Cucumber Dill Salad

Refreshing, crunchy, and tangy, this Cucumber Dill Salad is a delightful dish that cools you down on hot days. It’s simple to prepare and makes an excellent side for summer meals, BBQs, or picnics. With its vibrant flavors and fresh ingredients, this salad stands out as a healthy choice that everyone will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: With just a few simple steps, you can whip up this salad in under 10 minutes.
• Healthy Ingredients: Packed with fresh cucumbers and herbs, this dish is low in calories yet full of flavor.
• Versatile Side Dish: Perfectly complements grilled meats or can be enjoyed on its own as a light meal.
• Crisp Texture: The combination of cucumbers and red onions adds a satisfying crunch.
• Refreshing Flavor: The tanginess from lemon juice and the zest of dill make each bite refreshing.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start making your Cucumber Dill Salad, gather the necessary tools to ensure a smooth preparation process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowl
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Small whisk or spoon

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowl: A spacious bowl allows you to combine all ingredients easily without mess.
• Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for slicing vegetables, ensuring even cuts for better presentation.
• Sharp knife: A good knife ensures clean cuts on cucumbers and onions, enhancing the texture of the salad.

Ingredients

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

For Garnish

• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

How to Make Cucumber Dill Salad

Step 1: Prepare the Dressing

In a small mixing bowl, combine Greek yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, grated garlic, salt, and black pepper. Stir until smooth and well mixed. Set aside.

Step 2: Slice the Vegetables

Slice the red onion thinly. For cucumbers, cut them in half lengthwise before slicing each half into thin rounds about 3mm or 1/8 thick.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients

In a large salad bowl, add the sliced cucumbers, red onion, and chopped dill. Pour the prepared dressing over the vegetables.

Step 4: Toss and Serve

Gently toss all ingredients together until well coated with dressing. You can serve it right away at room temperature or refrigerate it until you’re ready to serve. Enjoy your refreshing Cucumber Dill Salad!

How to Serve Cucumber Dill Salad

Cucumber dill salad is versatile and can be served in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a summer BBQ or enjoying a quiet dinner at home, these serving suggestions will enhance your meal.

As a Side Dish

• Perfect companion for grilled meats like chicken or fish. The coolness of the salad balances the heat from the grill.

In a Wrap

• Add a scoop of cucumber dill salad to wraps for a refreshing crunch. It pairs well with turkey, hummus, or roasted veggies.

On Top of Toast

• Serve the salad on toasted bread or pita for a quick appetizer. Add some feta cheese for extra flavor.

With Pita Chips

• Use cucumber dill salad as a dip with pita chips. The creamy texture complements the crunch of the chips nicely.

As a Light Lunch

• Enjoy it alone as a light lunch option. It’s filling yet low in calories, making it perfect for midday meals.

Garnished with Extra Dill

• For added flavor, sprinkle some fresh dill on top just before serving. It enhances both presentation and taste.

How to Perfect Cucumber Dill Salad

To ensure your cucumber dill salad is always delightful, follow these simple tips.

• Choose fresh cucumbers: Opt for firm, crisp cucumbers for the best texture and flavor.
• Use quality yogurt: Greek yogurt adds creaminess and tang. Choose full-fat for richness.
• Chill before serving: Letting the salad sit in the fridge for about 30 minutes allows flavors to meld beautifully.
• Adjust seasoning: Taste and adjust salt and pepper according to your preference. Fresh ingredients can vary in flavor intensity.
• Add more herbs: Experiment with additional herbs like mint or parsley to elevate the freshness even further.
• Serve cold: This salad is best served cold, especially on hot days when you want something refreshing.

Best Side Dishes for Cucumber Dill Salad

Cucumber dill salad pairs wonderfully with numerous side dishes. Here are some ideas to complement your meal perfectly.

