When summer turns up the heat and heavy meals feel like too much, there’s one dish that delivers every single time — light, creamy, tangy, and wonderfully crisp.
Enter: Creamy Cucumber Salad with Dill and Red Onion.
It’s the perfect blend of garden-fresh simplicity and velvety richness — cool enough for a picnic, quick enough for a weeknight dinner, and classy enough for a summer gathering.
🥗 Why You’ll Love This Salad
This isn’t a flashy dish, but that’s exactly why it works. It’s understated, elegant, and incredibly satisfying.
The crunch of cucumber, the bite of red onion, and the aromatic pop of dill are tied together with a creamy, tangy dressing that hugs every slice just right.
Plus, it checks all the boxes:
✅ Low-carb
✅ Vegetarian
✅ Gluten-free
✅ Just 10 minutes to prep
✅ Always a hit on the table
🛒 Ingredients – Fresh, Simple, and Easy to Find
You probably have most of these already in your kitchen:
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2 large cucumbers, thinly sliced (English or Persian cucumbers work best)
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1/2 medium red onion, thinly sliced
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1/3 cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt for a lighter version)
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2 tablespoons mayonnaise (adds richness, but optional)
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1 tablespoon white vinegar (or lemon juice for brightness)
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1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried dill)
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Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional Add-Ins:
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Cracked black pepper, for a touch of spice
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Crumbled feta, for a tangy, creamy kick
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A pinch of sugar, to balance acidity
👩🍳 How to Make Creamy Cucumber Salad with Dill and Red Onion
Step-by-Step Instructions:
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Slice the cucumbers thinly. You can use a mandoline for even, paper-thin rounds or go rustic with a knife.
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Thinly slice the red onion and add it to the cucumbers in a large mixing bowl.
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In a separate bowl, whisk together the sour cream, mayo, vinegar (or lemon), dill, salt, and pepper until smooth.
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Pour the dressing over the cucumbers and onions and gently toss to coat.
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Let it chill for at least 15–30 minutes in the fridge before serving. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
🌿 Tips for Best Results
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Salt the cucumbers first (optional): If you want a firmer crunch, sprinkle your cucumber slices with salt and let them sit for 15 minutes, then pat them dry before adding dressing.
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Use fresh dill whenever possible — it truly makes a difference in flavor.
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Double the batch — this salad disappears fast!
🍽️ Perfect Pairings
Serve alongside:
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Grilled chicken or fish
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BBQ ribs or burgers
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Roasted potatoes
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Quiche or savory tarts
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Or simply enjoy it as a refreshing lunch on its own
🧊 How to Store It
Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2–3 days. The dressing may thin out slightly as the cucumbers release moisture, but the flavor will still be amazing.
✨ Final Thoughts: A Summer Staple You’ll Keep Coming Back To
Creamy Cucumber Salad with Dill and Red Onion is everything a warm-weather side dish should be — crisp, creamy, cooling, and packed with subtle flavor.
Whether it’s part of a weekend grill-out or a quick weekday meal, this simple salad brings a whole lot of joy in just a few ingredients.