Cucumber Dill Salad : A Crisp, Low-Calorie Recipe You’ll Love

Looking for a fresh, low-effort side that’s both light and full of flavor? This Cucumber Dill Salad is your answer. Whether you’re planning a picnic, a quick lunch, or a healthy dinner side, this refreshing dish comes together in minutes and is loaded with crunch and herby brightness.

This isn’t just another salad—this one’s creamy, tangy, and made with simple, clean ingredients. Plus, it fits beautifully into Whole30, keto, and low-calorie meal plans. Want to skip the lettuce? This makes a delicious cucumber cobb salad no lettuce option too!

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Why This Cucumber Dill Salad Belongs on Your Table

There are dozens of cucumber recipes low calorie out there, but this one stands out for a few solid reasons:

Minimal ingredients – Uses pantry staples and garden herbs
Incredibly versatile – Make it creamy, vegan, or Greek-inspired
Perfect for meal prep – Lasts well in the fridge
Low carb, low calorie – Great for Whole30, keto, and gluten-free diets
Refreshing and quick – Done in under 15 minutes

If you love refreshing dishes like this, don’t miss Arugula Nectarine Salad on Lyndy’s Kitchen—it’s another flavor-packed summer favorite.

Ingredients for Classic Cucumber Dill Salad

You don’t need much to make a bowl of cucumber dill salad that delivers crisp texture and vibrant flavor. Here’s what you’ll need:

2 large English cucumbers (thinly sliced)
2 tablespoons fresh dill (chopped)
¼ cup red onion (thinly sliced)
2 tablespoons white wine vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 garlic clove (minced)
Salt and pepper to taste

Optional Additions:
¼ cup plain Greek yogurt (for a creamy version)
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon lemon juice for brightness

You can also explore more flavor-forward recipes with fresh produce like Peach Sorbet—perfect for a summer pairing.

Essential Tools for This Fresh, Low Calorie Cucumber Recipe

Sharp knife or mandoline slicer
Cutting board
Mixing bowl
Whisk for dressing
Measuring spoons

Tip: A mandoline will give you ultra-thin cucumber slices, which soak up the dressing beautifully.

How to Make Cucumber Dill Salad – Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Cucumbers
Slice cucumbers into thin rounds. For added crunch, soak slices in ice water for 10 minutes, then drain and pat dry.

Step 2: Whisk the Dressing
In a small bowl, combine olive oil, vinegar, garlic, salt, and pepper. Whisk until emulsified.

Step 3: Toss the Salad
In a large bowl, add cucumbers, red onion, and dill. Pour over the dressing and toss to coat. Let the salad chill for 10–15 minutes before serving for best flavor.

Step 4: Optional – Make It Creamy
For a creamy cucumber dill salad Greek yogurt twist, mix in the Greek yogurt and a touch of lemon juice before serving.

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Low Cal Cucumber Recipes: Why This One Stands Out

Cucumbers are over 95% water, making them naturally low in calories and high in hydration. This salad comes in at roughly 70–100 calories per serving, depending on your add-ins. It’s perfect for:

Light lunches
BBQ side dishes
Meal prep containers
Calorie-conscious dinners

Like Sweet Potato Crumble from Lyndy’s Kitchen, this salad proves healthy can also mean delicious.

Make It Creamy: Cucumber Dill Salad with Greek Yogurt

Want to turn up the richness? Add Greek yogurt to the dressing. This transforms the salad into a creamy, tangy dish that feels indulgent without the extra calories.

Use full-fat or 2% Greek yogurt
Add fresh lemon juice and a dash of garlic powder
Top with extra dill and cracked pepper

This creamy style also doubles as a low-calorie dip or topping for grilled proteins.

Is This Cucumber Salad Whole30, Keto, or Paleo-Friendly?

Absolutely—just make the following adjustments:

Whole30: Use compliant vinegar and skip yogurt
Keto: Keep dressing light on vinegar; add olive oil and avocado if desired
Paleo: Use apple cider vinegar and no dairy-based yogurt

You can find more health-forward ideas in the Dinner Recipes category at Lyndy’s Kitchen.

Serving Suggestions: Cucumber Cobb Salad (No Lettuce!) and More

If you want to bulk this up without lettuce, try:

Adding chopped hard-boiled eggs and avocado
Tossing in grilled chicken for a cucumber cobb-style dish
Sprinkling with crumbled feta or goat cheese
Serving over cooked quinoa or farro

This approach keeps it gluten-free while still hearty and satisfying.

Fresh Salad Recipes: Variations with Extra Herbs or Veggies

Make it your own with these swaps and additions:

Mint or parsley for extra herb flavor
Cherry tomatoes for a sweet-tart balance
Chopped bell peppers for crunch
Radish for a peppery bite
Sunflower seeds or nuts for texture

For more innovative sides, check out Peach Salad or Fried Strawberry Cheesecake Sandwiches for contrast.

Storage Tips: Keeping Your Salad Crisp and Flavorful

To store:

Place in an airtight container
Refrigerate for up to 3 days
Drain excess liquid before serving again
Avoid freezing—cucumbers will lose texture

Make the dressing separately if you’re prepping ahead and combine just before serving.

Common Mistakes to Avoid in Cucumber Salad Recipes

Skipping salt – It helps draw out moisture for better crunch
Too much vinegar – Balance it with oil and seasoning
Serving immediately – Letting it chill enhances flavor
Using watery yogurt – Greek yogurt or strained works best

Avoiding these makes your salad as perfect as Cherry Cobbler Muffins—crisp, flavorful, and satisfying.

Resep Salad Inspiration: Global Twists on the Classic Cucumber Salad

Bring an international flair to your cucumber salad with these ideas:

Middle Eastern: Add lemon, mint, and za’atar
Asian: Use rice vinegar, sesame oil, and chili flakes
Mexican: Mix in lime, cilantro, and jalapeño slices
Eastern European: Add sour cream and dill

Resep salad enthusiasts will love combining these traditions for new variations.

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FAQs: Your Top Cucumber Dill Salad Questions Answered

Can I use regular cucumbers?
Yes, but peel and de-seed them for the best texture.

Is this salad keto-friendly?
Yes! Just watch the vinegar and avoid sweetened add-ins.

How long does it keep?
3 days in the fridge when stored properly.

What if I don’t have fresh dill?
Use dried dill—just reduce the amount to 1 teaspoon.

Can I use dairy-free yogurt?
Yes, unsweetened coconut or almond yogurt works great.

Conclusion: Add This Crisp Favorite to Your Weekly Menu

This Cucumber Dill Salad is the kind of dish that makes you feel good about what you’re eating—fresh, satisfying, and flexible enough for any dietary plan. Whether you serve it at a summer BBQ or pack it for lunch, it’s a true win.

Looking for more fresh salad recipes or recetas keto to stay inspired? Browse Lyndy’s Kitchen Desserts or Appetizers for more ideas.

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