Cool & Creamy Dill Cucumber Salad is a refreshing classic that has found its place on tables around the world, celebrated for its crisp, cooling taste and delightful texture. This salad is often enjoyed during warm months, but its vibrant flavors are welcome all year long.
Its roots can be traced to Eastern European and Mediterranean cuisines, where cucumbers and dill have long been staple ingredients. The creamy dressing, which sets this version apart from vinegary cucumber salads, enhances the natural sweetness and crunch of the cucumbers.
Over time, the Cool & Creamy Dill Cucumber Salad has become a beloved side dish at picnics, barbecues, and family gatherings. It offers a perfect balance of tangy, savory, and aromatic notes, making it an excellent accompaniment to a variety of main courses.
Whether you are a seasoned cook or a beginner in the kitchen, this salad is simple to prepare and consistently delivers crowd-pleasing results.
If you're seeking more information about the history and uses of cucumbers in salads, check out this resource from The Spruce Eats: https://www.thespruceeats.com/cucumber-salad-recipes-2217380. As you embark on crafting this Cool & Creamy Dill Cucumber Salad, you’ll appreciate how its clean, bright flavors come together with minimal effort and maximum impact.
Ingredients for Cool & Creamy Dill Cucumber Salad
- 3 large English cucumbers, thinly sliced
- 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 3/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions for Making Cool & Creamy Dill Cucumber Salad
- Wash, dry, and thinly slice the cucumbers. Optionally, peel them for a milder flavor.
- Thinly slice the red onion and set aside.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, sour cream, chopped dill, lemon juice, white wine vinegar, sugar, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until smooth and well combined.
- Add the sliced cucumbers and onions to the dressing. Gently toss to coat all the vegetables evenly.
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld and the salad to chill.
- Before serving, give the salad a gentle toss and adjust seasoning with additional salt or pepper if desired.
- Serve chilled, garnished with extra dill if preferred.
Nutritional Information
A serving of Cool & Creamy Dill Cucumber Salad is notably low in calories, fat, and carbohydrates, making it a smart choice for health-conscious eaters. Each generous serving (about 1 cup) contains approximately 70-90 calories, depending on your choice between full-fat or low-fat yogurt and sour cream.
You’ll benefit from about 4 grams of protein, 2-4 grams of healthy fats, and only 7-9 grams of carbohydrates. Cucumbers are naturally hydrating and provide important micronutrients like vitamin K, vitamin C, and potassium. Greek yogurt adds probiotic cultures and additional protein, while dill contributes dietary fiber and antioxidants.
The salad is gluten-free and can easily be made vegetarian or adjusted for other dietary needs. This dish is a wonderful alternative to heavier, mayonnaise-based salads, providing a lighter, yet still creamy, texture. For more detailed nutritional information about cucumbers and yogurt-based salads, consult the USDA FoodData Central: https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/.
Wine/Beverage Pairings With Cool & Creamy Dill Cucumber Salad
Cool & Creamy Dill Cucumber Salad pairs exceptionally well with crisp, refreshing beverages that highlight its clean flavors. A dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Gruner Veltliner is an excellent choice, as the acidity complements the tangy yogurt and brightens the dill.
For a non-alcoholic option, sparkling water with a slice of lemon or a homemade cucumber-mint lemonade can enhance the salad’s fresh notes. Light beers, such as a pilsner or wheat beer, also work beautifully, particularly alongside grilled dishes.
Herbal iced teas, like chamomile or mint, provide a soothing and cooling contrast to the creamy dressing.
Cooking Tips and Variations
For the most flavorful Cool & Creamy Dill Cucumber Salad, choose firm, fresh cucumbers and use Greek yogurt for a rich, creamy texture without excessive fat. English cucumbers are preferred for their thin skin and mild taste, but Persian cucumbers are also excellent.
If you want a less watery salad, sprinkle the sliced cucumbers with salt and let them drain in a colander for 20-30 minutes before assembling. This removes excess moisture and prevents the dressing from becoming diluted over time. For a lighter version, use low-fat or non-fat yogurt and sour cream.
If you prefer a vegan option, substitute the dairy products with plain coconut yogurt or a creamy cashew-based alternative. For added crunch and color, consider mixing in thinly sliced radishes or bell peppers. Finely chopped chives or parsley can complement or replace dill if you want a fresh twist.
