Cucumber Salad with Creamy Dill

Some of my earliest summer memories involve family picnics under a shady oak tree, a red-checkered tablecloth spread out, and a big bowl of cucumber salad chilling in the cooler. My mother always said the trick was slicing the cucumbers just thin enough to soak up every bit of that creamy, tangy dressing. It was the perfect pairing to grilled chicken and sunshine.

This version is a nod to hers—with crisp English cucumbers, creamy sour cream, and fragrant dill—but I’ve added a few touches of my own. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just craving something fresh on a hot day, this cucumber salad hits all the right notes: cool, creamy, and delightfully simple.

Let’s make memories one bite at a time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This creamy cucumber salad is one of those side dishes that feels like a little moment of calm on your plate. It’s cool, crisp, and bursting with garden-fresh flavor.

It’s easy enough for weeknight dinners and elegant enough for your next potluck or BBQ spread. And here’s the best part—it takes just 10 minutes to prep and chills while you get everything else ready.

The tang of white vinegar balances the richness of sour cream, while a touch of sugar and dill brings out the brightness of the cucumbers. This isn’t just a side—it’s the kind of dish folks come back for.

It’s a medium-difficulty recipe, but don’t worry—it’s mostly slicing, mixing, and chilling. If you’ve got a sharp knife and a mixing bowl, you’re already halfway there!

Perfect for family gatherings, summer suppers, or as a meal-prep staple. You’ll love how this cucumber salad brings balance to heavier dishes and adds a creamy-crisp contrast to your table.

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Ingredient Overview

This cucumber salad brings together fresh, tangy, and creamy elements into a bowl of pure summer bliss. Here’s what you’ll need for the magic:

• English cucumbers: Their thinner skin and fewer seeds make them perfect for salads. Slice them thin for optimal dressing absorption.

• Sour cream: The creamy base that coats every cucumber slice. Full-fat delivers the richest flavor.

• White vinegar: Adds a gentle tang that brightens the dish and balances the creaminess.

• Fresh dill: Herbaceous and fresh—dill gives this salad its classic flavor identity.

• Salt: Essential for drawing moisture from the cucumbers and enhancing flavor.

• Sugar: Just a pinch to balance the acidity and round out the flavors.

• Garlic powder: Adds a mellow savory depth without overpowering the freshness.

• Red onion (optional): Adds a pop of color and a bit of bite. Slice paper-thin if using.

Styling tip: Garnish with a sprig of dill or a few thin red onion rings for a beautiful finish on your serving dish.

Step-by-step Instructions

Step 1: Peel and Prep Your Cucumbers

Start by peeling your English cucumbers. While the skin is thin, removing it helps the slices absorb that creamy dressing more deeply. Once peeled, use a sharp knife or mandoline to slice them into thin, even rounds. Thin slices give the cucumber salad its signature delicate texture.

Step 2: Slice the Red Onion (If Using)

If you’re adding red onion for extra zing, now’s the time to slice it. Cut it into paper-thin half-moons. This adds a subtle bite without overwhelming the creaminess of the cucumber salad. Totally optional, but highly recommended for a bit of color and crunch.

Step 3: Mix the Creamy Dill Dressing

In a small mixing bowl, combine the sour cream, chopped dill, white vinegar, sugar, salt, and garlic powder. Whisk until smooth and well-blended. This creamy base is what transforms the cucumbers into a comforting, herb-kissed cucumber salad.

Step 4: Combine and Toss

Place the sliced cucumbers (and onions if using) into a large bowl. Pour the dressing over the top. Gently toss everything together with clean hands or salad tongs until all the cucumber slices are evenly coated. Tip: don’t overdress—add in batches if needed!

Step 5: Chill to Perfection

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving. This helps the cucumbers release some moisture and soak up all that creamy, tangy flavor. The chilling step is what gives this cucumber salad its cool, refreshing bite.

Step 6: Serve It Cold

Just before serving, give it a gentle stir and taste for seasoning. A little extra salt or dill can brighten things up. Serve it cold, straight from the fridge, and let that creamy freshness shine.

Pro Tips

For the freshest flavor, always use English cucumbers over regular ones—they stay crisp longer and have fewer seeds, making them ideal for this creamy cucumber salad.

Chill your cucumbers before slicing if you want extra crunch. Cold cucumbers naturally resist going soggy, even after sitting in dressing for a few hours. It makes a noticeable difference in your cucumber salad texture.

If your cucumbers are especially watery, sprinkle a little salt over the slices after cutting and let them sit in a colander for 20 minutes. Then pat them dry before mixing—this trick keeps your cucumber salad from getting watery.

Make it ahead, but not too far ahead! For best flavor and consistency, prep your cucumber salad no more than 24 hours in advance. After that, the dressing can thin too much as the cucumbers release liquid.

Want to level up your salad spread? It pairs beautifully with this easy college feta pasta for a quick, satisfying warm-and-cool combo.

Variations

You can turn this cucumber salad into a tangy Greek-inspired version by swapping sour cream with plain Greek yogurt. Add a sprinkle of feta and a few Kalamata olives for a Mediterranean twist.

For a vegan cucumber salad, simply use a plant-based sour cream or even coconut yogurt. The result is just as creamy and fresh, with a light tropical undertone that surprises everyone.

If you’re serving this at a party, fold in diced cherry tomatoes or blanched green beans. They not only add color but also extra texture and crunch to your cucumber salad.

Want a fun picnic version? Add chilled cooked pasta and double the dressing for a creamy cucumber pasta salad. It holds up well and turns your side dish into a light lunch.

Hosting a game-day get-together? Serve your cucumber salad alongside these easy tailgate food pinwheels for a fresh, crowd-pleasing contrast.

Frequently Asked Questions

Serving Suggestions

This creamy cucumber salad is the perfect companion to summer meals. I love pairing it with grilled chicken, lemon-roasted fish, or even veggie kabobs when we’re eating out on the deck. It’s also a dream next to burgers or sandwiches at a picnic. For kid-friendly meals or lunchbox sides, try it alongside these after school snack pretzel bites for a balanced bite of cool and salty-crunchy. At backyard barbecues or casual get-togethers, this cucumber salad brings welcome refreshment to the table.

Conclusion

Few dishes deliver that satisfying chill quite like a creamy cucumber salad. It’s not just the flavor—it’s the feeling. Light, cooling, and bright, this humble salad quietly steals the show at every meal it joins. Whether you’re honoring grandma’s recipe or making it your own, it’s a simple act of care that speaks volumes. When we pass dishes like this one around the table, we’re sharing more than food—we’re sharing comfort, tradition, and a little joy on the side. You’ll find more lunch-perfect recipes to round out your plate in our Lunch category.

Give it a go this week and let it chill your dinner plans!

Try this cucumber salad at your next family meal or summer potluck—and let me know how it goes in the comments. Did you add your own twist? I’d love to see your version! Snap a pic and tag us over on Pinterest (new tab) or your favorite platform.

Gather around the table — something delicious is waiting!