Creamy Cucumber Dill Salad Recipe

Whenever summer rolls around, I find myself craving something light, fresh, and oh-so-refreshing, and this creamy cucumber dill salad totally nails it!

I relish the invigorating crackle of slender, English cucumbers cut just so and married with the zesty depths of sour cream and white wine vinegar in this Creamy Cucumber Dill Salad. With fresh dill, a hint of sugar, and way too much sour cream (which is to say, just the right amount), it’s a classic balance of flavors.

Cucumbers are good for you. They are mostly water and so are very low in calories.

On the scale of salad, this is an unqualified win.

Ingredients

• English Cucumbers: Low in calories, high in water content, and provide hydration.
• Red Onion: Adds a sharp, tangy taste and contains antioxidants beneficial for health.
• Sour Cream: Contributes creaminess and tang, containing fats and a small amount of protein.
• Fresh Dill: Provides a fresh, aromatic flavor and is rich in nutrients such as vitamin C.
• White Wine Vinegar: Offers a bright acidity, helping to balance flavors while being low in calories.

Ingredient Quantities

• 2 large English cucumbers, thinly sliced
• 1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
• 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• Salt, to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

How to Make this

1. In a huge bowl, incorporate the finely sliced cucumbers and red onion. Put aside.

2. In another bowl, combine the sour cream, white wine vinegar, olive oil, and sugar and use a whisk to blend everything together until it’s smooth and well mixed.

3. Combine the fresh dill with the sour cream mixture; stir until evenly distributed.

4. Add salt and freshly ground black pepper to the dressing so that it tastes the way you want.

5. Drizzle the dressing over the cucumber and onion mixture, and gently toss until all the vegetables are well coated with the dressing.

6. Placing plastic wrap over the bowl, refrigerate it for a minimum of 30 minutes. This time is essential to let the flavors meld.

7. Prior to serving, you should give the salad a rapid toss to ensure the dressing is evenly distributed.

8. Season to taste and add more salt and pepper if needed.

9. As a delightful accompaniment to summer meals or anytime you grill, the following salad should be served cold as a refreshing side dish. It pairs nicely with any number of proteins, particularly meat (grilled or otherwise).

10. If you like, add more dill for a fresh touch.

Equipment Needed

1. Large mixing bowl
2. Medium mixing bowl
3. Whisk
4. Cutting board
5. Chef’s knife
6. Measuring cups
7. Measuring spoons
8. Spoon or spatula (for mixing)
9. Plastic wrap

FAQ

• Q: Can I use regular cucumbers instead of English cucumbers?A: Yes, but it’s best to peel cucumbers and remove the seeds to avoid excess water. C: Why are those steps necessary? A: Regular cucumbers have a lot more water and some more bitter compounds than the seedless variety. When a dish has very watery or slightly bitter ingredients, the all-important flavor balance is disrupted.
• Q: Can I substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream?A: Definitely, Greek yogurt can be an excellent replacement with a lighter, tangy flavor.
• Q: How long can I store the salad in the fridge?A: This salad is at its optimum when consumed fresh but can be stored in the refrigerator and still remain palatable for up to 2 days.
• Q: Can this recipe be made vegan?A: Yes, substitute sour cream with a vegan alternative and make sure all ingredients used are vegan-friendly.
• Q: Is there an alternative to white wine vinegar?Apple cider vinegar or lemon juice may be used as substitutes, each providing a different acidity profile.
• Q: How can I reduce the salt content?A: You can leave out or cut down on the salt and use more fresh dill or pepper to make it taste better.

Creamy Cucumber Dill Salad Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Substitute 1/2 cup of Greek yogurt for 1/2 cup of sour cream to make it lighter.
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped; substitute for dill; alternative herbaceous flavor.
1 tablespoon of lemon juice instead of white wine vinegar for a citrusy zing.
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar instead of white wine vinegar for a sweeter taste.
A natural sweetener like honey can replace sugar and 1 teaspoon of it works well.

Pro Tips

1. Use a Mandoline for Slicing: To achieve uniform, thin slices of cucumber and onion, use a mandoline slicer. This will ensure even texture and distribution of flavors throughout the salad.