Name: Amazing Cucumber Dill Salad: 15 Min Refreshing Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: European
Ingredients: 2 cucumbers, peeled and thinly sliced (approximately 500g/2 cups); 1/2 cup plain yogurt (120g); 1/4 cup chopped fresh dill (15g); 2 tablespoons lemon juice (30ml); 1 tablespoon olive oil (15ml); 1/4 teaspoon salt (1.5g); 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (0.5g); 1 small red onion, thinly sliced (optional) (50g)

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Cucumber Dill Salad has been my go-to for those hot summer days when I crave something light, refreshing, and bursting with flavor. I remember my aunt making this for picnics when I was a kid; the bright green cucumbers, the flecks of fresh dill, and that tangy dressing always felt like pure sunshine in a bowl. It’s such an easy cucumber dill salad to whip up, and it’s so versatile! If you’ve ever wondered what is cucumber dill salad, it’s essentially a simple, no-cook dish that highlights the crispness of cucumbers with the aromatic punch of dill, often in a creamy or vinaigrette-based dressing. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Cucumber Dill Salad

Taste: It offers a wonderfully bright and tangy flavor profile that’s incredibly refreshing.
Prep Time: You can whip up this fresh cucumber dill salad in under 15 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
Health Benefits: It’s a light and healthy option, packed with hydrating cucumbers and fresh herbs.
Budget-Friendly: Cucumbers and dill are generally inexpensive, making this a great go-to for an affordable dish.
Family-Friendly: Even picky eaters often enjoy the mild flavors and crisp texture of this fresh cucumber dill salad.
Versatile: It pairs beautifully with grilled meats, fish, or as a standalone light lunch.
No-Cook: Perfect for warm weather, this salad requires no cooking, keeping your kitchen cool.

Ingredients for Cucumber Dill Salad

This cucumber and dill salad recipe is incredibly straightforward, using simple ingredients for maximum flavor. The crispness of the cucumbers is really the star here, especially when they’re peeled and thinly sliced so they absorb the dressing beautifully. Fresh dill is essential for that signature aromatic flavor, and I find that about 1/4 cup chopped fresh dill (15g) is the perfect amount. For the dressing, we’re keeping it light yet creamy with 1/2 cup plain yogurt (120g), which offers a lovely tang without being too heavy. A splash of 2 tablespoons lemon juice (30ml) brightens everything up, and 1 tablespoon olive oil (15ml) adds a touch of richness. Don’t forget 1/4 teaspoon salt (1.5g) and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (0.5g) to enhance all the flavors. If you like a little bite, 1 small red onion, thinly sliced (optional) (50g) adds a nice contrast.

Amazing Cucumber Dill Salad: 15 Min Refreshing Recipe - Cucumber Dill Salad - main visual representation

How to Make Cucumber Dill Salad

Learning how to make cucumber dill salad is so simple, and the payoff is huge! This recipe is all about bringing together fresh ingredients for a light and delicious dish that’s perfect any time of year, especially during the summer months. You’ll be amazed at how quickly this comes together.

Step 1: Start by preparing your cucumbers. Peel them and then slice them thinly. I like to aim for about 1/8-inch thickness so they absorb the dressing nicely. Place the sliced cucumbers into a medium-sized mixing bowl.
Step 2: Next, add the creamy elements and flavor boosters to the bowl with the cucumbers. This includes 1/2 cup plain yogurt (120g), 1/4 cup chopped fresh dill (15g), 2 tablespoons lemon juice (30ml), and 1 tablespoon olive oil (15ml).
Step 3: Season the mixture generously with 1/4 teaspoon salt (1.5g) and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (0.5g). If you’re adding red onion for a little extra zing, now’s the time to toss in that small red onion, thinly sliced (optional) (50g).
Step 4: Gently toss all the ingredients together using a spoon or spatula until everything is well combined and the cucumbers are evenly coated. Be careful not to over-mix, as this can make the cucumbers release too much water.
Step 5: Once everything is mixed, cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap or a lid. Place the bowl in the refrigerator and let it chill for at least 30 minutes. This chilling time is crucial for how to make cucumber dill salad truly shine, as it allows the flavors to meld beautifully and the cucumbers to firm up slightly.
Step 6: Before you’re ready to serve your delightful cucumber dill salad, give it another gentle toss. This helps redistribute the dressing. Serve chilled and enjoy this refreshing dish!

Pro Tips for the Best Cucumber Dill Salad

Making a truly exceptional cucumber dill salad is all about a few simple tricks. These tips will elevate your salad from good to absolutely amazing, ensuring it’s always crisp, flavorful, and perfectly balanced. I’ve learned these through trial and error, and they make all the difference!

Use English cucumbers or seedless varieties whenever possible. Their thinner skins and fewer seeds mean less prep and a better texture.
Don’t skip the chilling time! Letting the salad rest in the fridge for at least 30 minutes is key for the flavors to meld and the cucumbers to firm up.
Always use fresh dill. Dried dill just doesn’t have the same vibrant, aromatic quality that fresh herbs bring to this dish.
Gently toss the ingredients. Over-mixing can bruise the cucumbers and make them release excess water, leading to a watery salad.

Amazing Cucumber Dill Salad: 15 Min Refreshing Recipe - Cucumber Dill Salad - additional detail

What’s the secret to perfect cucumber dill salad?

