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Creamy Dill Cucumber and Onion Salad

creamy cucumber dill salad - featured image

This creamy cucumber salad is sharp, creamy, crunchy, and somehow still light. The dressing clings to every slice without drowning it, and the cucumbers stay crisp for days.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 large English cucumbers
  • 1 medium red onion
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • ¼ cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • ¼ cup fresh dill, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt, plus extra for salting cucumbers
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

  1. Wash the cucumbers thoroughly and pat them dry. Trim off the ends, then slice them into thin rounds, about ⅛-inch thick. Peel the red onion and cut it in half through the root end. Slice each half into thin half-rings, about ¼-inch thick.
  2. Place the sliced cucumbers and onions in a large colander set over a bowl or in the sink. Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of kosher salt over them and toss gently with your hands to distribute. Let them sit for 30 minutes at room temperature.
  3. After 30 minutes, rinse the cucumbers and onions thoroughly under cold running water to remove the excess salt. Shake off as much water as you can, then transfer them to a clean kitchen towel or a layer of paper towels. Pat them dry gently but thoroughly.
  4. In a small bowl, combine 1 cup sour cream, ¼ cup mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar, 1 teaspoon granulated sugar, ½ teaspoon black pepper, and ¼ cup chopped fresh dill. Whisk until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
  5. Place the dried cucumbers and onions in a large mixing bowl. Pour the dressing over the top and toss gently with a spatula or large spoon until every slice is coated.
  6. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving. For best results, let it chill for 2 to 3 hours.
  7. Give the salad a gentle stir before serving. Taste and adjust seasoning with a pinch of salt or a squeeze of lemon if needed. Garnish with a few extra sprigs of fresh dill for color. Serve cold or at room temperature.

Notes

Salting the cucumbers is crucial to prevent a watery dressing. Do not skip the 30-minute salting step. Fresh dill is strongly recommended over dried for the best flavor. The salad actually tastes better the next day as flavors meld. For a dairy-free version, use plant-based sour cream and vegan mayonnaise.

Nutrition

Keywords: creamy cucumber salad, dill cucumber salad, cucumber onion salad, easy cucumber salad, summer salad, potluck salad