Cucumber Dill Salad
If you’re looking for a bright and refreshing side dish that’s perfect for summer, you’ve come to the right place! This Cucumber Dill Salad is one of those recipes I always find myself returning to. It’s not just easy to make, but it also brings a burst of flavor that complements any meal. Whether you’re serving it at a casual family barbecue or just enjoying a busy weeknight dinner, this salad is sure to be a hit.
What makes this cucumber dill salad truly special is how simple and wholesome the ingredients are. It’s light, crunchy, and has that delightful hint of tanginess from the dressing. Plus, it’s one of those dishes that tastes even better after sitting for a little while, making it perfect for prepping ahead of time!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Super Quick Preparation: With only 10 minutes of prep time, you’ll have this salad ready in no time!
- Family-Friendly: Its mild flavors appeal to kids and adults alike, making it a great addition to any family meal.
- Healthy Ingredients: Packed with fresh cucumbers and yogurt, it’s both nutritious and delicious.
- Versatile Side Dish: Perfect for barbecues, picnics, or as a light lunch on its own.
- Make-Ahead Convenience: This salad keeps well in the fridge, so you can enjoy it over a few days!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the ingredients for this Cucumber Dill Salad is super easy! You probably have most of them in your kitchen already. They are all simple, wholesome items that create a refreshing dish full of flavor.
For the Dressing
- ¾ cup (150 grams) Greek yogurt or plain full-fat
- 1 ½ tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1 ½ tablespoon lemon juice
- ¼ teaspoon garlic, grated
- ½ teaspoon fine salt
- ⅕ teaspoon black pepper
For the Salad
- 1 ½ lb (670 grams) cucumbers, sliced (I used 2 long English cucumbers)
- ½ red onion, finely sliced
- ¼ cup fresh dill, chopped
Variations
This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Feel free to get creative with it based on what you have on hand or your personal taste preferences:
- Add Cherry Tomatoes: Toss in some halved cherry tomatoes for an extra pop of color and sweetness.
- Include Avocado: Slices of creamy avocado add richness and complement the crunch of the cucumbers beautifully.
- Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like your salads with some heat!
- Mix in Feta Cheese: Crumbled feta can add a salty tang that pairs perfectly with the freshness of cucumber.
How to Make Cucumber Dill Salad
Step 1: Prepare the Dressing
Start by placing the yogurt in a small bowl. Stir in the olive oil, lemon juice, grated garlic, salt, and black pepper until everything is well combined. This creamy dressing will give your salad its delicious flavor!
Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables
Next up, slice your cucumbers in half lengthwise and then cut them into thin slices—about 3mm or 1/8 inch thick works great! Finely slice the red onion as well. The key here is cutting everything evenly so every bite has that perfect balance of flavors.
Step 3: Combine Everything Together
In a large salad bowl, combine all your sliced vegetables along with the chopped dill. Pour in your lovely dressing and toss everything together gently until all the veggies are well coated. This step is essential as it ensures every piece gets that creamy goodness!
Step 4: Serve
You can serve this salad right away at room temperature or refrigerate it until you’re ready to enjoy. Letting it chill for a bit will intensify those flavors even more!
With these simple steps, you’ll have a refreshing Cucumber Dill Salad ready to impress everyone at your next gathering or simply enjoy at home. Happy cooking!
Pro Tips for Making Cucumber Dill Salad
Making this refreshing Cucumber Dill Salad is easy, but a few tips can take it from good to great!
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Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh cucumbers and dill will enhance the flavor and crunch of your salad. Look for firm cucumbers and vibrant green dill for the best results.
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Adjust Dressing to Taste: Feel free to tweak the dressing ingredients. If you like it tangier, add more lemon juice; if you want it creamier, increase the yogurt slightly.
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Let It Chill: Allowing the salad to sit in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving helps the flavors meld together beautifully, making every bite more delicious.
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Experiment with Textures: Try adding a handful of toasted nuts or seeds for an extra crunch. Almonds or sunflower seeds can provide a delightful contrast to the soft cucumbers.
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Add More Veggies: Feel free to include other veggies like bell peppers or radishes for added color and nutrition. This not only enhances the salad’s visual appeal but also boosts its health benefits.
