Creamy cucumber dill salad is the cool, crunchy side dish your summer table needs. Sliced cucumbers and red onion are tossed in a creamy dill and sour cream dressing with a splash of vinegar for tang.

Bowl of creamy cucumber dill salad, made with sliced cucumbers, red onion, and fresh dill in a creamy dressing

It’s refreshing, simple, and always a crowd-pleaser—especially next to grilled mains or picnic fare.

This salad is creamy, crisp, cool, tangy, and just a little sweet. It’s the perfect balance of flavors and textures, and it works just as well as a quick snack as it does a potluck side.

With just a handful of ingredients, it comes together in minutes. It’s a great make-ahead salad for potlucks or backyard BBQs—especially if your spread already includes summer staples such as broccoli crunch salad, old fashioned macaroni salad, old fashioned potato salad, and tomato salad.

Wooden spoon lifting creamy cucumber salad from a bowl, showing thin cucumber slices, red onion, and specks of dill in a creamy dressing.

Why you’ll love this recipe

A creamy, crunchy way to use up extra cucumbers.
Ready in just 10 minutes.
Light and refreshing, but full of flavor.
A summer side dish that goes with almost everything.

Ingredients for Cucumber Onion Dill Salad

This section includes ingredient notes and substitution options. Get all measurements, ingredients, and instructions in the printable recipe card at the end of this post.

Overhead image of ingredients on a marble surface, each labeled: mayonnaise, white vinegar, red onion, fresh dill, salt, sugar, garlic powder, pepper, and two English cucumbers.

English cucumbers – These are my go-to for this salad. They have thinner skin, fewer seeds, and a firmer, crunchier texture than regular garden cucumbers. No need to peel, but you can if you prefer. Regular cucumbers work too, just know the salad will turn watery more quickly.
Red onion – Thinly sliced for a sharp bite and extra crunch.
Sour cream & white vinegar – These form the creamy, tangy base of the dressing.
Chopped fresh dill – Be sure it’s washed and dried. Wet herbs can make the dressing watery.
Sugar – Just a small amount to balance the vinegar.
Seasonings (salt, black pepper, garlic powder) – You can sub fresh garlic if preferred.

This section shows you how to make the recipe with step-by-step photos and instructions. For the full printable recipe, see the recipe card below.

How to Make Creamy Cucumber Salad

Step 1: In a mixing bowl, stir together the sour cream, vinegar, dill, sugar, salt, pepper, and garlic powder to make the dressing.

A thick, creamy white dressing speckled with chopped dill.

Step 2: Combine cucumber slices and onion with the dressing and toss to coat.

Overhead view of a glass bowl filled with thinly sliced cucumbers and red onions arranged in separate piles before mixing.

Step 3: Transfer to a serving bowl and serve immediately.

A creamy cucumber salad with sour cream, dill, and onion.

Make Ahead

To prep in advance, store the sliced cucumbers and onions in one container and the dressing in another. Combine just before serving for the best texture.

If you mix the salad ahead of time, keep in mind that it may release some liquid. Simply drain off excess liquid or transfer to a fresh bowl before serving.

Storage

This salad is best served fresh. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Stir well before serving, and note that it may get slightly more watery over time.

Bowl of creamy cucumber dill salad on a marble surface, with a wooden spoon holding more salad resting beside it.

Recipe Tips

Use English cucumbers for the best texture—they’re firmer and less watery than garden cucumbers.
Pat cucumbers dry to avoid excess water.
Use a mandolin for quick, even slicing.
Taste and adjust the seasoning to your liking.
Keep dressing and cucumbers separate if prepping ahead.
Double this cucumber salad recipe for a larger crowd.

Serving Suggestions

Cucumber dill salad works perfectly alongside things like air fryer hamburgers, barbecue pulled pork sandwiches, and slow cooker BBQ brisket. Basically anything you’d find at a cookout!

Additions and variations

Swap the sour cream. Use plain Greek yogurt or a mix of both.
Add some heat. Toss in some red pepper flakes.
Use a different acid. Apple cider vinegar, red wine vinegar, or lemon juice (about 1 Tablespoon) make a good substitute for vinegar.
Use Persian cucumbers. You’ll need about four, as they’re smaller than English cucumbers.
Skip the sour cream. For a lighter, zestier cucumber salad.

Wooden spoon stirring creamy cucumber salad in a glass bowl, showing cucumber slices, red onion, and creamy dill dressing.

More Fresh Salad Recipes

Recipe

Creamy cucumber dill salad with thin cucumber slices, red onion, and chopped dill in a creamy white dressing.

Recipe

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Creamy Cucumber Dill Salad

Author: Jaclyn

Prep: 10

Total: 10

This creamy cucumber dill salad is made with sour cream, fresh dill, and crisp cucumbers tossed with red onion and a hint of vinegar. It’s cool, tangy, and ready in minutes.

Ingredients

▢ ½ cup sour cream
▢ 1 ½ Tablespoons white vinegar
▢ 3 Tablespoons chopped fresh dill
▢ 1 teaspoon granulated sugar or to taste
▢ ½ teaspoon salt
▢ ¼ teaspoon black pepper
▢ ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
▢ 2 English cucumbers thinly sliced
▢ ½ small red onion halved and thinly sliced

Instructions

In a large bowl, stir to combine sour cream, vinegar, dill, sugar, salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
½ cup sour cream, 1 ½ Tablespoons white vinegar, 3 Tablespoons chopped fresh dill, 1 teaspoon granulated sugar, ½ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon black pepper, ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
Add sliced cucumbers and onion to the bowl and toss to coat.
2 English cucumbers, ½ small red onion
Transfer to a serving bowl and serve immediately.

Notes

English cucumbers are best—they’re firmer, less watery, and don’t need peeling.
Pat cucumbers dry before mixing to prevent excess liquid.
For best texture, mix dressing and veggies just before serving.
Store leftovers in the fridge up to 3 days; stir before serving. Salad may release liquid as it sits—drain excess liquid if needed.