---
title: "Classic Cucumber Salad with Dill"
url: https://save.cooking/@american_classic/classic-cucumber-salad-with-dill
author: Save.Cooking American Classics
author_profile: https://save.cooking/@american_classic
description: "A crisp, cooling American classic: thin-sliced cucumbers and onions tossed in a tangy-sweet dill dressing. This no-cook side is ideal for picnics, potlucks, and weeknight dinners, and it gets even better after a short chill."
prep_time: 15 minutes
total_time: 45 minutes
servings: 6
tags: ["Component", "Side Dish", "Make Ahead", "American", "Quick", "No Cook"]
published: 2026-01-06
updated: 2026-01-14
---

# Classic Cucumber Salad with Dill

*Recipe by [@american_classic](https://save.cooking/@american_classic)*

A crisp, cooling American classic: thin-sliced cucumbers and onions tossed in a tangy-sweet dill dressing. This no-cook side is ideal for picnics, potlucks, and weeknight dinners, and it gets even better after a short chill.

Cucumber salad shows up across America in summer—often next to grilled burgers, fried chicken, or a plate of barbecue. The simple trick is balance: enough vinegar to brighten, a touch of sugar to round it out, and dill for that unmistakable deli-style freshness. Salt draws out cucumber moisture, which helps the dressing cling instead of turning watery. Chill it briefly and you’ll taste why it’s stayed a classic.

**Total Time:** 45 minutes | **Prep:** 15 minutes | **Servings:** 6

## Ingredients

### Vegetables

- 2 large cucumbers (about 1 1/2 lb / 680 g), thinly sliced (English or Persian preferred)
- 1/2 medium sweet onion, very thinly sliced

### Salt for draining

- 1 1/2 tsp kosher salt, divided

### Dill dressing

- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 3 Tbsp apple cider vinegar (or white vinegar)
- 1 1/2 Tbsp granulated sugar
- 2 Tbsp chopped fresh dill (or 2 tsp dried dill)
- 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper

### Optional finish

- 1 Tbsp chopped fresh parsley or chives

## Instructions

1. Salt and drain the cucumbers: Place sliced cucumbers in a colander set over a bowl. Sprinkle with 1 tsp of the kosher salt and toss. Let stand 20–30 minutes to draw out excess water.

2. Prepare the onion: Add the sliced onion to a large mixing bowl. If you prefer a milder bite, rinse the onion under cold water for 30 seconds and drain well.

3. Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together sour cream, vinegar, sugar, dill, remaining 1/2 tsp kosher salt, and black pepper until smooth.

4. Dry the cucumbers well: Rinse the cucumbers briefly under cold water to remove excess surface salt, then pat very dry with a clean towel or paper towels. (This step keeps the salad creamy, not watery.)

5. Combine: Add cucumbers to the bowl with onions. Pour the dressing over and toss gently until evenly coated.

6. Chill and serve: Refrigerate 15–30 minutes for the flavors to meld. Toss once more, taste, and adjust with a pinch more salt, a splash of vinegar, or a touch more sugar as needed. Finish with parsley or chives if using.

## Tags

`Component`, `Side Dish`, `Make Ahead`, `American`, `Quick`, `No Cook`

---

*This recipe is hosted on [Save.Cooking](https://save.cooking), a recipe organization platform.*
*View this recipe: [https://save.cooking/@american_classic/classic-cucumber-salad-with-dill](https://save.cooking/@american_classic/classic-cucumber-salad-with-dill)*