Satisfy Your Cravings with Creamy Cucumber Dill Salad
Craving a fresh and vibrant salad that not only conquers your taste buds but also supports your health goals? Look no further! Our Creamy Cucumber Dill Salad is here to rescue your cravings. Packed with the bold, refreshing flavors of cucumber, dill, and a zesty dressing, this recipe is perfect for those watching their weight, improving their eating habits, or simply seeking a healthy and delicious lunch option. Dive into the height of summer when cucumbers are at their juiciest and most flavorful with this delectable dish that takes only 10 minutes to prepare. Get ready to elevate your BBQ season with this vegetarian and gluten-free side dish that’s an absolute delight!
Ingredients for Marinated Cucumber Salad:
- 1 or 2 large English cucumbers
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Greek yogurt (or mayonnaise)
- 1 clove garlic, finely minced or crushed
- 1 tablespoon minced fresh dill, plus additional for garnish
- 2 tablespoons red onion, sliced
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Directions:
1. Crafting the Cucumber Salad:
- Start by peeling and thinly slicing the cucumbers, then arrange them with the sliced red onion in a generously sized, shallow dish or salad bowl.
2. Preparing the Flavorful Dressing:
- In a jar, combine the extra-virgin olive oil, apple cider vinegar, Greek yogurt (or mayo), garlic, dill, salt, and pepper. Secure the lid and give it a vigorous shake to emulsify the dressing. Drizzle this delightful concoction over the cucumbers in your dish.
3. Marinating for Perfection:
- Cover and let the salad marinate for 2 to 3 hours on the countertop or for even longer in the refrigerator. Prior to serving, ensure that the chilled cucumber salad reaches room temperature and adorn it with extra chopped dill, if desired. Get ready to relish!
Pro Tips for Your Marinated Cucumber Salad:
- This marinated cucumber salad is a refreshing summertime sensation, perfect for picnics, barbecues, and potlucks.
Choosing the Ideal Cucumber:
- When selecting your cucumbers, feel free to go with your personal preference. However, English cucumbers, with their thin skin, are a top choice as they often don’t require peeling. For regular field cucumbers, peeling is recommended as their skins can be tougher. Additionally, if using field cucumbers, you can cut them in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds to prevent excess wateriness in your salad.
Make Ahead for Ultimate Flavor:
- For the best taste, prepare your marinated cucumber salad at least 2 hours in advance and refrigerate it to let the flavors meld. Keep the cucumbers crisp by tossing them with the dressing just before serving. If you wish to make it the day before, prepare the cucumbers and onions and add the dressing just before serving to maintain that irresistible crunch.
Customize Your Dressing:
- Our dressing features Greek yogurt as its base, with the option to add a dollop of mayonnaise. For a twist, consider using fresh chopped chives in place of dill.
Storing Your Cucumber Salad:
- This delectable salad will maintain its freshness for 2 to 3 days when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Irresistible Marinated Cucumber Salad Recipe
| Ingredients | Quantity | Cooking Instructions |
|---|---|---|
| 1 or 2 large English cucumbers | 1 or 2 cucumbers | Peel and thinly slice the cucumbers. |
| Extra-virgin olive oil | 2 tablespoons | In a jar, combine with other dressing ingredients. |
| Apple cider vinegar | 3 tablespoons | Mix well with olive oil and other dressing elements. |
| Greek yogurt (or mayonnaise) | 1 tablespoon | Combine with vinegar, oil, garlic, and seasonings. |
| Garlic (finely minced or crushed) | 1 clove | Mince or crush finely, and mix into the dressing. |
| Fresh dill (minced, plus extra) | 1 tablespoon (plus more) | Add to the dressing and use extra for garnish. |
| Red onion (sliced) | 2 tablespoons | Slice and arrange with cucumbers in a dish. |
| Salt and freshly ground black pepper | To taste | Season the salad with salt and pepper. |
This Marinated Cucumber Salad is a must-try recipe that perfectly balances flavor, freshness, and healthiness. It’s a sensational addition to any meal, especially during the sizzling days of summer. Give your cravings what they deserve with this mouthwatering dish!
