Name: Cucumber Dill Salad
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: PT-488818H32M14S
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: ¾ cup Greek yogurt (or plain full-fat yogurt); 1 ½ tablespoons extra virgin olive oil; 1 ½ tablespoons lemon juice; ¼ teaspoon grated garlic; ½ teaspoon fine salt; ⅕ teaspoon black pepper; 1 ½ lbs cucumbers, sliced; ½ red onion, finely sliced; ¼ cup fresh dill, chopped

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If you’re looking for a refreshing side dish that bursts with flavor, then this Cucumber Dill Salad is just the ticket! This salad is not only simple to whip up but also incredibly satisfying. It’s one of my favorite go-tos for busy weeknights or family gatherings. The crunch of fresh cucumbers combined with the tangy yogurt dressing makes it a perfect companion for grilled dishes or picnic spreads.

I love how versatile this salad is! Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue or simply enjoying a quiet dinner at home, this cucumber dill salad never disappoints. It’s a vibrant dish that adds color and zest to any table!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick to prepare: With just 10 minutes of prep time, you can have this delightful salad ready in no time!
Family-friendly: Everyone in your family will enjoy the crisp cucumbers and creamy dressing—perfect for picky eaters!
Make-ahead friendly: This salad tastes even better after the flavors meld together in the fridge, making it ideal for meal prep.
Wholesome ingredients: Made with fresh produce and yogurt, it’s both nutritious and delicious.
Perfect for any occasion: From summer BBQs to cozy dinners, this cucumber dill salad fits right in!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather some simple, wholesome ingredients that come together beautifully. You might already have most of these items in your pantry or fridge!

Ingredients:
– 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
– 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 Cucumber Dill Salad is wonderfully flexible! Here are a few fun variations to customize it to your liking:

Add some crunch: Toss in some chopped bell peppers or radishes for an extra layer of texture.
Mix up the herbs: Swap out dill for fresh mint or parsley if you’re looking for a different flavor profile.
Incorporate protein: Add some chickpeas or shredded rotisserie chicken for a heartier meal option.
Spice it up: For those who like a kick, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes to give your salad an extra zing.

How to Make Cucumber Dill Salad

Step 1: Prepare the Dressing

Start by placing the yogurt in a small bowl. Add olive oil, lemon juice, grated garlic, salt, and black pepper. Stir until everything is well combined and smooth. This step is important because the dressing ties all the flavors together and ensures each bite is deliciously creamy.

Step 2: Slice Your Veggies

Next, slice the red onion thinly and prepare your cucumbers. Cut them in half lengthwise, then slice each half into about 3mm / 1/8 thick slices. The thin slices allow all those lovely flavors to seep into every bit of cucumber.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients

In a large salad bowl, combine the sliced cucumbers, red onion, and chopped dill. Pour over the creamy yogurt dressing and gently toss everything together until well coated. This step is crucial as it makes sure every piece of veggie gets that delightful dressing.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy!

You can serve this salad right away at room temperature or pop it in the fridge until you’re ready to eat. I love letting it chill for a bit so the flavors can mingle even more! Enjoy every crunchy bite of your refreshing Cucumber Dill Salad!

Pro Tips for Making Cucumber Dill Salad

Creating the perfect cucumber dill salad is all about the little details! Here are some tips to elevate your dish:

Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh cucumbers and herbs for the best flavor. Fresh ingredients enhance the overall taste and bring a vibrant crunch to your salad.
Chill Before Serving: Allow the salad to sit in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. This helps the flavors meld together beautifully, creating a more refreshing dish.
Adjust Seasoning: Don’t be afraid to tweak the salt and pepper according to your personal taste. Balancing these seasonings can transform a good salad into a great one!
Explore Variations: Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or radishes for extra color and crunch. These additions can provide new textures and flavors, making each bite exciting.
Store Properly: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. This keeps them fresh for about 2 days, although they’re best enjoyed right away.

How to Serve Cucumber Dill Salad

Presenting your cucumber dill salad creatively can make it even more enjoyable. Here’s how you can serve this delightful dish:

Garnishes

Fresh Dill Sprigs: A few sprigs of fresh dill on top not only look beautiful but also intensify the herbaceous flavor.
Lemon Zest: A sprinkle of lemon zest over the salad adds a bright, zesty aroma that complements the dressing perfectly.

Side Dishes

Grilled Chicken Skewers: Juicy chicken skewers seasoned with herbs make a fantastic main course alongside this refreshing salad.
Quinoa Pilaf: A fluffy quinoa pilaf with veggies provides a hearty yet healthy side that pairs wonderfully with the lightness of the cucumber dill salad.
Roasted Vegetables: Roasted seasonal vegetables bring warmth and earthiness to your meal, balancing out the coolness of the salad.
Pita Bread with Hummus: Soft pita bread served with creamy hummus creates a Mediterranean vibe that complements the flavors of your salad beautifully.

With these serving suggestions and pro tips, your cucumber dill salad will not only be delicious but also visually appealing! Enjoy this delightful dish at your next gathering or as part of a weeknight dinner.

Make Ahead and Storage

This Cucumber Dill Salad is perfect for meal prep! You can make it ahead of time, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. Here’s how to store it properly:

Storing Leftovers

Place any leftover salad in an airtight container.
Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Give it a good stir before serving to refresh the dressing.

Freezing

It’s not recommended to freeze this salad because cucumbers can become mushy upon thawing.
Enjoy fresh instead!

Reheating

This salad is best served cold or at room temperature.
If you prefer it slightly warm, allow it to sit out for a few minutes before serving.

FAQs

Here are some answers to common questions about this refreshing dish!

Can I use other herbs in my Cucumber Dill Salad?

Absolutely! While dill brings a unique flavor, feel free to experiment with parsley, mint, or chives depending on your taste preferences.

How long can I store Cucumber Dill Salad?

You can keep your Cucumber Dill Salad in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just remember to store it in an airtight container!

Is this Cucumber Dill Salad suitable for potlucks?

Yes! This salad is an excellent choice for potlucks due to its refreshing taste and easy preparation. It’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser!

Can I add more vegetables to my Cucumber Dill Salad?

Definitely! Feel free to enhance your salad by adding bell peppers, radishes, or even cherry tomatoes for added color and crunch.

Final Thoughts

This Cucumber Dill Salad is not just a side dish; it’s a delightful celebration of fresh ingredients that brightens up any meal. I hope you enjoy making this simple yet flavorful recipe as much as I do. Don’t hesitate to share your experience or try out variations that suit your taste. Happy cooking!