Cucumber Dip is a light, creamy, and refreshing appetizer that’s perfect for parties, picnics, or a healthy snack. Made with fresh cucumbers, herbs, and a tangy yogurt or cream cheese base, this dip pairs wonderfully with crackers, chips, or fresh vegetables. It’s quick to make and brings a burst of cool, crisp flavor to any gathering!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Light and Refreshing: The cucumbers add a crisp and cool flavor.
- Simple Ingredients: Made with just a few pantry and fridge staples.
- Versatile Dip: Great with chips, veggies, or as a spread on sandwiches.
- Quick to Make: Ready in under 10 minutes with minimal prep.
Ingredients
- 1 cup finely chopped cucumber (about 1 medium cucumber)
- 1 cup Greek yogurt or sour cream
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried dill)
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Optional Add-Ins:
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives
- A pinch of red pepper flakes for heat
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Prepare the Cucumber:
Finely chop the cucumber. If desired, peel and remove the seeds before chopping to reduce excess moisture. - Mix the Dip:
In a medium bowl, combine Greek yogurt (or sour cream), softened cream cheese, lemon juice, minced garlic, dill, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth and well combined. - Fold in the Cucumber:
Gently mix in the chopped cucumber until evenly distributed throughout the dip. - Chill the Dip:
For the best flavor, refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld. - Serve:
Transfer the dip to a serving bowl and garnish with extra dill or chives if desired. Serve with pita chips, fresh veggies, or crackers.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: Makes approximately 2 cups of dip (8 servings)
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Chill Time: 30 minutes (optional)
- Total Time: 40 minutes
Variations
- Make It Greek Style: Add crumbled feta cheese and a drizzle of olive oil for a Mediterranean twist.
- Spicy Cucumber Dip: Mix in a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce.
- Vegan Option: Use dairy-free yogurt and cream cheese alternatives.
- Add Fresh Herbs: Try adding fresh mint, parsley, or cilantro for extra flavor.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Not recommended, as the cucumber can become watery when thawed.
- Reheating: This dip is best served chilled, so no reheating is needed.
FAQs
Can I make this dip ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare it a day in advance. Just give it a good stir before serving.
How do I keep the dip from getting watery?
If using a very watery cucumber, peel, seed, and pat it dry with paper towels before chopping.
Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?
Yes, use 1 teaspoon of dried dill instead of fresh. Fresh herbs offer a brighter flavor, but dried work well too.
What can I serve with cucumber dip?
Serve with pita chips, fresh vegetables (carrots, bell peppers, celery), crackers, or even as a spread on sandwiches and wraps.
Can I substitute Greek yogurt with another ingredient?
Yes, sour cream or plain regular yogurt can be used instead of Greek yogurt.
How do I make this dip lower in calories?
Use low-fat Greek yogurt and reduced-fat cream cheese for a lighter version.
Can I add other vegetables to this dip?
Sure! Add finely chopped red onion, grated carrots, or diced bell peppers for extra crunch.
How do I get a smoother dip?
Use a food processor to blend the ingredients until smooth if you prefer a creamier texture.
Can I use this dip as a salad dressing?
Yes, thin it out with a bit of milk or lemon juice for a delicious salad dressing.
Is this dip suitable for kids?
Absolutely! It’s a great way to encourage kids to eat more veggies.
Conclusion
Cucumber Dip is a simple and refreshing appetizer that offers a cool, creamy flavor perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it at a party, enjoying a healthy snack, or using it as a spread, this dip is sure to be a hit. It’s easy to make, customizable, and pairs wonderfully with fresh veggies, chips, or crackers. Try this recipe and enjoy a fresh and zesty dip that’s as versatile as it is delicious!
Print
Cucumber Dip Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 2 cups 1x
- Category: Appetizer, Snack allrecipes.com +2
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This creamy cucumber dill dip blends the crispness of fresh cucumbers with the aromatic flavor of dill, creating a delightful accompaniment for various snacks.
Ingredients
- 1 large cucumber, peeled, seeded, and grated
- 8 ounces (1 cup) cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried dill)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
-
Prepare the Cucumber:
- After peeling, seeding, and grating the cucumber, place it in a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth and squeeze out excess moisture to prevent the dip from becoming watery.
-
Combine Ingredients:
- In a medium bowl, use a hand mixer or whisk to blend the softened cream cheese until smooth.
- Add the sour cream, lemon juice, and minced garlic, mixing until well combined.
- Fold in the grated cucumber and chopped dill.
- Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
-
Chill the Dip:
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate the dip for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld.
-
Serve:
- Transfer the chilled dip to a serving bowl and garnish with additional dill if desired.
- Serve with an assortment of fresh vegetables, crackers, or pita bread.
Notes
- Variations: For a tangier flavor, substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream. Adding a teaspoon of grated onion or a dash of hot sauce can provide extra zest.
- Storage: Store any leftover dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Stir before serving again.