If you’re craving a fresh, tangy dish that’s bursting with flavor and creamy goodness, the Creamy Cucumber Dill Salad with Red Onion Recipe is the perfect pick. This salad brings together crisp, thinly sliced cucumbers and zesty red onions in a luscious Greek yogurt dressing brightened by lemon juice and honey. The fresh dill ties everything together with an aromatic touch that makes every bite irresistibly refreshing yet satisfyingly creamy. Whether you’re looking for a vibrant side for summer BBQs or a light addition to your dinner table, this salad is a simple, delightful way to elevate your meals with minimal fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this salad lies in its straightforward, wholesome ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role, from the crisp crunch of cucumbers to the bold sharpness of red onion, all balanced perfectly by the creamy tang of Greek yogurt and the herbal freshness of dill.
- 2 lbs. seedless cucumbers, thinly sliced: Provides the cool, crisp base that is refreshing and hydrating.
- ½ cup plain Greek yogurt: Adds creamy texture and a rich tang that elevates the salad’s flavor profile.
- 2 Tbsp. distilled white vinegar: Brings brightness and acidity, perfect for balancing the creaminess.
- 1 Tbsp. honey: Adds a delicate sweetness to counterbalance the vinegar and onion’s bite.
- 1 Tbsp. lemon juice: Fresh citrus notes that enhance the overall zest of the dish.
- ¾ tsp. salt: Essential for seasoning and bringing out the natural flavors of the ingredients.
- 1/8 tsp. black pepper: A subtle spice that complements the refreshing components without overpowering them.
- ¼ tsp. garlic powder: Offers a gentle savory depth, giving the dressing a well-rounded character.
- 1 small red onion, thinly sliced: Adds sharpness and a vibrant color contrast that makes the salad pop.
- 2-3 Tbsp. fresh dill, finely chopped: The star herb that delivers fresh, fragrant notes and a distinctive flavor twist.
How to Make Creamy Cucumber Dill Salad with Red Onion Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the cucumbers
Begin by slicing your seedless cucumbers into thin ¼-inch rounds. Using a mandoline slicer can help you achieve uniform slices that create the perfect crunch and ensure the salad’s texture is delightful in every bite.
Step 2: Whisk the dressing
In a large bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, distilled white vinegar, honey, lemon juice, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Whisk everything together vigorously until the dressing is smooth and creamy, with balanced acidity and just a touch of sweetness.
Step 3: Toss the salad
Add the sliced cucumbers, thinly sliced red onion, and most of the chopped fresh dill to the bowl with your dressing. Gently toss everything together until each cucumber slice is coated in that luscious, creamy mixture.
Step 4: Chill and meld flavors
Cover the salad and refrigerate it for at least 2 hours, or even overnight if you can wait that long! This chilling time allows the cucumbers to soak up the flavors, softening the sharpness of the onions and helping the dill infuse its wonderful aroma.
Step 5: Final touch and serve
Right before serving, sprinkle the remaining fresh dill over the salad for a bright, herbaceous finish that makes every forkful pop with freshness.
How to Serve Creamy Cucumber Dill Salad with Red Onion Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra touch of elegance and flavor, try garnishing your creamy cucumber dill salad with a few fresh dill sprigs or a light dusting of paprika for color contrast. A drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or a few thin lemon wedges on the side can also enhance the serving presentation beautifully.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs wonderfully with a variety of dishes. Think grilled chicken, fish, or pork — the salad’s refreshing creaminess complements smoky and savory mains perfectly. It’s also a fantastic counterpoint to spicy foods or a hearty grain bowl, offering a cool break between bites.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress your guests, consider serving the salad in individual glass parfait cups layered with fresh cherry tomatoes or garnishing with edible flowers for a colorful twist. You can also serve it on a bed of mixed greens for added texture and variety, creating a more substantial salad experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover creamy cucumber dill salad with red onion holds up well when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s best enjoyed within 2 to 3 days to maintain the crisp texture of the cucumbers and the fresh zing of the dill.
