Some recipes don’t need a special occasion—they simply remind you of home. This creamy cucumber dill salad is one of those recipes. Adapted from a salad my mom used to make, it’s cool, crisp, and wonderfully refreshing with just the right balance of creamy, tangy, and fresh flavors.

The secret is taking a few simple ingredients and letting each one shine. Crisp cucumbers, fragrant dill, and a creamy dressing come together to create a side dish that’s just as perfect for summer cookouts as it is alongside grilled chicken, seafood, or your favorite weeknight dinner. Even better, it tastes even more delicious after a little time in the refrigerator, making it an ideal make-ahead recipe.

Whether you’re carrying on a family tradition or discovering it for the first time, this cucumber dill salad is proof that the simplest recipes are often the ones we treasure the most.

WHAT YOU’LL NEED

• ENGLISH CUCUMBER: Cool, crisp, and nearly seedless, with tender skin that doesn’t need peeling. It’s the secret to that fresh, satisfying crunch in every bite.
• RED ONION: Adds vibrant color and a fresh, savory bite that perfectly balances the creamy dressing.
• FRESH DILL: The signature herb in this salad, adding a bright, garden-fresh flavor that’s unmistakably summer.
• CHAMPAGNE VINEGAR: Light, delicate, and slightly fruity, champagne vinegar adds acidity without overpowering the other ingredients. It helps create a dressing that’s fresh and elegant.
• MAYONNAISE: Creates the rich, creamy base of the dressing. (I love Duke’s!)
• SOUR CREAM: Adds a subtle tang and lightens the richness of the mayonnaise.
• KOSHER SALT, BLACK PEPPER & SUGAR: A simple trio that perfectly balances the creamy dressing with just the right touch of savory, sweetness, and spice.

Jump to printable recipe for precise measurements

STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS

Step 1 – Thinly slice the red onion and place the slices in a bowl of cold water. Let them soak while you prepare the remaining ingredients, about 10–15 minutes. This simple step mellows their sharp bite while keeping them crisp, giving the finished salad a more balanced flavor.

Step 2 – Slice the cucumber in half lengthwise, then use a spoon to gently scrape out the seeds. Once seeded, slice each half into ¼-inch half-moons and place them in a colander.

Baker’s Tip 💛: Removing the seeds helps prevent excess moisture from watering down the dressing, keeping the salad crisp and creamy even after it’s chilled.

Step 3 : Sprinkle the cucumber slices generously with kosher salt and toss to coat evenly. Let them rest in the colander for 20–30 minutes to draw out excess moisture.

Baker’s Tip 💛: Don’t skip this step! Salting the cucumbers helps them stay crisp and prevents the dressing from becoming watery, even after the salad has been refrigerated. Once they’ve finished draining, gently pat them dry with paper towels before mixing the salad.

Step 4 : While the cucumbers are draining, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, champagne vinegar, fresh dill, sugar, kosher salt, and black pepper in a large bowl until smooth and well combined.

Baker’s Tip 💛: Taste the dressing before adding the cucumbers. The flavors should be slightly tangy and a touch sweeter than you’d expect—the cucumbers will mellow everything out once they’re mixed in.

Step 5: Drain the onions well and pat the cucumbers dry with paper towels. Add both to the bowl with the dressing and gently fold until every slice is evenly coated.

Baker’s Tip 💛: For the best flavor, cover and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving. This gives the dill time to infuse the dressing and allows all of the flavors to come together beautifully.

Serving Suggestions

This creamy cucumber dill salad is one of those versatile sides that seems to go with just about everything. Its cool, crisp texture and tangy, herb-filled dressing are the perfect complement to heartier dishes like my Brasserie Burger and classic Meatloaf, while also pairing beautifully with lighter favorites like Blackened Shrimp Tacos, Quiche Lorraine, or a bowl of refreshing Gazpacho Andaluz. Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue, packing a picnic, or simply looking for an easy side to round out dinner, this salad brings a fresh, nostalgic touch to the table.