Cucumber Dill Salad

The crisp, refreshing crunch of cucumber combined with the bright, tangy bite of dill makes this salad a true summer staple. Each time I toss together the ingredients, I can already smell the fresh dill as it mingles with the cool cucumbers, making my kitchen feel like a little slice of summer. The vinegar adds that perfect zing, while a touch of honey or sugar balances everything out, keeping the flavors light and fresh without overwhelming your taste buds. It’s the kind of dish that pairs beautifully with grilled meats or a simple bowl of hummus, making it both versatile and satisfying. What’s even better is how easy it is to customize—sometimes, I’ll add a little crumbled feta or even a squeeze of lemon for an extra layer of flavor. It’s one of those recipes that you can make your own, and it always feels like a treat!

Key Ingredients in Cucumber Dill Salad

This cucumber dill salad is a celebration of fresh, simple ingredients that come together to create a dish bursting with flavor. Let’s take a closer look at what makes each of these key ingredients so special:

* Cucumber

The star of the dish, cucumbers provide a refreshing, crisp texture that balances perfectly with the creamy yogurt and zesty dill. Their high water content makes them incredibly hydrating, adding a light, cooling element to the salad.

* Plain Greek Yogurt

Greek yogurt gives the salad a smooth, creamy base without being overly rich. It brings a subtle tanginess that pairs so well with the brightness of the cucumbers and the aromatic dill. Plus, it’s a healthier option compared to sour cream!

* Fresh Dill, Chopped

Fresh dill is the defining herb in this salad. Its distinctive, grassy flavor adds an earthy note that complements the cucumbers perfectly. The aroma of fresh dill alone makes the dish feel even more summery and inviting.

* Olive Oil

A little olive oil goes a long way in bringing all the ingredients together. It helps to bind the flavors while adding a smooth richness that enhances the overall taste. The slightly fruity undertones of quality olive oil work wonders in this salad.

* Lemon Juice

A squeeze of lemon juice brightens up the salad and cuts through the creaminess of the yogurt. It’s a natural way to add acidity and balance out the richness, leaving your taste buds tingling with freshness.

* Garlic, Minced

Garlic adds a subtle depth of flavor that’s never overpowering but enhances the entire dish. It brings a little zing, perfectly complementing the cool cucumbers and creamy yogurt.

* Salt

Salt is an essential ingredient that helps to bring out the natural flavors of the other ingredients. Just a pinch is enough to elevate the entire dish, making everything taste more vibrant.

* Black Pepper

A dash of black pepper adds a touch of warmth and a mild kick. It’s the perfect seasoning to round out the salad without taking away from the other delicate flavors.

* Red Onion, Finely Chopped

Red onion provides a slight bite and a hint of sweetness, making the salad more interesting with a touch of color. It’s the perfect contrast to the smoothness of the yogurt and the crunch of the cucumber.

How to Make Cucumber Dill Salad

1. Wash the cucumber thoroughly under cold running water to remove any dirt or residue. This ensures the cucumber is clean and ready to eat, especially since you’ll be using the skin for added texture.

2. Cut off both ends of the cucumber and slice it into thin rounds, about 1/8-inch thick, or to your preferred thickness. The thinner the slices, the more delicate the crunch will be!

3. Place the cucumber slices into a medium-sized mixing bowl. This will be the base of your salad, so make sure the bowl is large enough to toss everything together later.

4. Sprinkle a small pinch of salt over the cucumber slices and toss them gently to coat. The salt will help draw out excess moisture from the cucumbers, making the salad even more refreshing.

5. Let the cucumber sit for about 10 minutes to draw out excess moisture. Afterward, use a paper towel or clean kitchen towel to blot away any liquid that has been released. This step prevents the salad from becoming too watery.

6. In a separate small bowl, add 1 cup of plain Greek yogurt. This will form the creamy base of your dressing, giving the salad a rich and smooth texture.

7. Finely chop 2 tablespoons of fresh dill and add it to the yogurt. Fresh dill brings an aromatic, grassy flavor that elevates the entire dish.

8. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the yogurt mixture. The olive oil helps bind all the ingredients together, adding a subtle richness that complements the tangy yogurt.

9. Squeeze in 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice into the yogurt mixture. The lemon juice balances the creaminess of the yogurt and brings a burst of acidity to brighten up the flavors.

10. Mince 1 teaspoon of garlic and stir it into the yogurt mixture. The garlic adds a delicate yet savory kick, tying all the flavors together.

11. Finely chop 1 tablespoon of red onion and add it to the yogurt mixture. The red onion brings a slight bite and sweetness, enhancing the overall depth of flavor.

12. Season the yogurt mixture with 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper. This simple seasoning allows the fresh ingredients to shine without overpowering the delicate flavors.

13. Stir all the ingredients in the yogurt mixture together until they are evenly combined. Make sure the yogurt coats the herbs, garlic, and onion for a smooth, cohesive dressing.

14. Add the cucumber slices to the yogurt mixture and gently toss them together until the cucumber is well coated with the dressing. You want to ensure every slice is covered in that creamy, flavorful goodness!

