I have fallen for this cucumber dill salad where thinly sliced cucumbers, red onion, and fresh dill mingle with white vinegar and a hint of sugar. A splash of lemon juice refreshes each bite. This recipe is one of my favorite Low Cal Cucumber Recipes and a perfect side for summer meals.
I love how this Cucumber Dill Salad turns a regular salad into a burst of summer flavor. I first tried it on a hot day and it was exactly what I needed—a refreshing, crunchy burst of goodness with just the right kick.
I start with three medium cucumbers, thinly sliced so every bite has that crisp texture, and a small red onion sliced just right to add a little zing. I mix these with about 1/4 cup of chopped fresh dill, a couple tablespoons of white vinegar for that tangy taste, and a teaspoon of sugar to balance the acidity.
I season it with salt and pepper, and sometimes I go the extra mile with a tablespoon of lemon juice for a bit more punch. Whether you’re into low cal or trying a Whole 30 twist, this salad fits right in.
It’s the kind of simple dish that makes your meal pop without any fuss. Enjoy!
Why I Like this Recipe
I like this recipe because it tastes amazing and feels so refreshing. First, i love how crunchy the thinly sliced cucumbers and red onion are, and how the fresh dill adds a great herby kick to every bite. Second, it is super simple to make even if you’re not a top chef – i can whip this up in no time for a quick, healthy side dish. Third, the tangy dressing made with vinegar and a little lemon juice gives it that extra zing that makes my taste buds happy, even if i sometimes forget a pinch of salt or two. Lastly, i love that its the perfect dish for summer get-togethers or casual BBQs, where its light taste and crisp texture really steal the show.
This salad is like a cool, tasty side dish thats easy to put together. The mix of crunchy cucumbers and red onions, along with a bit of dill, makes it feel really fresh. The tangy vinegar dressing, sometimes with a dash of lemon juice, gives it a little kick of flavor that really wakes up the dish. It might not be perfect every time i make it but its simple flavors and easy prep make it a go-to recipe when i need something quick and delicious.
Ingredients
- Cucumbers are refreshingly hydrating, high in fiber, uniquely tasty, and remarkably low in calories.
- Red onions deliver a zesty, sharp flavor while offering antioxidants and dietary fiber benefits.
- Fresh dill giv’s an aromatic lift and digestive support, enhancing the salad’s overall taste.
- White vinegar adds tart acidity that brightens flavors, creating a crisp, balanced bite every time.
- Sugar offers a subtle sweetness to mellow tangy notes, ensuring the dressing tastes well-rounded.
- Salt and pepper complement each ingredient by intensifying natural flavors and boosting overall taste.
- Lemon juice add an extra layer of tangy brightness for a zestier finish.
Ingredient Quantities
- 3 medium cucumbers, thinly sliced
- 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh dill
- 2 tablespoons white vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional)
How to Make this
1. Start by thinly slicing 3 medium cucumbers and 1 small red onion, try to keep them as even as possible.
2. Place the cucumber and red onion slices in a large mixing bowl.
3. Add 1/4 cup of chopped fresh dill into the bowl.
4. In a separate small bowl, mix 2 tablespoons white vinegar with 1 teaspoon sugar.
5. Season the vinegar mixture with salt and pepper to taste, and if you want, add 1 tablespoon lemon juice for extra zing.
6. Pour the dressing evenly over the cucumber, onion, and dill.
7. Toss all of the ingredients gently until everything is well combined.
8. Let the salad chill in the refrigerator for at least 20 minutes so the flavours blend nicely.
9. Give it a quick stir before serving to redistribute the dressing.
10. Enjoy this refreshing, crunchy side dish perfect for summer meals and BBQs!
Equipment Needed
1. A sharp knife for slicing the cucumbers and red onions
2. A cutting board to keep your counter safe
3. A large mixing bowl for combining the veggies and dill
4. A small bowl for mixing the dressing
5. Measuring cups and spoons to get the vinegar, sugar, and lemon juice right
6. A spoon or salad tongs for tossing the salad evenly
7. A refrigerator to chill the salad for at least 20 minutes
FAQ
Cucumber Dill Salad Recipe Substitutions and Variations
- Instead of 3 medium cucumbers, you can try thinly sliced zucchini if you want a similar crunch but a slightly different flavor.
- If you dont have a small red onion, using a white onion or even a mild shallot works ok for that subtle onion bite.
- Out of fresh dill? Fresh parsley can be a decent swap, though your salad will have a slightly different taste.
- For white vinegar, a dash of apple cider vinegar gives a nicer fruity tang and works great in this salad.
- If you need to ditch lemon juice, a squeeze of lime juice brings a similar bright acidity to the dish.
Pro Tips
1. Use a mandoline or a sharp knife to get those cucumber and onion slices super even. It really helps them soak up the flavors while keeping that nice crunch.
2. Try tossing a pinch of salt over the cucumber slices before adding the rest of the ingredients. It draws out some water and concentrates the flavor, but be careful not to overdo it.
3. If you like a bit more zing, experiment with different types of vinegar, like white wine vinegar, instead of sticking strictly to white vinegar. It can give the salad a subtle twist.
4. Let the salad chill for at least 30 minutes instead of 20 to really allow the flavors to meld. Sometimes a bit extra time makes all the difference in taste and texture.
Cucumber Dill Salad Recipe
My favorite Cucumber Dill Salad Recipe
Equipment Needed:
1. A sharp knife for slicing the cucumbers and red onions
2. A cutting board to keep your counter safe
3. A large mixing bowl for combining the veggies and dill
4. A small bowl for mixing the dressing
5. Measuring cups and spoons to get the vinegar, sugar, and lemon juice right
6. A spoon or salad tongs for tossing the salad evenly
7. A refrigerator to chill the salad for at least 20 minutes
Ingredients:
- 3 medium cucumbers, thinly sliced
- 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh dill
- 2 tablespoons white vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional)
Instructions:
1. Start by thinly slicing 3 medium cucumbers and 1 small red onion, try to keep them as even as possible.
2. Place the cucumber and red onion slices in a large mixing bowl.
3. Add 1/4 cup of chopped fresh dill into the bowl.
4. In a separate small bowl, mix 2 tablespoons white vinegar with 1 teaspoon sugar.
5. Season the vinegar mixture with salt and pepper to taste, and if you want, add 1 tablespoon lemon juice for extra zing.
6. Pour the dressing evenly over the cucumber, onion, and dill.
7. Toss all of the ingredients gently until everything is well combined.
8. Let the salad chill in the refrigerator for at least 20 minutes so the flavours blend nicely.
9. Give it a quick stir before serving to redistribute the dressing.
10. Enjoy this refreshing, crunchy side dish perfect for summer meals and BBQs!