I never used to like dill at all. In fact, it wasn’t until after my second pregnancy that something shifted and I suddenly started craving it in salads and dips. Now it’s one of my favourite herbs, especially in simple recipes like this creamy cucumber dill salad.
This is the kind of side dish I make when I need something fresh, delicious, and incredibly quick to throw together. With just a handful of ingredients and a few minutes of prep, it’s perfect for busy weeknights when there isn’t much time to spend in the kitchen.
One of the best things about this recipe is that it actually gets better after it sits for a while. If you can make it ahead of time, the flavours have a chance to marinate and come together beautifully. I think it’s even better the next day, when the dill, garlic, and dressing have really soaked in and the flavours have had time to meld together. Full recipe below!
Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 2 large cucumbers (English or field cucumbers)
- As much red onion as you like (optional)
- ½ cup sour cream (or plain Greek yogurt for a lighter option)
- 1–2 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
- 1 tbsp lemon juice or white vinegar
- 1 small garlic clove, minced (optional but nice)
- Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Slice the cucumbers into thin rounds or half-moons and add to a bowl.
Optional: To remove excess water, toss cucumbers with a pinch of salt and let sit 10–15 minutes, then drain/pat dry. This keeps the salad from getting watery. - Thinly slice your red onion and add it to your cucumber bowl.
- Make your dressing: Combine sour cream (or yogurt), dill, lemon juice (or vinegar), garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Toss cucumbers with the dressing until evenly coated. Let it sit in the fridge for 20–30 minutes (if you can) to let the flavours come together.
Sometimes the simplest recipes are the ones we come back to again and again. This is one of those for us, and I hope it becomes one for you, too.
*This post contains affiliate links. We may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Hilary Boucher
Hilary lives in Collingwood, Ontario with her husband and children. When she's not assisting her clients, Hilary loves spending time in Northern Ontario with friends and family. Hilary offers a variety of manual and movement services, courses, and continued education geared towards the ever-expanding minds and life-long students.