🎉 Introduction
When you need a dish that’s refreshing, cooling, and effortlessly elegant, this Cucumber Dill Salad delivers every time. Crisp cucumbers meet fragrant fresh dill, thinly sliced red onion, and a silky Greek yogurt dressing brightened with lemon. The result is a salad that’s light yet satisfying—perfect for warm days, balanced meals, or as a soothing contrast to bold mains.
This recipe celebrates simple ingredients and clean flavors. Cucumbers provide crunch and hydration, dill adds a bright herbal note, and the creamy yogurt dressing ties everything together without feeling heavy. It’s a timeless side that fits beautifully into Mediterranean-style meals and everyday cooking alike.
Why you’ll love this Cucumber Dill Salad:
- Cooling and refreshing with every bite
- Creamy without heaviness thanks to Greek yogurt
- Quick to prepare and ideal for make-ahead
- Versatile as a side, topping, or light meal component
🧰 Equipment Needed
Get these tools ready before you start:
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife or mandoline
- Large mixing bowl
- Small bowl (for dressing)
- Whisk or fork
- Measuring spoons and cups
Thin, even slicing helps the cucumbers absorb flavor while staying crisp.
🛒 Ingredients
These ingredients are carefully balanced for texture, brightness, and creaminess.
Salad Base
- 1 ½ lb cucumbers, thinly sliced
- ½ red onion, very thinly sliced
- ¼ cup fresh dill, finely chopped
Creamy Dressing
- ¾ cup full-fat plain Greek yogurt
- 1 ½ tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 ½ tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- ¼ teaspoon garlic (finely minced or paste)
- ½ teaspoon fine salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Using full-fat Greek yogurt creates a rich, velvety dressing that clings beautifully to the cucumbers.
👩🍳 Directions
Step 1: Prepare the Cucumbers
Wash the cucumbers thoroughly and pat dry. Slice them thinly into rounds or half-moons, depending on size. Place the slices into a large mixing bowl.
Step 2: Slice the Onion
Thinly slice the red onion. For a milder flavor, separate the slices and add them to the bowl with the cucumbers.
Step 3: Chop the Dill
Finely chop the fresh dill and add it to the cucumber mixture. Toss gently to distribute evenly.
Step 4: Make the Dressing
In a small bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, salt, and black pepper. Whisk until smooth, creamy, and well combined.
Step 5: Taste and Adjust
Taste the dressing and adjust seasoning if needed—add a pinch more salt for balance or a splash of lemon juice for brightness.
Step 6: Combine Salad and Dressing
Pour the dressing over the cucumber mixture. Using a large spoon or spatula, gently fold until all slices are evenly coated.
Step 7: Rest for Flavor
Cover and refrigerate the salad for 10–15 minutes to allow flavors to meld while keeping the cucumbers crisp.
Step 8: Final Toss and Serve
Give the salad a final gentle toss before serving. Garnish with extra fresh dill if desired.
🍽️ Servings & Timing
- Servings: 4–6
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Rest Time: 10–15 minutes
- Total Time: ~30 minutes
An ideal quick side dish that pairs with countless meals.
🧊 Storage & Reheating
Storage
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days
Serving Notes
- This salad is best served chilled
- Stir gently before serving as dressing may settle
Avoid freezing; cucumbers lose their crisp texture when thawed.
🥄 Variations
Customize your Cucumber Dill Salad while keeping its refreshing core:
- Extra Creamy: Add an additional 2–3 tablespoons Greek yogurt
- Lighter Texture: Thin the dressing with a splash of water or lemon juice
- Herb Mix: Add parsley or chives alongside dill
- Crunch Boost: Add thinly sliced radishes
- Tangy Twist: Increase lemon juice slightly for more brightness
Each variation keeps the salad fresh, cooling, and balanced.
❓ 10 FAQs
- Should I peel the cucumbers?
Peeling is optional; thin skins add texture and color. - How do I prevent watery salad?
Use firm cucumbers and avoid salting them in advance. - Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, prepare up to 24 hours ahead and stir before serving. - Is full-fat yogurt necessary?
It provides the best texture, but lower-fat works with slightly less creaminess. - Can I use dried dill?
Fresh dill is best for aroma and flavor. - Is this salad kid-friendly?
Yes, mild flavors and creamy dressing make it approachable. - Can I add protein?
Serve alongside grilled chicken or beef for a complete meal. - Why does the onion taste strong?
Slice very thinly; resting mellows its sharpness. - Does lemon juice replace vinegar?
Yes, it provides brightness without harsh acidity. - Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely—it scales easily for gatherings.
🏁 Conclusion
This Cucumber Dill Salad is a celebration of freshness and simplicity. Crisp cucumbers, fragrant dill, and a smooth yogurt dressing come together in a dish that’s cooling, comforting, and endlessly versatile. Whether served as a side, a topping, or part of a light meal, it brings balance and brightness to the table.
If you’re looking for a recipe that’s quick, wholesome, and effortlessly elegant, this Cucumber Dill Salad is a must-try—and one you’ll return to again and again.
Creamy Cucumber Dill Salad — Fresh, Cooling, and Mediterranean-Inspired*
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Wash the cucumbers thoroughly and pat dry. Slice them thinly into rounds or half-moons, depending on size. Place the slices into a large mixing bowl.
- Thinly slice the red onion. For a milder flavor, separate the slices and add them to the bowl with the cucumbers.
- Finely chop the fresh dill and add it to the cucumber mixture. Toss gently to distribute evenly.
- In a small bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, salt, and black pepper. Whisk until smooth, creamy, and well combined.
- Taste the dressing and adjust seasoning if needed—add a pinch more salt for balance or a splash of lemon juice for brightness.
- Pour the dressing over the cucumber mixture. Using a large spoon or spatula, gently fold until all slices are evenly coated.
- Cover and refrigerate the salad for 10–15 minutes to allow flavors to meld while keeping the cucumbers crisp.
- Give the salad a final gentle toss before serving. Garnish with extra fresh dill if desired.
Notes
Peeling is optional; thin skins add texture and color. How do I prevent watery salad?
Use firm cucumbers and avoid salting them in advance. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, prepare up to 24 hours ahead and stir before serving. Is full-fat yogurt necessary?
It provides the best texture, but lower-fat works with slightly less creaminess. Can I use dried dill?
Fresh dill is best for aroma and flavor. Is this salad kid-friendly?
Yes, mild flavors and creamy dressing make it approachable. Can I add protein?
Serve alongside grilled chicken or beef for a complete meal. Why does the onion taste strong?
Slice very thinly; resting mellows its sharpness. Does lemon juice replace vinegar?
Yes, it provides brightness without harsh acidity. Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely—it scales easily for gatherings. 🏁 Conclusion This Cucumber Dill Salad is a celebration of freshness and simplicity. Crisp cucumbers, fragrant dill, and a smooth yogurt dressing come together in a dish that’s cooling, comforting, and endlessly versatile. Whether served as a side, a topping, or part of a light meal, it brings balance and brightness to the table. If you’re looking for a recipe that’s quick, wholesome, and effortlessly elegant, this Cucumber Dill Salad is a must-try—and one you’ll return to again and again.
