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Refreshing Chopped Cucumber Salad with Dill & Lemon

This Chopped Cucumber Salad with Dill and Lemon is a refreshing side dish that bursts with crispness and bright flavors. Perfect for any meal, it combines high-quality ingredients for a delightful culinary experience.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 English cucumbers or Persian cucumbers
  • 1/4 cup fresh dill, chopped
  • 1 lemon, juiced and zested
  • 1 small red onion, finely diced
  • 1/4 cup good quality extra virgin olive oil
  • Salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Optional: crumbled feta cheese, halved cherry tomatoes, pitted Kalamata olives, chickpeas

Instructions

  1. First, wash the cucumbers thoroughly. If using English or Persian cucumbers and they're organic, leave the skin on. If using standard cucumbers, peel them and scoop out any large seeds, then chop into consistent, bite-sized pieces, about a half-inch dice.
  2. Finely dice the red onion. If raw onion is too pungent, soak it in cold water for 10-15 minutes, then drain and pat dry. Finely chop a generous amount of fresh dill and zest about half a lemon.
  3. In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, extra virgin olive oil, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Taste to ensure the balance is bright and zesty.
  4. In a large mixing bowl, gently combine the chopped cucumbers, diced red onion, and chopped fresh dill.
  5. Pour the prepared dressing over the cucumber mixture and gently toss everything together until all the vegetables are evenly coated with the dressing.
  6. Cover the bowl and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes, or ideally an hour, to allow the flavors to meld.
  7. Before serving, give the salad another gentle toss and a final taste test, adjusting salt or pepper if needed. Garnish with extra fresh dill or a thin lemon slice if desired.

Nutrition

Keywords: Allowing the salad to chill for at least 30 minutes enhances the flavors. Use English or Persian cucumbers for the best texture. Taste and adjust seasoning before serving.