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Creamy Cucumber Dill Salad with Tangy Apple Cider Vinegar Dressing

creamy cucumber dill salad - featured image

A quick and easy creamy cucumber dill salad featuring a tangy apple cider vinegar dressing that balances cool creaminess with bright acidity. Perfect for summer picnics, light lunches, or as a refreshing side dish.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 large English cucumbers, thinly sliced (about 1/8 inch thick)
  • 3 tablespoons raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar
  • 1 cup full-fat sour cream (can substitute with Greek yogurt for a lighter version)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh dill, finely chopped
  • 1 small garlic clove, minced (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup (optional)
  • ½ teaspoon salt (sea salt or kosher salt preferred)
  • ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

  1. Wash and dry the cucumbers. Slice thinly about 1/8 inch thick using a sharp knife or mandoline slicer. Place in a large mixing bowl.
  2. Sprinkle ½ teaspoon salt over the cucumbers and toss gently. Let sit for 10 minutes to draw out excess water, then drain any liquid.
  3. In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar and 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup (if using) until dissolved.
  4. Pour the vinegar mixture over the drained cucumbers and toss gently to coat. Let marinate for about 5 minutes.
  5. In a separate bowl, combine 1 cup sour cream, 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill, minced garlic (if using), ¼ teaspoon black pepper, and a pinch of salt. Stir until smooth.
  6. Fold the creamy dressing into the vinegar-coated cucumbers gently until evenly coated, taking care not to overmix.
  7. Cover and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to let flavors meld. Serve chilled.

Notes

Slice cucumbers thin but not paper-thin to avoid mushiness. Salting and draining cucumbers prevents watery salad. Mix vinegar with cucumbers before adding cream to avoid curdling. Use fresh dill for best flavor. Chill salad for at least 30 minutes before serving for best taste. If watery after chilling, drain excess liquid before serving.

Nutrition

Keywords: cucumber salad, creamy cucumber salad, dill salad, apple cider vinegar dressing, summer salad, easy salad recipe, tangy dressing, quick salad