When you need a quick, refreshing side dish that pairs with almost any meal, Cucumber Dill Salad is a timeless favorite. Crisp cucumbers, fragrant fresh dill, and a creamy, tangy dressing come together to create a light and flavorful salad that’s perfect for warm-weather meals, potlucks, picnics, and backyard barbecues. It’s simple, satisfying, and made with just a handful of fresh ingredients.
One of the best things about this creamy cucumber dill salad recipe is how incredibly easy it is to prepare. With no cooking required, this dish comes together in about 10 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings. Thinly sliced cucumbers soak up the creamy dill dressing, creating a cool and refreshing bite that complements grilled meats, sandwiches, seafood, and roasted vegetables.
Fresh dill is the star ingredient that gives this salad its signature flavor. Its bright, slightly tangy taste pairs beautifully with crisp cucumbers and creamy dressing. Whether you use sour cream or Greek yogurt, the result is a perfectly balanced salad that is creamy, fresh, and just a little bit tangy.
This easy cucumber dill salad is also incredibly versatile. You can add thinly sliced onions for extra crunch, swap in Greek yogurt for a lighter version, or toss in feta cheese for a Mediterranean twist. However you customize it, this classic cucumber salad is guaranteed to become a go-to recipe whenever you need a simple, refreshing side dish.
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Cucumber Dill Salad
Cucumber Dill Salad is a light, refreshing side dish made with crisp cucumbers, fresh dill, and a creamy, tangy dressing. It’s a classic summer salad that pairs beautifully with grilled meats, sandwiches, or barbecue dishes. The cool cucumbers and bright dill flavor make this salad simple, flavorful, and perfect for warm-weather meals.
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
3 cups cucumbers, thinly sliced (about 2 large cucumbers)
1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
1 tablespoon lemon juice or white vinegar
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon red onion, thinly sliced (optional)
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Instructions
Slice the cucumbers
Wash and thinly slice the cucumbers. A mandoline slicer works great for evenly thin slices.
Make the dressing
In a medium bowl, whisk together sour cream, dill, lemon juice (or vinegar), garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth.
Combine the salad
Add the sliced cucumbers and optional red onion to the bowl with the dressing.
Toss gently
Stir until the cucumbers are evenly coated.
Chill (optional)
Refrigerate for 15–30 minutes before serving for the best flavor.
Serve
Garnish with extra fresh dill and enjoy chilled.
Notes
Cooking Tips
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Use English cucumbers: They have thinner skins and fewer seeds, making them ideal for salads.
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Salt the cucumbers first: If you want a thicker dressing, sprinkle cucumber slices with a little salt and let them sit for 10 minutes, then pat dry.
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Slice thin: Thin cucumber slices absorb the dressing better.
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Fresh dill is best: It gives the salad a bright, fresh flavor that dried dill can’t fully replicate.
Variations
1. German Cucumber Salad (Gurkensalat)
Replace the sour cream with a vinegar-based dressing using apple cider vinegar, sugar, and olive oil.
2. Creamy Greek Yogurt Version
Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a lighter, higher-protein salad.
3. Garlic Dill Cucumber Salad
Add 1 minced garlic clove for extra flavor.
4. Mediterranean Twist
Add crumbled feta cheese and sliced cherry tomatoes.
5. Sweet & Tangy Version
Add ½ teaspoon sugar or honey to balance the acidity.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 80
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
