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Creamy Dill Cucumber Onion Salad – Easy Summer Side

creamy dill cucumber onion salad - featured image

A cool, creamy, and tangy cucumber salad that’s perfect for using up garden cucumbers. This easy, no-cook side dish features crunchy cucumbers, sweet onions, and a luscious dill dressing, making it an ideal companion for summer barbecues and potlucks.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 large or 4 medium cucumbers (English or garden)
  • 1 medium yellow onion (Vidalia or standard)
  • 1 cup (240 ml) sour cream (full-fat recommended)
  • 2 tablespoons (30 ml) mayonnaise (full-fat recommended)
  • 2 tablespoons (30 ml) white vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon (12 g) granulated sugar
  • ¼ cup (15 g) fresh dill, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon (5 g) kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon (2 g) black pepper, freshly ground
  • Cold water (for soaking onions)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Onions: Peel and thinly slice the onion into half-moons. Place in a small bowl and cover with ice water. Let soak for 10 to 15 minutes to remove sharpness.
  2. Slice the Cucumbers: Wash cucumbers. If using garden cucumbers, peel in stripes. Slice into thin rounds, about ⅛-inch thick.
  3. Salt the Cucumbers: Place cucumber slices in a colander set over a bowl. Sprinkle with 1 teaspoon kosher salt and toss gently. Let sit for 10 minutes to draw out excess water. Gently squeeze to remove liquid; do not rinse.
  4. Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together sour cream, mayonnaise, white vinegar, sugar, and black pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
  5. Drain the Onions: Drain the onion slices and pat dry with a clean towel.
  6. Combine Everything: In a large mixing bowl, combine drained cucumbers, drained onions, and chopped fresh dill. Pour dressing over top and toss gently until every slice is coated.
  7. Chill: Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, up to 2 hours, to allow flavors to meld.
  8. Serve: Give the salad a final stir. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Garnish with a sprig of fresh dill and serve chilled.

Notes

Don’t skip salting the cucumbers—it prevents a watery dressing. For best flavor, use fresh dill and let the salad rest in the fridge for at least an hour. The onions must be soaked in ice water to tame their bite. This salad can be made a day ahead and improves with time.

Nutrition

Keywords: cucumber salad, creamy dill salad, summer side dish, easy cucumber recipe, no-cook salad, garden cucumber recipe, potluck salad