Updated: July 6, 2026
There’s nothing more refreshing on a hot summer day than a chilled Cucumber Dill Salad. This easy-to-follow recipe is made with fresh cucumbers, crisp red onion, and fragrant dill, all tossed in a simple dressing made of white vinegar, lemon juice, and sugar. It’s a summertime favorite thats not only light, but healthy. As someone who spends hours in the kitchen testing recipes with fresh herbs and garden cucumbers, I can tell you this is one of my favorite recipes for summer meals. Whether you’re using English cucumbers, Persian cucumbers, or even regular grocery store cucumbers, this salad has the perfect tangy flavor and crunch that makes it a refreshing side dish for family dinners, BBQs, or potlucks.
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Why You’ll Love This Cucumber Dill Salad
- Easy Recipe: You combine this recipe in 15 – 20 minutes with just a handful of fresh ingredients
- Cool & Crisp: Thin slices of cucumber stay crunchy thanks to a quick salting step that removes excess water
- Low Carb: This side dish not only taste good, but it’s super low carb and hydrating, perfect for any summer meal
What Does Cucumber Dill Salad Taste Like?
This salad is bright, tangy, and refreshing. If you have access to a mandolin, I recommend using it for this recipe to create perfectly thin slices of cucumber that stay crisp and savory. The raw onion in this recipe is not too strong since the onions re soaked in water before tossing. The simple dill vinaigrette, which is made with white vinegar, lemon juice, fresh dill and sugar, brings the perfect balance of sweet and sour. It’s the kind of simple salad that’s always a great addition to any summertime table.
Ingredients for Cucumber Dill Salad
Here’s what you’ll need for this easy salad. For full measurements, see the recipe card below:
- Cucumbers – The star of the salad, providing a cool, crisp texture and refreshing flavor that makes this dish perfect for warm weather.
- Red Onion – Adds a mild bite, beautiful color, and subtle sweetness that balances the tangy dressing without overpowering the cucumbers.
- Fresh Dill – Brings a bright, herbaceous flavor that gives this cucumber salad its classic fresh garden taste.
- White Vinegar – Creates the tangy base of the dressing while lightly pickling the vegetables for even more flavor.
- White Sugar – Balances the acidity of the vinegar and lemon juice, creating a perfectly sweet-and-tangy dressing.
- Fresh Lemon Juice – Adds a burst of fresh citrus that brightens the dressing and enhances all of the other flavors.
- Salt – Enhances the natural flavors of every ingredient while helping draw excess moisture from the cucumbers for a crispier salad.
- Water – Softens the vinegar dressing slightly, creating a balanced marinade that doesn’t overpower the fresh vegetables.
How to Make Cucumber Dill Salad
Below you will find step-by-step photos for how to make this refreshing cucumber dill salad. Detailed instructions and recipe tips can be found in the recipe card below:
Step 1 – Prep the cucumbers: Wash and slice cucumbers thinly using a mandoline or sharp knife. Sprinkle with salt to keep them crispy and set aside.
Step 2 – Prep the onion & dill: Thinly slice the red onion and soak in water for 10 minutes to reduce sharpness. Chop the fresh dill and set aside.
Step 3 – Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the white vinegar, sugar, lemon juice, salt, water, and dill.
Step 4 – Assemble: Rinse the salted cucumbers in a colander, then pat dry with paper towels. Place cucumbers in a serving container, add sliced red onion, and pour the dill vinaigrette over the top.
Step 5 – Chill & Serve: Give everything a good toss, cover, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving. This allows the flavors to meld into a refreshing side dish.
What to Serve with Cucumber Dill Salad
This simple cucumber salad is the perfect side dish for:
- Grilled Lemon Chicken
- Mediterranean Chilean Sea Bass
- Grilled Lobster Tails
- Shrimp Pasta Salad
- Watermelon Feta Salad
How to Store Cucumber Dill Salad
- Place leftover cucumber dill salad in an airtight container and refrigerate.
- The salad keeps well for 2–3 days, but will release a lot of water over time.
- Best enjoyed chilled on warm days at room temperature straight from the fridge.
What’s the Best Type of Cucumber for Cucumber Dill Salad?
