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Creamy Dill Cucumber Salad with Red Onion – Easy Summer Side

creamy dill cucumber salad with red onion - featured image

A light and refreshing creamy dill cucumber salad with red onion that’s quick to make and perfect for summer barbecues, potlucks, or weeknight dinners. The secret is salting the cucumbers first to keep them crisp.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 large English cucumbers
  • 1 medium red onion
  • 1/4 cup fresh dill, chopped
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
  • 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 small clove garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon salt, plus more for salting cucumbers
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon sugar

Instructions

  1. Salt the cucumbers: Slice cucumbers about 1/4-inch thick. Place in a large bowl and sprinkle with 1 teaspoon salt. Toss gently and let sit for 15-20 minutes.
  2. While cucumbers rest, prepare the red onion: Slice onion thinly. If desired, soak slices in cold water for 10 minutes to mellow the bite. Drain and pat dry.
  3. Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together sour cream, Greek yogurt, white wine vinegar, olive oil, minced garlic, 1/2 teaspoon salt, black pepper, and sugar. Fold in chopped fresh dill.
  4. Drain and dry cucumbers: After 15-20 minutes, transfer cucumber slices to a colander and rinse briefly with cold water. Spread on a clean kitchen towel or paper towels and pat dry.
  5. Combine everything: In a large bowl, add dried cucumber slices and sliced red onion. Pour dressing over top and fold gently until every slice is coated.
  6. Let it rest (optional but recommended): Cover and refrigerate for 15-30 minutes to allow flavors to meld. Stir before serving.
  7. Serve and enjoy: Transfer to a serving bowl and garnish with extra fresh dill sprigs. Best enjoyed within a few hours.

Notes

Don’t skip salting the cucumbers—it draws out excess water and keeps the salad crisp. Fresh dill is essential for the best flavor. Letting the salad rest in the fridge for 15-30 minutes before serving enhances the flavors. Leftovers keep for up to 2 days in an airtight container; drain any excess liquid before serving.

Nutrition

Keywords: cucumber salad, creamy dill cucumber salad, summer side dish, easy cucumber salad, red onion salad, no-cook recipe