Zesty Cucumber & Dill Salad

πŸ•’ Prep: 15 min
πŸ”₯ Cook:
🍽 Serves: 4
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Craving something fresh and vibrant? This Zesty Cucumber & Dill Salad is your answer. It's quick to make and bursting with flavor, perfect for a light lunch or a refreshing side dish.

Ingredients for Zesty Cucumber & Dill Salad

The star of this salad is the humble cucumber. It provides a fresh and hydrating crunch, essential for the salad's texture. The red onion adds a sharp, slightly sweet bite, balancing the cucumber's mildness. Dill is the herb of choice here, offering a fragrant, slightly citrusy note that ties everything together. The lemon juice serves as the acid component, brightening the flavors and adding a zesty punch. Olive oil is our fat, bringing everything together with its smooth, rich texture. A touch of honey adds a subtle sweetness, counteracting the tartness of the lemon. Finally, salt and black pepper enhance and balance the flavors.

Tips & Tricks

  • Use a mandolin slicer for perfectly thin cucumber slices.
  • Adjust the amount of honey based on your preference for sweetness.
  • For a more robust flavor, prepare the salad a day ahead.

Serving Suggestions

This salad is versatile. Serve it alongside grilled fish for a light, healthy meal. It also pairs wonderfully with roasted chicken or as a refreshing counterpoint to spicy dishes. For a complete vegetarian meal, consider serving it with a hearty grain like quinoa or farro.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use dried dill instead of fresh?
Fresh dill is recommended for its vibrant flavor, but in a pinch, dried dill can be used. Start with a teaspoon and adjust to taste.
How long does this salad keep?
Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The cucumbers may release some water, but a quick toss will refresh the salad.

Zesty Cucumber & Dill Salad Recipe Walkthrough

First, grab your cucumbers. Give them a good rinse, then peel them completely. Once peeled, slice them thinly. You want them to be uniform so they soak up the dressing evenly. Next, take your red onion and slice it into thin rings; these will add a nice crunch and pop of color. Now, onto the dill. Chop it finely β€” you don't want big bits of dill overpowering a bite.

In your trusty large mixing bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, olive oil, honey, salt, and black pepper. You’re creating a simple yet powerful dressing here. Once it's well combined, toss in your cucumbers, onions, and dill. Use your hands or a pair of tongs to mix everything until the veggies are well coated with the dressing.

Now, the hard part β€” waiting. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and pop it into the fridge. Let it chill for at least 30 minutes. This resting time allows the flavors to meld beautifully.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Refreshing and crisp β€” ideal for warm days.
  • Simple ingredients that pack a punch of flavor.
  • Ready in just 10 minutes, with minimal prep.
  • Perfect balance of tangy, sweet, and herby flavors.

Ingredients

2 large cucumbers
1 small red onion
1/4 cup fresh dill
1/4 cup lemon juice
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp honey
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Peel the cucumbers and slice them thinly. 2. Slice the red onion into thin rings. 3. Chop the fresh dill finely. 4. In a large bowl, whisk together lemon juice, olive oil, honey, salt, and black pepper. 5. Add the cucumbers, onions, and dill to the bowl and toss to coat evenly. 6. Chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.

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