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Close-up of thick-cut cucumber slices and purple red onion rings in a thick white dressing, demonstrating perfect Cold BBQ Side Dishes textures.

Cold BBQ Side Dishes: The Ultimate Creamy Cucumber and Onion Salad

A refreshing, crisp creamy cucumber and onion salad featuring thick-cut English cucumbers, vibrant red onions, and a rich dill dressing. The perfect chilled side dish to balance smoky BBQ meats at any summer cookout.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 6 cups
Course: Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Calories: 115
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Salad Ingredients
  • 2 large English Cucumbers Thick-cut into 1/2-inch rounds, skins on
  • 1 medium Red Onion Sliced into thin rings
  • 1 cup Sour Cream 240ml, full-fat preferred
  • 2 tbsp Mayonnaise 30ml, for emulsification
  • 2 tbsp White Vinegar 30ml
  • 1 tbsp Granulated Sugar 12g
  • 1/4 cup Fresh Dill 10g, finely chopped
  • 1 tsp Kosher Salt 5g, for sweating cucumbers
  • 1/2 tsp Cracked Black Pepper Freshly ground

Equipment

  • 1 Clear Glass Bowl To showcase the colorful layers
  • 1 Colander For draining cucumber moisture

Method
 

Prep the Vegetables
  1. Toss thick-cut cucumber slices with salt in a colander. Let sit for 20 minutes to remove excess water, then pat completely dry.
  2. Slice red onions into thin rings. Optionally soak in ice water for 10 minutes to mellow the flavor, then drain and dry.
Assemble
  1. Whisk sour cream, mayo, vinegar, and sugar in a bowl until smooth and opaque.
  2. Fold cucumbers and onions into the dressing in a clear glass bowl. Top with fresh dill and cracked black pepper.

Notes

Always use fresh dill for the best aromatic experience.
Salting the cucumbers is the secret to a thick dressing that doesn't get watery.