For a tangier profile, increase the lemon juice or add a splash of apple cider vinegar. This salad may be made several hours in advance or even the night before; the flavors will deepen as it chills.
Store leftovers in a tightly sealed container in the refrigerator and consume within two days for best texture and taste.
Serving Suggestions
Cool & Creamy Dill Cucumber Salad is truly versatile and can be served in a variety of ways. As a classic side dish, it’s perfect alongside grilled meats, roasted chicken, or baked fish—the cooling cucumber and dill balance out rich or spicy main courses.
During summer months, pair the salad with barbecued fare, burgers, or picnic sandwiches for a refreshing counterpoint. It also shines as part of a vegetarian spread, complementing dishes like falafel, veggie burgers, or grain bowls.
For a more elegant presentation, serve the salad in individual cups or on a platter garnished with extra sprigs of dill and lemon wedges. This salad is also wonderful as a topping for open-faced toast or crispbread, or tucked into pita pockets with smoked salmon or turkey.
At buffets or potlucks, keep the salad cold over a bowl of ice to maintain its texture and freshness. Its vibrant green color and speckled dill make it an attractive centerpiece on any table, inviting guests to enjoy a bite of something cool and satisfying.
Cool & Creamy Dill Cucumber Salad Health Benefits
Cool & Creamy Dill Cucumber Salad is an excellent choice for those seeking both flavor and nutritional benefits. Cucumbers are composed of over 95% water, making them exceptionally hydrating and low in calories.
They are a great source of vitamin K, which supports bone health, and contain antioxidants such as beta carotene and flavonoids that help combat inflammation. Greek yogurt provides protein, calcium, and beneficial probiotics, which support digestive health.
Dill, the herb that gives this salad its signature aroma, is rich in vitamin C, manganese, and iron, and has been traditionally used to aid digestion. The salad’s creamy base contains significantly less fat and calories than traditional mayonnaise-based salads, making it a lighter alternative that still satisfies creamy cravings.
For those following gluten-free, vegetarian, or low-carb diets, this dish fits seamlessly. Learn more about the health benefits of yogurt and fresh vegetables by visiting Healthline’s article: https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/foods/cucumber.
FAQs About Cool & Creamy Dill Cucumber Salad
Can I make Cool & Creamy Dill Cucumber Salad ahead of time?
Yes, this salad can be made several hours in advance or even the night before serving. Chilling allows the flavors to meld, but for optimal texture, avoid preparing it more than 24 hours ahead, as the cucumbers may release excess liquid.
What are the best cucumbers for this salad?
English cucumbers are preferred for their tender skin and mild flavor, but Persian cucumbers are also a great choice. Regular garden cucumbers can be used if peeled and deseeded.
How do I make this salad dairy-free or vegan?
To make it dairy-free, substitute the Greek yogurt and sour cream with plant-based alternatives such as coconut yogurt or cashew cream. Check for unsweetened and unflavored varieties for the most authentic taste.
How long will leftover Cool & Creamy Dill Cucumber Salad last?
Stored in a well-sealed container in the refrigerator, leftovers are best enjoyed within 1-2 days. Over time, cucumbers will continue to release water, so stir before serving.
Can I add other vegetables or herbs?
Absolutely! Thinly sliced radishes, bell peppers, or even cherry tomatoes make delicious additions. Parsley, chives, or tarragon can also be used for a different herbal profile.
Cool & Creamy Dill Cucumber Salad is a timeless, crowd-pleasing dish that brings together crisp cucumbers, aromatic dill, and a luscious, tangy dressing for a side that’s as healthy as it is delicious. Its simplicity, adaptability, and bright flavors make it a favorite for weeknight dinners, festive gatherings, and meal prep alike. With endless ways to customize, this salad is sure to become a staple in your kitchen, offering a refreshing counterpoint to hearty or spicy main dishes. Try making this Cool & Creamy Dill Cucumber Salad for your next meal and savor the perfect blend of cool, creamy, and fresh.
Ingredients
- 2 large cucumbers, thinly sliced
- 1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
- 1 tablespoon white vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
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1In a large bowl, combine the sour cream, mayonnaise, white vinegar, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Whisk until smooth.
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2Add the sliced cucumbers, red onion, and chopped fresh dill to the bowl.
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3Toss everything together until the cucumbers and onions are evenly coated with the creamy dressing.
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4Cover and refrigerate for at least 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
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5Serve chilled, garnished with extra dill if desired.
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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