If you are on the hunt for a refreshing, tangy, and downright delightful side dish, look no further than this Creamy Cucumber Salad with Dill and Red Onion Recipe. It’s a perfect harmony of crisp cucumbers, sharp red onion, and vibrant fresh dill all brought together with a luscious sour cream dressing. Whether you need a speedy salad to complement your summer barbecue or a cool bite to brighten up your dinner plate, this salad comes together in just five minutes and never fails to impress with its fresh flavors and creamy texture.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right is half the magic of this salad. Each one plays a crucial role—from the creamy tang of sour cream to the zing of red vinegar, and the delicate herbaceous touch of dill—all combining to make a dish that’s bursting with freshness and balance.
- ½ cup sour cream: This creates the creamy base that coats every bite with smooth, tangy richness.
- 3 tablespoons red vinegar: Adds a bright, acidic pop that wakes up the flavors and keeps the salad lively.
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill: Fresh dill lends a fragrant, slightly grassy herbal note that complements the cucumbers perfectly.
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar (optional): Just a pinch to balance out the vinegar’s acidity, but you can leave it out if you prefer a more tart salad.
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder: A subtle savory hint that deepens the flavor without overpowering the fresh ingredients.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning and bringing all the elements together harmoniously.
- 2 large English cucumbers, thinly sliced: Crisp and juicy cucumbers act as the fresh, crunchy star of the dish.
- ¼ red onion, thinly sliced: Offers a mild sharpness and lovely purple hue that contrasts beautifully with the green cucumbers.
How to Make Creamy Cucumber Salad with Dill and Red Onion Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dressing
Start by combining the sour cream, red vinegar, chopped fresh dill, sugar if using, and garlic powder in a medium bowl. Whisk them together until everything is blended into a smooth, creamy dressing. Don’t forget to taste it and adjust with salt and pepper to suit your preference. This dressing is where that irresistible creamy tang begins.
Step 2: Add the Cucumbers and Onions
Next, layer the thinly sliced English cucumbers and red onion right on top of the dressing. Give it a gentle stir to ensure every slice gets luxuriously coated in that dressing. The thin slices are key here—they let the flavors meld beautifully while keeping just the right amount of crunch.
Step 3: Chill or Serve Immediately
This salad is wonderfully versatile when it comes to serving. You can dive right in at room temperature for maximum freshness, or refrigerate for about an hour. Chilling gives it a chance to thicken slightly as the flavors mingle and intensify, making each bite even more delightful.
How to Serve Creamy Cucumber Salad with Dill and Red Onion Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of extra fresh dill on top brightens this salad visually and aromatically. For added texture and a little pop, consider tossing in some toasted sunflower seeds or crispy bacon bits. A few lemon zest curls can also add a lively touch that highlights the freshness of the cucumbers.
Side Dishes
This creamy cucumber salad pairs perfectly with grilled meats, from juicy chicken breasts to smoky sausages. It’s also excellent alongside a hearty potato salad or as a crisp contrast to rich dishes like fried fish or creamy pastas. The light, cool nature of the salad balances heavier mains beautifully and makes your meal feel fresh and balanced.
Creative Ways to Present
For a beautiful presentation, serve the salad in a clear glass bowl to show off the vibrant green and purple colors. Or try stacking it in individual small jars for picnic-friendly portions. You can even use it as a topping for open-faced sandwiches or wraps, adding a cooling element that will keep your bites exciting and refreshing.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This salad keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Because the cucumbers release water over time, the dressing might thin out a bit, so give it a quick stir before serving to bring everything back together.
Freezing
Freezing this salad is not recommended because cucumbers have high water content and will become mushy after thawing, ruining the delightful texture that makes this dish so appealing.
Reheating
Since this is a fresh, creamy salad best served cold or at room temperature, there’s no need to reheat. Just toss and serve chilled for the ultimate refreshing experience.
FAQs
Can I use regular vinegar instead of red vinegar?
Yes, you can substitute with white vinegar or apple cider vinegar if needed, but red vinegar adds the best color and a slightly milder tang that complements the dill and cucumbers beautifully.
Is there a dairy-free version of this Creamy Cucumber Salad with Dill and Red Onion Recipe?
Absolutely! Swap out the sour cream for a dairy-free alternative like coconut yogurt or a cashew cream for similar creaminess without dairy. Just keep in mind the flavor will be a bit different but still delicious.
Can I add other herbs to the salad?
While dill is the classic pairing here, fresh parsley or chives can be delightful additions if you want to mix up the flavor profile with a different kind of herbaceous note.
What’s the best cucumber to use for this salad?
English cucumbers are ideal because they have fewer seeds and thinner skins, making them perfect to slice thinly and eat raw for a tender, crunchy texture.
Can this salad be served as a main dish?
While it’s typically a side, you could turn it into a light main by adding protein like grilled shrimp, cooked chicken, or even chickpeas for a vegetarian boost, making it more filling without losing its refreshing qualities.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so wonderfully simple and satisfying about this Creamy Cucumber Salad with Dill and Red Onion Recipe. It’s fresh, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make—perfect for any day when you want a quick, delicious side that everyone will love. I truly encourage you to try it soon and enjoy the perfect balance of creamy, crisp, and tangy flavors that keep this salad a timeless favorite in my kitchen.
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Creamy Cucumber Salad with Dill and Red Onion Recipe
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Creamy Cucumber Salad is a refreshing and quick side dish featuring thinly sliced English cucumbers and red onions tossed in a tangy sour cream dressing flavored with fresh dill, red vinegar, and garlic powder. Ready in just 5 minutes, it’s perfect for a light lunch or to complement grilled meats and summer meals.
Ingredients
Dressing
- ½ cup sour cream
- 3 tablespoons red vinegar
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar (optional)
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Salad
- 2 large English cucumbers, thinly sliced
- ¼ red onion, thinly sliced
Instructions
- Prepare the Dressing: In a medium bowl, whisk together the sour cream, red vinegar, chopped fresh dill, granulated sugar (if using), and garlic powder until the mixture is smooth and well combined. Taste the dressing and season with salt and pepper according to your preference.
- Add Vegetables: Layer the thinly sliced English cucumbers and red onion on top of the prepared dressing in the bowl.
- Combine and Serve: Gently stir the cucumbers and onions in the dressing to ensure they are evenly coated. You can serve the salad immediately at room temperature or for enhanced flavor, refrigerate it for 1 hour before serving.
Notes
- Use English cucumbers for less bitterness and thinner skin, which doesn’t need peeling.
- Adjust vinegar quantity to taste if you prefer a tangier salad.
- For a lighter version, substitute sour cream with plain Greek yogurt.
- This salad can be made a few hours ahead; refrigerate to meld flavors.
- Add fresh herbs like chives or parsley for additional flavor variations.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
