This refreshing salad mixes crisp cucumbers with zesty lemon and fragrant dill. It’s bright, cool, and perfect for a warm day!
You can whip it up in no time—just slice, mix, and serve! I love having this salad alongside grilled chicken. It really adds a tasty zing to the meal!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cucumbers: Fresh cucumbers are the star of this salad. I recommend using English cucumbers since they’re less bitter and have fewer seeds. If they’re unavailable, pickling cucumbers are a great option. Just don’t skip this refreshing base!
Dill: Fresh dill adds a wonderful flavor to the salad. If fresh isn’t available, you can substitute with dried dill (about 1 tablespoon), but fresh really shines here. If you’re not a fan of dill, consider using parsley or cilantro instead for a different twist!
Lemon Juice: Fresh-squeezed lemon juice is best for that bright flavor. Bottled lemon juice can work in a pinch, but it may lack the freshness. Feeling adventurous? Try lime juice for a zesty change!
Vinegar: I love white vinegar or apple cider vinegar for a nice tang. Rice vinegar is a good alternative as it’s a bit milder. Skip it for a purer cucumber taste, but you might miss that extra zing!
How Do You Make the Salad Extra Refreshing?
The key to a refreshing cucumber salad lies in the prep and chill time. First, always slice your cucumbers thinly. This encourages them to soak up the dressing and allows for a crunchier bite. Here’s the simple process:
- Slice cucumbers thinly—aim for about 1/8 inch for the best texture.
- Mix your dressing well until combined. Whisking dissolves the sugar, ensuring sweetness throughout.
- Let the salad chill! This helps all the flavors merge beautifully. Aim for at least 30 minutes, but it can also sit in the fridge for hours.
For the best experience, give the salad a gentle toss before serving, so that the cucumbers remain coated and fresh. Enjoy your light and crisp salad!
Refreshing Lemon Dill Cucumber Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salad:
- 3 large cucumbers, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh dill, chopped
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced (optional)
For the Dressing:
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (about 1-2 lemons)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon white vinegar or apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sugar or honey (optional, for slight sweetness)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful salad requires about 10 minutes of preparation time, plus a chill time of at least 30 minutes in the fridge. Altogether, you’ll spend around 40 minutes to enjoy this refreshing dish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Cucumbers:
Start by washing your cucumbers well. Use a sharp knife to slice them thinly—aim for about 1/8 inch thick. If you like a little crunch, you can leave the skin on; it adds color and texture!
2. Make the Dressing:
In a large mixing bowl, pour in the fresh lemon juice, olive oil, and vinegar. If you’re adding sugar or honey for sweetness, this is the time to mix it in! Combine them all and whisk until the sugar (if used) is fully dissolved. Add salt and black pepper to taste.
3. Combine Ingredients:
Add your thinly sliced cucumbers, chopped dill, and green onions (if using) to the bowl with the dressing. Gently toss everything together until the cucumbers are well coated in that delicious dressing.
4. Chill and Serve:
Cover the salad and place it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This allows all those flavors to come together and makes the salad extra refreshing! Before serving, give the salad another gentle toss and adjust the seasoning if needed.
Enjoy this cool and tangy cucumber salad as a light side or refreshing snack! Perfect for BBQs or picnics!
FAQ About Refreshing Lemon Dill Cucumber Salad
Can I Use Other Types of Cucumbers?
Absolutely! While English cucumbers are ideal thanks to their mild flavor and thin skin, you can use pickling cucumbers or even regular cucumbers. Just note that regular cucumbers may be a bit more watery, so consider salting them beforehand to draw out excess moisture.
How Long Can I Store Leftover Salad?
Leftover cucumber salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. However, it’s best served fresh, as cucumbers can become soggy over time. If you’re making it ahead, consider keeping the dressing separate until just before serving.
Can I Customize the Dressing?
Definitely! Feel free to customize the dressing by adding other herbs like parsley or mint for a different flavor. You can also adjust the acidity with more lemon juice or vinegar, or change the sweetness by altering the sugar or honey amount. Just taste as you go!
What Should I Serve This Salad With?
This salad pairs wonderfully with grilled meats, sandwiches, or as part of a summer picnic spread. You can also serve it alongside a light pasta dish or on top of greens for a refreshing lunch option!
