🥒 Creamy Cucumber Salad with Dill and Red Onion
Cool, crisp, and creamy — this refreshing cucumber salad combines thin-sliced cucumbers with red onion, fresh dill, and a zesty creamy dressing. It’s a light and tangy side that pairs perfectly with grilled meats, summer BBQs, or simple lunches. You’ll love the balance of brightness, creaminess, and crunch in every bite!
🧾 Ingredients
- 2 large cucumbers (English or Persian), thinly sliced
- ½ small red onion, very thinly sliced
- 2–3 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice (or apple cider vinegar)
- ½ cup plain Greek yogurt (or sour cream)
- 1 tablespoon mayonnaise (optional, for added creaminess)
- 1 clove garlic, finely minced or grated
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- Optional: pinch of sugar or honey, to balance acidity
📝 Instructions
- Prep the cucumbers: Slice thinly using a mandolin or sharp knife. If using regular cucumbers, peel and scoop out seeds first for best texture.
- Place cucumber slices in a colander with a pinch of salt. Let sit for 10–15 minutes to release excess water, then pat dry with a paper towel. (This step keeps the salad from becoming watery.)
- In a large bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, mayo, lemon juice, garlic, salt, pepper, and dill. Add optional sweetener if using.
- Add cucumbers and red onion to the bowl and toss to coat evenly.
- Chill for 15–30 minutes before serving for best flavor. Garnish with extra dill.
📌 Notes & Tips
- Swap Greek yogurt with sour cream or plant-based yogurt for different textures/flavors.
- Add-ins: sliced radishes, chopped chives, or even crumbled feta.
- For a non-creamy version, just use lemon juice, olive oil, dill, and salt.
- The salad is best enjoyed fresh or within 24 hours for peak crunch.
- If storing longer, keep dressing separate and mix before serving.
🍽️ Servings
- Serves: 4
- Serving size: ~¾ to 1 cup
🔢 Nutritional Info (Per Serving, Approximate)
- Calories: 90
- Fat: 5g
- Carbs: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 200mg
✅ Health Benefits
- Hydrating: Cucumbers are 95% water — great for hot weather and skin health
- Gut-friendly: Greek yogurt provides probiotics for digestive support
- Anti-inflammatory: Dill and red onion contain antioxidants and natural anti-inflammatory compounds
- Low in calories but rich in flavor — perfect for light eating or weight management
- Calcium & protein from yogurt round out the nutrition profile
❓ Q&A
Q: Can I make this dairy-free or vegan?
A: Yes! Use coconut or almond-based yogurt and vegan mayo for a creamy, dairy-free version.
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: You can prep the components (sliced cucumber and red onion, dressing) separately, and mix them 30 minutes before serving for best texture.
Q: What type of cucumber is best?
A: English or Persian cucumbers work best as they’re seedless and have thin skins. Regular cucumbers work too, but peel and deseed them.
Q: Can I use dried dill instead of fresh?
A: Yes, use about 1 teaspoon dried dill in place of 1 tablespoon fresh. Add it to the dressing early to rehydrate and infuse flavor.
Q: Is this salad good for weight loss?
A: Absolutely! Low in calories, high in water and fiber, and made with protein-rich yogurt—it’s filling without being heavy.