Zesty Dill Cucumber Salad

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook:
🍽 Serves: 4
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This Zesty Dill Cucumber Salad is a refreshing burst of flavors that is perfect for any time of the year. With crisp cucumbers and tangy lemon, it’s a light, invigorating dish that comes together in minutes.

Ingredients for Zesty Dill Cucumber Salad

The star of this salad is the cucumbers, providing a refreshing crunch that is hard to resist. Red onion adds a subtle sharpness and vibrant color. The lemon juice and lemon zest bring a bright, zesty kick, while olive oil adds a smooth richness to the dressing. A touch of sugar balances the acidity, and salt and black pepper enhance the overall flavor. Finally, fresh dill adds an aromatic finish that ties everything together beautifully.

Tips & Tricks

  • Use a mandoline for perfectly uniform slices of cucumber and onion.
  • Chill the salad for an hour before serving if you prefer a colder, more marinated flavor.
  • Adjust the sugar and salt to your taste. Start small and add more if needed.

Serving Suggestions

This salad pairs beautifully with grilled meats such as chicken or fish. It also complements Mediterranean dishes like falafel or hummus perfectly. For a more substantial meal, toss it with some cooked quinoa or couscous.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use dried dill instead of fresh?
Yes, but fresh dill provides a more vibrant flavor. Use about a teaspoon of dried dill if fresh is unavailable.
How long does this salad keep?
It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can keep it in the fridge for up to two days. The cucumbers may lose some of their crunch.
Can I add other vegetables?
Certainly! Consider adding thinly sliced bell peppers or radishes for extra color and crunch.

Zesty Dill Cucumber Salad Recipe Walkthrough

Start by thinly slicing the cucumbers and red onion. You want them to be thin enough to absorb the dressing but thick enough to hold their crunch. Toss these into a large bowl.

In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, olive oil, sugar, salt, black pepper, and lemon zest. Make sure everything is well combined; you're looking for a smooth, emulsified dressing.

Pour the dressing over your cucumber and onion mixture. Use a gentle hand to toss everything together, ensuring each slice is evenly coated with that tangy dressing.

Sprinkle the fresh dill over the top and give it one last toss. The dill should be evenly distributed for that burst of flavor in every bite. Serve immediately for the best texture and taste.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy days.
  • Uses simple, fresh ingredients that are easy to find.
  • A delightful balance of tangy, sweet, and savory flavors.
  • Perfect for picnics, barbecues, or as a side dish to a main meal.

Ingredients

4 medium cucumbers, thinly sliced
1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced
1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
1/4 cup lemon juice
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp sugar
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1 tsp lemon zest

Step-by-step Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine the thinly sliced cucumbers and red onion.
2. In a separate small bowl, whisk together lemon juice, olive oil, sugar, salt, black pepper, and lemon zest until well combined.
3. Pour the dressing over the cucumber and onion mixture.
4. Toss gently to ensure even coating.
5. Sprinkle with fresh dill and toss again before serving.

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