Refreshing Creamy Cucumber Dill Salad Recipe for Summer Bliss

Whipping up a delightful cucumber dill salad brings fresh summer vibes to your table.

Cool cucumbers mingle perfectly with tangy herbs in this simple yet elegant dish.

Mediterranean influences shine through every crisp, refreshing bite.

Creamy dressing coats each slice with zesty, smooth excitement.

Quick preparation means you can serve this stunning side in minutes.

Delicate dill adds unexpected brightness that makes people ask for seconds.

Let’s turn ordinary ingredients into something extraordinary that will wow everyone at your next gathering.

Ingredients to Gather for Creamy Cucumber Dill Salad

• Cucumbers: Fresh and crisp vegetables that provide a cool and light foundation for the salad.

• Sour Cream: Adds a tangy and rich texture that creates a smooth coating for the cucumbers.

• Dill: A fresh herb that brings a bright and slightly sharp flavor to the salad.
• Lemon Juice: Provides a zesty and acidic note that enhances the overall taste.
• Salt, Pepper: Classic seasonings that balance and elevate the salad's flavor profile.

How to Whip Up This Refreshing Salad

Step 1: Slice Those Cool Cucumbers

Wash your cucumbers and slice them into thin, elegant rounds. The thinner you slice, the more delicate and delightful your salad will be.

Use a sharp knife or a mandoline slicer for perfectly uniform cuts.

Step 2: Create the Creamy Dressing

• Sour cream
• Fresh dill, finely chopped
• Zesty lemon juice

Step 3: Season and Mix

Sprinkle in salt and freshly ground black pepper to enhance the flavors.

Gently fold the cucumber slices into the creamy dressing, ensuring every slice gets coated with the delectable mixture.

Step 4: Chill and Let Flavors Mingle

Cover the salad and pop it into the refrigerator.

Let the ingredients get acquainted and develop a deeper, more complex taste. Give it at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to dance and blend beautifully.

Step 5: Serve and Savor

Retrieve your chilled salad from the refrigerator. Give it a quick stir, transfer to a serving dish, and garnish with extra dill sprigs if you’re feeling fancy.

This refreshing side dish is perfect for summer gatherings, picnics, or as a cool accompaniment to grilled meats.

Tips to Perfect Cucumber Dill Salad

• Use a sharp knife or mandoline for uniform, paper-thin cucumber slices that absorb flavors evenly and create a delicate texture.
• Pat cucumber slices with paper towels to remove water, preventing the salad from becoming watery and maintaining a creamy consistency.
• Swap sour cream with Greek yogurt for a lighter, tangier version or use mayonnaise for a richer dressing.
• Chop fresh dill right before mixing to release maximum aromatic oils and boost the herb's vibrant taste.
• Prepare the salad up to 2 hours in advance, but add salt just before serving to prevent liquid separation and maintain crisp cucumber texture.

Cucumber Dill Salad Variations to Explore

• Mediterranean Magic: Replace sour cream with Greek yogurt, add crumbled feta cheese, and sprinkle chopped kalamata olives for a Mediterranean-inspired version.
• Spicy Southwest Kick: Mix in diced jalapeños, chopped cilantro, and a dash of cumin to transform the salad with a zesty southwestern flair.
• Herbaceous Green Blend: Incorporate fresh chopped chives, parsley, and mint alongside dill to create a multi-herb cucumber salad with complex flavor profiles.
• Asian Fusion Approach: Swap lemon juice for rice vinegar, add sesame oil, and garnish with toasted sesame seeds and thinly sliced green onions for an Asian-inspired rendition.

Pairing Ideas for a Balanced Meal

• Pair with Grilled Proteins: The cool, tangy cucumber salad perfectly complements grilled chicken, salmon, or lamb chops, balancing the rich, smoky flavors with its fresh and creamy texture.
• Serve alongside Mediterranean Dishes: This cucumber dill salad matches wonderfully with Greek gyros, falafel, or spanakopita, adding a light and zesty element to hearty Mediterranean cuisine.
• Match with Crisp White Wines: Select a chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to enhance the salad's herbal dill notes and creamy sour cream base, creating a refreshing summer dining experience.
• Complement with Fresh Bread: Serve alongside crusty sourdough or pita bread to soak up the creamy dressing and provide a satisfying textural contrast to the cool cucumber salad.

