Name: Cucumber Salad with Red Onion and Dill Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups thinly sliced English cucumbers; 1 large red onion, thinly sliced; 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar; 3 tablespoons olive oil; 2 tablespoons Miracle Whip; 1½ tablespoons honey; ½ tablespoon minced garlic; 3 tablespoons dill; 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped; Salt and black pepper to taste

There’s something so fresh and inviting about this **Cucumber Salad with Red Onion and Dill Recipe**—a perfect blend of crisp cucumbers, tangy red onions, and fragrant dill that just makes summer evenings feel cozy and light. It’s one of those salads that’s quick to make but always impresses with its bright flavor and charm.

A white bowl filled with a cucumber salad sits on a white marbled surface. The salad has three main layers: thin green cucumber slices with dark green edges form the base, while thin slices of pink and white onion are mixed evenly throughout. The top layer is sprinkled with small pieces of dried green herbs adding a speckled look over the fresh vegetables. The cucumber slices show some natural seeds and light green flesh, and the onions have a slight shine, making the whole salad look fresh and crisp. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Cucumber Salad with Red Onion and Dill Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Cucumber Salad with Red Onion and Dill Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Cucumber Salad with Red Onion and Dill Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Honestly, I keep coming back to this Cucumber Salad with Red Onion and Dill Recipe because it strikes the perfect balance between creamy, tangy, and fresh. It’s so easy to toss together, yet feels like something really special, especially when you want a refreshing side that pairs well with just about anything.

Bright & Flavorful: The combination of dill and apple cider vinegar gives the salad a fresh punch that wakes up your taste buds.
Easy Prep: You only need a handful of ingredients, and most are pantry staples, so no last-minute grocery runs are required.
Perfect Texture: Thin cucumbers and crisp red onions soften just the right amount when chilled without losing their crunch.
Versatile Side: It pairs wonderfully with grilled meats, sandwiches, or simply as a light, healthy snack on its own.

A white bowl filled with thin slices of green cucumber and long, curved strips of light purple onion, mixed together and sprinkled with small green herb flakes that look like dill. The cucumber slices have a smooth texture with dark green edges, and the onion strips are semi-transparent with a hint of white. The salad looks fresh and lightly coated with a dressing that gives a slight shine on the surface. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

These ingredients come together in harmony — fresh cucumbers and zesty red onions create a crisp base, while the dressing made with apple cider vinegar, olive oil, and Miracle Whip adds a tangy creaminess. Fresh dill brings that distinctive herb flavor everyone loves, and honey balances the acidity beautifully.

Flat lay of thinly sliced English cucumbers arranged in neat overlapping rows, delicate half rings of vibrant red onion fanned out beside them, small piles of fresh green dill sprigs and chopped parsley, a small mound of golden honey glistening under soft light, a dollop of creamy white Miracle Whip, a few cloves of minced garlic scattered, and a clear glass jar partially filled with amber apple cider vinegar, placed on a white marble surface, photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

English Cucumbers: Their thin skin and fewer seeds make them perfect for slicing thin without bitterness or excess water.
Red Onion: Adds a sharp crunch that mellows out after a bit of marinating, offering a lovely contrast.
Apple Cider Vinegar: Gives a mild tanginess that brightens the whole salad without overpowering it.
Olive Oil: Smooths out the acidity and lends richness.
Miracle Whip: Brings creaminess with just a hint of sweetness and zing, making the dressing unique.
Honey: Balances the tart vinegar and sharp onion with gentle sweetness.
Minced Garlic: Provides subtle depth and warmth to the dressing.
Dill: The star herb here — fresh dill adds that unmistakable fresh, piney flavor.
Fresh Parsley: Adds a pop of green color and fresh, slightly peppery notes.
Salt & Black Pepper: Essential for seasoning to enhance all the other flavors.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

This recipe feels like a friendly starting point, and I love mixing it up depending on what’s in season or what I’m craving. Feel free to tweak the herbs or swap out the dressing base — it’s all about making it your own.

Variation: I sometimes swap dill for fresh mint or basil for a slightly different herbaceous note that’s refreshing in its own way.
Dietary Swap: For a dairy-free version, just skip Miracle Whip or use a vegan mayo alternative; it still brings that creamy texture without sacrificing flavor.
Seasonal Twist: Toss in some cherry tomatoes or radishes when in season for extra color and crunch.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Cucumber Salad with Red Onion and Dill Recipe

Step 1: Slice Thin and Even

I find that the key to a great cucumber salad is slicing the cucumbers and red onions thinly so every bite gets that balanced crunch and flavor. I use a sharp knife or a mandoline slicer if I’m feeling fancy, just be careful not to go too thin or they’ll become mushy once dressed.

