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Creamy Cucumber Salad with Red Onion & Dill – Easy 10-Minute Side

creamy cucumber salad - featured image

This creamy cucumber salad with red onion and dill is a quick, refreshing side dish perfect for summer. It comes together in just 10 minutes with simple ingredients and a tangy sour cream dressing.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 large English cucumbers (or 3 medium Persian cucumbers)
  • 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1/4 cup fresh dill, finely chopped
  • 1/2 cup full-fat sour cream
  • 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
  • 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt, plus more for salting the cucumbers
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground

Instructions

  1. Prep the Cucumbers: Wash cucumbers thoroughly. If using English cucumbers, leave the skin on. Using a sharp knife or mandoline, slice them into thin rounds, about 1/8-inch thick. Place slices in a large bowl.
  2. Salt the Cucumbers: Sprinkle cucumber slices with 1 teaspoon of salt. Toss gently with your hands to coat every slice. Let sit at room temperature for 10 minutes. Water will pool at the bottom of the bowl.
  3. While Cucumbers Rest, Prep Onion and Dill: Thinly slice the red onion. If desired, place slices in a small bowl of ice water for 5-10 minutes to mellow the bite. Finely chop the fresh dill. Set both aside.
  4. Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together sour cream, mayonnaise, white wine vinegar, sugar, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and black pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
  5. Drain and Dry Cucumbers: After 10 minutes, pour cucumbers into a colander. Rinse quickly with cold water to remove excess salt. Transfer to a clean kitchen towel or paper towels and pat dry thoroughly.
  6. Combine and Toss: Transfer dried cucumber slices back to the large bowl. Add sliced red onion (drain and pat dry if soaked) and chopped dill. Pour dressing over the top. Gently fold until every slice is coated.
  7. Rest and Serve (Optional but Recommended): Cover bowl and refrigerate for at least 15-20 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.

Notes

Do not skip the salting and draining step—it prevents the dressing from becoming watery. Slice cucumbers as thin as possible for best texture. Pat cucumbers bone-dry after rinsing. For best flavor, let salad rest in the fridge for 20 minutes before serving. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Do not freeze.

Nutrition

Keywords: creamy cucumber salad, cucumber salad with dill, easy cucumber salad, summer side dish, quick salad, no-cook recipe