Easy and Refreshing Cucumber Salad With Dill Recipe

Cool down with this easy & refreshing cucumber salad recipe featuring fresh dill. Perfect summer side dish ready in minutes!

Beat the summer heat with this easy and refreshing cucumber salad recipe, bursting with the bright flavor of fresh dill. Ready in just minutes, this simple side dish is the perfect complement to grilled meats, fish, or a light lunch on its own.

Crisp cucumbers, tangy vinegar, and fragrant dill come together to create a symphony of flavors that will leave you feeling refreshed and satisfied. So grab some fresh cucumbers from your garden or the grocery store and let’s get started on this delicious dish!

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Refreshing Cucumber Salad with Dill: A Farm-to-Table Delight

I love the ease and fresh flavors of summer meals, don’t you? It’s a great time of year for cooking because ingredients are fresh and available at both the market and in the garden. There’s something incredibly satisfying about walking into your garden, picking fresh ingredients, and turning them into a delicious dish.

Since I grow vegetables, fruits and herbs in my gardens, I love to make meals where I can harvest the produce. One of my favorite vegetables to grow is cucumbers. The plants produce in abundance so I’m always looking for ways to use them in recipes. This refreshing cucumber salad with dill is one of my favorite recipes, especially during the summer months. It’s light, crisp, and bursting with flavor, making it a perfect farm-to-table dish.

Ingredients for Cucumber Dill Salad

If you aren’t growing your own veggies and herbs, pick up fresh vegetables and herbs from your local farm stand or market. While you can make this fresh dill salad anytime of year, I think it tastes best when the ingredients are in season, which is typically during the summer.

As an aside, I love this dish because it goes so well with any main course protein, especially if you are grilling. This recipe is so light, creamy, and refreshing that it balances out smoky or heavier grilled flavors. Here’s what you need:

• 2 Large Cucumbers Peeled, thinly sliced
• 1 Onion Halved and Sliced Thin, red for strong onion flavor or sweet for softer flavor
• ½ Cup Mayonaise
• ⅛ Cup Fresh Dill chopped
• Salt and Pepper to Taste
• Optional: splash of vinegar for a little zing

I’ve made this recipe using sweet onions and red onions. If you prefer a dish with strong onion flavor or want it to have a little more color, go with the red onions. While I make it both ways, I prefer the soft onion flavor of the sweet onions. If you try both, let me know what you think!

Making Cucumber Salad With Dill: Step-by-Step Directions

• Peel and slice cucumbers thin. Add to a large bowl.
• Cut onion in half and slice thin. Add to bowl with cucumbers.
• Add mayo.
• Chop and dice dill. Add to bowl.
• Salt and pepper to taste.
• Put it in the fridge for at least an hour to let the flavors meld.
• Optional: If you want a little extra zing, add a splash of vinegar.

As an aside, if you want to get the most evenly sliced cucumbers, you’ve got to try using this vegetable slicer. It’s a staple in my kitchen for slicing, dicing, chopping, and spiralizing fresh veggies.

Cucumber Salad With Dill Variations and Additions

This dill salad recipe is super accommodating if you want to change things up. You can easily tweak it to add what you like. Here are some ideas.

• Tomatoes: Add cherry tomatoes for a pop of color and sweetness.
• Cheese: Crumbled feta or goat cheese can add a delightful tang.
• Yogurt: Substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a lighter, tangier version.
• Herbs: Experiment with other herbs like parsley or chives for a different twist.

Easy Cucumber Salad Serving Suggestions

This cucumber salad is incredibly versatile. It’s perfect for BBQs, picnics, or as a side dish for family dinners. It pairs wonderfully with grilled meats, sandwiches, or even on its own as a light snack. My family loves this dish and I can never make enough to satisfy their cucumber craving.

Prep Ahead Directions

Yes, you can make this salad a few hours or even a day ahead. In fact, letting it sit in the fridge for a few hours helps the flavors meld together, making it even more delicious. I think it tastes even better the next day, if you have any leftover, that is!

Storing Your Cucumber Salad With Dill

To keep your refreshing cucumber salad at its best, proper storage is key.

• Refrigerator: Store any leftover cucumber salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. While the salad is still safe to eat beyond this, the cucumbers may release more water and become less crisp over time. For optimal freshness, we recommend consuming it within 48 hours.
• Preventing Wateriness: If you anticipate leftovers, consider draining any excess liquid from the salad before storing it. You can also lightly salt the sliced cucumbers and let them sit for 15-20 minutes before assembling the salad to draw out some of their natural moisture, then pat them dry.
• Freezing: I don’t recommend freezing cucumber salad. The high water content of cucumbers will cause them to become mushy and unappetizing once thawed.

Gardening Tips for Growing Your Ingredients

• Cucumbers: They thrive in warm weather (summer) in full sun and well draining soil. Make sure to water the base of plants in the earlier part of the day. Read this article to learn more about growing cucumbers in your kitchen garden.
• Dill: This herb is easy to grow! It also prefers full sun and well draining soil. It can be grown in pots or directly in the ground. Keep in mind it is a cool-season annual herb that will peter out in the heat of summer so plan to grow it more in spring and fall. I usually let mine go to seed and flower so the pollinators and beneficial insects flock to my garden.

Homemade Cucumber Salad Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

When it comes to making a delicious cucumber salad with dill, there are a few common questions that often come up. Here are some answers to help you make the best salad possible.

What’s the best type of cucumber to use?

English or Persian cucumbers are ideal because they have fewer seeds and a crisper texture. However, regular garden cucumbers work well too, especially if they are fresh. Honestly, I make this recipe with whatever cucumbers I’m growing that year.

How can I make my cucumber salad less watery?

To prevent a watery salad, sprinkle the cucumber slices with salt and let them sit for about 30 minutes. This draws out excess water. Rinse and pat them dry before mixing with other ingredients.

Can I use dried dill instead of fresh dill?

Yes, you can substitute dried dill if fresh isn’t available. Use about one-third the amount of dried dill since it is more concentrated in flavor.

What can I use instead of mayonnaise?

For a lighter version, you can substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt or a mix of yogurt and a small amount of olive oil. This gives a tangy flavor and creamy texture without the extra calories.

Is this salad vegan-friendly?

The traditional recipe uses mayonnaise, but you can easily make it vegan by using a plant-based mayonnaise or yogurt.

How do I keep cucumbers crunchy in the salad?

To keep cucumbers crunchy, ensure they are fresh and firm before slicing. Also, serving the salad soon after preparing helps maintain the crunchiness.

Final Thoughts About Making This Cucumber Salad With Dill Recipe

This refreshing cucumber salad with dill is like a celebration of fresh, home-grown ingredients. It is one of my favorite side dishes during grill season. I love the light refreshing flavor when combined with the more heavier flavorings of a grilled main dish. Give it a try, and I promise it will become a staple in your summer recipe rotation. I’d love to hear your variations and tips!

Have you made this recipe before? Do you make it differently than I do? Let’s chat more about it in the comments below.

Enjoy this yummy farm-to-table dish! Happy gardening and happy eating!

Thanks for stopping by the blog today!

Enjoy your day! xoxo

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For a More Complete Summer Dinner Menu, Check Out These Posts

• The Best Fresh Summer Dinner Party Menu by Simply 2 Moms
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• Pork Tenderloin Medallions with Peach Sauce by Vintage Home Designs
• Cucumber Salad with Dill (you are here)
• Old Fashioned Strawberry Peach Crisp by Midwest Life and Style

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