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Fresh Creamy Dill Cucumber Salad with Quick Pickled Red Onion

fresh creamy dill cucumber salad - featured image

A refreshing and tangy cucumber salad featuring creamy dill dressing and quick pickled red onions, perfect for summer gatherings and light meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 medium cucumbers, thinly sliced (English cucumbers recommended)
  • 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) white vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt, divided (kosher salt preferred)
  • 3/4 cup (180 ml) sour cream, full-fat
  • 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped finely
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 small garlic clove, minced (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the pickled red onions: In a small bowl, combine 1/2 cup white vinegar, 1 tablespoon sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Stir until sugar dissolves. Add the thinly sliced red onion and press down gently. Let sit at room temperature for at least 15 minutes.
  2. Slice the cucumbers: Rinse and dry cucumbers. Using a sharp knife or mandoline, slice as thin as possible (about 1/8 inch thick). Place slices in a large mixing bowl. If watery, sprinkle with 1/2 teaspoon salt, toss, let sit 10 minutes, then drain excess liquid.
  3. Make the creamy dill dressing: In a separate bowl, whisk together sour cream, lemon juice, minced garlic (optional), chopped dill, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Add black pepper to taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
  4. Combine salad: Drain pickled onions, reserving some pickling liquid if desired. Gently fold onions and liquid into cucumber slices.
  5. Mix dressing and salad: Pour creamy dill dressing over cucumbers and onions. Toss gently until evenly coated.
  6. Chill and serve: Refrigerate salad for at least 20 minutes to meld flavors. Serve cold, garnished with fresh dill if desired.

Notes

Salting cucumbers helps draw out excess moisture and prevents sogginess. Let pickled onions sit for at least 15 minutes for best flavor. Use fresh dill for optimal taste. The salad tastes best after chilling for 20 minutes but can hold for a few hours. Store pickled onions separately to keep cucumbers crisp longer.

Nutrition

Keywords: cucumber salad, creamy dill, pickled red onion, summer salad, quick salad, easy salad recipe, fresh dill, sour cream dressing