Creamy Cucumber Dip Recipe

Whip Up This Dreamy Creamy Cucumber Dip Recipe Today!

Cool summer gatherings demand a refreshing cucumber dip that instantly sparks conversation.

This creamy cucumber dip brings a delightful tang to any table.

Mediterranean flavors blend seamlessly with crisp cucumber and smooth yogurt.

Herbs dance through each spoonful, creating a light and zesty experience.

Guests will devour this simple yet elegant appetizer within minutes.

Fresh ingredients come together quickly for a crowd-pleasing recipe.

You’ll want to keep this dip on repeat for every social gathering.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour

Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Calories: 150 kcal

Servings: 4

Ingredients for Fresh Cucumber Dip

For Fresh Base:
  • Cucumber: Crisp vegetable that adds refreshing texture and subtle coolness to the dip, select firm and dark green cucumbers without blemishes.
  • Garlic: Provides zesty punch and aromatic depth, choose fresh cloves with tight, unblemished skin for maximum flavor.
For Creamy Binding:
  • Cream Cheese: Delivers rich, smooth foundation for the dip, select full-fat version for optimal creaminess.
  • Sour Cream: Adds tangy brightness and silky consistency, opt for high-quality dairy with smooth texture.
For Flavor Enhancers:
  • Lemon Juice: Introduces bright, citrusy note that balances richness, use fresh-squeezed for most vibrant taste.
  • Fresh Dill: Contributes herbaceous, delicate flavor that complements cucumber perfectly, choose bright green sprigs with no wilting.
  • Salt: Elevates and harmonizes overall taste profile, use fine sea salt for even distribution.
  • Black Pepper: Adds subtle warmth and gentle spiciness, freshly ground provides most intense flavor.

Kitchen Gear for Smooth and Zesty Dip

  • Large Mixing Bowl: Essential for combining and mixing all ingredients smoothly.
  • Hand Mixer or Whisk: Perfect for blending cream cheese and creating a creamy texture.
  • Kitchen Towel or Cheesecloth: Crucial for squeezing excess moisture from grated cucumber.
  • Cutting Board: Needed for chopping dill and preparing ingredients.
  • Sharp Knife: Required for mincing garlic and chopping herbs.
  • Cheese Grater: Used to grate fresh cucumber evenly.
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons: Help ensure accurate ingredient proportions.
  • Serving Bowl: Used for presenting the final dip with a nice garnish.

How to Make Cucumber Dip That’s Bold

  • Squeeze Out Cucumber Moisture

Grate the cucumber and wrap it in a clean kitchen towel, pressing firmly to remove excess liquid and ensure a thick, creamy dip texture.

  • Whip Cream Cheese Base

Blend softened cream cheese until silky smooth, then incorporate sour cream, zesty lemon juice, and minced garlic, creating a rich and tangy foundation.

  • Blend Herbal Freshness

Gently fold the grated cucumber and fragrant dill into the creamy mixture, adding a pinch of salt and pepper to enhance the overall flavor profile.

  • Chill and Infuse Flavors

Cover the dip and let it rest in the refrigerator for at least an hour, allowing the ingredients to harmonize and develop a more complex taste.

  • Serve with Flair

Transfer the chilled dip to a beautiful serving bowl, sprinkle extra dill on top for a gorgeous presentation, and pair with crisp vegetables, artisan crackers, or warm pita bread.

Flavor Tips to Take Your Dip Up a Notch

  • Prepare this dip up to 2 days in advance to let flavors develop even more intensely. The longer it chills, the tastier it becomes!
  • Always drain cucumber thoroughly to keep your dip thick and creamy. Use a clean kitchen towel or fine-mesh strainer for best results.
  • Replace fresh dill with other herbs like chives, mint, or parsley for exciting flavor twists that match your mood or menu.
  • Swap cream cheese and sour cream with Greek yogurt or plant-based alternatives to create a lighter, vegan-friendly version that's equally delicious.
  • Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or dash of hot sauce for those who love a little kick in their dip. Experiment with different heat levels to find your perfect balance.