Freezing
Because of the high water content in cucumbers and the yogurt-based dressing, freezing this salad is not recommended. Freezing will cause the cucumbers to become mushy and separate the creamy dressing, which affects the texture and overall taste.
Reheating
This salad is meant to be served cold and fresh; reheating is unnecessary and will change its character completely. Simply give it a gentle stir after taking it out of the fridge and serve chilled for the best experience.
FAQs
Can I use regular cucumbers with seeds for this recipe?
Yes, you can, but seedless cucumbers like English cucumbers are preferable as they have fewer seeds and less watery texture, helping your salad stay crisp instead of soggy.
Is there a non-dairy alternative for the yogurt?
Absolutely! You can substitute plain dairy-free yogurt, such as coconut or almond-based yogurt. Just make sure it’s unsweetened and plain to keep the salad’s flavor balanced.
How long should I let the salad chill for the best flavor?
Chilling for at least 2 hours is ideal, but overnight chilling significantly enhances the flavors and texture as the cucumbers absorb the dressing.
Can I use dried dill instead of fresh?
Fresh dill is best for its vibrant flavor and color, but if you don’t have it, dried dill can work. Use about one-third the amount since dried herbs are more concentrated.
What can I add if I want a little crunch besides cucumbers?
Adding thinly sliced radishes or even a handful of toasted sunflower seeds or walnuts can introduce a pleasant crunch and complement the creamy cucumber dill salad with red onion recipe nicely.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Cucumber Dill Salad with Red Onion Recipe is a shining example of how simple, fresh ingredients can come together to create something truly special and uplifting. Its balance of creamy, tangy, and herbaceous flavors makes it a go-to side for so many occasions, and I can’t wait for you to try it and see how it brings brightness and joy to your table.
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Creamy Cucumber Dill Salad with Red Onion Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes (including chilling time)
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Creamy Cucumber Dill Salad with Onion is a refreshing, tangy side dish perfect for warm weather. Made with crisp seedless cucumbers, creamy Greek yogurt, fresh dill, and a touch of honey and lemon juice, this salad combines bright, fresh flavors and a luscious texture. It’s quick to prepare and needs to chill for the flavors to meld beautifully, making it ideal for picnics, barbecues, or as a healthy snack.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 2 lbs. cucumbers (seedless, cut into ¼-inch slices)
- 1 small red onion (thinly sliced)
Dressing
- ½ cup plain Greek yogurt
- 2 Tbsp. distilled white vinegar
- 1 Tbsp. honey
- 1 Tbsp. lemon juice
- ¾ tsp. salt
- â…› tsp. black pepper
- ¼ tsp. garlic powder
- 2–3 Tbsp. fresh dill (finely chopped)
Instructions
- Slice Cucumbers: Using a mandoline slicer or a sharp knife, thinly slice the seedless cucumbers to about ¼-inch thickness to ensure even texture and ease of eating.
- Prepare Dressing: In a large bowl, whisk together the plain Greek yogurt, distilled white vinegar, honey, lemon juice, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the sliced cucumbers, thinly sliced red onion, and 2 tablespoons of freshly chopped dill to the bowl with the dressing. Toss everything together gently to coat the vegetables evenly.
- Chill Salad: Cover the bowl and refrigerate the cucumber dill salad for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to meld and the salad to chill thoroughly.
- Serve: Before serving, garnish the salad with additional fresh dill if desired. Serve cold and enjoy this cool, creamy cucumber dill salad as a refreshing side dish.
Notes
- For best results, use seedless cucumbers to avoid excess bitterness and seeds.
- Adjust the amount of honey depending on desired sweetness.
- The salad tastes better after chilling overnight, allowing flavors to develop fully.
- Fresh dill is key for authentic flavor—dried dill can be substituted in a pinch but use less.
- This salad is naturally gluten-free and vegetarian.
