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Fresh Creamy Dill Cucumber Salad Recipe with Crispy Red Onion

creamy dill cucumber salad - featured image

A light, cooling cucumber salad dressed in a creamy dill sauce topped with crispy pan-fried red onions. Perfect for summer and easy to prepare in under 20 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 medium cucumbers, thinly sliced (preferably English cucumbers)
  • 1 cup (240 ml) full-fat sour cream (can substitute Greek yogurt or coconut yogurt for dairy-free)
  • 3 tablespoons fresh dill, finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste (kosher salt recommended)
  • 1 medium red onion, thinly sliced into half rings
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil or neutral oil (for frying the red onions)

Instructions

  1. Wash and slice 3 medium cucumbers into thin rounds about 1/8 inch (3 mm) thick. Use a salad spinner to dry or pat dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
  2. In a small bowl, combine 1 cup sour cream, 3 tablespoons fresh chopped dill, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, and salt and pepper to taste. Stir until smooth and creamy. Adjust seasoning as needed.
  3. In a medium bowl, toss the cucumber slices with the creamy dill dressing until evenly coated. Cover and refrigerate while preparing the onion topping.
  4. Heat 3 tablespoons olive oil or neutral oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced red onions in a single layer. Fry, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and crispy, about 8 to 10 minutes. Transfer onions to paper towels to drain excess oil.
  5. Sprinkle the crispy red onions generously over the chilled creamy dill cucumber salad. Toss gently or serve with onions on top for crunch.

Notes

Slice cucumbers very thinly for best texture and to help dressing cling. Fry onions over medium heat to avoid burning and achieve crispiness. Pat cucumbers dry or use a salad spinner to prevent watery salad. Refrigerate salad at least 15 minutes before serving for best flavor. Keep crispy onions separate if making ahead to maintain crunch.

Nutrition

Keywords: cucumber salad, creamy dill dressing, crispy red onions, summer salad, easy side dish, fresh herbs, quick salad