Cucumber Dill Salad is a cold salad made with thinly sliced cucumbers, fresh dill, red onion, and a tangy vinaigrette dressing. It’s a popular dish that can be served as a side or appetizer. The dressing typically includes olive oil, vinegar, sugar, and seasonings like garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Preparing Cucumber Dill Salad takes little time. You can slice the cucumbers and onions, mix the dressing, and toss everything together in just 15 minutes. However, for the best flavor, allow it to chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This resting time lets the ingredients marinate and intensify the flavors.
The freshness of the cucumber combined with the tangy vinegar makes this salad irresistible. The dill adds a nice herbal note, and the red onion brings a subtle crunch. Each bite is refreshing and full of flavor, making it a crowd-pleaser.
This salad can easily be customized, and it’s the perfect way to balance out heavier dishes. Whether served at a barbecue or a family dinner, it never fails to add a burst of freshness and brightness to the table.
Why You’ll Love This Cucumber Dill Salad
- Refreshing and Crisp: This cucumber dill salad is a perfect blend of crisp cucumbers and fresh dill. The light, cool taste makes it a refreshing choice for hot summer days or anytime you want something light and healthy. It’s a great way to stay refreshed.
- Quick and Easy to MakeL: You’ll love how fast and easy this salad is to prepare. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you can enjoy this healthy dish in minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights or a last-minute side dish!
- Healthy and Nutritious: Packed with vitamins and antioxidants, this salad is not only tasty but also great for your health. Cucumbers are low in calories and full of water, making this salad hydrating and perfect for maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
Ingredient Notes for a Cucumber Dill Salad
- Cucumbers: Fresh cucumbers are the base of this salad. Their crisp texture adds a refreshing crunch. Choose firm, unwaxed cucumbers for the best flavor.
- Fresh Dill: Dill provides a bright, herby flavor that pairs perfectly with cucumbers. Fresh dill gives the salad a fragrant, natural taste.
- Red Onion: Thinly sliced red onion adds a slight sharpness and color to the salad, balancing the mildness of cucumbers.
- Olive Oil: Olive oil brings richness and a smooth texture to the dressing. It also helps blend the flavors together.
- White Wine Vinegar or Apple Cider Vinegar: These vinegars add a tangy bite to the salad. White wine vinegar offers a milder flavor, while apple cider vinegar gives a bit of extra acidity.
- Sugar: A small amount of sugar helps balance the tanginess of the vinegar and brings out the natural sweetness of the cucumbers and onions.
- Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning, salt enhances the natural flavors, while pepper adds a light touch of heat.
- Garlic Powder: Garlic powder brings a subtle, savory depth without the overpowering taste of fresh garlic.
Cucumber Dill Salad Variation
Cucumber Dill Salad can easily be customized with a few simple variations. You can add yogurt to the mix to make it creamier, or mix in some garlic for an extra kick. If you’re looking to add some protein, consider tossing in chickpeas or grilled chicken. For a slightly sweeter flavor, you can swap out the vinegar for lemon juice.
You can also experiment with adding other herbs like parsley or basil to change the taste. Don’t be afraid to try different vegetables, such as tomatoes or bell peppers, for added color and crunch.
How to Serve Cucumber Dill Salad
Cucumber Dill Salad is best served chilled. This helps enhance the refreshing, crisp texture of the cucumbers and the tanginess of the dressing. You can serve it on its own, or alongside grilled meats, fish, or even pasta dishes.
For a more festive presentation, serve it in a large bowl as a centerpiece at gatherings, or divide it into smaller individual bowls for each guest. Adding some crumbled feta or a sprinkle of sesame seeds can give it a fun and elegant touch.
Storage Options
Cucumber Dill Salad is best eaten fresh, but if you have leftovers, you can store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It will last for about 1-2 days, although the cucumbers may become softer over time. If you prefer a crisper texture, it’s best to make the salad just before serving.
FAQs About Cucumber Dill Salad
How long does Cucumber Dill Salad last?
Cucumber Dill Salad can stay fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days. After that, the cucumbers may start to lose their crispness.
Can I make Cucumber Dill Salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare it a few hours in advance to let the flavors meld. Just be sure to store it in an airtight container to keep it fresh.
Is Cucumber Dill Salad healthy?
Yes, it is a healthy dish as cucumbers are low in calories and high in water content, while dill adds vitamins and antioxidants. The dressing can be adjusted to your preference for a lighter or creamier version.
Can I add other vegetables to Cucumber Dill Salad?
Absolutely! You can add vegetables like red onions, tomatoes, or bell peppers to enhance the flavor and texture of the salad. Experimenting with other fresh ingredients will make it even more delicious.
Best Cucumber Dill Salad Recipe
Equipment
- Cutting Board
- Knife
- Mixing Bowl
- Measuring Spoons
- Spoon or Tongs
- Small whisk (optional)
Ingredients
- 2 medium cucumbers (peeled or unpeeled, depending on your preference)
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill, finely chopped
- ½ small red onion, thinly sliced (optional)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- A pinch of garlic powder (optional)
Instructions
- Slice the cucumbers: Begin by slicing the cucumbers into thin rounds or half-moons, depending on your preference. If you’re using a mandolin slicer, you can achieve even, paper-thin slices, but a regular knife will work just as well.
- Add the onions (optional): If you're using red onion, slice it thinly and add it to the bowl with cucumbers. This step adds a hint of sweetness and crunch to your salad.
- Mix the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper. Adjust the seasoning to your taste. Add the garlic powder here if you like a little extra flavor.
- Toss everything together: Pour the dressing over the sliced cucumbers and onions. Add the fresh chopped dill, and toss everything gently to coat. You want to make sure the dill and dressing are evenly distributed throughout the cucumbers.
- Chill (optional): For the best flavor, let the salad sit in the fridge for about 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. You can serve it immediately, though, if you’re in a rush.
