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Creamy Cucumber Dill Salad: Best Easy Summer Recipe

creamy cucumber dill salad - featured image

This creamy cucumber dill salad is a refreshing, tangy side dish made with paper-thin cucumber rounds, fresh dill, and a creamy sour cream dressing. It’s quick to prepare, perfect for summer gatherings, and delivers a satisfying crunch in every bite.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 large English cucumbers (about 3 cups sliced)
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 3 tablespoons fresh dill, finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1/2 teaspoon granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt (for salting cucumbers), plus more to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
  • 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced (optional)

Instructions

  1. Wash and dry cucumbers. Cut off ends and slice into thin rounds, about 1/8-inch thick.
  2. Place sliced cucumbers in a large bowl and sprinkle with 1 teaspoon salt. Toss gently and let sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes until liquid pools at the bottom.
  3. Transfer cucumbers to a colander to drain, then spread on paper towels or a clean kitchen towel and pat dry gently.
  4. In a small bowl, whisk together sour cream, apple cider vinegar, sugar, and black pepper until smooth. Fold in chopped fresh dill.
  5. Place dried cucumber slices back in the large bowl. Pour dressing over and fold gently until coated. If using red onion, fold in now.
  6. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to let flavors meld.
  7. Before serving, stir, taste, and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve cold.

Notes

Salting the cucumbers is crucial to prevent a watery salad. Use fresh dill for best flavor; dried dill is not recommended. The salad tastes even better the next day after flavors meld. Do not reheat or freeze.

Nutrition

Keywords: cucumber dill salad, creamy cucumber salad, summer salad, easy side dish, potluck salad, refreshing salad