Step 2: Season and Toss Your Veggies

After slicing, I sprinkle the cucumbers and onions with salt and pepper and give them a gentle toss. Salt helps draw out some moisture from the cucumbers, but don’t overdo it or your salad will be watery.

Step 3: Whisk Together the Creamy Dressing

In a small bowl, I whisk together apple cider vinegar, olive oil, Miracle Whip, honey, minced garlic, and fresh dill until everything’s well combined. The Miracle Whip gives the dressing a lovely silkiness that coats the cucumber slices perfectly.

Step 4: Combine and Chill

Pour the dressing over the seasoned cucumbers and onions, then toss gently but thoroughly. I stir in fresh parsley at this point, then cover and pop it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes — this chilling step lets the flavors meld beautifully.

Top Tip

Over time, I realized chilling the salad before serving makes a huge difference – it softens the sharp bite of onions and helps the dressing soak into the cucumbers while keeping them crisp. These tips can really lift your salad from good to wow-worthy.

Use a Mandoline or Sharp Knife: Ensures evenly thin slices which mean even flavor distribution and that perfect crunch.
Salt the Veggies: Lightly salting cucumbers before dressing helps remove excess water so your salad isn’t soggy.
Give It Time: Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to let flavors meld and the dressing thicken up slightly.
Fresh Herbs Are a Must: Fresh dill and parsley bring brightness—dried herbs just don’t cut it in this salad.

How to Serve Cucumber Salad with Red Onion and Dill Recipe

Garnishes

I like adding an extra sprinkle of fresh dill or parsley right before serving—it freshens it up and adds a pop of green. Sometimes I throw on a few toasted sunflower seeds or slivered almonds for a little crunch, which I think is a fun texture twist.

Side Dishes

This cucumber salad is a dream alongside grilled chicken or fish, and it pairs beautifully with a creamy potato salad or fresh bread. On hot days, it’s also a refreshing partner to BBQ ribs or burgers.

Creative Ways to Present

Once, I served this salad in little individual glass cups paired with grilled skewers at a picnic, and everyone loved how fresh and elegant it looked. You can also layer it in a pretty bowl with extra herbs on top or serve it in hollowed-out cucumber halves for a fun presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, and it keeps well for about 3 to 4 days. Keep in mind the cucumbers will soften a bit over time, but the flavors only deepen. Just give it a gentle stir before serving again.

Freezing

I haven’t had good luck freezing this salad because cucumbers get watery and mushy when frozen. It’s definitely best enjoyed fresh or within a few days as leftovers.

Reheating

This salad is best served cold or at room temperature, so reheating isn’t really recommended. Just let leftovers sit out of the fridge for 15 minutes before you dig in if you want milder chill.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use regular cucumbers instead of English cucumbers?

Yes! You can use regular cucumbers, but I recommend peeling them to reduce bitterness and removing seeds if they’re large. English cucumbers have thinner skin and fewer seeds, which makes them more tender and better suited for salads like this.

How long should I let the salad chill before serving?

Chilling the salad for at least 30 minutes is ideal to let the flavors meld and soften the sharpness of the onion. If you’re short on time, even 15 minutes helps, but the longer it chills (up to a couple of hours), the better the flavors develop.

Can I make this salad ahead of time for a party?

Absolutely. Make it a few hours in advance and keep it chilled until serving. Just be aware that the cucumbers will soften the longer it sits, so for the best crunch, prepare it within the day of your event.

What can I use if I don’t have Miracle Whip?

You can substitute mayonnaise or a vegan mayo alternative if you don’t have Miracle Whip. It will change the dressing’s flavor slightly — Miracle Whip is a bit sweeter and tangier — but your salad will still taste delicious.

Final Thoughts

This Cucumber Salad with Red Onion and Dill Recipe is truly one of my go-to sides when I want something light, fresh, and easy that still feels homemade and thoughtful. It’s helped me take ordinary meals up a notch just by adding vibrancy and a little crunch on the plate. I can’t wait for you to make it and find your own little ways to love it!