CHILLED

Cucumber Ranch Pickle Salad

Cool cucumbers, red onion, dill, and chopped pickles in a creamy ranch dressing.

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Prep Time20 minutes
Cook TimeNo cooking required
Total TimeAbout 40 minutes (including 15-minute draining and 20-minute chilling)
Servings6
DifficultyEasy

Ingredients

For the Salad

  • 2 large English cucumbers, thinly sliced
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced
  • 3/4 cup chopped dill pickles
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill

For the Ranch Dressing

  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1/3 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons pickle brine
  • 1 teaspoon dried parsley
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Substitutions

  • Plain Greek yogurt can replace sour cream for more tang.
  • Sweet pickles can replace dill pickles but make the salad noticeably sweeter.
  • Green onion can replace red onion for a milder bite.
  • Fresh chives can replace half the dill.

Instructions

Step 1: Salt the Cucumbers

Toss cucumber slices with salt in a colander and let drain 15 minutes.

Salt the cucumbers for Cucumber Ranch Pickle Salad

Step 2: Rinse and Dry

Rinse quickly under cold water and blot very dry with clean towels.

Rinse and dry for Cucumber Ranch Pickle Salad

Step 3: Soften the Onion

Soak the red onion in ice water for 5 minutes, then drain and dry.

Step 4: Mix the Dressing

Whisk sour cream, mayonnaise, pickle brine, dried parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper.

Mix the dressing for Cucumber Ranch Pickle Salad

Step 5: Combine

Fold cucumbers, onion, chopped pickles, and fresh dill into the dressing.

Combine for Cucumber Ranch Pickle Salad

Step 6: Chill Briefly

Refrigerate 20 minutes to blend flavors without allowing the cucumbers to soften too far.

Step 7: Serve

Stir once, taste, and serve chilled with a slotted spoon if liquid has collected.

Finished Cucumber Ranch Pickle Salad ready to serve

How to Store Leftovers

Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Stir before serving and drain excess liquid; keep extra dill separate.

Do not freeze because cucumbers and creamy dressing separate and become watery.

What to Serve With It

  • grilled burgers
  • salmon sandwiches

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Failing to dry cucumber and onion.
  • Chilling overnight before the first serving.

Nutrition Information

Nutrient Per Serving
Calories 180
Protein 3g
Carbohydrates 10g
Fat 15g
Sugar 5g

Nutrition is an estimate and can vary with brands, portion size, ripeness, and substitutions.

About the Author

FreshFork Recipes Team edits each recipe page for clear measurements, consistent instructions, and practical cooking guidance.

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