Creamy Cucumber Salad with Dill

A guilt-free, tangy, and crisp side dish made with Greek yogurt

If you’re craving a creamy cucumber salad but want to skip the mayo and heaviness, this Creamy Cucumber Dill Salad is the perfect match! Made with Greek yogurt, fresh dill, and simple seasonings, it offers all the classic flavor and texture in a lighter, healthier style. It’s ready in just 10 minutes and pairs fabulously with grilled meats, sandwiches, or as a snack.

Why You’ll Love This Salad

• Fresher and lighter: Greek yogurt replaces mayo—creamy, tangy, and lower in fat.

• Quick prep: Slice cucumbers, whisk dressing, and toss—done in minutes.

• Flavorful: Fresh dill, lemon zest, and yogurt bring brightness without heaviness.

• Diet friendly: Gluten-free, no added sugar, and perfect for vegetarians.

• Versatile: Enjoy it chilled solo or as a complement to your favorite savory dishes.

Ingredients (Serves 6)

• 3–4 medium English cucumbers, thinly sliced

• ½ small red onion or 2–3 green onions, thinly sliced

• 1 cup plain Greek yogurt (2% or full-fat)

• 2 tbsp fresh dill, chopped (or 1 tsp dried dill)

• 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice (optional but brightens flavor)

• 1 tsp lemon zest (optional)

• ½–1 tsp garlic powder (or 1 small clove garlic, minced)

• Salt & freshly ground pepper, to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prep the cucumbers

Wash and slice cucumbers into coins approximately ¼-inch thick. Place in a large bowl.
Slice red or green onions thinly and add to the cucumbers.

2. Make the dressing

In a separate bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, dill, lemon juice, lemon zest (if using), garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth.

3. Combine and toss

Pour the dressing over cucumbers and onions. Gently toss to coat all pieces.

4. Chill before serving

For best flavor, refrigerate 15–20 minutes before serving. This allows the cucumbers to marinate and the flavors to meld.

5. Garnish and serve

Just before serving, give it one gentle toss and garnish with a sprig of dill or extra lemon zest.

Pro Tips for Crisp, Creamy Perfection

• Use English cucumbers for predictable crunch and fewer seeds.

• Drain excess liquid by salting cucumbers lightly and letting them rest in a colander for 10 minutes, then rinse and pat dry.

• Greek yogurt texture: If using low-fat yogurt, add 1 tsp olive oil for richness.

• Make it ahead: Prepped salad holds well for up to 4 hours without becoming soggy—perfect for picnics or events.

Variations to Elevate the Salad

Cucumber-Dill & Feta Twist

Stir in ⅓ cup crumbled feta cheese before serving—adds a salty, Mediterranean touch.

Garlic-Mint Version

Add 1 tbsp chopped fresh mint and use garlic cloves in dressing. This freshens up for summer.

Creamy Avocado Upgrade

Blend ½ ripe avocado with yogurt for richer flavor and extra creaminess.

Spicy Dill Cucumber Salad

Add a pinch (⅛–¼ tsp) of red pepper flakes or sriracha to the dressing for a kick.

Dill-Cucumber & Radish Mix

Slice fresh radishes thinly and toss with cucumbers for a peppery crunch and pop of color.

Best Pairings & Meal Suggestions

Meal Planning & Make-Ahead Tips

• Prep early: Dressing can be made up to 2 days in advance; store in fridge.

• Make ahead: Toss salad 30–60 minutes before serving for safety and flavor.

• Storage: Keep covered in refrigerator up to 24 hours; beyond that, salad may become watery.

• Batch for gatherings: Double or triple recipe—just stir again before plating.

Kitchen Hacks & Substitutions

• Dill alternatives: Fresh parsley, chives, or tarragon create different flavor profiles.

• Dairy-free swap: Use coconut yogurt or cashew cream—but expect a coconut undertone.

• Lemon substitute: White wine vinegar (about ½ tbsp) works well for acidity.

• Texture boost: Serve cucumber slices on top of washed baby greens or lettuce.

Nutrition Overview (Per Serving – 6 servings)

• Calories: ~70

• Fat: ~2.5 g (from yogurt)

• Net carbs: ~2 g

• Protein: ~6 g

• Fiber: ~0.5 g

• Vitamins: High in vitamin K, potassium, and antioxidants

This salad fits seamlessly into healthy eating and keto-friendly meal plans.

FAQ — Your Questions Answered

Q1: Will it get watery if made ahead?

A: Slightly, but you can drain excess liquid before serving. Salting and draining cucumbers helps too.

Q2: Can I swap Greek yogurt for sour cream?

A: Yes—use ½ cup plain sour cream + ½ cup yogurt for similar texture and taste.

Q3: Low-fat vs. full-fat yogurt?

A: Full-fat gives creamier results; low-fat works well with added olive oil.

Q4: Can it stay fresh overnight?

A: Yes, but best consumed within 24 hours to maintain texture and color.

Q5: How can I bulk it up for lunch?

A: Stir in chickpeas, quinoa, or diced chicken for a hearty, purposeful dish.

Common Mistakes & Troubleshooting

• Too watery: Salt cucumbers and drain; pat dry before dressing.

• Tasteless dressing: Use fresh lemon juice and quality dill.

• Seeded cucumbers: Use seedless varieties or scoop seeds out before slicing.

• Yogurt separation: Gently whisk before using, and store dressing separately from veggies if refrigerated.

Shopping & Prep Checklist

• English cucumbers

• Red onion or green onions

• Plain Greek yogurt

• Fresh dill or dried dill

• Lemon & garlic (or garlic powder)

• Salt, pepper, optional feta or avocado

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Cucumber Dill Salad delivers crisp freshness and zesty creaminess in a healthy, delicious side. With just a handful of ingredients and 10 minutes prep, you’ll have a wholesome dish that’s light enough for summer yet satisfying enough to complement hearty meals.