salt and freshly cracked pepper to taste
Directions:
-
In a large bowl, whisk together sour cream, mayonnaise, vinegar, lemon juice, dill, garlic powder, sugar, salt, and pepper until smooth.
-
Add the sliced cucumbers and red onions to the bowl and gently toss to coat evenly with the dressing.
-
Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
-
Toss again before serving. Garnish with extra dill or cracked pepper if desired.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Chilling Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes
Kcal: 85 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
Cucumber Salad with Creamy Dill Dressing: A Cool Classic with Timeless Flavor
A Dish Rooted in Tradition
Cucumber salad is a dish that has graced dining tables around the world for generations. From European family lunches to Southeast Asian feasts, cucumbers have long been prized for their crisp texture and refreshing qualities. The version featured here—cucumber salad with creamy dill dressing—pays homage to the traditional Eastern European renditions while adding a modern creamy twist that balances tang, crunch, and herbaceous depth.
Often served as a summer side dish, this salad is more than just a way to use up extra cucumbers from the garden. It represents a celebration of seasonal produce, simple preparation, and bold yet refreshing flavors. This creamy cucumber salad can trace its popularity back to the humble farmhouse kitchens of countries like Germany, Hungary, and Poland, where variations often include sour cream, vinegar, and fresh dill, just like this one.
Why This Recipe is the Best
What sets this cucumber salad apart from other versions is its perfect balance of creamy and tangy. The dressing is rich but not heavy—made with both sour cream and mayonnaise for a velvety texture that coats every cucumber slice evenly. The addition of white wine vinegar and lemon juice adds acidity, which not only balances the richness but also enhances the brightness of the cucumbers. A hint of sugar rounds it out and makes the salad pop.
Fresh dill brings the unmistakable signature flavor, elevating this salad from simple to extraordinary. Dill is known for its delicate grassy flavor and is often the herb of choice when working with cucumbers. It adds an earthy note that complements the mild sweetness of the cucumber while contributing a garden-fresh aroma that’s hard to resist.
Unlike versions that can become watery and bland, this recipe ensures the cucumbers stay crisp and the flavor stays concentrated. The chilling time allows the ingredients to meld beautifully while keeping the texture intact.
Nutritional Benefits of Cucumber Salad
Cucumber salad isn’t just tasty—it’s packed with health benefits. Cucumbers themselves are incredibly hydrating, made up of over 95% water. They are also a good source of vitamins K and C and contain important minerals such as potassium and magnesium. Because they are low in calories and high in fiber, they’re perfect for anyone looking to maintain a healthy diet or support digestive health.
The sour cream and mayonnaise in the dressing provide healthy fats and a bit of protein, which help keep you satisfied longer. You can also easily adjust the recipe to be lighter by using Greek yogurt or low-fat versions of the creamy ingredients without sacrificing much in flavor or texture.
Additionally, fresh dill is more than just a flavor booster—it’s rich in antioxidants and may support digestion and heart health.
Versatile for Any Occasion
This cucumber salad is one of the most versatile dishes you can make. It’s ideal for backyard barbecues, weeknight dinners, potlucks, holiday spreads, and even as a make-ahead lunch. It pairs beautifully with grilled meats, fish, fried chicken, sandwiches, and even spicy dishes, making it a go-to option no matter the season or the menu.
You can also serve it in various ways: as a side dish, a topping for burgers or wraps, or even layered on rye bread with smoked salmon for a light lunch. It stores well in the refrigerator for up to two days, so you can enjoy it with leftovers or prep it ahead for gatherings.
Tips for Perfect Cucumber Salad
To ensure your cucumber salad is consistently delicious, follow these pro tips:
-
Use English or Persian cucumbers for a crisper, seedless bite. These varieties are ideal for salads because they don’t release as much water and have a more tender skin.
-
Slice the cucumbers thinly using a mandoline or sharp knife to achieve that elegant, even texture.
-
Salt the cucumbers lightly and let them sit for 10–15 minutes before mixing. This step draws out excess water, helping prevent a soggy salad.
-
Chill before serving. Giving your salad time to marinate enhances the flavor and texture. Serve it cold for maximum refreshment.
Customizations You Can Try
One of the best things about this cucumber salad is its adaptability. Depending on your preferences or what you have on hand, here are a few ways you can make it your own:
-
Swap the red onions for sweet onions or shallots for a milder flavor.
-
Add fresh herbs like parsley, chives, or mint to change the flavor profile.
-
Make it spicy with a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or thinly sliced jalapeños.
-
Add crunch with toasted sunflower seeds or chopped nuts on top.
-
Make it vegan by using plant-based mayo and dairy-free yogurt in place of sour cream and mayo.
Why Readers Keep Coming Back to This Salad
Visitors to food blogs and cookbooks alike consistently rank creamy cucumber salad among their top favorite sides. It’s incredibly simple to make, and the ingredients are pantry and fridge staples for most homes. It satisfies a craving for creamy, tangy, and refreshing all in one dish—and it does so with minimal prep.
It’s also highly photogenic. The thin cucumber rounds, the pop of purple from the onions, and the creamy white coating flecked with green dill make it an aesthetic standout. Whether you’re photographing it for a blog or laying it out for guests, it always looks impressive without requiring much effort.
Conclusion
This cucumber salad with creamy dill dressing is a timeless classic for a reason. It offers a cool, crisp texture that refreshes the palate, a creamy tangy dressing that excites the taste buds, and a healthy dose of nutrition—all in one bowl. Easy to prepare and endlessly versatile, it’s a recipe you’ll return to again and again. Whether you’re cooking for family, hosting friends, or just looking for a quick and healthy dish, this cucumber salad deserves a permanent spot on your menu.