Name: Cucumber Dill Salad
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: PT-487465H29M32S
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 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 pepper (to taste)

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

Refreshing, crunchy, and tangy, this cucumber dill salad is a cooling bowl of goodness. It’s a simple and healthy side dish perfect for summer meals and BBQs. The combination of fresh cucumbers and aromatic dill makes this salad a must-have for any gathering or family dinner.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy to Prepare: With just a few simple steps, you can whip up this salad in no time.
Healthy Ingredients: Loaded with fresh veggies and yogurt, it’s nutritious without sacrificing flavor.
Versatile Side Dish: Perfect for summer barbecues, picnics, or as a light lunch option.
Refreshing Flavor: The combination of dill and lemon juice gives this salad a refreshing tang that everyone will love.
Customizable: Feel free to add other vegetables or herbs to suit your taste!

Tools and Preparation

To make the cucumber dill salad, you’ll need a few essential tools to ensure everything runs smoothly.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Mixing bowl
Cutting board
Sharp knife
Serving bowl

Importance of Each Tool

Mixing bowl: A large mixing bowl is crucial for combining all ingredients without spilling.
Sharp knife: A sharp knife makes slicing cucumbers and onions quick and easy, ensuring even cuts.

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

How to Make Cucumber Dill Salad

Step 1: Prepare the Dressing

In a small bowl, place the yogurt dressing ingredients. Stir until well combined and smooth. Set aside.

Step 2: Slice the Vegetables

Slice the onion finely. Cut the cucumbers in half lengthwise and then slice each half into 3mm / 1/8 thick slices.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients

In a large salad bowl, add all the salad ingredients along with the dressing. Toss everything together until well coated.

Step 4: Serve

Enjoy your cucumber dill salad at room temperature or refrigerate until serving. This dish is ready to be enjoyed!

How to Serve Cucumber Dill Salad

Cucumber dill salad is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. It pairs well with many meals and adds a refreshing crunch to your plate. Here are some serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience.

As a Side Dish

BBQ Dinners: This salad complements grilled meats perfectly, adding a light and refreshing touch.
Picnics: Pack it in a cooler for outdoor gatherings; it’s easy to transport and stays fresh.

In Wraps or Sandwiches

Vegetarian Wraps: Use it as a filling in wraps with hummus and other fresh veggies.
Chicken Sandwiches: Add a scoop of cucumber dill salad to your chicken sandwich for extra flavor.

As a Light Lunch

On Its Own: Serve it chilled as a light lunch option, especially on hot days.
With Crackers: Pair it with whole-grain crackers for a satisfying snack.

As Part of a Mezze Platter

Mediterranean Spread: Include it in a mezze platter alongside olives, pita bread, and baba ghanoush for delightful variety.

How to Perfect Cucumber Dill Salad

To make your cucumber dill salad truly stand out, consider these helpful tips. They will ensure every bite is bursting with flavor and freshness.

Use Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh cucumbers and dill for the best taste.
Chill Before Serving: Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to enhance the flavors.
Cut Evenly: Slice cucumbers uniformly for consistent texture and easier eating.
Adjust Seasoning: Taste the dressing before adding it to the salad; adjust salt and pepper according to your preference.
Experiment with Variations: Try adding ingredients like feta cheese or cherry tomatoes for added flavor.

Best Side Dishes for Cucumber Dill Salad

Cucumber dill salad makes an excellent accompaniment to many dishes. Here are some fantastic side dishes that pair beautifully with this refreshing salad.

Grilled Chicken Skewers: Juicy skewers marinated in herbs complement the crispness of the salad.
Roasted Vegetables: A mix of seasonal vegetables roasted until tender adds depth and warmth to your meal.
Quinoa Pilaf: Fluffy quinoa seasoned with herbs provides a hearty base next to the light salad.
Garlic Bread: Crunchy garlic bread offers a nice contrast in texture while soaking up any extra dressing.
Pasta Salad: A cold pasta salad with olives and bell peppers enhances the Mediterranean theme of your meal.
Stuffed Peppers: Colorful stuffed peppers filled with grains or proteins work well alongside this refreshing dish.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoiding common mistakes will help you make the best cucumber dill salad. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:

Using watery cucumbers: Cucumbers can be quite watery. To avoid a soggy salad, consider deseeding them or use English cucumbers, which are less watery.
Skipping the salt: Salt enhances flavors. Don’t omit it; it helps draw out moisture and intensifies the taste of the salad.
Not chilling the salad: While you can serve it at room temperature, chilling enhances flavor. Make sure to refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes before serving if you have time.
Overdressing the salad: Too much dressing can overpower the fresh flavors of cucumber and dill. Start with less and add more as needed.
Ignoring freshness: Fresh ingredients make a big difference. Always use fresh dill and crisp cucumbers for the best results.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store in an airtight container: This keeps your cucumber dill salad fresh.
Best consumed within 2-3 days: For optimal taste and texture, eat your salad within this period.

Freezing Cucumber Dill Salad

Not recommended for freezing: The texture of cucumbers changes once thawed, making it watery and unappealing.

Reheating Cucumber Dill Salad

Oven: Not recommended. This dish is best served cold or at room temperature.
Microwave: Avoid microwaving; it will alter the texture negatively.
Stovetop: Not suitable for reheating; enjoy fresh from the fridge!

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making cucumber dill salad:

Can I make Cucumber Dill Salad ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare it a few hours in advance. Just remember to keep it refrigerated until serving.

What can I pair with Cucumber Dill Salad?

This salad pairs well with grilled meats, sandwiches, or as part of a Mediterranean platter.

How long does Cucumber Dill Salad last in the fridge?

It lasts about 2-3 days when stored properly in an airtight container.

Can I customize my Cucumber Dill Salad?

Absolutely! Feel free to add other ingredients like cherry tomatoes, feta cheese, or even avocado for a unique twist.

Final Thoughts

Cucumber dill salad is a refreshing addition to any meal. Its bright flavors and crunchy texture make it perfect for summer gatherings or as a side dish any time of year. Customize it with your favorite ingredients to make it your own!