I eat salads pretty much every day during the warmer weather months. Some of my all time favorites include hearty grilled chicken salad, sweet and refreshing strawberry spinach salad, and this simple but satisfying cucumber dill salad. In my opinion, you can never go wrong with cucumbers. They’re inexpensive, readily available, refreshing on a hot day, and healthy! This cucumber dill salad has just a handful of ingredients, has a great taste, and can be assembled in minutes. Bring it to a potluck, or serve it alongside grilled chicken kabobs, chicken shawarma, turkey burgers, grilled salmon or baked chicken tenders, then watch the rave reviews come in.
Cucumber Salad Ingredients
This salad contains just a few ingredients, but is still loaded with flavor. The cucumbers are seasoned with sugar and salt, then combined with red onion and dill to form the base of the salad. The dressing is a simple blend of apple cider vinegar, olive oil and pepper.
How Do You Make Cucumber Dill Salad?
Start by thinly slicing your cucumbers, then sprinkling them with sugar and salt. This process with flavor the cucumbers, as well as draw out any excess moisture so that you don’t end up with a watery salad. Drain the cucumbers, then add thinly sliced red onion and plenty of fresh dill to the bowl. Next, whisk together a little apple cider vinegar with olive oil, salt and pepper. Pour the dressing over the cucumbers, then toss to coat. Let the salad sit for at least 10 minutes, then serve and enjoy.
Tips For The Perfect Salad
I typically use English cucumbers for this salad as the skins are thin and the seeds are soft. Persian cucumbers also work well. If you use standard waxy cucumbers, I recommend removing the peel and scooping out the seeds. You can even use a mixture of different cucumbers for extra variety! Cucumber dill salad will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Store it in an airtight container for best results. Use a mandoline to quickly and easily cut your cucumbers and onions into thin slices. No apple cider vinegar on hand? This dressing will also work with red wine or white wine vinegar. Got extra cucumbers on hand? Use them up by making refrigerator pickles!
Cucumber Dill Salad Flavor Variations
This salad is so delicious as-is, but you can add other ingredients to really make it special. Depending on the amount of extra items you add, you may also want to consider doubling the amount of dressing.
Vegetables: Feel free to add extra veggies such as arugula, thinly sliced bell peppers, avocado, cherry tomatoes or even blanched green beans. Protein: Make it a meal by adding a can of white beans, or serving the salad with grilled shrimp or chicken on top. Cheese: Add a sprinkle of crumbled feta cheese for added flavor. Flavorings: Amp up the flavor with olives, chives or parsley, or stir some sour cream or Greek yogurt into the dressing to make a creamy cucumber salad.
I make this cucumber dill salad almost every week. Even my kids love this one, and it’s a great way to get your veggies in!
