There’s something incredibly refreshing about a crisp, tangy salad on a warm day. That’s exactly why I’m excited to share my Cucumber Salad with Dill, Red Onion, and Honey Dressing Recipe with you—it's a lively mix of fresh cucumbers, zesty red onion, and a sweet, herby honey dressing that’s gone from a simple side dish to a total favorite in my kitchen.

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 Dill, Red Onion, and Honey Dressing Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Cucumber Salad with Dill, Red Onion, and Honey Dressing Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Cucumber Salad with Dill, Red Onion, and Honey Dressing Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Honestly, this cucumber salad isn’t just easy—it’s downright addictive. I first made it on a whim to impress friends at a barbecue, and it stole the show. The way the dill and honey dressing balances the sharp red onion and crunchy cucumber is just magic, turning a simple salad into something special.

Effortless flavor combo: The honey and dill dressing is the perfect balance of sweet and herbaceous, enhancing the veggies without overpowering them.
Crunchy and refreshing: The crisp cucumbers paired with thinly sliced red onions create a satisfying texture you’ll want again and again.
Super versatile: It’s a fantastic side dish for everything from summer cookouts to weeknight dinners.
Make-ahead friendly: It tastes even better after chilling, and leftovers keep well for days in the fridge.

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

Every ingredient in this salad brings a unique element that harmonizes beautifully. When you shop, look for firm cucumbers and a good-quality apple cider vinegar for the best punch of flavor.

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: Crisp, seedless, and mild, they make the salad refreshing without bitterness or overpowering moisture.
Red Onion: Adds a subtle sharpness and beautiful color contrast in thin half-moon slices.
Apple Cider Vinegar: Brings tang and brightness that wakes up the salad’s flavors.
Olive Oil: Smoothens the dressing and adds a luscious mouthfeel.
Miracle Whip: Gives a creamy texture to the dressing without heaviness.
Honey: Adds just the right touch of natural sweetness to balance acidity.
Minced Garlic: Brings a kick of savory depth.
Dill: The star herb—fragrant and fresh, it elevates the salad with a classic flavor pairing.
Fresh Parsley: Adds mild herbal freshness and brightens the look and taste.
Salt and Black Pepper: Essential for seasoning just right.

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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

I like to tweak this recipe a little depending on the season and who I’m serving it to. You can absolutely make it your own by swapping herbs or adjusting the sweetness—don’t be afraid to experiment.

Variation: Sometimes I swap out the Miracle Whip for Greek yogurt for a tangier, lighter dressing—this is my go-to when I want it extra creamy.

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

Step 1: Slice with care for perfect crunch

Start by slicing your English cucumbers into thin rounds. I like using a mandoline slicer here because it keeps everything consistent, which not only looks pretty but ensures every bite has the perfect crunch. Slice your red onion thinly into half circles—less is more, as it balances the sharpness without overwhelming the salad.

Step 2: Season veggies and build the dressing

Place your sliced cucumbers and onions in a large bowl, then season lightly with salt and pepper. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the apple cider vinegar, olive oil, Miracle Whip, honey, minced garlic, and lots of fresh dill until everything emulsifies into a silky dressing.

Step 3: Dress and chill for best flavor

Pour the honey-dill dressing over your vegetables and toss gently but thoroughly to coat every slice. Finish with a sprinkle of chopped parsley for brightness. Pop the salad in the fridge for at least 30 minutes—it’s really worth the wait, as the flavors meld and the salad chills perfectly.

Top Tip

Through many trials, I’ve found a few tricks that make this cucumber salad truly shine and help you avoid common pitfalls.

Thin Slices Matter: Using a sharp knife or mandoline to get super-thin cucumber and onion slices ensures the salad absorbs the dressing beautifully and stays crisp.
Season Early: Salt the cucumbers and onions before adding dressing—this helps draw out extra moisture and prevents a watery salad.
Dill Freshness: Always opt for fresh dill if you can—dried dill just doesn’t give the same vibrant aroma and flavor.
Chill for Flavor: Let the salad rest in the fridge for at least 30 minutes; it tastes so much better and stays crisp when properly chilled.

How to Serve Cucumber Salad with Dill, Red Onion, and Honey Dressing Recipe

Garnishes

I love to finish this salad with an extra sprinkle of fresh dill or a few capers to add a salty pop. Sometimes, a shower of toasted sunflower seeds adds an unexpected crunch and nutty flavor that everyone raves about.

Side Dishes

This salad pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, light fish dishes, or alongside a picnic of sandwiches and fresh bread. It’s also a winner at BBQs thanks to its cooling, crisp qualities.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, I sometimes layer the cucumber salad in clear glasses, creating a pretty parfait effect with layers of dressing and herbs. It’s a sweet surprise that adds a little elegance to a casual salad.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover salad in an airtight container in the fridge, ideally for no longer than 3-4 days. I find the cucumbers keep their crunch if you drain any excess liquid before sealing, but it’s best enjoyed fresh.

Freezing

Freezing cucumber salad isn’t my recommendation here since cucumbers get waterlogged and mushy. Stick to fresh and chilled to savor the best texture and flavor.

Reheating

This salad is best served cold or at room temperature, so reheating isn’t necessary. Just give it a gentle toss before serving if it’s been in the fridge a while.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make this cucumber salad ahead of time?

Absolutely! This salad actually tastes better after an hour or two in the fridge because the dressing has time to soak into the cucumbers and onions.

Is Miracle Whip necessary in the dressing?

Miracle Whip adds a nice creaminess and slight tang, but you can substitute it with mayonnaise or Greek yogurt if you prefer a different texture or flavor. Each option brings its own twist!

Can I use dried dill instead of fresh?

Fresh dill really shines in this salad and brings the best flavor. If you must use dried dill, reduce the amount because it’s more concentrated but the flavor won’t be quite as vibrant.

How long does this cucumber salad keep in the fridge?

Stored properly in an airtight container, this salad stays fresh for about 3 to 4 days. Remember to drain any excess liquid before storing to keep the cucumbers crisp longer.

Final Thoughts

Every time I make this Cucumber Salad with Dill, Red Onion, and Honey Dressing Recipe, it reminds me why simplicity can be so satisfying. Fresh ingredients and a homemade dressing come together in a dish that’s light, bright, and just plain delicious. I’m betting you’ll find it as refreshing and easy to love as I do—give it a try and watch it become a staple in your recipe box.