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Creamy Dill Cucumber Salad with Red Onion

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This creamy dill cucumber salad with red onion is a refreshing, tangy side dish that comes together in under 15 minutes. Salted cucumbers ensure a thick, creamy dressing that won’t turn watery, making it the perfect addition to any summer gathering.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 large English cucumbers (about 1 lb total)
  • 1 medium red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1/4 cup fresh dill, finely chopped
  • 1/2 cup full-fat sour cream
  • 2 tablespoons mayonnaise (such as Duke’s or Hellmann’s)
  • 1 tablespoon white vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt (for salting cucumbers), plus more to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

  1. Wash and dry the cucumbers. No need to peel if using English cucumbers.
  2. Slice the cucumbers thinly into rounds about 1/8-inch thick using a sharp knife or mandoline.
  3. Slice the red onion into thin half-moons, about 1/8-inch thick. For milder onion, soak slices in cold water for 10 minutes, then drain.
  4. Place sliced cucumbers in a colander set over a bowl. Sprinkle with 1 teaspoon kosher salt and toss gently. Let sit for 15-20 minutes to draw out excess moisture.
  5. While cucumbers rest, make the dressing: In a small bowl, combine sour cream, mayonnaise, white vinegar, sugar, and black pepper. Whisk until smooth and creamy. Adjust vinegar or sugar to taste.
  6. After 15-20 minutes, gently press cucumbers with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels to remove excess moisture. Do not rinse.
  7. Transfer drained cucumbers and sliced red onion to a large mixing bowl. Add chopped fresh dill.
  8. Pour dressing over the vegetables and toss gently with a rubber spatula until evenly coated.
  9. Cover bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.
  10. Just before serving, give the salad a gentle stir. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve cold, garnished with extra dill sprigs if desired.

Notes

Don’t skip the salting step—it prevents a watery salad. Use fresh dill, not dried, for the best flavor. The salad improves after a few hours in the fridge. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days; drain excess liquid before serving. Do not freeze or reheat.

Nutrition

Keywords: cucumber salad, creamy dill cucumber salad, red onion salad, summer salad, easy side dish, no-cook recipe, gluten-free, vegetarian

Find it online: https://freshforkful.com/creamy-dill-cucumber-salad-with-red-onion-easy/