1. Grilled Chicken Skewers: Juicy pieces of chicken marinated in spices make a hearty addition alongside the refreshing salad.
2. Mediterranean Quinoa Salad: A protein-packed quinoa dish filled with olives, tomatoes, and feta that enhances Mediterranean flavors.
3. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables bring warmth and sweetness that balance the coolness of cucumber dill salad.
4. Garlic Bread: Crispy garlic bread adds crunch and rich flavors that contrast nicely with the lightness of the salad.
5. Stuffed Peppers: Colorful bell peppers stuffed with rice or grains offer an eye-catching and nutritious side.
6. Feta Cheese Crumbles: A small bowl of crumbled feta cheese provides an excellent topping option for those who love adding cheese to their salads.
7. Tabbouleh Salad: A herby bulgur wheat salad provides another layer of freshness that complements cucumber dill salad well.
8. Savory Hummus Dip: Pair it with various veggies or pita chips for added flavor and texture diversity in your meal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making a cucumber dill salad can be simple, but there are a few common pitfalls that can affect the dish’s taste and texture. Here are some mistakes to watch out for:

• Using stale ingredients: Freshness is key in a cucumber dill salad. Always use fresh cucumbers and herbs to ensure vibrant flavors.
• Overdressing the salad: Too much dressing can make the salad soggy. Start with a smaller amount of dressing and add more if needed.
• Not salting the cucumbers: Salting cucumbers helps release excess water, preventing your salad from becoming watery. Sprinkle salt on the sliced cucumbers and let them sit for a few minutes before mixing.
• Ignoring resting time: Allowing the salad to rest for at least 15 minutes enhances the flavor as the ingredients meld together. Don’t rush to serve it immediately.
• Forgetting about balance: A good cucumber dill salad needs a balance of flavors. Ensure you have enough acidity from lemon juice and richness from yogurt to complement the freshness of cucumbers.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
• The salad can last up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
• Make sure not to mix in the dressing until you are ready to serve for best results.

Freezing Cucumber Dill Salad

• Avoid freezing: Cucumber dill salad does not freeze well due to its high water content, which can make it mushy upon thawing.
• If you have leftover components, consider freezing just the yogurt dressing separately for later use.

Reheating Cucumber Dill Salad

• Oven: Not recommended; this salad is best served cold or at room temperature.
• Microwave: Avoid using it as heating will change the texture of cucumbers.
• Stovetop: Not suitable either; serve fresh instead.

Frequently Asked Questions

What can I add to my Cucumber Dill Salad?

You can customize your cucumber dill salad by adding feta cheese, cherry tomatoes, or even avocado for extra flavor and nutrition.

How do I make Cucumber Dill Salad vegan?

To make a vegan version, substitute Greek yogurt with dairy-free yogurt or a cashew-based alternative while keeping all other ingredients intact.

Can I prepare Cucumber Dill Salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare all components ahead of time but keep the dressing separate until just before serving for optimal freshness.

What is the best way to slice cucumbers for this salad?

For this cucumber dill salad, aim for thin slices (about 1/8 inch) so they mix well with other ingredients and absorb flavors effectively.

Final Thoughts

This cucumber dill salad is not only refreshing but also incredibly versatile. Perfect as a side dish for summer barbecues or light lunches, it’s easy to customize with different add-ins based on your taste preferences. We encourage you to try making this healthy dish and experiment with various ingredients!

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Cucumber Dill Salad

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• Author: Lucille
• Total Time: 0 hours
• Yield: Serves approximately 4 people 1x

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Description

Cucumber Dill Salad is the ultimate refreshing dish for hot summer days. This vibrant salad combines crunchy cucumbers, tangy dill, and zesty lemon juice, creating a delightful flavor explosion in every bite. Perfect as a quick side for summer barbecues or as a light lunch on its own, this salad is not only easy to prepare but also packed with healthy ingredients. With minimal prep time and a few simple steps, you can enjoy this deliciously cool salad that everyone will love. Whether you’re hosting a picnic or enjoying a quiet dinner at home, Cucumber Dill Salad is sure to impress.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 ½ lb cucumbers (sliced)
• ½ red onion (finely sliced)
• ¼ cup fresh dill (chopped)
• ¾ cup Greek yogurt
• 1 ½ tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 1 ½ tbsp lemon juice
• ¼ tsp garlic (grated)
• Salt and black pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Prepare the dressing by mixing Greek yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, grated garlic, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl until smooth.
2. Slice red onion thinly and cut cucumbers into thin rounds.
3. In a large bowl, combine sliced cucumbers, red onion, and chopped dill. Pour the dressing over the vegetables.
4. Toss gently until well coated and serve immediately or refrigerate until ready.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: N/A
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Mixing
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (150g)
• Calories: 120
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 250mg
• Fat: 7g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 10g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 5g
• Cholesterol: 5mg