Creamy Cucumber Salad with Dill and Red Onion – A Summer Classic

Light, Refreshing, and Packed with Flavor

If you’re looking for the perfect side dish that’s both refreshing and satisfying, this Creamy Cucumber Salad with Dill and Red Onion is about to become a staple on your summer table.

This classic salad has been beloved for generations — it’s cool, tangy, and just the right amount of creamy. Perfect for cookouts, BBQs, potlucks, or a light lunch on a warm day, this dish is a simple and healthy favorite that always hits the spot.

At RangerMT.com, we specialize in dishes that are delicious, easy to make, and perfect for sharing. And this recipe? It checks every box.

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Cucumber Salad

This salad is more than just cucumbers and dressing. It’s a texture-and-flavor powerhouse, combining:

Crunchy cucumber slices
Tangy red onion
Creamy, herby dressing with fresh dill
A subtle sweet-sour balance from vinegar and sugar

Whether you’re serving it with grilled meats, burgers, or sandwiches, this cucumber dill salad adds a cooling, palate-cleansing touch to any meal.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You only need a few basic, fresh ingredients to bring this summer classic together.

Main Salad:

2 large cucumbers, thinly sliced (English or Persian cucumbers work best)
¼ medium red onion, thinly sliced
½ tsp salt (for drawing out cucumber moisture)

Creamy Dill Dressing:

½ cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
1 tablespoon white vinegar or lemon juice
1 teaspoon sugar (optional for balance)
1–2 tablespoons fresh dill, finely chopped (or 1 tsp dried dill)
Salt and black pepper, to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prep the Cucumbers

Slice the cucumbers thinly (use a mandoline for ultra-thin, even slices). Place them in a colander and sprinkle with salt. Let them sit for 15–30 minutes to draw out excess water — this keeps the salad from becoming watery.

After resting, pat the cucumbers dry with paper towels.

2. Slice the Red Onion

While the cucumbers are draining, thinly slice the red onion. For milder flavor, soak slices in cold water for 10 minutes, then drain.

3. Make the Creamy Dill Dressing

In a large bowl, whisk together the sour cream (or yogurt), vinegar, sugar, chopped dill, and a bit of salt and pepper. Adjust seasoning to taste — you want a nice balance of tangy, creamy, and herbal.

4. Combine and Chill

Add the drained cucumbers and red onions to the bowl and toss gently until fully coated. Chill the salad for 20–30 minutes before serving to let the flavors develop.

5. Serve Cold and Fresh

Serve your creamy cucumber salad chilled as a side dish or appetizer. Garnish with extra dill for a beautiful, fresh finish!

Related Recipes on RangerMT

If you love fresh, creamy, or tangy salads, don’t miss these fan favorites:

Mediterranean Pasta Salad – full of olives, feta, and herbs
Roasted Carrots with Whipped Feta & Garlic Butter – a warm and creamy veggie dish
Stuffed Sweet Potatoes with Spinach, Mushrooms & Cheese

Looking for more ideas? Explore the AllRecipes salad collection for endless inspiration!

Tips for Success

✅ Use Fresh Dill for the Best Flavor

While dried dill works in a pinch, fresh dill delivers a much brighter and more aromatic result.

✅ Choose the Right Cucumber

English cucumbers or Persian cucumbers are ideal because they have thin skin and fewer seeds. If you’re using regular cucumbers, consider peeling and seeding them first.

✅ Salt and Drain the Cucumbers

This step prevents the dressing from becoming watery over time. It’s worth the extra few minutes!

✅ Make It Ahead

This salad actually tastes better after it sits for a bit, so feel free to prep it a few hours ahead of time.

Storage and Leftovers

Store any leftover creamy cucumber salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

While still tasty, the cucumbers may release more water as they sit, slightly thinning the dressing. Give it a good stir and optionally add a spoon of sour cream or yogurt to refresh the texture before serving again.

Variations to Try

Looking to switch things up? Try one of these tasty twists:

Cucumber & Feta Salad

Add ½ cup crumbled feta for a Mediterranean flair.

Add Garlic

Stir in 1 minced garlic clove to the dressing for a garlicky punch.

Creamy Cucumber & Tomato Salad

Toss in cherry tomatoes, halved, for a more colorful version.

Lemon Dill Version

Replace vinegar with fresh lemon juice and add a bit of zest for citrusy zing.

What to Serve With Creamy Cucumber Salad

This dish pairs wonderfully with grilled mains and other summery favorites:

Grilled chicken, steak, or salmon
Burgers or hot dogs
Barbecue ribs or pulled pork
Sandwiches and wraps
Rice dishes or roasted potatoes

It’s also a great palate cleanser in between spicy or rich bites!

Recipe Card: Creamy Cucumber Salad with Dill & Red Onion

Prep Time: 15 min
Resting Time: 20–30 min
Total Time: 45 min
Yields: 4 servings

Ingredients:

2 large cucumbers, thinly sliced
¼ red onion, thinly sliced
½ tsp salt
½ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
1 tbsp white vinegar or lemon juice
1 tsp sugar (optional)
1–2 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
Salt & pepper, to taste

Instructions:

Salt cucumbers and let them drain for 20 minutes.
Mix sour cream, vinegar, dill, sugar, salt & pepper in a bowl.
Add cucumbers and onions; toss to coat.
Chill and serve cold. Garnish with fresh dill.

Final Thoughts

There’s a reason this Creamy Cucumber Salad with Dill and Red Onion has stood the test of time. It’s simple, fresh, and full of flavor — the kind of dish that effortlessly upgrades any meal.

So whether you’re meal prepping for the week or getting ready for a weekend BBQ, give this cucumber salad a try. We promise it’ll become a repeat favorite in your home.