The absolute secret to the best cucumber dill salad is chilling it properly. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully and ensures the cucumbers remain crisp, not soggy. A good dill cucumber salad dressing needs time to work its magic!

Can I make cucumber dill salad ahead of time?

Yes, you absolutely can! Prepare the salad up to 24 hours in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator. This is perfect for meal prep. Just give it a gentle stir before serving.

How do I avoid common mistakes with cucumber dill salad?

The biggest mistake is a watery salad. To avoid this, make sure to slice your cucumbers thinly and don’t over-mix. If you’re using regular cucumbers, salting them and letting them drain for 15 minutes before adding them can also help draw out excess moisture. For more information on preparing vegetables, you can explore resources on vegetable gardening.

Variations and Serving Suggestions for Cucumber Dill Salad

This versatile cucumber dill salad is a fantastic base for all sorts of delicious variations and pairs wonderfully with so many dishes. For a richer, tangier flavor, try swapping the yogurt for sour cream to create a decadent cucumber salad with dill and sour cream. If you prefer a lighter, but equally delicious option, stick with our original creamy base or try a vinaigrette-style cucumber salad dill vinegar. This salad is a perfect side for grilled chicken or fish, and it’s especially delightful alongside hearty dishes like roasted potatoes or schnitzel, making it a true summer staple. You can also make a fantastic cucumber salad with dill and yogurt by following the base recipe, ensuring a refreshing accompaniment to any meal. For other light and refreshing options, consider a mediterranean chickpea salad or a classic caprese salad.

Nutrition Facts for Cucumber Dill Salad

This light and refreshing cucumber dill salad is a fantastic choice for a healthy meal. The nutritional values are based on a serving size of approximately 1 cup, making it a guilt-free addition to any plate. It’s a great way to enjoy fresh flavors while keeping your intake of calories and fat low, making it a truly healthy cucumber dill salad.

Calories: 78 calories
Fat: 5 g
Saturated Fat: 1 g
Protein: 2 g
Carbohydrates: 7 g
Fiber: 2 g
Sugar: 5 g
Sodium: 5 mg

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used.

How to Store and Reheat Cucumber Dill Salad

Proper storage is key to keeping your cucumber dill salad tasting fresh and delicious, even when you need a quick meal. After you’ve finished enjoying this delightful dish, make sure to let it cool completely before storing. This prevents condensation, which can make the salad watery. Transfer the salad to an airtight container. I find glass containers work best for this purpose. You can safely store your cucumber dill salad in the refrigerator for about 3 to 4 days. Because of its high water content and fresh ingredients, freezing is generally not recommended as it can significantly alter the texture, making the cucumbers mushy.

Since this salad is best served chilled and doesn’t involve cooking, reheating isn’t typically necessary. However, if you find it’s gotten a bit too cold or you simply want to refresh it, you can let it sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes. For those times when you need a truly quick cucumber dill salad fix, knowing these storage tips means you can have a refreshing side ready to go with minimal effort. For other quick meal ideas, consider easy avocado toast or a veggie burger.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cucumber Dill Salad

Is this a healthy cucumber dill salad?

Absolutely! This recipe is a wonderfully healthy cucumber dill salad option. It’s packed with hydrating cucumbers, fresh dill, and uses plain yogurt for creaminess, keeping the fat and calorie count low. It’s a refreshing way to add vegetables to your meal without a lot of added sugars or unhealthy fats.

Can I make this cucumber dill salad without mayo?

Yes, this recipe is designed to be a cucumber dill salad no mayo option! We use plain yogurt as the creamy base, which gives it a lovely tang and smooth texture without the heaviness or distinct flavor of mayonnaise. This makes it lighter and often preferred by those who dislike mayo.

What other herbs can I use in this cucumber dill salad?

While dill is the star, you can certainly experiment! Fresh parsley, chives, or even a little bit of mint can complement the dill and cucumber beautifully. Just remember that dill is the classic herb for this specific salad, so try to keep it as the primary herb for that authentic taste.

Why are my cucumbers watery in the salad?

The most common reason for watery cucumbers is over-mixing or using cucumbers that haven’t had excess moisture removed. Slicing them thinly and allowing them to chill in the dressing for at least 30 minutes helps them firm up. If you’re using regular cucumbers (not English), you might consider lightly salting them for 15 minutes, then patting them dry before adding them to the salad to draw out excess water.

Cucumber Dill Salad Recipe Variations

While this classic cucumber dill salad is fantastic on its own, don’t be afraid to get creative! There are so many ways to adapt this recipe to suit your taste or dietary needs. Here are a few ideas to inspire your next batch of this wonderfully simple cucumber dill salad.

For a Vegan Twist: Easily make this recipe vegan by substituting the plain yogurt with a dairy-free yogurt alternative, like coconut or almond yogurt. The flavor profile remains similar, offering a creamy, tangy dressing without the dairy.
Spicy Kick: If you enjoy a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the dressing. This adds a subtle warmth that pairs surprisingly well with the cool cucumbers and dill.
Vinegar-Based Dressing: For a lighter, more piquant version, skip the yogurt altogether and create a vinaigrette. Whisk together lemon juice, olive oil, a touch of white wine vinegar, and your dill and seasonings. This version is incredibly refreshing and perfect for warmer days.
Add More Veggies: Feel free to mix in thinly sliced radishes for a peppery crunch or some finely diced bell peppers for added color and sweetness.