Easy Dairy-Free Creamy Yogurt Cucumber Salad

This Easy Dairy-Free Creamy Yogurt Cucumber Salad features dairy-free yogurt, crunchy cucumbers, fresh dill, and a touch of shallot for a light, flavorful dish. It’s an easy, plant-based recipe that’s ready in minutes and perfect for warm-weather meals. Whether you’re eating vegan or just looking for a dairy-free option, this creamy salad is sure to be a hit! 🥒

When summer heat is at its peak, nothing hits quite like a crisp cucumber salad. This one is cool, creamy, and full of bright herby flavor – and it’s completely dairy-free! Using plant-based yogurt and sour cream keeps the dressing silky smooth without any heaviness, while fresh dill and thinly sliced shallots bring that perfect punch of flavor.

I love this salad because it’s so versatile. Serve it as a side dish with a grilled veggie burger, pair it with falafel for a light lunch, or simply enjoy it as a quick snack straight from the bowl. The cucumbers add crunch, the dairy-free yogurt keeps it light and tangy, and the dill… well, that’s the secret to making it taste like summer in every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• 100% Dairy-Free & Vegan: Perfect for plant-based eaters and those with dairy sensitivities.
• Quick & Easy: Ready in under 10 minutes, with no cooking required.
• Fresh & Flavorful: Crisp cucumbers, tangy yogurt, aromatic dill, and sharp shallots create a balanced, refreshing taste.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Works as a light lunch, a side dish for dinner, or an easy potluck recipe.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Cucumbers. I prefer to use small, pickling cucumbers that are perfect for salads. I picked my own from my garden, but you can buy mini cucumbers at most grocery stores. If you can’t find the mini cucumbers, any cucumbers will do.

Shallot. Adds a mild onion flavor that balances the creamy dressing.

Fresh dill. Bright, fragrant, and the star herb of this salad.

The Creamy Yogurt Sour Cream Dill Dressing

Dairy-free yogurt. I chose to use a plant-based, Greek style yogurt. If you can’t find Greek-style, any unsweetened, plain plant-based yogurt will work for the creamiest dressing. Coconut, almond, or cashew-based yogurts work well.

Dairy-free sour cream. Sour cream adds another creamy texture and flavor to the dish while keeping it completely plant-based. There are a few brands that make dairy-free sour cream. Check out my recommendations below.

Nutritional yeast. Adds a touch of cheesy, nutty flavor while providing just a pinch of protein and B vitamins.

Vinegar. I used white vinegar to bring a tangy brightness that balances and enhances the overall flavor, but you can also use apple cider vinegar if desired.

Garlic salt. Delivers savory, garlicky depth with a hint of saltiness.

Avocado oil. Offers just a touch of rich, buttery flavor with heart-healthy fats.

Lemon juice. Adds freshness and helps cut through the richness of the yogurt. Lemon juice also brings that tang that real dairy yogurt and sour cream have.

Himalayan pink salt & black pepper. For seasoning to taste.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Prepare the Cucumbers.

Slice or chop the cucumbers into whatever shape you’d like. For extra crunch, I decided to cut them into 1-1.5 inch pieces and I left the skin on. For a more delicate texture you can slice the cucumbers and you can peel the skin off.

Make the Dressing.

In a medium bowl, whisk together the dairy-free yogurt, dairy-free sour cream, vinegar, lemon juice, nutritional yeast, garlic salt, avocado oil, minced dill, salt, and pepper until smooth.

Add the Shallots.

Thinly slice the shallot and add them to the bowl with the chopped cucumbers.

Combine.

Toss the cucumbers and shallot with half of the creamy yogurt sour cream dressing until evenly coated. Add more dressing if you desire more, otherwise you can save any remaining dressing to use as a veggie dip for a snack later in the week!

Chill & Serve.

Refrigerate for at least 15 minutes before serving for maximum flavor and crunch.

What to Serve With Dairy-Free Yogurt Cucumber Salad

This salad pairs beautifully with vegan burgers, grilled veggies, crispy tofu, plant-based chicken, or with Mediterranean-inspired dishes like falafel. You could even toss in some cooked quinoa to make a simple grain bowl.

Tips & Variations

• Add even more crunch. Toss in a handful of sliced radishes or toasted sunflower seeds for extra texture.
• Swap the shallot for red onion. I like the milder onion flavor in this salad so I went with shallot, but you may also use red onion.
• Make it a meal. Add chickpeas, grilled tofu or plant-based chicken for a protein boost.
• Adjust to taste. Love garlic? Add a minced clove for extra flavor.

Storage Instructions

Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

💡 Note that cucumbers release water over time, so give it a quick stir before serving again.

FAQ

Can I use regular yogurt and sour cream?
If you’re not dairy-free, regular Greek yogurt and sour cream works well in this recipe, although I encourage you to try this recipe dairy-free! 😉

What’s the best dairy-free yogurt for this recipe?
If you can find dairy-free Greek style yogurt, I suggest that. But if not, any unsweetened coconut, almond, or cashew yogurts are all great options. Just be sure it’s thick and plain (no vanilla!).

Can I make this ahead of time?
I wouldn’t suggest making this creamy cucumber salad ahead of time because cucumbers release water over time and the salad will get watery. To help with meal prep, you can make the dressing ahead of time, slice and chop the shallot and cucumber ahead of time and then toss everything together before serving.

Other Cucumber Salads to Try

Whether you’re planning a picnic, hosting a backyard barbecue, or just looking for an easy side to serve with dinner, this Easy Dairy-Free Creamy Cucumber Yogurt Salad comes together in minutes and is always a crowd favorite.

If you’ve had this kind of creamy yogurt cucumber salad before, I’d love to know how you like the dairy-free version! Leave a comment down below in the comments section, as well as giving it a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐ rating  so that others can discover an easy, dairy-free cucumber salad side dish! Tag me on Instagram, Facebook, or Pinterest if you make it!

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