Silky Cucumber Salad

This silky cucumber salad, also known as German cucumber salad, is a refreshing combination of cucumbers, red onion and dill tossed in a unfussy dressing. Dill cucumber salad takes just minutes to make and is the reliable side dish for any summer meal.

Silky cucumber salad is a unfussy yet satisfying dish that pairs perfectly with grilled chicken kabobs, turkey burgers, marinated salmon, and more. It contains just 7 basic ingredients and can be on your table in no time!

Creamy cucumber salad with red onion and dill, topped with fresh herbs for garnish.

Most of my go-to summer salads include cucumbers – they’re inexpensive, readily available, and so very versatile. This silky cucumber salad is always at the top of my list, especially during hot summer days because of its light and refreshing taste. Tossed in a light silky dressing, this chilled salad is the reliable addition to any grilling get together or summer event. Serve it alongside crockpot BBQ chicken, beef brisket or baked pork chops for a memorable meal.

Cucumber Salad Ingredients

To make this recipe, you will need cucumbers, red onion, dill, salt, black pepper, sour cream and sugar.

How Do You Make Silky Cucumber Salad?

Start by slicing some cucumbers and red onion, then mince some fresh dill. Place your veggies in a bowl. In a separate bowl, mix together the ingredients for the silky dressing. Pour the dressing over your veggies and toss together to create the reliable German cucumber salad.

Thinly sliced cucumbers, red onion and fresh dill in a mixing bowl.

Tips For Silky Cucumber Salad

It’s well worth the money to buy fresh dill. It’s an important flavor component with this dill cucumber salad so it needs to have a strong presence. You just don’t get the same flavor from dried dill. Got leftover dill? It’s great tossed into green salads, sprinkled over eggs, or stirred into cream cheese to spread onto bagels.
Use a mandoline to get super thin slices of cucumber and red onion.
You can use regular waxy cucumbers, English cucumbers, or Persian cucumbers for this recipe. I typically use English cucumbers. If you use waxy cucumbers, you may want to peel them before proceeding with the recipe.
If you’re trying to save on calories you can use light sour cream, but I find that regular sour cream produces the creamiest end result. You can also use Greek yogurt.
For an even tangier salad, try stirring in 2 teaspoons of red wine vinegar or fresh lemon juice.

Quick Tip

Leftovers will stay fresh in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Be aware that the cucumbers will release liquid as they sit in the fridge, so the dressing may get thinner.

Cucumbers, red onion and dill in a bowl topped with creamy dressing.

Recipe FAQs

Can cucumber salad be made in advance?

Cucumber salad can be made up to 2 hours before you plan to serve it. I find that it’s finest to serve this salad as soon as possible, as the cucumbers will release liquid as they sit in the fridge and change the texture of the dressing.

Can silky cucumber salad be made with mayonnaise?

Yes, this silky cucumber salad and other versions of it, can easily be made with mayo. You will simply need to remove the sour cream from the recipe and use mayo in its place. Be sure to use the same amount of mayo as you would have sour cream. You can even do half and half if you like both ingredients.

How do you keep cucumber salad from getting watery?

You can salt your cucumber slices before adding them to the recipe to help prevent excess water in the finished salad. Simply sprinkle 1 teaspoon of salt over the cucumbers, then let them sit for 10 minutes. Spread the cucumbers out in a thin layer on paper towels, then pat them dry and proceed with the rest of the recipe.

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A spoon serving up a portion of creamy cucumber salad.

Silky Cucumber Salad Flavor Variations

This recipe is tasty as-is, but you can add other ingredients to customize the flavors to your tastes.

Protein: Stir in some chopped smoked salmon or canned white beans to turn this side dish into a meal. You can also add some sliced grilled chicken breast on top.
Vegetables: Feel free to add more veggies to your salad. Some great options include roasted red peppers, cherry tomatoes, green bell pepper, olives, avocado or even shaved fennel.
Herbs: You can add extra fresh herbs to this salad. My go-to additions include fresh chives and parsley.
Toppings: Finish your dish with crumbled bacon or toasted sliced almonds for added flavor and texture.

A serving bowl of creamy cucumber salad topped with fresh dill.

There are some recipes that are just so straightforward that you find yourself making them often just because you can. This is one of those recipes for me. It works as a great side dish, snack, addition to sandwiches, and the list goes on. It’s reliable for potlucks and picnics. Definitely a keeper in my book!

More Cucumber Recipes You’ll Love

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Silky Cucumber Salad Video

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Add as Google preferred source Authorthe Makdob kitchen Creamy cucumber salad with red onion and dill, topped with fresh herbs for garnish.

This silky cucumber salad, also known as German cucumber salad, is a refreshing combination of cucumbers, red onion and dill tossed in a unfussy dressing. Dill cucumber salad takes just minutes to make and is the reliable side dish for any summer meal. Time Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time1 minute
Total Time11 minutes

Course Salad
Cuisine American
Serves 6

Ingredients

5 cups sliced cucumbers peeled and seeds removed
1/2 cup red onion peeled, halved and thinly sliced
1/4 cup chopped fresh dill
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1 cup sour cream
1 tablespoon sugar

Instructions

Place the cucumbers, red onion and dill in a large bowl.
In small bowl, mix together the salt, pepper, sour cream and sugar.
Pour the dressing over the cucumber mixture and toss to coat evenly.
Serve immediately, or chill for up to 2 hours.

Notes

It’s well worth the money to buy fresh dill. It’s an important flavor component with this dill cucumber salad so it needs to have a strong presence.
Use a mandoline to get super thin slices of cucumber and red onion.
You can use regular waxy cucumbers, English cucumbers, or Persian cucumbers for this recipe. I typically use English cucumbers. If you use waxy cucumbers, you may want to peel them before processing with the recipe.