Cucumber Salad with Red Onion and Dill

This easy cucumber salad recipe features red onion, fresh dill, and a super simple vinaigrette dressing. It is flavorful, bright, and crunchy. The crisp flavors are perfect for warm days, making it a tasty side dish or light lunch.

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I don’t know about you, but when the summer months hit, I am all about the cool salads and EASY lunches and dinners. This cucumber salad with dill has been a star for many summers. Other summer faves include this creamy potato salad and this flavorful fattoush salad. Check out all of our salad recipes for more inspo.

Why you will love this recipe

Ingredient notes

• Cucumber – We generally choose English cucumbers for salads. It is crisp, mild, and has very few seeds. You could even leave the peel on if you choose. My picky eater prefers it peeled, so that’s how we roll.
• Red Onion – Thinly sliced red onion to add some color and a bit of bite.
• Dill – A bright, garden-fresh flavor that complements the crisp cucumbers.
• Oil and Vinegar – Plain old olive oil and white vinegar work perfectly.
• Salt and Pepper – A pinch of sea salt and cracked black pepper brings out the best in your ingredients.

Equipment

Nothing fancy is needed for this simple recipe.

• Knife and Cutting Board – For prepping the ingredients.
• Vegetable Peeler – If you want to peel the cucumber.
• Colander – This is for salting the cucumbers.
• Mixing Bowl – With a lid is a bonus for storing in the fridge.

Instructions

Step 1

First, place the prepped cucumber in a colander, sprinkle with salt, and toss. Let them sit for 20-30 minutes.

Pat the cucumbers dry with a paper towel and transfer them to a mixing bowl.

Step 2

Next, add the thinly sliced onions to the bowl with the cucumbers.

Step 3

Then, in a small jar with a lid, add the oil, vinegar, and a pinch of salt. Shake it really well for 20 seconds to emulsify.

Step 4

Next, pour the dressing over the cucumbers and onions, and toss. Add fresh pepper and dill and toss again. Taste and season with more salt and pepper if desired.

Keep covered in the refrigerator until serving.

Substitutions and recipe variations

You can totally use fresh dill if you have it, but dried dill works well and definitely makes this salad super quick to throw together.

Stir in ¼ cup plain Greek yogurt or sour cream for a creamy dressing.

For extra crunch, add thinly sliced radishes or celery.

Add even more fresh herbs, such as chopped chives, mint, or basil.

Substitute sweet onion, shallots, or green onions for a milder flavor.

Do you have a bounty of cucumbers? Try your hand at pickled cucumbers. It takes only 10 minutes and is super easy.

Serving suggestions

Serve chilled as a refreshing side dish with grilled protein such as chicken, tuna, salmon, or steak.

Use as a sandwich filler or taco topping for extra crunch and brightness.

Serve over a bed of lettuce salad or grains (like quinoa or brown rice) for a light lunch salad bowl.

Pop it into a serving dish and pair with Mediterranean-style meals like pita, hummus, and falafel.

FAQS

Storage tips

To Store: Keep any leftovers covered in the fridge. It’s best enjoyed within 1–2 days. After that, the cucumbers will soften and release more water.

More recipes with cucumber

*Originally posted on June 19, 2013. Updated July 31, 2019, and updated again June 25, 2026.*

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