Creamy Cucumber Salad with Dill and Red Onion

A Light, Refreshing Classic Perfect for Any Meal

There’s something incredibly nostalgic and refreshing about creamy cucumber salad. It’s a dish that feels like summer — cool, crisp, and full of simple flavor. Whether you’re enjoying it as a picnic side dish, a barbecue staple, or a quick weekday lunch, this Creamy Cucumber Salad with Dill and Red Onion is always a crowd-pleaser.

Made with crunchy cucumbers, a creamy dressing, fresh dill, and zingy red onions, this salad is an easy favorite. Even better? It’s perfect for beginners, only takes a few minutes to prepare, and uses ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen.

🛒 Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what makes this salad so irresistible:

2 large cucumbers (sliced thinly)

1 small red onion, thinly sliced

1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt (for the creamy base)

1 tablespoon mayonnaise (optional, for extra richness)

1 tablespoon lemon juice or white vinegar

2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried dill)

Salt and pepper, to taste

Optional: 1 teaspoon sugar or honey, if you like a touch of sweetness

🥣 How to Make Creamy Cucumber Salad

You’ll be amazed at how easy this is! In just a few steps, you’ll have a beautiful side dish ready to serve.

1. Prep the Vegetables

Wash and thinly slice your cucumbers. If the cucumbers are thick-skinned, you can peel them first — or just peel in stripes for a pretty look.
Thinly slice the red onion and set aside.

Tip: If raw onion is too sharp for your taste, soak the slices in cold water with a pinch of salt for 10 minutes, then drain before using.

2. Make the Creamy Dressing

In a large bowl, mix together the sour cream or Greek yogurt, mayo (if using), lemon juice or vinegar, chopped dill, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Add sugar or honey if you prefer a slightly sweeter flavor.

3. Combine and Chill

Add the sliced cucumbers and red onions to the bowl and toss everything together until well coated.

Cover and chill the salad in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving. This helps the flavors meld and gives you that perfect, cool bite.

💡 Why This Recipe Works

Quick and Easy: You can whip this up in less than 10 minutes.

Beginner-Friendly: No cooking required — just slicing, mixing, and chilling.

Versatile: Works great as a side dish, salad topper, or light lunch.

Naturally Low-Carb & Gluten-Free: A fresh option that fits many dietary needs.

Budget-Friendly: Uses simple pantry and fridge ingredients.

🌿 Tips + Tricks for Recipe Success

Use English cucumbers if you prefer fewer seeds and thinner skin.

Salt the cucumbers first and let them sit in a colander for 15–20 minutes to draw out moisture. This helps keep your salad from getting watery later.

Add a bit of garlic powder or fresh minced garlic to the dressing for a deeper flavor.

Double the recipe for potlucks or BBQs — it disappears fast!

Make it ahead of time — just stir before serving.

🥗 Serving Suggestions

This creamy cucumber salad goes with just about everything, but here are some great pairings:

Grilled meats like chicken, steak, or sausages

Burgers and hot dogs at summer cookouts

Roasted salmon or baked white fish

Sandwiches or wraps — it’s a cool contrast to heavier mains

Pita bread and hummus for a Mediterranean-style lunch

You can also serve it on its own as a light lunch with some crackers or a slice of toast.

❄️ Storing Leftovers

Creamy cucumber salad is best enjoyed fresh, but it can be stored for later:

Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 2–3 days.

Stir well before serving again — some water may separate but it’s normal.

Avoid freezing — the creamy dressing and cucumbers won’t thaw well.

🥒 Variations and Add-Ins

Want to put a fun spin on this salad? Try these ideas:

Add cherry tomatoes for color and sweetness.

Toss in thinly sliced radishes for a peppery crunch.

Use yogurt only for a lighter, tangier dressing.

Sprinkle with feta cheese for a Mediterranean twist.

Mix in chopped fresh mint for extra freshness.

Use apple cider vinegar instead of lemon juice for a slightly sweet and tangy kick.

🌞 A Classic Summer Salad That’s Always Welcome

Creamy cucumber salad has been passed down through generations — often making appearances at family reunions, Sunday dinners, and church picnics. It’s that timeless kind of dish that never goes out of style.

What makes this version so special is the balance: cool and crisp cucumbers, tangy dressing, sweet red onions, and that unmistakable fresh flavor of dill. It’s satisfying, light, and just the right amount of creamy.

🧡 Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for an easy side dish that works for weeknight dinners, summer parties, or a healthy meal prep idea, this Creamy Cucumber Salad with Dill and Red Onion is the one to save.

It’s budget-friendly, made with real ingredients, and totally beginner-proof. Plus, once you make it, you’ll find yourself coming back to it again and again.

So grab those cucumbers and whip up a bowl of this refreshing salad today. One bite and you’ll know why it’s a classic.

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