French Cucumber Salad with Crème Fraîche and Dill

This French Cucumber Salad with Crème Fraîche and Dill is everything a summer side should be — cool, crisp, creamy, and impossibly refreshing. Thinly sliced cucumbers are tossed with tangy crème fraîche, fresh dill, and just a touch of shallot for depth, making it the perfect dish for light lunches, family barbecues, or your weekly meal prep. Ready in just 35 minutes, it’s a go-to when simplicity meets elegance.

Crème fraîche lends this cucumber salad a rich, velvety texture with a subtle tang that complements the cucumbers’ crunch beautifully. Serve it on its own as a light yet luxurious side, or spoon it over lamb’s lettuce for a refreshing salad. Want to dial it up? Toss in a few thinly sliced radishes for a pop of colour and an extra peppery kick!

Ingredients for Cucumber Salad with Crème Fraîche

This cool and creamy cucumber salad uses only a handful of simple, fresh ingredients:

• Cucumbers: One large cucumber (or two English cucumbers) – crisp and thinly sliced.
• Shallot: Finely diced for a mild, slightly sweet onion flavour.
• Crème fraîche: Adds tangy creaminess. Substitute with sour cream or Greek yoghurt if needed.
• Fresh dill: A summery herb that pairs beautifully with the cucumbers.
• White wine vinegar & sugar: For a light, balanced dressing.
• Sea salt & black pepper: Season to taste, as the salt helps draw moisture from the cucumbers.

Tip: Salting the cucumbers first removes excess water and prevents a watery salad later on.

How to Make Cucumber Salad with Crème Fraîche and Dill

This recipe comes together in three simple steps, no cooking needed:

1. Prep the cucumbers: Slice them thinly with a mandonline slicer and salt generously to draw out water. Let them rest, then rinse and pat dry.
2. Make the dressing: Stir together crème fraîche, white wine vinegar, sugar, dill, salt and pepper.
3. Combine & chill: Toss the cucumbers and shallots with the dressing. Let sit for 15 minutes to let the flavours meld.

Get the exact ingredient quantities in the printable recipe card below.

Why You’ll Love This Creamy French-Style Cucumber Dill Salad

This easy cucumber salad is the kind of dish you’ll come back to all summer long—here’s why:

• Quick to make – Just 35 minutes from start to finish, no fuss at all.
• Light and refreshing – Exactly what you want on a hot day – cool, crisp, and fresh.
• Creamy but not too rich – Thanks to crème fraîche, it’s smooth and tangy without feeling heavy.
• Great for making ahead – Toss it together a few hours early – the flavours only get better.
• Super versatile – Serve it with grilled chicken, burgers, or alongside your favourite summer mains.

If you’re loving the fresh, crisp vibes of this Cucumber Salad with Crème Fraîche and Dill, you’ll definitely want to try a few more refreshing cucumber-forward favourites from the blog:

• Cucumber Salad with Feta and Chickpeas: A hearty, protein-packed option that doubles as a light lunch or the perfect picnic side.
• Cucumber Salad with Dill and Feta: Creamy, tangy, and incredibly flavourful—this easy classic is always a hit.
• Strawberry Cucumber Feta Salad Strawberry Cucumber Feta Salad: A sweet-and-savoury mix of juicy strawberries, crunchy cucumbers, and salty feta.
• Cucumber Salad with Yogurt Dressing: Light and cooling, this version with a simple yoghurt dressing is ultra-refreshing and perfect for hot days.

These salads make staying cool and eating well a breeze.

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