Serve Cucumber Dip With Chips or Veggies

  • Fresh Veggie Platter: Create a colorful array of crisp carrot sticks, bell pepper strips, celery chunks, and cherry tomatoes surrounding the cucumber dip for a vibrant and healthy appetizer experience.
  • Mediterranean Pita Feast: Warm soft pita bread triangles or toasted pita chips paired with this cool cucumber dip transform your snack into a Mediterranean-inspired delightful spread perfect for casual gatherings.
  • Gourmet Appetizer Board: Arrange the cucumber dip as a centerpiece on a wooden charcuterie board with assorted crackers, olives, sliced salami, and fresh herbs to elevate your entertaining game with minimal effort.
  • Summer Party Favorite: Serve chilled in a decorative bowl at outdoor barbecues or poolside events, offering guests a refreshing dip that complements grilled meats and provides a light, cool counterpoint to heavier dishes.

Store Dip Without It Getting Watery

  • Seal the cucumber dip in an airtight container to maintain freshness and prevent flavor absorption from other refrigerator items.
  • Keep the dip refrigerated for up to 3-4 days, ensuring maximum taste and quality before discarding.
  • Consider dividing the dip into smaller containers for easier grab-and-go snacking or lunch prep during the week.
  • Avoid freezing this dip, as the cream cheese and cucumber will separate and lose their smooth, creamy texture when thawed.
Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Creamy Cucumber Dip Recipe

Creamy Cucumber Dip Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 34 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
  • Yield: 5 1x

Description

Refreshing Mediterranean cucumber dip brings cool Mediterranean flavors to your table. Simple ingredients blend seamlessly, creating a creamy, tangy companion perfect for pita, vegetables, or as a zesty spread you’ll crave.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 oz (226 g) cream cheese, softened
  • ½ cup (120 ml) sour cream
  • 1 large cucumber, peeled, seeded, and grated
  • 1 tablespoon (15 ml) fresh dill, chopped (or 1 teaspoon (5 ml) dried dill)
  • 1 tablespoon (15 ml) lemon juice
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • Salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Cucumber Preparation: Grate cucumber thoroughly, then extract excess liquid using a clean kitchen towel, ensuring a crisp and concentrated dip texture.
  2. Creamy Blending: Whip softened cream cheese until silky smooth, incorporating sour cream, lemon juice, and minced garlic. Gently fold in grated cucumber and freshly chopped dill, seasoning with salt and black pepper to elevate the flavor profile.
  3. Flavor Infusion: Seal the mixture in a container and refrigerate for minimum 60 minutes, allowing ingredients to harmonize and develop a rich, cohesive taste.
  4. Presentation: Transfer chilled dip to a decorative serving vessel, optionally garnishing with delicate dill sprigs. Accompany with an elegant array of crisp vegetables, artisan crackers, or warm pita bread for a delightful appetizer experience.

Notes

  • Squeeze out excess cucumber liquid thoroughly to maintain a thick, creamy dip consistency and prevent wateriness.
  • Allow cream cheese to soften at room temperature for smooth, lump-free blending and easier mixing.
  • Refrigerate the dip for minimum one hour to enhance herb and garlic flavors, creating a more balanced taste profile.
  • Substitute full-fat dairy with low-fat or Greek yogurt for a lighter version, or use dairy-free alternatives for vegan guests.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour
  • Category: Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Blending
  • Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 5
  • Calories: 120
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 250 mg
  • Fat: 10 g
  • Saturated Fat: 5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 6 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 25 mg
William Hawkins

William Hawkins

Founder & Culinary Director

Expertise

  • Modern American and Southern Cuisine
  • Farm-to-Table Practices
  • Restaurant Concept Development
  • Culinary Education and Mentorship​

Education

Sullivan University, Louisville, KY

  • Degree: Associate of Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Focused on mastering culinary methods and food science, immersive externships, hands‑on training in industry‑standard kitchen labs, and equipping graduates for roles in restaurant operations.

William Hawkins isn’t just a chef, he’s a storyteller through food. From his hometown of Louisville, KY, he’s spent years refining his craft, turning local ingredients into something extraordinary. 

With classical training from Sullivan University and a career marked by innovation, mentorship, and Southern soul, William approaches every recipe with purpose. His kitchen is where old techniques meet fresh ideas, and where comfort food gets a thoughtful, modern twist. 

When he’s not building dishes from the ground up, he’s out gathering inspiration from nature, markets, and the stories people share around the table.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star