How to Serve Cucumber Dill Salad
Presenting your Cucumber Dill Salad can be as enjoyable as making it! Here are some ideas to serve this dish beautifully and thoughtfully.
Garnishes
- Lemon Zest: A sprinkle of fresh lemon zest adds a bright burst of flavor that complements the salad’s tanginess.
- Chopped Nuts: Tossing on some chopped walnuts or slivered almonds gives a nice crunchy texture that pairs well with the creamy yogurt dressing.
Side Dishes
- Grilled Vegetable Skewers: Colorful skewers of grilled zucchini, bell peppers, and cherry tomatoes make a fantastic accompaniment, adding both flavor and visual appeal to your meal.
- Quinoa Pilaf: A light quinoa pilaf mixed with herbs and vegetables offers a hearty yet healthy side that pairs wonderfully with the freshness of the cucumber salad.
- Stuffed Peppers: Bell peppers filled with rice, beans, and spices provide a flavorful contrast that balances out the coolness of your salad.
- Hummus with Pita Chips: Creamy hummus served alongside crunchy pita chips creates a satisfying duo that complements your salad’s refreshing taste perfectly.
Enjoy your Cucumber Dill Salad as part of any meal—it’s sure to be a hit!
Make Ahead and Storage
This cucumber dill salad is perfect for meal prep! Not only does it save time, but the flavors also develop beautifully when allowed to chill. Here’s how to store it properly.
Storing Leftovers
- Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- It will keep well for up to 3 days, but for the best flavor, enjoy it within 1-2 days.
- If you notice excess liquid from the cucumbers, simply drain it before serving.
Freezing
- Unfortunately, this salad does not freeze well because of its fresh ingredients and creamy dressing.
- It’s best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated.
Reheating
- There’s no need to reheat this salad; it is best served cold or at room temperature.
- If you prefer it chilled, simply take it out of the fridge about 10 minutes before serving.
FAQs
If you’re curious about this refreshing dish, here are some common questions that might help!
Can I make Cucumber Dill Salad without yogurt?
Absolutely! You can substitute yogurt with a dairy-free option like coconut yogurt or use tahini for a different flavor profile.
How long does Cucumber Dill Salad last in the fridge?
The salad can last up to 3 days in the fridge when stored properly in an airtight container. For optimal freshness, consume within 1-2 days.
What can I serve with Cucumber Dill Salad?
This salad pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken or fish, making it a great side dish for summer BBQs and picnics.
Can I add more vegetables to my Cucumber Dill Salad?
Yes! Feel free to add bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, or radishes for extra crunch and color.
Is Cucumber Dill Salad healthy?
Yes! This salad is low in calories, packed with nutrients from fresh vegetables, and made with wholesome ingredients like Greek yogurt and olive oil.
Final Thoughts
I hope you find joy in making this delightful cucumber dill salad! Its refreshing taste and simple preparation make it a fantastic addition to any meal. Whether you’re serving it at a summer gathering or enjoying it as part of your meal prep, this dish is sure to be a hit. Happy cooking!
Cucumber Dill Salad
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Description
Cucumber Dill Salad is a light and refreshing side dish that’s perfect for summer gatherings or a quick weeknight dinner. This vibrant salad combines crisp cucumbers, finely sliced red onion, and fresh dill, all tossed in a creamy yogurt dressing that adds a delightful tanginess. With just 10 minutes of prep time, this dish is not only easy to make but also incredibly versatile. Serve it at barbecues, picnics, or as a healthy lunch on its own. The flavors meld beautifully after chilling, making it ideal for meal prep. Enjoy this refreshing salad that’s sure to be a hit with family and friends!
Ingredients
- ¾ cup Greek yogurt
- 1 ½ tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1 ½ tablespoon lemon juice
- ¼ teaspoon garlic, grated
- ½ teaspoon fine salt
- ⅕ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 ½ lb cucumbers, sliced
- ½ red onion, finely sliced
- ¼ cup fresh dill, chopped
Instructions
- In a small bowl, combine Greek yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, grated garlic, salt, and black pepper. Mix until smooth.
- Slice cucumbers in half lengthwise and then into thin slices. Finely slice the red onion.
- In a large bowl, combine the cucumbers, red onion, and chopped dill. Pour the dressing over the vegetables and toss gently until well coated.
- Serve immediately or refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to enhance flavors before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (150g)
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
