Cool, crisp, creamy perfection

If you are craving something fresh, cool, and irresistibly creamy, this creamy cucumber salad is the easy side dish you will want on repeat. Crisp cucumber slices, bright fresh dill, and a silky yogurt-sour cream dressing come together in minutes for a refreshing cucumber dill salad that feels perfect for summer cookouts, weeknight dinners, lunch bowls, or meal prep sides. It is simple enough for busy days yet pretty enough for sharing at gatherings. The best part? There is no cooking required, just slice, stir, chill, and serve. Every bite is tangy, herby, crunchy, and totally crave-worthy.

⏱️ Time Breakdown

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes, plus optional chilling
Servings: 6

📝 Ingredients

2 large English cucumbers, thinly sliced into 1/8-inch rounds
1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt, for drawing out moisture
1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
1/4 cup sour cream
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon honey
1 small garlic clove, finely grated
1/4 cup fresh dill, finely chopped
2 tablespoons red onion, very thinly sliced
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Optional: 1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives

✨ Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

This recipe doesn’t require fancy gadgets, just a few reliable kitchen basics to keep everything simple and stress-free.

Sharp knife
Cutting board
Large mixing bowl
Small mixing bowl
Measuring cups and spoons
Whisk or fork
Colander
Paper towels or a clean kitchen towel
Serving spoon

Step-by-Step Beginner-Friendly Instructions

Slice the cucumbers. Trim the ends from the cucumbers, then slice them into thin, even 1/8-inch rounds. Thin slices soak up the creamy dressing better and give the salad a delicate crunch. 🥒
Remove extra moisture. Place the cucumber slices in a colander, sprinkle with 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt, and toss gently. Let them rest for 10 minutes until you see moisture collecting underneath.
Make the dressing while the cucumbers rest. In a small bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, sour cream, apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, honey, grated garlic, chopped dill, and black pepper for about 1 minute. The dressing should look smooth, creamy, and speckled with dill. 😊
Pat the cucumbers dry. Spread the cucumber slices on paper towels or a clean kitchen towel. Gently pat them dry so the final salad stays creamy instead of watery.
Combine everything. Add the cucumbers and thinly sliced red onion to a large mixing bowl. Pour the dressing over the top and fold gently for 30 to 45 seconds until every slice is lightly coated.
Chill or serve. For the best flavor, chill the salad for 15 to 30 minutes before serving. The dressing should be cool, thick, and cling nicely to the cucumbers. Sprinkle with chives if using, then serve fresh. ✨

💡 Pro Tips

Keep it crisp: Salting and drying the cucumbers is the secret to a creamy salad that does not turn watery.
Storage tip: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Stir gently before serving.
Easy substitution: Swap sour cream with extra Greek yogurt for a lighter, tangier version.
Make-ahead tip: Slice and salt the cucumbers ahead of time, but add the dressing within a few hours of serving for the freshest texture.

Variations

Extra herby: Add fresh parsley, mint, or chives for a garden-fresh flavor boost.
Protein-friendly lunch: Serve alongside grilled chicken, baked fish, or chickpea patties.
Crunchy twist: Add thinly sliced radishes for peppery crunch and color.
Dairy-free option: Use a plain unsweetened dairy-free yogurt and a dairy-free sour cream alternative.
More tang: Add an extra teaspoon of lemon juice if you love a brighter dressing.

Serving Ideas

This creamy cucumber dill salad is delicious with grilled chicken, roasted vegetables, rice bowls, veggie wraps, baked potatoes, or simple weeknight mains. It also makes a refreshing addition to picnic spreads, lunch plates, and warm-weather dinners when you want something cool and easy.

FAQ

Can I make creamy cucumber dill salad ahead of time?

Yes, but it tastes best when served within a few hours. For the best texture, keep the sliced cucumbers and dressing separate, then combine shortly before serving.

Why did my cucumber salad get watery?

Cucumbers naturally release water. Salting them for 10 minutes and patting them dry helps remove excess moisture before the dressing is added.

Can I use regular cucumbers instead of English cucumbers?

Yes. If using regular cucumbers, peel them if the skin is thick and scoop out large seeds before slicing.

Can I use dried dill?

Fresh dill gives the best flavor, but you can use 1 tablespoon dried dill if needed. Let the salad chill for at least 20 minutes so the dried dill can soften and blend into the dressing.

How long does it last in the refrigerator?

It keeps well for up to 2 days in an airtight container. The cucumbers will soften over time, so it is best enjoyed fresh.

Creamy Cucumber Dill Salad

Author: Samantha Jones
Total Time: 15
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

A refreshing no-cook salad combining crisp English cucumbers, tangy garlic-honey dressing, and fresh dill. The yogurt-sour cream base balances acidity and creaminess, perfect for summer meals or meal prep.

Ingredients

Scale

2 large English cucumbers, thinly sliced
1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
1/4 cup sour cream
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon honey
1 small garlic clove, finely grated
1/4 cup fresh dill, finely chopped
2 tablespoons red onion, thinly sliced
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Optional: 1 tablespoon fresh chives

Instructions

Slice the cucumbers into 1/8-inch rounds
Sprinkle with salt in a colander; let drain 10 minutes
Whisk together yogurt, sour cream, vinegar, lemon juice, honey, garlic, dill, and pepper
Pat cucumbers dry with paper towels
Combine cucumbers, red onion, and dressing in a bowl
Chill for 15-30 minutes before serving (optional)

Notes

Chill salad to enhance flavor integration
Use Greek yogurt for optimal creaminess
Adjust vinegar/lemon juice for desired tanginess

Prep Time: 15
Category: Recipes
Method: No-cook

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 80
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 250mg
Fat: 5g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Carbohydrates: 6g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 3g
Cholesterol: 10mg