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Creamy Cucumber Dill Salad: Best Easy Summer Side

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This creamy cucumber dill salad is the perfect summer side dish—quick, refreshing, and made with simple ingredients. The secret is salting the cucumbers to draw out moisture, ensuring a crisp, non-watery salad every time.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 large English cucumbers (about 1 lb or 450g total)
  • ½ medium red onion (about 60g), thinly sliced into half-moons
  • 3 tablespoons fresh dill (about 12g), finely chopped
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt (5g)
  • ½ cup sour cream (120g), full-fat recommended
  • ¼ cup mayonnaise (60g), such as Duke’s or Hellmann’s
  • 1 tablespoon white vinegar (15ml)
  • 1 teaspoon granulated sugar (4g)
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder (1.5g)
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper (0.5g), freshly ground

Instructions

  1. Slice the cucumbers: Wash well and slice into thin rounds, about ⅛-inch (3mm) thick. Aim for about 30-35 slices per cucumber.
  2. Salt and drain: Place cucumber slices in a large bowl and sprinkle with 1 teaspoon salt. Toss gently to coat. Let sit for 20-30 minutes at room temperature until beads of water form on the surface.
  3. Rinse and dry: Transfer cucumbers to a colander and rinse briefly with cold water to remove excess salt. Spread on a clean kitchen towel or paper towels and pat dry.
  4. Prepare the onion: While cucumbers drain, slice red onion into thin half-moons. For a milder bite, soak slices in cold water for 10 minutes, then drain.
  5. Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together sour cream, mayonnaise, white vinegar, sugar, garlic powder, and black pepper until smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning if desired.
  6. Combine and chill: In a large bowl, combine dried cucumber slices, red onion, and fresh dill. Pour dressing over top and toss gently until evenly coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.
  7. Give it a final stir: Right before serving, gently toss the salad. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed, such as extra black pepper or a squeeze of lemon juice.

Notes

Don’t skip the salting step—it’s crucial for preventing a watery salad. Use fresh dill for the best flavor. For best results, let the salad rest in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Do not freeze.

Nutrition

Keywords: creamy cucumber dill salad, easy summer side, cucumber salad, dill salad, no-cook recipe, potluck side, refreshing salad

Find it online: https://elaraeats.com/creamy-cucumber-dill-salad-best-easy-summer-side/