Creamy Cucumber Salad with Dill and Red Onion

SaladsOctober 9, 2026
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Creamy Cucumber Salad with Dill and Red Onion

A refreshing cucumber salad with dill and red onion, creamy dressing, perfect for a light lunch or side dish. Simple, quick, and elegant.

Thinly sliced cucumber and crisp red onion combine in a chilled salad that bursts with freshness. The dressing, a blend of sour cream and Greek yoghurt, is light yet rich, balanced by white vinegar and fragrant dill. Salt and pepper lift the flavours, while a hint of sugar or lemon zest can tame the acidity. This dish is ideal as a side for summer barbecues or as a light main meal on a warm day. It takes only a few minutes to prepare and can be made ahead, keeping the ingredients refreshing.

Ingredients

10 cucumbers (500 g / 1 lb), thinly sliced

1 red onion (200 g / 7 oz), thinly sliced

200 ml sour cream (7 fl oz)

200 ml Greek yoghurt (7 fl oz)

2 tsp white wine vinegar (10 ml / ⅓ fl oz)

1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped (15 g / ½ oz)

1 tsp sea salt (5 g / ⅛ oz)

½ tsp freshly ground black pepper (2.5 g / ⅛ oz)

Optional: pinch of sugar (2 g / ⅛ oz) to balance acidity

Optional: 1 tbsp lemon zest (5 g / ⅛ oz) for brightness

Essential Kitchen Tools

ItemDescription
Sharp chef's knifeFor crisp, uniform slices.
Mandoline slicer (optional)Ensures even thickness.
BowlLarge enough to hold all vegetables.
Cling filmFor chilling without drying.
Kitchen towelTo drain excess moisture.

Why This Recipe Works

The key to this salad lies in the contrast between the cool, crisp vegetables and the creamy, tangy dressing. Thin slicing maximises surface area, allowing the salad to absorb the flavours quickly while retaining crunch. The inclusion of dill and vinegar not only brightens the taste but also acts as a natural preservative, helping the cucumbers stay crisp during refrigeration. The balance of salt and acid prevents the salad from becoming flat, ensuring each bite delivers a harmonious profile.

Pro Tips for Better Results

Use a mandoline to achieve uniform slices; this reduces the likelihood of uneven watering. Pat the vegetables dry thoroughly after salting to avoid a soggy texture. Whisk the dressing until silky and consider adding a splash of lemon juice for a subtle citrus lift. When chilling, keep the bowl covered with cling film to maintain moisture and prevent the salad from absorbing fridge aromas.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

NutrientPer serving
Calories480 kcal
Fat28 g (24 % DV)
Carbohydrates12 g (4 % DV)
Protein18 g (36 % DV)
Fiber2 g (8 % DV)
Sodium650 mg (28 % DV)
Recipe

Creamy Cucumber Salad with Dill and Red Onion

A refreshing cucumber salad with dill and red onion, creamy dressing, perfect for a light lunch or side dish. Simple, quick, and elegant.

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Slice the cucumbers and red onion thinly, using a sharp knife or a mandoline for evenness.
  2. Spread the sliced vegetables on a large bowl and sprinkle them with the sea salt, allowing them to rest for 10 minutes to draw out excess moisture.
  3. While the vegetables rest, whisk together the sour cream, Greek yoghurt, white vinegar, dill, pepper and optional lemon zest or sugar until the mixture is smooth.
  4. Drain the cucumber and onion slices on a clean kitchen towel or paper towels, patting them dry to avoid a watery salad.
  5. Return the drained vegetables to the bowl, then pour the dressing over them, tossing gently to coat all pieces evenly.
  6. Cover the bowl with cling film and place it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, letting the flavours meld and the salad chill.
  7. Just before serving, give the salad a final stir and taste; adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper or vinegar if desired.
  8. Serve the salad chilled, garnished with a few extra dill sprigs or a drizzle of olive oil if you wish, and enjoy immediately.