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Creamy Dill Cucumber Salad Recipe Easy Tangy Sour Cream Dressing

creamy dill cucumber salad - featured image

A refreshing and creamy dill cucumber salad with a tangy sour cream dressing that balances crisp cucumbers and fresh herbs perfectly. Quick and easy to prepare, this salad is a crowd-pleaser ideal for summer gatherings or as a light side dish.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 medium cucumbers (English or Persian), sliced thinly (about 1/8-inch thick), peeled halfway
  • 1 cup (240 ml) full-fat sour cream
  • 3 tablespoons fresh dill, finely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons (30 ml) white vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon (5 g) granulated sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon (about 1 g) garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon (6 g) salt, plus extra for sprinkling on cucumbers
  • 1/4 teaspoon (about 0.5 g) freshly ground black pepper
  • Optional: 1 tablespoon (15 ml) finely chopped red onion or scallions

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Cucumbers (10 minutes): Wash and dry the cucumbers. Peel about half the skin off if using English cucumbers. Slice into thin rounds (about 1/8-inch thick) using a sharp knife or mandoline. Place slices in a colander, sprinkle with 1 teaspoon salt, and toss to coat evenly. Let sit for 10 minutes to draw out moisture.
  2. Drain the Cucumbers (2 minutes): Gently squeeze or press the cucumbers with paper towels to remove excess liquid.
  3. Make the Dressing (5 minutes): In a mixing bowl, whisk together sour cream, white vinegar, sugar, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
  4. Combine Salad (3 minutes): Add drained cucumber slices and chopped fresh dill to the dressing. Add onions or scallions if using. Gently toss until cucumbers are evenly coated.
  5. Chill and Marinate (30 minutes or more): Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let flavors meld and cucumbers soften slightly while staying crisp.
  6. Final Seasoning and Serve: Stir gently, taste for salt or acidity, and adjust with more vinegar or salt if desired. Serve chilled.

Notes

Salt cucumbers first to draw out moisture and prevent watery salad. Use fresh dill for best flavor. Adjust dressing thickness with a splash of milk or water if needed. Chill salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to enhance flavor. Avoid overmixing to keep cucumbers crisp. For dairy-free, substitute sour cream with coconut yogurt or cashew cream. For keto, omit or reduce sugar.

Nutrition

Keywords: creamy dill cucumber salad, cucumber salad, sour cream dressing, summer salad, easy side dish, fresh dill, tangy dressing