Refreshing Cucumber Dill Salad
This Refreshing Cucumber Dill Salad is the epitome of a light, tangy dish perfect for summer days. The crispness of very thinly sliced cucumbers combined with the sharp bite of red onions creates a delightful contrast. Tossed in a creamy dressing made with low-fat sour cream or yogurt, this salad is both healthy and satisfying. For those who prefer a pop of freshness, a hint of dill adds an aromatic touch. This salad can be served chilled as a standalone dish or as a topping for open-faced sandwiches, making it incredibly versatile. Enjoy this delicious and guilt-free addition to your lunch or snack repertoire!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
Cucumbers
2 (very thinly sliced)
Red onion
1 (very thinly sliced)
Vinegar or Lemon Juice
2 tablespoons (to taste)
Low-fat sour cream or Yogurt
2 tablespoons (or to taste)
Salt and Pepper
to taste (I like a lot of pepper)
Sugar
1/2 teaspoon (to balance flavors)
Fresh dill
1 teaspoon (chopped)
Instructions
1
Prepare the cucumbers and red onions by slicing them very thinly for the best texture.
2
In a mixing bowl, combine the sliced cucumbers and onions, tossing them gently to combine.
3
In a separate bowl, mix the vinegar or lemon juice, low-fat sour cream (or yogurt), salt and pepper, sugar, and fresh dill. Secure the lid on the bowl and shake well until the ingredients are combined into a creamy dressing.
4
Pour the dressing over the cucumber and onion mixture, tossing gently to ensure all the vegetables are evenly coated.
5
Cover the salad and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld together.
6
Serve the salad cold, either as a refreshing side dish or as a topping for your favorite open-faced sandwiches.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Refreshing Cucumber Dill Salad?
It is a light, tangy summer dish featuring thinly sliced cucumbers and red onions tossed in a creamy dill dressing.
What are the primary ingredients in this recipe?
The primary ingredients are cucumbers, red onion, vinegar or lemon juice, low-fat sour cream or yogurt, salt, pepper, sugar, and fresh dill.
How should the cucumbers be sliced for this salad?
The cucumbers should be sliced very thinly to achieve the best texture.
Can I use yogurt instead of sour cream?
Yes, the recipe allows for either low-fat sour cream or yogurt to create the creamy dressing.
What gives the salad its tangy flavor?
The tanginess comes from the combination of vinegar or lemon juice and red onions.
Is this cucumber salad healthy?
Yes, it is a healthy and satisfying dish, especially when using low-fat dairy options.
How long does the salad need to chill?
It should be chilled in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
What is the purpose of adding sugar to the dressing?
A small amount of sugar is used to balance the sharp flavors and acidity of the dressing.
Can I use dried dill if I do not have fresh dill?
While fresh dill is recommended for its aromatic touch, dried dill can be used as a substitute in smaller quantities.
Is this recipe suitable for a summer side dish?
Absolutely, its refreshing and crisp nature makes it a perfect side for summer days.
How should the red onions be prepared?
The red onions should be sliced very thinly to match the texture of the cucumbers.
Can this salad be used as a sandwich topping?
Yes, it is incredibly versatile and works well as a topping for open-faced sandwiches.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 7 main ingredients in this recipe.
What is the best way to mix the dressing?
Combine the dressing ingredients in a bowl with a lid and shake well until they are fully combined.
Is this recipe low-fat?
Yes, the recipe specifically suggests using low-fat sour cream or yogurt.
Can I add extra pepper to the salad?
Yes, you can add salt and pepper to taste; the recipe mentions that a lot of pepper is a good addition.
What type of vinegar works best?
You can use your preferred vinegar or substitute it with lemon juice for a different citrus note.
Should the salad be served cold?
Yes, it is best served cold after being chilled in the refrigerator.
What is the texture of the Refreshing Cucumber Dill Salad?
The texture is crisp and light due to the very thinly sliced vegetables.
Is this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, this salad contains only vegetables, dairy, and seasonings, making it vegetarian.
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, preparing it at least 30 minutes early is required, but it can be stored in the fridge for a few hours before serving.
How much dill is used in the recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of chopped fresh dill.
How do I ensure the vegetables are evenly coated?
Pour the dressing over the cucumber and onion mixture and toss them gently.
Is the salad aromatic?
Yes, the fresh dill provides a delightful aromatic touch to the dish.
What kind of cucumbers should I use?
You can use any standard garden or English cucumbers, as long as they are sliced very thin.
Can I use lime juice instead of lemon juice?
While the recipe suggests lemon, lime juice could provide a similar acidity if preferred.
Is there any oil in the dressing?
No, the creaminess comes from sour cream or yogurt rather than oil.
Does this salad have a lot of calories?
No, it is described as a light and guilt-free addition to your lunch or snack repertoire.
Can I add other herbs?
While dill is the star, you could experiment with other fresh herbs like parsley or chives.
Should I peel the cucumbers?
The recipe doesn't specify, but keeping the skin on can add color and nutrition if they are sliced thinly enough.