Dill Cucumber Salad is the perfect side dish for any occasion, offering a refreshing and light option that’s also keto-friendly. This simple yet delicious salad is a breeze to prepare and combines the crispness of cucumbers with the tanginess of sour cream and the herbal freshness of dill. Whether you’re planning a summer barbecue or just want a quick, healthy dish to accompany your meal, this salad will be a hit!
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Dill Cucumber Salad
This Dill Cucumber Salad is a crowd-pleaser that comes together in just under 10 minutes, making it an excellent choice for busy days. With its keto-friendly and low-carb profile, it’s perfect for those following a low-carb or ketogenic diet. Plus, its creamy texture, thanks to the sour cream dressing, pairs perfectly with the fresh crunch of cucumbers. This salad is easy, healthy, and versatile, ensuring that it can be enjoyed by everyone, no matter their dietary preferences.
Ingredients
Here’s a look at the essential ingredients you’ll need to make this delicious Dill Cucumber Salad:
• Fresh English Cucumbers: The base of the salad, these cucumbers are thinly sliced to provide a crisp and refreshing crunch.
• Sour Cream: Adds creaminess and a slight tang, making the salad rich without being overly heavy.
• Fresh Dill: Offers a fragrant, earthy flavor that is perfect for this salad, making it both aromatic and refreshing.
• White Vinegar: Provides a slight acidity that balances the richness of the sour cream.
• Minced Garlic: Adds a savory depth of flavor that complements the other ingredients.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the salad.
• Sugar: A small amount to balance the acidity from the vinegar.
• Pepper: Adds a slight kick to round out the flavors.
Alternative Ingredient Suggestions
If you’re missing an ingredient or need to accommodate dietary preferences, here are a few alternatives:
• Sour Cream Substitute: If you’re looking for a lighter version, you can substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt or mayonnaise.
• Cucumber Substitution: Regular cucumbers can be used instead of English cucumbers, though they tend to have a thicker skin and more seeds.
• Add-ins: Try adding some thinly sliced red onions or tomatoes for extra flavor and color. You could even sprinkle some feta or blue cheese crumbles for a twist.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Cucumbers: Thinly slice two large English cucumbers and place them in a large mixing bowl.
- Make the Dressing: In a separate small bowl, mix together sour cream, fresh dill, white vinegar, minced garlic, salt, sugar, and pepper. Stir until fully combined.
- Combine: Pour the creamy dressing over the sliced cucumbers. Toss well to ensure all the cucumber slices are evenly coated.
- Serve: The salad can be served immediately or chilled in the fridge for a couple of hours. If refrigerating, cover tightly to preserve freshness.
Tips & Tricks
- Prevent Watery Salad: To prevent excess water from leaking out of the cucumbers, sprinkle them with salt and let them sit for about 30 minutes. Then, drain the excess liquid before mixing them with the dressing.
- Flavor Adjustments: If you like your salad extra tangy, you can increase the amount of vinegar or add a little bit of lemon juice.
- Make-Ahead: This salad is even better when it sits for a few hours, allowing the flavors to meld together. It’s a great dish to prepare ahead of time for parties or gatherings.
Pairing Ideas and Variations
This Dill Cucumber Salad pairs wonderfully with a variety of dishes, making it an ideal side for almost any meal. Here are some ideas:
• Main Course Pairings: Serve this salad alongside grilled chicken, fish, or even burgers. Its light and refreshing taste complements the richness of these dishes.
• Spicy Version: For those who enjoy a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or some finely chopped jalapeños to give the salad an extra kick.
• Make-Ahead Tips: If you’re preparing this salad ahead of time, be sure to store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It will last up to 3 days.
Seasonal and Health Benefits of Dill Cucumber Salad
This Dill Cucumber Salad is especially perfect for spring and summer, when cucumbers are in season and the weather calls for light, refreshing meals. The combination of cucumbers and dill not only offers a burst of flavor but also provides several health benefits. Cucumbers are hydrating, low in calories, and packed with antioxidants, while dill is rich in vitamins and minerals like vitamin A and iron. This makes the salad a healthy choice for those looking to stay nourished while enjoying something light and tasty.
Enjoy this easy-to-make Dill Cucumber Salad as a side dish, snack, or even a light lunch. Its refreshing taste and healthy ingredients are sure to make it a regular addition to your meal rotations.
Conclusion
Dill Cucumber Salad is a simple yet delightful dish that combines fresh cucumbers, tangy sour cream, and fragrant dill for a refreshing and keto-friendly side. Whether you’re preparing it for a summer barbecue, a weeknight dinner, or a quick snack, it’s an ideal choice for anyone looking for a light, healthy, and delicious salad. With its minimal prep time and versatile nature, this salad will quickly become a staple in your recipe collection. Easy to make, incredibly flavorful, and packed with nutrients, Dill Cucumber Salad is sure to impress every time.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I make Dill Cucumber Salad ahead of time?
Yes, this Dill Cucumber Salad can be prepared ahead of time. In fact, it tastes even better after sitting for a few hours, allowing the flavors to meld together. You can refrigerate it for up to 3 days in an airtight container. Just be sure to mix the salad well before serving to avoid settling.
2. Can I substitute the sour cream in the recipe?
Absolutely! If you prefer a lighter version or want to try something different, you can substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt or mayonnaise. Greek yogurt will provide a thicker texture, while mayonnaise will offer a tangy flavor. Both are excellent alternatives depending on your taste preferences.
3. What if I don’t have fresh dill?
If you don’t have fresh dill, you can use dried dill as a substitute. A good rule of thumb is to use 1 teaspoon of dried dill for every tablespoon of fresh dill. Alternatively, you can try other herbs like parsley or thyme, though dill is the traditional flavor for this salad.
More Relevant Recipes
Print
Dill Cucumber Salad:
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: No cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Calorie
Description
Dill Cucumber Salad is a refreshing, keto-friendly side dish that combines crisp cucumbers with a creamy sour cream and fresh dill dressing. It’s quick to prepare and perfect for any occasion, providing a light yet flavorful addition to your meals.
Ingredients
- 2 large fresh English cucumbers, sliced thin
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 2 teaspoons chopped fresh dill
- 1 tablespoon white vinegar
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
Instructions
- Thinly slice two large cucumbers and place them in a large mixing bowl.
- In a separate smaller bowl, mix together sour cream, fresh dill, vinegar, minced garlic, salt, sugar, and pepper.
- Pour the dressing over the cucumber slices and toss well to coat evenly.
- Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to serve, ensuring to mix before serving to avoid settling.
Notes
- For a lighter option, substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt or mayonnaise.
- Red onions can be added for extra flavor and color.
- To prevent excess water in the salad, sprinkle cucumbers with salt and let them sit for 30 minutes before draining.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of the salad
- Calories: 85 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 300 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 5 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 10 mg
