If you’re searching for a refreshingly light and creamy dish that’s incredibly easy to whip up, this Cucumber Dill Salad Recipe is a total game-changer. It blends crisp cucumber slices with bright, tangy yogurt dressing and fragrant fresh dill, making every bite burst with vibrant flavors and cooling textures. Whether you want a quick side for a summer BBQ or a healthy snack to brighten up your day, this salad is just the right mix of simple ingredients coming together in perfect harmony.

Cucumber Dill Salad Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering a handful of everyday ingredients is all it takes to make this salad so delightful. Each item serves a distinct purpose, from adding freshness to creamy tang, and even a little zing that wakes up your palate.

2 large cucumbers: Their crispness and juiciness bring a refreshing crunch that’s the star of the salad.
1/4 small red onion: Adds a subtle sharpness and slight sweetness, thinly sliced for a gentle bite.
1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt: Creates a creamy, tangy base that’s healthier and lighter than mayo or sour cream.
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil: Enhances richness and smoothness in the dressing.
1 tablespoon white wine vinegar: Gives a bright, acidic lift that balances the mellow yogurt.
1 tablespoon fresh dill (or 1 tsp dried dill): This herb is essential for that classic, aromatic flavor you expect in a cucumber salad.
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds a subtle hint of savory depth without overpowering the salad.
Salt and pepper to taste: The simple seasonings that pull everything together.

How to Make Cucumber Dill Salad Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Cucumbers and Onion

Start by washing the cucumbers thoroughly. If you prefer a silky smooth texture, peeling them before slicing is a good move. Use a sharp knife or mandoline to thinly slice the cucumbers, ensuring they’re uniform for an even bite. Thinly slice the red onion as well, so it blends seamlessly without any overpowering chunks.

Step 2: Drain Excess Moisture

Place the cucumber slices in a colander and sprinkle lightly with salt. Letting them sit for 15 minutes draws out excess water, creating a crisper salad that won’t turn watery once tossed with the dressing. Afterward, be sure to pat them dry with paper towels to keep things nice and fresh.

Step 3: Whisk the Dressing

In a large mixing bowl, combine plain Greek yogurt with extra virgin olive oil, white wine vinegar, garlic powder, chopped fresh dill, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Whisk this together until smooth and creamy. This dressing is where all the flavor magic happens—bright, tangy, and subtly herby.

Step 4: Toss the Salad

Add the dried cucumber slices and the thinly sliced red onion to the bowl. Gently toss everything together, making sure every slice is evenly coated in the delightful dill-infused yogurt dressing. The aromas here will already make you excited to dig in.

Step 5: Chill Before Serving

Allow the salad to chill in the refrigerator for at least 10 to 15 minutes. This resting period lets the flavors mingle and the salad cools perfectly, enhancing that crisp yet creamy experience with every forkful.

How to Serve Cucumber Dill Salad Recipe

Garnishes

Sprinkling a few extra sprigs of fresh dill on top just before serving instantly ups the presentation and flavor. For a bit of crunch, consider adding a handful of toasted pine nuts or thinly sliced radishes. These garnishes make your salad pop visually and offer delightful texture contrasts.

Side Dishes

This salad pairs beautifully with grilled meats like chicken or fish, providing a cooling counterbalance to smoky, rich flavors. It’s also a perfect companion for a Mediterranean-inspired spread, complementing dishes like lamb kebabs, hummus, or warm pita bread.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve this salad in clear glass bowls to show off its gorgeous layers of green cucumbers, red onion, and flecks of herb. For a fun twist, try stuffing the salad inside cucumber cups or hollowed-out cherry tomatoes for bite-sized appetizers that wow your guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover cucumber dill salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It tastes best when eaten within 1 to 2 days because cucumbers tend to release water over time, which can dilute the dressing.

Freezing

Freezing is not recommended for the cucumber dill salad recipe since fresh cucumbers lose their crispness and become watery when thawed. The texture and flavor would suffer significantly.

Reheating

This salad is best served cold or at room temperature. Reheating is unnecessary and would cause the fresh ingredients and creamy dressing to break down, detracting from the refreshing nature of the dish.

FAQs

Can I use regular vinegar instead of white wine vinegar?

While you can substitute regular vinegar, white wine vinegar offers a milder, fruitier acidity that complements the dill and yogurt perfectly. If you use regular vinegar, consider reducing the amount slightly to avoid overpowering the salad.

Is Greek yogurt absolutely necessary in this recipe?

Greek yogurt is preferred for its creamy texture and tangy flavor, but you can swap it with a dairy-free yogurt alternative or even sour cream if needed. Just make sure the substitute is plain to maintain the balance of flavors.

How do I keep the cucumbers from making the salad watery?

Salting the cucumber slices helps draw out excess moisture before mixing them with the dressing. Be sure to pat them dry thoroughly after salting and draining to keep your salad crisp and fresh.

Can I add other herbs or vegetables?

Absolutely! Fresh mint or parsley can add a lovely variation to the herb profile. Thin cherry tomatoes, thinly sliced radishes, or bell peppers could also add color and crunch without overpowering the classic cucumber dill flavor.

Is this salad suitable for meal prep?

Yes, but the salad is best prepared a few hours before serving rather than days ahead to keep the cucumbers crisp. Making the dressing and slicing cucumbers separately and combining them just before eating is a great way to maintain freshness.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about this Cucumber Dill Salad Recipe—it’s the perfect little dish that feels both simple and elegant, cool and creamy yet punchy with flavor. I can’t wait for you to try making it because it’s one of those recipes that instantly brightens any meal and makes you feel like summer is right at your table. Trust me, once you give it a shot, it’ll become one of your go-to salads too!

Cucumber Dill Salad Recipe

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4.4 from 56 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Low Fat

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Description

A refreshing and creamy Cucumber Dill Salad featuring thinly sliced cucumbers and red onions tossed in a tangy Greek yogurt dressing infused with fresh dill and garlic powder. Perfect as a light side dish or a healthy snack.

Ingredients

Scale

Salad

2 large cucumbers, thinly sliced
1/4 small red onion, thinly sliced

Dressing

1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt (or dairy-free alternative)
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped (or 1 tsp dried dill)
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

Prepare Cucumbers: Wash and thinly slice the cucumbers. Peel them first if a smoother texture is desired.
Draw Out Moisture: Place the cucumber slices in a colander, sprinkle lightly with salt, and let sit for 15 minutes to draw out excess moisture.
Make Dressing: In a large bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, olive oil, white wine vinegar, garlic powder, dill, salt, and pepper until well combined.
Dry Cucumbers: Pat the cucumber slices dry with a paper towel to remove the drawn-out moisture.
Combine Ingredients: Add the cucumber slices and red onion to the bowl with the dressing.
Toss Salad: Toss gently until all ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.
Chill: Chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least 10–15 minutes before serving to enhance flavors.