How to Keep Your Salad Fresh

Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Keep the salad chilled to maintain its crisp texture and fresh flavor.

Before storing, use a slotted spoon to transfer the salad, leaving behind any accumulated water from the cucumbers.

Do not freeze this salad, as the sour cream and cucumbers will separate and lose their creamy consistency when thawed.

If the salad seems watery after storage, gently drain excess liquid and stir in a small amount of fresh sour cream to revive its creamy texture.

FAQs

• What makes dill so special in this cucumber salad?

Dill adds a bright, tangy herb flavor that perfectly complements the cool, crisp cucumber and creamy sour cream base.

• Can I use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream?

Yes, Greek yogurt works great as a healthier alternative and provides a similar creamy texture with a slightly tangier taste.

• How long can I keep this cucumber salad in the refrigerator?

The salad stays fresh for 2-3 days when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, though it’s best enjoyed within the first day or two.

• Are there any tips for getting the cucumber slices thin and uniform?

Use a sharp mandoline slicer or a very sharp knife, and slice the cucumbers carefully to ensure even, thin cuts that absorb the dressing perfectly.

Creamy Cucumber Dill Salad That Delights the Palate

• Savor Quick Preparation: Toss together simple ingredients in minutes, making this salad a breeze to create with minimal cooking skills required.
• Celebrate Fresh Summer Vibes: Crisp cucumbers and zesty dill deliver a light, cooling sensation perfect for warm days and outdoor gatherings.
• Boost Healthy Eating: Packed with fresh vegetables and low-calorie ingredients, this salad provides a nutritious side dish that doesn't compromise on flavor.
• Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients or add extra herbs to match personal taste preferences, making it a versatile recipe for various dietary needs.

Creamy Cucumber Dill Salad Recipe

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4.5 from 39 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Cool cucumber dill salad whispers summer freshness with its crisp, tangy blend of garden herbs and creamy dressing. Polish-inspired flavors dance across your palate, promising delightful simplicity in each refreshing bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Vegetables:

• 2 cucumbers, thinly sliced

Dairy:

• 1/2 cup (120 ml) sour cream
• 1/2 cup (120 ml) Greek yogurt

Seasonings and Flavor Enhancers:

• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
• Salt to taste
• Black pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Slice cucumbers thinly using a mandoline or sharp knife to ensure uniform, delicate pieces that will absorb the creamy dressing effectively.
2. In a spacious mixing bowl, carefully fold sour cream with freshly chopped dill, creating a smooth and aromatic base for the salad.
3. Squeeze fresh lemon juice into the mixture, which will brighten the flavor profile and add a subtle tangy undertone.
4. Sprinkle kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, gently stirring to distribute seasonings evenly throughout the creamy mixture.
5. Delicately incorporate cucumber slices into the dressing, ensuring each piece is generously coated without breaking the fragile vegetable.
6. Cover the salad with plastic wrap and refrigerate for a minimum of 30 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and intensify.
7. Before serving, give the salad a quick, gentle stir to redistribute the dressing and reinvigorate the herbs.
8. Garnish with additional fresh dill sprigs for an elegant presentation and enhanced herbal aroma.
9. Serve chilled as a perfect accompaniment to grilled meats, sandwiches, or as a light summer side dish.

Notes

• Chop cucumbers uniformly to ensure even distribution of dressing and consistent texture throughout the salad.
• Use full-fat sour cream for richer flavor, but Greek yogurt works as a lighter, protein-packed alternative for health-conscious eaters.
• Fresh dill provides the most vibrant taste, but dried dill can be substituted if fresh herbs aren’t available.
• Let the salad marinate longer than 30 minutes for deeper flavor infusion, allowing ingredients to meld together beautifully.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Mixing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 56 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 75 mg
• Fat: 4 g
• Saturated Fat: 2.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 1 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 3 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 1.5 g
• Cholesterol: 10 mg