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Close-up of a fresh Cucumber Salad tossed with sesame seeds, herbs, and red berries in a patterned bowl.

Creamy Dill Cucumber Salad

A refreshing and vibrant cucumber salad, perfect as a light side dish for any meal. Thinly sliced cucumbers are tossed in a creamy Greek yogurt and fresh dill dressing, offering a delightful balance of tangy and savory flavors.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Appetizer, Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine: American, Greek, Mediterranean
Calories: 95

Ingredients
  

For the Salad
  • 2 large English cucumbers unpeeled, thinly sliced
  • 1/4 cup Red onion thinly sliced or finely diced
For the Creamy Dill Dressing
  • 1/2 cup Plain Greek yogurt full-fat or low-fat
  • 2 tbsp Fresh dill finely chopped
  • 1 tbsp Lemon juice freshly squeezed
  • 1 tbsp White wine vinegar
  • 1 clove Garlic minced
  • 1 tsp Granulated sugar or to taste
  • 1/2 tsp Salt plus more for drawing out water, to taste
  • 1/4 tsp Black pepper freshly ground, to taste

Equipment

  • Large Mixing Bowl
  • Whisk
  • Sharp knife or mandoline slicer
  • Colander
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Method
 

Prepare the Cucumbers
  1. Wash the English cucumbers thoroughly. Using a sharp knife or a mandoline slicer, slice the cucumbers into very thin rounds. For English cucumbers, peeling is optional; the skin adds color and nutrients.
  2. Place the sliced cucumbers in a colander. Sprinkle them generously with about 1 teaspoon of salt. Let them sit for 15-20 minutes over a sink or bowl. This step draws out excess water from the cucumbers, preventing the salad from becoming watery.
  3. After 15-20 minutes, gently squeeze the cucumbers by hand or press them between layers of paper towels to remove as much liquid as possible. Pat them thoroughly dry. Set aside.
Make the Dressing
  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the plain Greek yogurt, finely chopped fresh dill, freshly squeezed lemon juice, white wine vinegar, minced garlic, granulated sugar, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper.
  2. Whisk all the dressing ingredients together until smooth and well combined. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed, adding more salt, pepper, or sugar to your preference.
Combine and Chill
  1. Add the patted dry cucumber slices and the thinly sliced red onion to the bowl with the creamy dill dressing. Gently toss everything until all the cucumbers and onions are evenly coated with the dressing.
  2. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully and ensures the salad is nicely chilled.
  3. Give the salad a gentle stir just before serving. Serve chilled as a refreshing side dish.

Notes

For an extra touch, garnish with a few sprigs of fresh dill before serving. If you prefer a slightly thinner dressing, you can whisk in a tablespoon or two of milk or water. This salad is best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.