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Creamy Cucumber Salad Recipe: Easy Dill & Vinegar Side

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This creamy cucumber salad with dill and vinegar is a quick, no-cook side dish perfect for summer. Salted cucumbers stay crisp in a tangy sour cream dressing, making it a crowd-pleaser that uses up garden cucumbers in minutes.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 medium English cucumbers (or 4–5 Persian cucumbers)
  • 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
  • 3 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
  • ½ cup full-fat sour cream
  • 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt (for salting cucumbers), plus more to taste
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 small clove garlic, minced (optional)

Instructions

  1. Slice the cucumbers: Wash cucumbers well. If using English or Persian cucumbers, leave skin on. Slice into thin rounds, about ⅛-inch thick.
  2. Salt the cucumbers: Place sliced cucumbers in a large bowl. Sprinkle with 1 teaspoon kosher salt and toss well. Let sit for 15-20 minutes until liquid pools at the bottom.
  3. Drain and dry: Transfer cucumbers to a colander. Rinse quickly with cold water. Pat dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels.
  4. Slice the onion: Slice red onion as thin as possible. For milder flavor, soak slices in ice water for 10 minutes, then drain and pat dry.
  5. Make the dressing: In a small bowl, combine sour cream, white wine vinegar, olive oil, minced garlic (if using), and a pinch of salt and pepper. Whisk until smooth. Adjust seasoning to taste.
  6. Chop the dill: Wash and dry fresh dill. Chop finely, including tender stems. Measure 3 tablespoons. Reserve 1 teaspoon for garnish if desired.
  7. Combine everything: In a large bowl, add dried cucumbers, sliced onion, and chopped dill. Pour dressing over top. Toss gently until evenly coated.
  8. Rest (optional but recommended): Let salad sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.
  9. Serve: Give a final stir. Transfer to a serving bowl. Garnish with reserved dill and a crack of black pepper. Serve immediately or refrigerate.

Notes

Don’t skip the salting step—it prevents a watery salad. For best texture, slice cucumbers evenly (⅛-inch thick). Fresh dill is essential; dried dill won’t work as well. Let the salad rest 15 minutes before serving for best flavor. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; stir before serving and drain excess liquid if needed. Do not freeze.

Nutrition

Keywords: creamy cucumber salad, cucumber salad with dill, easy cucumber salad, summer side dish, no-cook salad, cucumber vinegar salad

Find it online: https://livelybite.com/creamy-cucumber-salad-recipe-easy-dill-and-vinegar-side/