There are few things as refreshing and bright as a Cucumber Dill Salad, especially when the sun is shining and you crave something crisp with a zesty kick. This dish celebrates the irresistible pairing of cool cucumbers and aromatic dill in a creamy yogurt dressing, rounded out with a little onion bite and vibrant lemon juice. It’s exactly the kind of simple, crave-worthy salad that makes a meal feel special, whether you’re packing a picnic basket, setting out a brunch spread, or just looking for a healthy, satisfying side that everyone will want seconds of.

Cucumber Dill Salad Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

To build the ultimate Cucumber Dill Salad, all you need are a handful of simple, everyday ingredients, each bringing a special something to the table. The magic truly happens when these classics meet: creamy, bright, tangy, and herby notes all harmonize in every bite.

Greek Yogurt: Full-fat Greek or plain yogurt makes the dressing irresistibly creamy and adds a touch of tang.
Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Just a splash adds silkiness and gently rounds out the flavors.
Lemon Juice: A squeeze of fresh lemon wakes up the salad and brightens every bite.
Garlic: Just a hint of grated garlic gives depth and a little welcome punch.
Fine Salt: Essential for seasoning and drawing out the juices from those crisp cucumbers.
Black Pepper: Adds a subtle, grounding warmth that balances the coolness of the cucumbers.
Cucumbers: Use long English cucumbers for their crunch, mild flavor, and thin skin (no peeling necessary).
Red Onion: Thinly sliced for color, gentle bite, and a touch of sweetness.
Fresh Dill: The heart and soul of this salad, dill infuses every bite with fresh, herbal flavor.

How to Make Cucumber Dill Salad

Step 1: Mix the Yogurt Dressing

Start by combining the Greek yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, grated garlic, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl. Whisk until everything is fully blended into a creamy, silky dressing. Taking a moment to stir it well ensures the flavors meld beautifully and the consistency is perfect for coating every cucumber slice.

Step 2: Prep the Cucumbers and Onions

Slice your red onion thinly so that it adds flavor without overpowering the salad. Next, halve the English cucumbers lengthwise, then slice each half into thin, even pieces (around 1/8-inch thick is ideal). This ensures the cucumbers stay crisp and hold the creamy dressing just right.

Step 3: Toss it All Together

Add the sliced cucumbers, onions, and chopped fresh dill to a large salad bowl. Pour over the luscious yogurt dressing and toss everything together gently but thoroughly. You want every slice glistening and completely coated, so every bite is as delicious as the next.

Step 4: Chill or Serve Fresh

You can serve your Cucumber Dill Salad right away at room temperature for a crisp and creamy bite, or pop it in the fridge for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to mingle and deepen. Just be sure to give it a gentle toss before serving, as the dressing can settle at the bottom.

How to Serve Cucumber Dill Salad

Cucumber Dill Salad Garnishes

A handful of extra fresh dill fronds scattered on top gives a lovely pop of green and deepens that fresh, herbal aroma. For a splash of color, sprinkle a touch of paprika or pile on a few thinly sliced radishes. If you’re feeling fancy, a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil right before serving makes for an irresistible sheen and extra richness.

Side Dishes

Cucumber Dill Salad shines next to grilled meats, especially salmon, chicken, or lamb. It’s also a dreamy partner for pita, falafel, or roasted potatoes. For a picnic-inspired platter, pair it with fresh bread, salty cheeses, and an array of olives—the possibilities are endless!

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, try serving Cucumber Dill Salad in individual cups or atop crostini as cute canapés. Make it the center of a mezze platter surrounded by hummus, stuffed grape leaves, and fresh veggies. Or, pile it high over greens and grilled halloumi for a show-stopping lunch salad.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Transfer any leftover Cucumber Dill Salad into an airtight container and refrigerate. It will stay fresh for up to two days, though the cucumbers will release more moisture over time—which actually makes the salad even juicier and flavorful by the second day.

Freezing

Freezing is not recommended for Cucumber Dill Salad. The cucumbers and creamy dressing just don’t hold up to freezing and thawing, resulting in a watery, less appetizing texture. It’s best enjoyed fresh or within a couple days.

Reheating

Since this is a crisp, refreshing salad meant to be served cold or at room temperature, reheating isn’t necessary. If you’ve chilled it, simply give it a gentle toss before serving so the dressing is evenly distributed and any settled juices are incorporated.

FAQs

Can I use regular yogurt instead of Greek yogurt?

Absolutely! Regular full-fat plain yogurt works well, though the dressing will be a bit thinner. If you prefer a thicker, creamier texture, Greek yogurt is your best bet. Draining regular yogurt through a cheesecloth for a few hours will also give you the same richness.

How long can Cucumber Dill Salad sit out at room temperature?

For food safety, it’s best to serve this salad within two hours if kept at room temperature, especially in warm weather. If you’re making it ahead for a gathering, keep it chilled until just before serving.

Can I make Cucumber Dill Salad ahead of time?

Yes! In fact, making it a few hours in advance (or even the night before) allows the flavors to blend together beautifully. Just store it in the fridge and toss again just before serving.

What kind of cucumbers are best for this salad?

English cucumbers are perfect since their thin skins don’t require peeling and they’re extra crisp, but Persian cucumbers also work well. If you use standard slicing cucumbers, peel them first and scoop out the larger seeds for best results.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, Cucumber Dill Salad is naturally gluten-free as written. Just make sure to double-check any add-ons or pairings you serve it with if you’re preparing a gluten-free meal.

Final Thoughts

If you’re seeking a dish that’s as easy to prepare as it is delightful to eat, you can’t go wrong with Cucumber Dill Salad. Give this recipe a try the next time you crave something light, creamy, and full of bright, garden-fresh flavor—you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it!