Lemon Dill Cucumber Salad Recipe
Introduction
Lemon Dill Cucumber Salad is a refreshing and tangy side dish perfect for warm days or as a crisp accompaniment to any meal. Quick to prepare and bursting with bright flavors, this salad combines fresh cucumbers with zesty lemon and aromatic dill for a delightful crunch.
Ingredients
- 2 Cucumbers (Hot House or English Cucumbers)
- 2 Tablespoons Fresh Minced Garlic (about 2 cloves)
- 3 Tablespoons Lemon Juice
- 3 Tablespoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- 3 Teaspoons Dried Dill Weed (or about 3 Tablespoons Fresh Dill Weed)
- 2 Teaspoons Salt
- 1 Teaspoon Ground Black Pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Use a bowl with a lid. Cut the cucumbers in half lengthwise, then slice into 1/2 inch chunks. Keeping chunks larger helps prevent the cucumbers from becoming soggy in the marinade.
- Step 2: Add the minced garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, dill weed, salt, and black pepper to the bowl with the cucumbers.
- Step 3: Mix all ingredients thoroughly, ensuring every cucumber piece is coated evenly with the marinade.
- Step 4: Cover the bowl with the lid and refrigerate for 1 hour to let the flavors meld and infuse the cucumbers.
Tips & Variations
- For extra freshness, use fresh dill instead of dried; adjust quantity to about three times the dried amount.
- Try adding thinly sliced red onions or cherry tomatoes for added color and flavor.
- If you prefer a bit of sweetness, a teaspoon of honey or sugar can balance the acidity.
Storage
Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. For best texture, consume within 24 hours as cucumbers can become watery over time. Serve chilled, and give it a quick stir before serving to redistribute the dressing.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use regular cucumbers instead of English cucumbers?
Yes, regular cucumbers work fine, but peeling and seeding them is recommended to reduce bitterness and excess moisture.
How long can I marinate the salad?
Marinating for 1 hour is ideal to develop flavor without sogginess, but you can marinate up to 3 hours. Avoid longer as the cucumbers may become watery.
PrintLemon Dill Cucumber Salad Recipe
A refreshing Lemon Dill Cucumber Salad featuring crisp cucumbers tossed with a zesty lemon and garlic marinade, enhanced by fragrant dill. This easy no-cook salad is perfect as a light side dish or a healthy snack, delivering bright, tangy flavors with minimal effort.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 2 Cucumbers (Hot House or English Cucumbers)
- 2 Tablespoons Fresh Minced Garlic (about 2 cloves)
- 3 Tablespoons Lemon Juice
- 3 Tablespoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- 3 Teaspoons Dried Dill Weed (or 3 Tablespoons Fresh Dill Weed)
- 2 Teaspoons Salt
- 1 Teaspoon Ground Black Pepper
Instructions
- Prepare Cucumbers: Cut each cucumber in half lengthwise, then slice into approximately 1/2 inch chunks. Keeping the pieces chunky prevents sogginess and maintains a satisfying crunch.
- Add Marinade Ingredients: In a bowl with a lid, combine the cucumber chunks with fresh minced garlic, lemon juice, extra virgin olive oil, dried dill weed, salt, and ground black pepper.
- Mix Thoroughly: Stir all ingredients together thoroughly to ensure every cucumber piece is well coated with the flavorful marinade for an even taste.
- Marinate: Cover the bowl with the lid and refrigerate for 1 hour, allowing the cucumbers to absorb all the bright, tangy flavors.
Notes
- Use hot house or English cucumbers as they have fewer seeds and a thinner skin, which enhances texture.
- For a fresher flavor, replace dried dill weed with fresh dill if available.
- Adjust salt and pepper to taste if you prefer a stronger or milder seasoning.
- This salad is best served chilled and consumed within 2 days for maximum freshness.
Keywords: Lemon Dill Cucumber Salad, Cucumber Salad, Easy Salad Recipe, No-Cook Salad, Summer Salad, Healthy Side Dish
