Each spring/summer I receive lots of love for my easy Mediterranean cucumber bites, and this year I knew I was ready to try out some new fun ways to make cucumbers. I’ve had plenty of variations of cucumber salad, but this one is by far my favorite. Instead of sour cream, we are swapping that out for a healthy alternative – Greek yogurt! This recipe is about as easy as they come: simply add all your ingredients to a jar, shake, and pour! This makes it great for travel (AKA perfect for your work lunches or a quick make-ahead for a summer BBQ).
Even my cucumber-hating husband tried a small bite and ACTUALLY liked it (don’t tell him I said this!)
This recipe can also be customized for a lunch with more protein – I love to add some chickpeas!
What goes in cucumber salad?
One of the best things about this salad is that it requires VERY simple ingredients that you might already have in your kitchen and fridge!
- Obviously, you need a cucumber. I used a regular old cucumber but you can also use an English cucumber (usually seedless). Persian cucumbers are cute smaller cucumbers which would also work well, but you probably need 3-5 for equivalent quantity to this recipe.
- Red onion adds the perfect bite to this recipe. Make sure to finely dice it.
- Fresh lemon juice adds some freshness to this cucumber salad.
- Fresh dill seems to always go well with cucumbers, right? If you don’t have fresh dill you can use dried (1 tbsp = 1 tsp)
- Maple syrup – just a dash to balance out the tanginess from the Greek yogurt
- Greek yogurt adds the creaminess to this salad. It should be plain/unsweetened. You can use either regular Greek or non-dairy Greek like the one from Kite Hill.
- Just a little dijon mustard is a good contrast to the creaminess of the yogurt.
- A little salt and pepper to finish it off!
For a pretty garnish, I love a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of hemp seeds, but that’s totally optional.
What’s the best dressing for cucumber salad?
I’ve tried a lot of cucumber salads over many summers and there’s lots variations of dressings. Ones with vinegar and honey. Or an Asian-inspired spicy version. I always come back to this creamy dressing. It coats each crisp cucumber perfectly and pairs so well with fresh dill.
I’ve seen other recipes use sour cream, but I prefer Greek yogurt. It has a certain tanginess that really makes the salad pop. It’s also healthier and higher in protein!
How to Make Cucumber Salad
How to Cut a Cucumber for a Salad
I prefer a cucumber salad to have thinly sliced cucumber (makes it easier to eat). You can accomplish this with a sharp knife and carefully cutting thin slices.
You can also use a mandolin. This is much quicker – but a little scarier to use! I have one but don’t use it that often…I probably should try it out more!
Assemble your salad
This recipe is about as simple as they come. You want to grab a large glass jar or container and add all your ingredients. Cover it tightly and then shake it for a bit until it’s fully combined.
You can chill it or serve it right away.
Flip the jar over into a bowl. I love to garnish it with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of hemp seeds!
Storage for Cucumber Dill Salad
You can store this cucumber salad in a glass jar or airtight container. I love to mix this all up in a jar and bring it to work the next day for a healthy lunch.
How long does cucumber salad last?
This creamy cucumber salad recipe is best enjoyed within the first 2 days. After that, the salad starts to get a little soggy.
Pairings for Cucumber Salad
This is a great BBQ or summer party recipe. It’s also great for a simple lunch. I sometimes throw in some chickpeas for some protein!
You can serve this at a party with…
Common Questions
This depends on personal preference. If you don’t mind seeds, a conventional cucumber works great for cucumber salad. If you prefer seedless, look for an English cucumber. Persian cucumbers are a bit smaller in diameter and length – but can still work for a cucumber salad! You just have use quite a few more.
This cucumber salad is very healthy! It combines hydrating cucumbers with high protein Greek yogurt, fresh dill (antioxidants!), fresh lemon, and red onion.
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Healthy Cucumber Dill Salad
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Ingredients
- 1 large cucumber, rinsed and thinly sliced (can also use mini Persian cucumbers)
- 1/3 cup finely diced red onion
- 1/2 lemon juiced
- 1/3 cup plain Greek yogurt (can use a df version like Kite Hill)
- 1 tbsp diced fresh dill or 1 tsp dried dill
- 1 tsp maple syrup
- 1 tsp dijon mustard
- ~1/4 tsp salt
- few grinds of fresh black pepper
Optional toppings
- drizzle of extra virgin olive oil
- sprinkle of hemp seeds
Instructions
- In a jar combine all your ingredients. Cover tightly and shake well until fully combined.
- Chill or pour in a bowl. Finish off with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and/or hemp seeds. Enjoy!
Notes
- You can use other cucumbers like English or Persian.