15. Taste the salad and adjust the seasoning, adding more salt, pepper, or lemon juice if desired. This step lets you customize the salad to your exact preferences, so feel free to tweak it until it’s just right.

16. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. The chilling time lets the ingredients marry, making the salad even more delicious.

17. Serve the cucumber dill salad chilled as a refreshing side dish. It’s the perfect complement to any summer meal, or just a light, refreshing snack on its own!

Serving Suggestions for Cucumber Dill Salad

– Grilled Chicken or Lamb: This cucumber dill salad makes the perfect side dish for grilled meats like chicken or lamb. The refreshing coolness of the salad cuts through the richness of the meat, creating a balanced and satisfying meal.

– As a Topping for Sandwiches: Try spreading this creamy, tangy salad on a fresh sandwich or wrap for an added crunch and flavor boost. It works beautifully with turkey, chicken, or even a veggie wrap for a lighter lunch option.

– With Hummus and Pita: Serve this cucumber dill salad alongside a bowl of creamy hummus and warm pita bread. It’s a fun and refreshing appetizer spread that’s perfect for sharing with friends or enjoying as a snack on a sunny afternoon.

How to Store Cucumber Dill Salad

To keep your cucumber dill salad fresh and flavorful, here are a few simple tips for storing it:

– Refrigerate in an Airtight Container: After preparing the salad, transfer it to a sealed container and store it in the refrigerator. This helps keep the salad cool and prevents it from drying out. The salad should stay fresh for up to 2 days.

– Avoid Storing with Extra Liquid: If you’ve noticed some excess liquid in the salad after it sits for a while, it’s a good idea to drain it off before storing. This prevents the dressing from becoming too watery and keeps the salad’s texture intact.

– Don’t Freeze: Freezing cucumber dill salad is not recommended. The cucumbers will become mushy when thawed, and the creamy dressing may separate. It’s best enjoyed fresh, so be sure to finish it within a couple of days for the best taste and texture!

Conclusion

And there you have it – a refreshing, simple, and totally delicious cucumber dill salad that’s sure to brighten up any meal! The crisp cucumbers, tangy yogurt, and aromatic dill come together in a perfect harmony of flavors that’ll make your taste buds do a happy dance. Whether you’re serving it as a side dish to grilled meats, piling it onto a sandwich, or pairing it with some creamy hummus and pita, this salad is versatile, easy to make, and totally satisfying.

If you decide to try this recipe, I’d absolutely love to hear how it turns out! Drop me a comment or share any tweaks you make – I’m always up for a little kitchen experimentation. And, as always, if you have any questions or need a hand with making it, I’m here for you. Cooking should always be a fun, stress-free experience, and I’m so excited for you to give this one a go! Happy cooking!

Print Recipe

Cucumber Dill Salad

Author: Emily Roberts Courses: Appetizer

Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time 10 mins Rest Time 10 mins Total Time 20 mins

Calories: 150

Description

Crisp cucumber slices mingle with fragrant dill, all bathed in a light, tangy dressing. Refreshing and vibrant, this salad brings a burst of cool, herbal flavor, perfect for a summer day or as a zesty side to any meal.

Ingredients

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

• 1 cucumber

• 1 cup plain Greek yogurt

• 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

• 1 teaspoon garlic, minced

• ¹⁄₂ teaspoon salt

• ¹⁄₄ teaspoon black pepper

• 1 tablespoon red onion, finely chopped

Instructions

1. Start by washing the cucumber thoroughly under cold running water to remove any dirt or residue.
2. Cut off both ends of the cucumber and slice it into thin rounds, about 1/8-inch thick, or to your preferred thickness.
3. Place the cucumber slices into a medium-sized mixing bowl.
4. Sprinkle a small pinch of salt over the cucumber slices and toss them gently to coat.
5. Let the cucumber sit for about 10 minutes to draw out excess moisture, then use a paper towel or clean kitchen towel to blot away any liquid.
6. In a separate small bowl, add 1 cup of plain Greek yogurt.
7. Finely chop 2 tablespoons of fresh dill and add it to the yogurt.
8. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the yogurt mixture.
9. Squeeze in 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice into the yogurt mixture.
10. Mince 1 teaspoon of garlic and stir it into the yogurt mixture.
11. Finely chop 1 tablespoon of red onion and add it to the yogurt mixture.
12. Season the yogurt mixture with 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper.
13. Stir all the ingredients in the yogurt mixture together until they are evenly combined.
14. Add the cucumber slices to the yogurt mixture and gently toss them together until the cucumber is well coated with the dressing.
15. Taste the salad and adjust the seasoning, adding more salt, pepper, or lemon juice if desired.
16. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
17. Serve the cucumber dill salad chilled as a refreshing side dish.

Note

• For extra crunch, you can add a handful of thinly sliced radishes to the cucumber mixture.
• To make the salad creamier, you can substitute some or all of the Greek yogurt with sour cream.
• If you prefer a bit of sweetness, add a small drizzle of honey to balance the tanginess.
• For a spicier kick, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a small diced chili pepper to the dressing.
• Letting the salad rest in the fridge for a few hours will enhance the flavors even more.

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