Not all cucumbers are created equal. English cucumbers (the long, thin kind often wrapped in plastic at the grocery store) and Persian cucumbers (shorter, snacking-size ones) are the best choices. Both of these cucumbers have fewer seeds, thinner skin, and a naturally crisp cucumber texture, which means less excess water in your salad. This helps the cucumbers stay crunchy even after sitting in the tangy dressing. When I shot this recipe, I did not have any, but my recipe still turned out great.
FAQ
What are the best cucumbers for cucumber salad?
English cucumbers are my favorite because they have thin skin, fewer seeds, and stay crisp. Persian cucumbers also work well, while regular garden cucumbers should be peeled and seeded if they have thick skins.
Can I make cucumber dill salad ahead of time?
Yes! In fact, cucumber dill salad tastes even better after chilling for at least 30 minutes, allowing the cucumbers and onions to absorb the dressing. For the best texture, enjoy it within 24 hours.
How long does cucumber dill salad last?
Store leftover cucumber dill salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The cucumbers will continue releasing water over time, so simply give the salad a quick stir before serving.
Can I use dried dill instead of fresh dill?
Fresh dill provides the brightest flavor, but dried dill works in a pinch. Use about one-third the amount of dried dill since it has a more concentrated flavor.
Why is my cucumber salad watery?
Cucumbers naturally release moisture as they sit. Salting the cucumbers for 15–30 minutes before assembling the salad and patting them dry can help reduce excess liquid.
Can I add sour cream or Greek yogurt?
Absolutely! If you prefer a creamy cucumber dill salad, stir in sour cream or plain Greek yogurt for a richer dressing while keeping the fresh dill and lemon flavors.
Recipe Card
Cucumber Dill Salad
Equipment
Ingredients
- 3 Cucumbers, thinly sliced with mandoline
- 1/2 Red Onion, thinly sliced with mandoline
- 1/4 cup Fresh Dill, chopped
- 1/2 cup White Vinegar
- 1/2 cup White Sugar
- 1/4 cup Fresh Lemon Juice
- 1/2 tsp Salt
- 1/3 cup Water
- Salt for soaking cucumbers
Instructions
- Wash and slice cucumbers thinly using a mandoline or sharp knife. Sprinkle cut cucumbers with salt to keep them crispy and set aside. Thinly slice the red onion and soak in water for 10 – 30 minutes to reduce sharpness. Chop the fresh dill and set aside.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the ½ cup white vinegar, ½ cup sugar, ¼ cup lemon juice, ½ tsp salt, ⅓ cup water, and ¼ cup dill.
- Rinse the salted cucumbers in a colander, then pat dry with paper towels. Place cucumbers in a serving container, add sliced red onion, and pour the dill vinaigrette over the top. Give everything a good toss, cover, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving. Enjoy!
Notes
- Best Cucumbers: English cucumbers or Persian cucumbers work especially well because they have fewer seeds and a crisp texture.
- Flavor Development: Allow the salad to chill for at least 15-30 minutes before serving so the flavors can fully blend together.
- Fresh Dill Matters: Fresh dill gives the salad the brightest flavor, though dried dill can be used in smaller amounts if needed.
- Additions & Variations: Thinly sliced red onions, feta cheese, or cherry tomatoes make great additions to this cucumber dill salad.
- Serving Suggestion: This refreshing salad pairs perfectly with grilled chicken, seafood, sandwiches, or barbecue dishes.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days for the best texture.
- Texture Tip: Cucumbers naturally release water as they sit, so stir before serving if extra liquid develops.
- Make Ahead Tip: Prepare the dressing ahead of time and toss with the cucumbers shortly before serving for maximum freshness.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Craving More?
This simple cucumber dill salad is one of my favorite recipes to cook when the weather is nice and warm outside. If you loved this refreshing salad, be sure to check out more of my summer salads, easy hosting recipes, and fresh ingredient dishes that bring a perfect balance of sweet and savory to your table. Don’t forget to Pin this recipe for later and tag @elicitfolio on Instagram if you make it! I’d love to see your take on this fantastic side dish!
I love this combination of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors. This is the perfect salad for summer.
I actually had all of these ingredients on hand, so I made this last night. It’s definitely my new go-to cucumber salad.
Now this is one of my favorite ways to eat cucumber, I can east this salad all day. This post just reminded me I need to make a fresh salad this weekend.
Same! I hope you enjoy!