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Fresh Creamy Cucumber Dill Salad with Red Onion

fresh creamy cucumber dill salad - featured image

A quick and refreshing creamy cucumber dill salad with red onion, perfect for summer and ready in under 15 minutes. This salad balances crisp cucumbers, sharp red onion, and a creamy dill dressing for a cool, satisfying side dish.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 large English cucumbers, thinly sliced
  • 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1/4 cup fresh dill, chopped
  • 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt (full-fat preferred)
  • 1/4 cup sour cream
  • 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
  • Salt to taste (start with 1/2 teaspoon)
  • Freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • Optional: 1/4 cup cottage cheese, blended smooth

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Vegetables (10 minutes): Wash cucumbers and pat dry. Slice thinly about 1/8 inch thick. Peel and thinly slice the red onion. To reduce sharpness, soak onion slices in cold water for 5 minutes, then drain.
  2. Mix the Dressing (5 minutes): In a medium bowl, combine Greek yogurt, sour cream, and mayonnaise. Add minced garlic, lemon juice, and apple cider vinegar. Whisk until smooth and creamy. If using cottage cheese, blend separately until smooth and stir into the dressing. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  3. Combine Salad Ingredients (3 minutes): In a large mixing bowl, add sliced cucumbers, red onion, and chopped dill. Pour dressing over and gently toss until evenly coated. Avoid overmixing to prevent excess water release.
  4. Chill and Marinate (at least 30 minutes): Cover and refrigerate to let flavors meld and salad chill. Minimum 15 minutes if short on time.
  5. Final Taste Check and Serve: Stir gently before serving. Adjust seasoning with salt or lemon juice if needed.

Notes

Use fresh dill for best flavor; dried dill is not recommended. Thin, even slices of cucumber and onion ensure balanced bites. Soaking onion slices in cold water mellows sharpness. Chill salad for at least 30 minutes to meld flavors. Optional cottage cheese adds creaminess without heaviness. For vegan version, substitute dairy ingredients with plant-based alternatives.

Nutrition

Keywords: cucumber salad, creamy cucumber salad, dill salad, summer salad, red onion salad, quick salad, easy salad, healthy salad